Info about Resident Evil 5:

Official game description:
**Story**
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The Umbrella Corporation and its crop of lethal viruses have been destroyed and contained. But a new, more dangerous threat has emerged. Years after surviving the events in Raccoon City, Chris Redfield has been fighting the scourge of bio-organic weapons all over the world. Now a member of the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance (BSAA), Chris is sent to Africa to investigate a biological agent that is transforming the populace into aggressive and disturbing creatures. Joined by another local BSAA agent, Sheva Alomar, the two must work together to solve the truth behind the disturbing turn of events.
**Content Description**
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This game is a port of the Games for Windows - Live version that was released in 2009. If you buy the Untold Stories Bundle here on Steam, it will be the same as upgrading to Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition.
**NOTE**
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*   Does not support NVIDIA GeForce 3D Vision which came with the original Games for Windows - Live version.  
*   If you have previously purchased the Games For Windows Live version of Resident Evil 5, you can redeem a free copy of the Steam version. Please check the below information for details.  
    Steamworks Migration FAQ

Release date: 15 Sep, 2009

Categories: Cooperative Multiplayer, Action Horror, Third-Person Shooter, Character Progression, Weapon Customization, Boss Fights, Single-player Story, Endgame Content


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Exceptional Co-op Experience (weight 1): Players overwhelmingly praise the cooperative mode, especially with friends, as the primary source of fun and replayability. The split-screen and online co-op features are highlighted as transformative, making the game significantly more enjoyable and memorable than solo play.
- Strong Action-Oriented Gameplay (weight 0.51): The game is lauded for its engaging, fast-paced action, satisfying gunplay, and dynamic combat system. Players appreciate the variety of weapons, challenging enemies, and memorable boss fights, which contribute to a thrilling and replayable experience.
- Classic & Underrated Resident Evil (weight 0.35): Many players consider this a classic and often underrated entry in the Resident Evil series. It's seen as a successful evolution of RE4's mechanics, expanding the lore, and offering a unique action-focused experience while retaining the franchise's charm.
- Engaging Story & Characters (weight 0.23): The game's story is described as intriguing, entertaining, and well-paced, with strong character dynamics, particularly between Chris and Sheva. Albert Wesker is frequently cited as a charismatic and iconic villain, enhancing the narrative and boss encounters.
- Excellent Mercenaries Mode (weight 0.13): The Mercenaries mode, including its Reunion variant, is highly praised for its fast-paced, addictive, and replayable score-focused gameplay. It's considered a standout feature, offering endless playtime and a great way to test skills, even solo.
- Impressive Visuals for its Age (weight 0.1): Despite being an older game, its graphics, character models, and environmental details are consistently praised for holding up well. Many reviewers note that the visuals were cutting-edge for its 2009 release and still look good today, especially on PC.
- Valuable Gold Edition DLCs (weight 0.05): The Gold Edition's additional content, particularly the 'Lost in Nightmares' and 'Desperate Escape' DLCs, is highly valued. 'Lost in Nightmares' is noted for returning to survival horror roots, while 'Desperate Escape' offers more action, both enhancing replayability.

Common complaints:
- Frustrating AI Partner (weight 0.32): The AI companion, Sheva, is consistently criticized for being incompetent, unreliable, and a hindrance rather than a help. Her poor resource management (wasting ammo and healing items), questionable combat decisions, and tendency to block player movement or die frequently make solo play a frustrating experience, especially on higher difficulties.
- Shift from Survival Horror to Action (weight 0.3): Many long-time fans express disappointment with the game's departure from traditional Resident Evil survival horror elements. The game is heavily action-focused, with less emphasis on puzzles, exploration, and a diminished sense of terror or atmosphere. This shift alienated purists who preferred the series' horror roots.
- Buggy and Tedious Boss Fights (weight 0.24): Many boss fights are plagued with game-breaking bugs, especially at higher framerates on PC, making them impossible or excessively long. Players also found boss mechanics unintuitive, leading to frustration and a reliance on external guides. The overall design of boss encounters is criticized for being tedious, repetitive, and featuring 'bullet sponge' enemies.
- Inferior to Resident Evil 4 (weight 0.24): A significant portion of feedback compares the game unfavorably to Resident Evil 4, citing it as a regression in various aspects. Players feel it copies RE4's elements but executes them poorly, with inferior level design, inventory systems, and overall gameplay mechanics. This comparison often positions the game as a 'worse version' or 'clumsy imitation' of its predecessor.
- Outdated Controls and Movement (weight 0.22): The game's controls are widely described as clunky, tank-like, and outdated, particularly for PC players using keyboard and mouse. The inability to move while aiming, shooting, or reloading significantly hinders combat fluidity and feels restrictive compared to modern action games. This contributes to a frustrating gameplay experience.
- Frequent Crashes and Server Issues (weight 0.21): Players report frequent game crashes, particularly in co-op mode and during specific boss fights. Online servers are also criticized for being unstable, leading to disconnections and a generally poor online experience, even years after release.
- Overuse of Quick Time Events (weight 0.08): The game features an excessive number of Quick Time Events (QTEs) that are often seen as poorly aged, immersion-breaking, and frustrating. This mechanic is cited as a reason for the game feeling dated and contributing to a less enjoyable experience.
- Dead Online Multiplayer (weight 0.07): The online and Versus modes are largely abandoned, making it extremely difficult to find other players. This issue severely impacts the ability to earn multiplayer-specific achievements, forcing players to rely on external communities or give up on 100% completion.
- Problematic Camera System (weight 0.04): The in-game camera is frequently described as uncomfortable, clunky, and difficult to control. Issues like a narrow field of view, awkward movement, and excessive shaking contribute to player disorientation and can make the game less enjoyable, sometimes even causing motion sickness.
- Inconsistent Difficulty Balancing (weight 0.04): The game's difficulty is perceived as inconsistent, with some players finding it too easy initially, while others describe higher difficulties (Veteran, Professional) as extremely challenging, almost impossible, and frustrating due to enemy health pools and resource scarcity. This imbalance can lead to a less satisfying progression.

Gameplay feedback:
- Co-op and QTEs are Core (weight 0.15): The game is fundamentally designed around two-player cooperative gameplay, available online or via split-screen, with an AI partner filling in for solo players. Quick Time Events (QTEs) are prevalent throughout, appearing in combat, boss fights, and cutscenes, often requiring coordinated actions in co-op.
- Diverse Game Modes & Difficulty (weight 0.13): The game offers multiple difficulty levels, including 'Professional' unlocked after the first playthrough, and extra modes like 'Mercenaries'. These modes, along with unlockables and weapon upgrades, provide significant replayability and extend the game's lifespan.
- Evolution of Resident Evil 4 (weight 0.13): The game is a direct evolution of Resident Evil 4, reusing many core mechanics, animations, and level design elements. It maintains the over-the-shoulder perspective, tank controls, and strategic combat, essentially offering a cooperative version of RE4's successful formula.
- Limited Inventory System (weight 0.09): The inventory system is limited to nine slots per character, with each item occupying one slot, a departure from RE4's grid-based briefcase. Inventory management is real-time and can feel restrictive, though playing solo effectively doubles the available slots by managing the AI partner's inventory.
- Chris and Sheva in Africa (weight 0.08): The main campaign follows BSAA agents Chris Redfield and his new partner Sheva Alomar on a mission in Africa to investigate a bioterror threat. They confront enemies infected with the Las Plagas parasite and the Uroboros virus, ultimately leading to a confrontation with Albert Wesker.
- Stationary Shooting Controls (weight 0.06): The game retains the 'tank controls' and the signature stop-and-shoot mechanic from its predecessor, meaning players cannot move while aiming or shooting. This restrictive movement system can be frustrating for new players but becomes manageable with practice.
- Wesker's Story Conclusion (weight 0.05): The game serves as a conclusion to Albert Wesker's storyline, portraying him as the main antagonist with a plan to 'purify' the world with the Uroboros virus. The final battles against Wesker are cinematic and challenging, often requiring specific tactics.
- Weapon Upgrades & Shop System (weight 0.05): Players can buy new weapons, upgrade existing ones, and sell treasures in a shop interface accessible between chapters or after death. This system replaces the in-level merchant from previous titles, allowing for continuous character progression.
- Ammo Management is Key (weight 0.03): Ammunition can be scarce, especially for higher-caliber weapons, necessitating effective use of melee combos to conserve bullets. Strategic ammo management, including capacity upgrades and saving special ammo for tougher enemies, is crucial for success.

Performance notes:
- Excellent PC Optimization (weight 0.08): The game is highly optimized and runs smoothly on a wide range of hardware, including low-end PCs and laptops, often achieving high frame rates even at higher resolutions. This indicates good performance scalability.
- Various PC Technical Issues (weight 0.04): Despite good overall optimization, the PC version has several strange issues, including graphical glitches, occasional crashes, and problems with game launching. Some of these issues may stem from its console port origins.
- Games for Windows Live Removal (weight 0.02): The recent removal of Games for Windows Live (GFWL) has significantly improved the game's launch and installation experience for new players, resolving many long-standing compatibility and installation issues.
- Minor Visual and Audio Points (weight 0.01): The game has sharp textures, good particle effects, and excellent shader management. The lighting system is decent, though not outstanding. Minor audio problems can often be resolved by restarting the game.
- DisplayPort Compatibility Issues (weight 0.01): Some users experience infinite crashes when using DisplayPort with certain monitors after a DirectX update. A workaround involves using an HDMI monitor as primary and dragging the game window.
- UI Scaling and Blurriness (weight 0.01): Some UI elements do not scale properly past 720p, leading to blurriness at higher resolutions. Setting the resolution to FHD can improve the visual clarity.
- Responsive Controls (weight 0.01): Players generally find the game's menus, inputs, and controls to be responsive, contributing to a smooth gameplay experience.
- Steam Overlay Bug (weight 0.01): A bug with the Steam Overlay can cause the entire display to turn white when attempting to take a screenshot, indicating a compatibility issue.
- Forced Mouse Acceleration (weight 0): The game features forced and irremovable mouse acceleration, which can negatively impact aiming and control precision for PC players.
- Steam Cloud Save Issues (weight 0): Enabling Steam Cloud can lead to issues with saved game management, suggesting potential conflicts or corruption.
- Gamepad-Oriented UI (weight 0): The game's interfaces and menus are designed in a way that strongly suggests they are optimized for gamepad use rather than mouse and keyboard.

Recommendations:
- Mixed overall reception (weight 0.33): While many consider it a great or even a favorite game, a notable portion of feedback indicates it's not enjoyable or is a 'bad game.' This highlights its divisive nature within the community.
- Co-op is highly recommended (weight 0.32): The overwhelming majority of players emphasize that the game is best, and often only, enjoyable when played in cooperative mode with a friend. Solo play is frequently described as a significantly worse or annoying experience due to AI partner issues.
- Worth buying, especially on sale (weight 0.1): Players generally agree the game is worth purchasing, particularly if found at a discount. The Gold Edition, which includes all DLC, is frequently recommended for its value.
- Deserves a remake/remaster (weight 0.03): A significant number of players express a desire for a remake or remaster of the game, hoping for updated mechanics, graphics, and potentially addressing some of its original flaws, while preserving its co-op strengths.
- Important for franchise story (weight 0.02): The game is recommended for those who want to experience the full Resident Evil saga and understand its evolving narrative, despite its shift in genre focus.
- Specific gameplay tips provided (weight 0.01): Players offer advice such as using a rocket launcher for certain bosses, playing on normal before harder difficulties, and trying specific character outfits.
- Sheva's role is notable (weight 0.01): Sheva, the AI partner, is a point of contention, with some players disliking her solo performance and others hoping for her return in future games or remakes.
- Wesker is a fan favorite (weight 0.01): Feedback indicates a strong positive sentiment towards the character Wesker, with some players finding him a primary incentive to play.
- Ignore plot, just have fun (weight 0.01): Some players suggest not overthinking the game's plot or flaws and simply focusing on the fun, especially in co-op, to maximize enjoyment.
- Play and form own opinion (weight 0): A small number of players advise others to try the game themselves rather than relying solely on external reviews or opinions.

Other player notes:
- High Demand for a Remake (weight 0.15): There is a strong desire among players for a modern remake of the game, similar to other Resident Evil titles. Players hope a remake would improve the camera, allow movement while aiming/reloading, refine the story, and update graphics to modern standards.
- Strong Nostalgia and Replay Value (weight 0.12): Many players have a deep nostalgic connection to the game, often citing it as their first Resident Evil title or a significant part of their gaming history. This leads to high replayability, with players returning to the game across multiple platforms and over many years.
- Historical Context and Comparisons (weight 0.07): Players frequently compare the game to Resident Evil 4, noting its evolution from RE4's engine and similar criticisms regarding its action focus. It's seen as a product of its time, marking a significant shift in the series' direction after Shinji Mikami's departure.
- PC Port Quality and Mods (weight 0.03): The PC version is a port of the 2009 Games for Windows - Live edition, with graphics superior to its console counterparts at the time. Players note that mods can address issues like the visual filter and narrow field of view, enhancing the experience.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.31): Players are highly satisfied with the game's cooperative experience, especially when playing with friends, citing it as excellent, fun, and addictive. The action-oriented gameplay, combat system, and Mercenaries mode are frequently praised, along with good graphics, optimization, and overall game quality, contributing to a sense of value and replayability.
- Frustration (weight 0.15): Frustration primarily stems from the incompetent AI partner, particularly Sheva, which often hinders solo play and item management. Clunky controls, especially with keyboard and mouse, and various technical issues like bugs, crashes, and server problems, also contribute significantly to player annoyance and difficulty, particularly during boss fights and on higher difficulties.
- Disappointment (weight 0.1): Players express disappointment over the game's departure from traditional survival horror elements, its perceived inferiority to Resident Evil 4, and a shallow or unmemorable story. Issues with the AI partner, dead online modes, and outdated mechanics further contribute to the feeling that the game did not live up to its potential or series expectations.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.08): Enjoyment is largely driven by the game's cooperative experience, which is consistently described as fun, entertaining, and engaging, especially when playing with friends. The action-packed gameplay, gunplay, and various game modes also contribute to a positive and entertaining overall experience, often leading to high replayability.
- Excitement (weight 0.07): Players feel excitement due to the game's intense action, thrilling co-op experience, and engaging boss fights, particularly involving Wesker. The overall quality of the game, its status as a favorite in the franchise, and the anticipation for a potential remake also generate significant enthusiasm.
- Joy (weight 0.05): Joy is derived from the fun and engaging cooperative gameplay, especially when playing with friends or family, which often leads to shared laughter and strengthened friendships. The game's overall entertainment value, replayability, and the pleasure of eliminating enemies also contribute to a very positive emotional experience.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.03): Nostalgia is a strong emotion for players who are revisiting the game, often remembering it as their first Resident Evil title or a beloved childhood game played on older consoles. The game's classic status, enduring charm, and the fond memories associated with its original release contribute to this sentiment.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Players appreciate the game's enduring quality, its graphics that still hold up, and its role as a significant title in the series' evolution. The cooperative mode, balanced gameplay, weapon variety, and memorable characters like Wesker are also highly valued, leading to a re-evaluation and increased enjoyment over time.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): Amusement often comes from the game's 'classic cringe' or 'janky, cheesy' nature, particularly Chris Redfield's exaggerated strength and the absurdity of certain moments like punching boulders. Playing with friends often amplifies this humor, leading to laughs from sabotaging each other or the game's inherent quirks.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Admiration is expressed for the game's high quality, particularly its co-op design, and its status as one of the best in the Resident Evil series. Characters like Wesker and Sheva are often praised for their brilliance and attractiveness, contributing to the game's overall appeal and impact.
- Love (weight 0.01): Players express deep affection and love for the game, often considering it their favorite Resident Evil title due to its engaging action gameplay, memorable characters, and strong co-op experience. This emotion is often tied to extensive playtime, mod variety, and shared experiences with friends.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger is primarily directed at the incompetent AI partner, game-breaking bugs, and perceived poor design choices, particularly regarding the co-op mechanics and racial implications. Some players also express anger at the developers for selling a broken product or for what they see as mismanagement of the franchise.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope is centered around the potential for a remake of the game, with players desiring improvements, new content like a boss mode, and the return of beloved characters or features. There's also hope for future Resident Evil titles to incorporate good co-op and antagonists.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Anticipation is almost exclusively focused on the desire and expectation for a potential remake of the game. Players are looking forward to a modernized version of the experience.
- Acceptance (weight 0.01): Players show acceptance of the game's action-oriented gameplay, its flaws, and its position within the series, often adapting to issues like camera problems or tank controls. This acceptance allows them to enjoy the game despite its outdated aspects or genre shift from horror.
- Confusion (weight 0.01): Confusion arises from the negative reception the game receives from others, as many players do not understand the 'hate' it gets. Strange keyboard controls, boss mechanics, and the game's transition to open locations also contribute to this feeling.
- Surprise (weight 0): Players are surprised by the game's continued active online community, its good performance despite unsupported status, and unexpected positive experiences like a stranger joining the game. Noticing a cheating bug or the game looking older than expected can also cause surprise.
- Annoyance (weight 0): Annoyance is mainly caused by the companion AI, which often wastes ammo or gets in the way. Other sources include bugs, a persistent visual filter, clunky controls, and recurring audio problems, which detract from the overall experience.
- Relief (weight 0): Relief is felt when players find solutions to technical issues like game crashes or when they realize the game is more action-focused than horror, alleviating initial fears. The active online community and the game being better than Resident Evil 6 also contribute to this positive feeling.
- Affection (weight 0): Affection for the game is a deep, enduring personal enjoyment, often stemming from it being a long-time favorite. Players develop fondness for characters like Sheva and 'huge Chris,' reinforcing their overall love for the game.}