Resident Evil 5

[GnawRadar]

I've searched and there are several threads started, but none that are about general excitement and thoughts about the game, so I figured I'd start one.

As a fan of RE4 and familiar with the rest of the series, I am very excited for the new game. All of the trailers/screens of the game have blown me away and today Kotaku posted new news from Famitsu with the announcement of two more characters. The new character is a hot woman by the name of Excella Gionne and the other is none other than the ultimate villain badass: Albert Wesker.

http://kotaku.com/5054010/one-new-resident-evil-5-character-one-not-so-new

Just figured you'd all want to know. :)

[BHvrd]

The one thing that interests me the most about the new RE is the new co-op play.

I would love to throw my buddy into a pack of zombie and laugh my ass off as he gets his face chewed off. I might be nice and snipe a leg or two.

[heybtbm]

Trophy/Achievement list up...

http://www.ps3trophies.org/game/resident-evil-5/trophies/

[unbroken]

Played the demo all day yesterday, beat both bosses every which way possible. Here's my pro's and cons:

+
will be very fun co-op
lots of zombies and lots of cool moves to dispose them with
graphics are excellent
Seems a bit more realistic then past RE's

-
game pretty much requires a human partner, your computer partner is useless and really only gets in the way.
don't really dig the new menu system. should of added some sort of pause option. i guess this adds to the realism?


other then that, RE5 is pretty much flawless. not a fan of some of the older RE's other than 4, but i will def. be looking forward to beating this game.

[Arcade_Ness]

As an avid Resident Evil fan I'm of course looking forward to this. I almost don't want to try the demo, because it will make me crave the game even more. The main thing I'm interested in is what happens story wise. I wonder who the blonde girl in the test chamber was in the first trailer. My guess is it's Sherry Berkin. Also are we going to see a final showdown with Wesker?

[G-Boobie]

I'm looking forward to this one. Rumor has it we're getting the demo here in the states in January or February. Can't wait.

Has anyone seen the CG Resident Evil movie yet? Is it worth picking up?

[ClassicGameTrader]

I'm can't wait either, I've been lusting over the videos and screen shots for what seems like a lifetime now.

[Nesmaster]

Trophy/Achievement list up...

http://www.ps3trophies.org/game/resident-evil-5/trophies/

Those actually look pretty good. Not that I need a reason to play and replay the game as is... LOL.

[Dastardly Dylan]

I'm really excited for this game and I am going to cream my pants when I get to hold it in my hands for the very first time. I got to play the demo and from there on I thought the game would get even better.

I like the fact that there are many hot women in the game like Sheva and this new girl on the magazine cover. Gives Resident Evil 5 a good look, you know what I'm sayin' dawg?

Speaking of women, did you know that Jill Valentine and Shelly from Resident Evil 2 (The 12 year old girl) are going to be in RE5? Hope I didn't spoil anything for you guys, but Jill Valentine appears dead in the game and as well all now she is not. She's the bird lady.

What I'm debating is what system I should get it on, PS3 or Xbox 360? Any thoughts? and if so, tell me. Let me know what system you're going to get it on as well!

[Arcade_Ness]

Thank god Jill isn't really dead. I got scared when I saw that tombstone at the end of a trailer.

[alxbly]

What I'm debating is what system I should get it on, PS3 or Xbox 360? Any thoughts?

I also considering what platform to buy it for... I've friends who are keen to play through the game on either system, so I know I'll be indulging in some online co-op regardless. I guess we probably won't know much more about the differences (if there are any real differences) until it's closer to release.

[Speed Racer]

Anybody played the demo for the 360 yet? I downloaded it today and so far the game seems like it's going to be fantastic. The only potential problem I see is the hassle of watching out for your partner in the single player mode. When the action gets pretty intense it can be a real pain.

[CosmicMonkey]

The limited editions have been announced:

USA
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.ps3fanboy.com/media/2009/01/cap_011_ps3_collpack_box_bob_stuff425.jpg

Europe
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.ps3fanboy.com/media/2009/01/residentevil5eucollectorsedition150109425.jpg

[maxlords]

The LE extras look better than the actual game. Am I the only one that finds the control scheme on the 360 demo absolutely brutal compared to RE4 on the Cube? Between the Alone in the Dark inspired pause menu (from what I understand that's how they did the latest AitD?) and the crappy computer buddy system....ugh.

Not to mention the way the controls are mapped is just odd. It doesn't flow well to go from a run to targeting and firing. Yeesh Capcom...at least with that many zombies....let us walk backward while firing! I hate the way some of the walk/run/firing controls are set up...and it's in every scheme. I'm praying for mappable controls as I was fighting the pad harder than the zombies.

I'm also less than impressed with all the "pretty girl" crap they're throwing around on this one. Honestly...who cares? I want a story...I don't need a T&A show. Bleah. This is RE, not DOA. I'll still get the 360 LE, but I'm iffy....

[walrusmonger]

Tried the demo, didn't care for it (I loved RE4 though). I preordered the LE PS3 edition because I try to get my games on the PS3 and I hope that the PS3 controller works better than the 360's for this.

the extras are pretty cool!

[Speed Racer]

I know this game has split screen co-op but I wonder it if will also support system link?

[poloplayr]

I'm looking forward to this one. Rumor has it we're getting the demo here in the states in January or February. Can't wait.

Has anyone seen the CG Resident Evil movie yet? Is it worth picking up?

Watched the film with my girlfriend. She hated it and I loved it :) Thought it was really good not just as a RE film but as a film - full stop.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

So, is there an option to switch back to the RE4 control scheme, or do you HAVE to use the new RE5 updated control scheme?

Or, more importantly, will completing co-op type tasks in the game become an impossibility if you try to use the RE4 scheme?

[Daltone]

For those who have played the demo - do you still control like a tank? I found Leon's lack of mobility in RE4 really very annoying.

[walrusmonger]

For those who have played the demo - do you still control like a tank? I found Leon's lack of mobility in RE4 really very annoying.



I found RE5 to have tank syndrome that was more painful than RE4.

[heybtbm]

The demo is up on XBL for the unwashed masses (i.e. everybody). Only 486 Mb or so. It downloaded in 2 minutes...I was surprised.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

The demo is up on XBL for the unwashed masses (i.e. everybody). Only 486 Mb or so. It downloaded in 2 minutes...I was surprised.

From what I've played (not much) I find it to be quite difficult! (That's a good thing).

Also, the RE4 control scheme is alive and well in the options...

...although the new RE5 control scheme isn't that different, other than the new side-strafing it's basically just control re-mapping.

I'm NOT a fan of the "live action" inventory swapping ... that is to say, it's going to take some practice to manage an inventory box with action still going on on-screen ... I really liked pausing to get what I need and then taking some extra time to re-arrange my inventory crate in RE4.

I'm going to play some more later, but based on my first impression - it was pretty damned sweet.

[makaar]

I just played the demo and the following things bug me about it (some have been touched upon already):

1. The live-action menu system. I agree with the above in that I enjoyed arranging my inventory and organizing it accordingly. The new menu tries to put emphasis on the urgency of the environment, and it succeeds in that aspect, but I still liked the old way better.

2. Healing herbs. In the menu, it has EQUIP taking priority over USE. This is very annoying for me as I quickly double-press to use the herbs and heal myself, but in the midst of battle, I'm going to find myself equipping it first, and quickly handing it over to my partner. I've already died a couple times this way. She is good at healing you, but doesn't always help when you need her.

3. Too Team-Reliant. I didn't care for Resident Evil 0 much as it relied too much on team effort. This one seems to be going the same route. I can usually deal with a few escort missions, but the new girl has caused me to fail a few times already due to her lack-of dodging...oh well..

I'm sure I'll get over this in the actual game....time will tell I guess.

[G-Boobie]

I just played the demo and the following things bug me about it (some have been touched upon already):

1. The live-action menu system. I agree with the above in that I enjoyed arranging my inventory and organizing it accordingly. The new menu tries to put emphasis on the urgency of the environment, and it succeeds in that aspect, but I still liked the old way better.

I see where some folks have issues with the item menu not pausing the game, but I kind of like it. It adds another layer of tension(though of course, the game already has plenty of that). I think the briefcase pause menu was my only real complaint about RE4, other than the game being three hours too long.


2. Healing herbs. In the menu, it has EQUIP taking priority over USE. This is very annoying for me as I quickly double-press to use the herbs and heal myself, but in the midst of battle, I'm going to find myself equipping it first, and quickly handing it over to my partner. I've already died a couple times this way. She is good at healing you, but doesn't always help when you need her.

Yeah, the herb thing will take some getting used to.


3. Too Team-Reliant. I didn't care for Resident Evil 0 much as it relied too much on team effort. This one seems to be going the same route. I can usually deal with a few escort missions, but the new girl has caused me to fail a few times already due to her lack-of dodging...oh well..

I think that Sheva is an even better team mate than Dom from Gears: not once did she get whacked while running into a wall for ten seconds, nor did she ever get in my way Bethesda style. In fact, she even purposefully kept out of my line of sight in the courtyard scene. Refreshing!

The only time she croaked for me was when the chainsaw dude whacked her while I was reloading and she was shooting his face, point blank. Since he got me once too, I figure that makes me and the AI more or less evenly skilled. That may not be a good thing.

The problem with the RE Zero stuff was all the goddamn puzzles: as long as the team-oriented stuff in 5 keeps that to a dull roar, I think I can deal with it.

I loved it. Capcom is kicking all kinds of ass this generation...

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Spent some time with the demo again last night and have some more impressions.

First off ... I'm not a fan of the 360 controller for RE games.

I didn't enjoy playing through Code Veronica with the DC controller, and while the Gamecube controller was SLIGHTLY better, I prefer my RE games on a Dual Shock. I know, that's more personal preference than anything ... but to me the series on anything other than a Dual Shock feels awkward.

My first few times in the town square area saw me meet my doom rather quickly ... while RE4 had a few instances of swarming hordes, RE5 seems to really push the speed and claustrophobia of that element.

I was also kind of surprised to see that "megaphone guy" was just a peon that can be taken out with a few pistol shots. Based on his prominence in the early trailers I expected him to be like the village leader in RE4.

The partner aspect certainly feels "new" (or vastly different than what I always felt was an awkward system in RE 0 ... like most awkward things in RE 0) enough to be interesting, and I can't say that she did anything to hinder me in my efforts, and while she called for my help, even in the instances where I wasn't able to help her out, she seemed to wind up with more health at the end of the demo than me every single time.

It seems to be an odd balance between the partner AI play in Gears of War and Ashley escort sections of RE4.

Like a few other aspects of the game, it may frustrate me a bit at first and I'm sure it'll take some getting used to ... but I'm not afraid of change if it's technically sound stuff.

[heybtbm]

I was having trouble too...mainly dying repeatedly using the default controll scheme. I switched to "RE4" mode and the game (and 360 controller) felt perfect.

I don't like the parter AI. Mainly because she won't open crates or barrels by herself. She just ran around with 0 bullets because she wouldn't fetch them herself. That could be a major annoyance when you have to rely on the "live inventory". Also there is a spot in the 2nd level where you have to boost her up and you can obviously see bullets up there. She doesn't retrieve them for whatever reason. I hope the real game makes her a little smarter.

The white/asian/middle eastern zombies look laughably out of place and ridiculous, but hopefully it's explained through the story (i.e. foreign oil company workers or something).

All in all though...very cool. This is probaly my most anticipated game of all time (or at least since RE4).

[Ponyone]

Was anyone else getting a blue line that would flash on and off once in a while during the first cut scene (it was on the top black bar for me) and then continued on for the rest of the ingame?

Don't tell me it was just me and my 360 is about to nuke. I do not have a fridge to hide in.

[kaedesdisciple]

Count me as another who got really frustrated until I switched to RE4 mode. It was like night and day when I made that change. That's when the demo got fun. Little tough switching my movements from Gears 2 back to this again, so I think I'll lay off the demo now that I've played it through and wait for the official release as I still need to finish Gears 2.

Now I'm REALLY looking forward to this one. Wonder if I can convince the wife to play with me, she likes zombies...

Edit: Wow, 1,000 posts. Not sure how I feel about that.

[drewbrim]

Just got done playing the demo and it's pretty sweet!

For those that are having trouble with the menu/items they're set to the d-pad so you don't have to bring it up and waste precious time. It's pretty easy to pull out your shotty, heal yourself, and hand bullets to sheeva once you get the hang of it. Granted you can only have do that with 4 items, but it's better than nothing.

[maxlords]

What setting is RE4 mode on the demo?

Also....is anyone else a bit iffy about buying this after the demo? And will it be worth bothering to get the LE? I suspect it'll be common as dirt but hard to find complete.

I have the 360 version preordered, but I'm not sure if I REALLY want it....

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I've played it about 10 or so times since my initial outing and I'm now totally comfortable with the new RE5 control scheme, live item switching, ordering Sheva around amidst being swarmed by zombies, swapping items and so on and so forth.

With repeated play, just like in RE4 all the nuances become pretty intuitive, and I'm now completely stoked to get my hands on the retail version.

[Ed Oscuro]

They Hunger via Sven Co-Op is going to trash this game, no doubt about it.

In all seriousness, I saw a gameplay vid some time ago and wasn't terribly impressed, partly because it seemed they were playing with GameCube controllers from the awful game mechanics (whatever happened to the second analog?). If there's a proper control scheme that'd be neat, although I don't really get the use of context-sensitive jumps over some small obstacle - doesn't really help the feeling of freedom in a game.

[heybtbm]

In all seriousness, I saw a gameplay vid some time ago and wasn't terribly impressed, partly because it seemed they were playing with GameCube controllers from the awful game mechanics (whatever happened to the second analog?). If there's a proper control scheme that'd be neat, although I don't really get the use of context-sensitive jumps over some small obstacle - doesn't really help the feeling of freedom in a game.

RE5 allows for the use of the 2nd analog stick just like any 3rd person action game in three of it's four control schemes...although I don't know why anyone would want to. The "RE4" control scheme goes back to one analog (identical to the Gamecube version).

After trying the different options, I prefer the RE4 mode. Mainly because to run, you need to hit "A" (+ the left stick). If you're using the dual analog schemes, you can't use the right stick and end up running in an awkward, bumbling straight line (since you can only control the direction with the left stick). RE4 mode eliminates this goofy run mechanic.

[walrusmonger]

I played the demo again with a friend, it is much better with 2 players. My friend sent me some rumour about there being a red 360 bundle with the game, if this is the case I'll be buying both versions :)

[Mayhem]

What setting is RE4 mode on the demo?

Control setting A (even says "like RE4" down the bottom for it).

And yeah I've just been playing the demo as co-op with my brother, much more fun and allows for flanking and double-team.

[alexkidd2000]

Is the split screen not going to use the entire screen in the finished version?

[Dastardly Dylan]

I can't download the demo because of my age! Why didn't I just forge it when I first got my 360 in 2006!

But oh well, I already played the hell out of the demo before it was released in North America.

[exit]

I'm surprised this hasn't been mentioned already, but the demo was released on the PSN around Midnight last night. Only played it for a couple of minutes before going to sleep and from what I played the controls seem very stiff. I'm sure I'll get used to it after playing it longer, but other than that the game looks very pretty.

[The 1 2 P]

I just finished playing the demo and man could I not navigate with those controls. I even used the controller "A" Resident Evil 4 settings and I couldn't cope. Whoever I played with online probably hates me because I couldn't back them up. I then played by myself to try and adapt to the controls. I'll have to play around with the settings tomorrow. The game looks awesome though.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

You know ... I'm really SHOCKED at the high level of users who can't conform or cope to the games control style.

It's as if people haven't spent the past 15 some odd years playing Resident Evil games.

The controls aren't necessarily "easy" to use (great control has never ever been a hallmark of the series) ... but they're not significantly different than those found in RE4 (or any other RE game for that matter) ... standard tank controls: UP=move forward, L/R=pivot, Down=back

the addition of strafing not withstanding (because honestly, it's not that drastic of a change to the overall scheme) there are really no radical changes warranting this level of mass confusion and/or frustration (it's not just on the DP forums, look at any site that has a review with user responses).

Have people who are having major troubles with the control scheme not played through RE4 or any other significant RE release in the past 10 years, or are we just spoiled by similar games with super fluid/ergonomic control schemes like Uncharted Drake's Fortune, Gears of War 2, etc.??

[Daltone]

Have people who are having major troubles with the control scheme not played through RE4 or any other significant RE release in the past 10 years, or are we just spoiled by similar games with super fluid/ergonomic control schemes like Uncharted Drake's Fortune, Gears of War 2, etc.??

I wouldn't say that we were being spoiled by those games in terms of control - I would say that that is (or at least should be!) the standard. Perhaps it's time for Capcom to throw out the cheap and easy 'let's restrict their movement to make the game more tense' thing that they have gotten in to. Even RE4's controls are hardly leaps and bounds above the first Resident Evil's (drop the camera over the shoulder, add in some context sensitive stuff and give you free aiming.. am I missing something?) In this day any sense of panic and/or dread should not come from you being unable to do something as basic as move properly.

Just a thought.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I wouldn't say that we were being spoiled by those games in terms of control - I would say that that is (or at least should be!) the standard. Perhaps it's time for Capcom to throw out the cheap and easy 'let's restrict their movement to make the game more tense' thing that they have gotten in to. Even RE4's controls are hardly leaps and bounds above the first Resident Evil's (drop the camera over the shoulder, add in some context sensitive stuff and give you free aiming.. am I missing something?) In this day any sense of panic and/or dread should not come from you being unable to do something as basic as move properly.

Just a thought.

This brings up a question that plagues the series and its over-all success.

Even with the dynamic shift in camera work, Resident Evil 4 STILL at it's core controls like any other RE game.

That is, it controls with "RE Tank" controls and "stop & shoot" gameplay.

And with the above-average amount of criticism that I've seen regarding the RE5 demo's controls ... most of which I consider to be unwarranted - or at the least I am confused by considering the legacy that those controls have had over the course of the series ...

I feel the need to pose these question(s) :

Do people really believe that Capcom should scrap the tank controls and stop & shoot gameplay in favor of something more Gears of War or Uncharted like?

Would a Resident Evil game STILL be a "Resident Evil game" if the control scheme and play style was completely supplanted?

In my opinion, the controls are a part of the legacy/trademark of the series, and I wouldn't want to see them go away.

Of course, this isn't to say that a game series can't survive or flourish in that dramatic a style change (see Mario, Zelda, Metroid).

OR on the other hand, a game series can falter repeatedly or fail to retain the respect of the series audience when trying to make core changes to a series trademark (see any 3D Castlevania game).

Despite all of the frustration/criticism that RE5 is suffering at the moment (I think that some of it has to do with an influx of XBOX users that have never had an opportunity to play the series/be reminded of its dated control scheme in recent years) I feel that there is little to no reason for Capcom to look back historically on the critical praise and overall sales that the series have garnered and see with any type of critical eye that there is/was a NEED to re-vamp the control scheme.

People love the series. People buy the series on lots of platforms. People don't generally bitch about the control scheme (at least not as much as I've seen until this past demo) because it's the control scheme that the series that has had since day one.

If RE4 was any type of failure (and it was anything BUT any type of failure) I could see these complaints to be more realistic, or at least more worthy of prompting Capcom to re-visit the controls with a more critical eye.

And to their credit they DID add some options (just not the much whined-about "move and shoot").

But I digress ...

Do you think the series should have completely revised controls to play more like Gears or Uncharted?

Do you think that would be an affront to the legacy of the series?

Thoughts please.

[exit]

Well I've played the demo a bit more and I was able to get the hang of the controls after my second go at it, so now things don't seem as rough as they were the first time around. I played Co-Op mode with a buddy and it's a dream, the first level doesn't do much with it, but the second level (which I can't seem to beat on single player) really shows how well it works and helps the game shine.


Have people who are having major troubles with the control scheme not played through RE4 or any other significant RE release in the past 10 years, or are we just spoiled by similar games with super fluid/ergonomic control schemes like Uncharted Drake's Fortune, Gears of War 2, etc.??

I personally was spoiled with Dead Space, which is what helped give me my survival horror fix, but not played a Resident Evil since RE4 also helped me loose a feel for the usual control scheme. I still don't see why Capcom hasn't updated the controls a bit, standing still while trying to shoot a guy wearing a potato sack as he's flinging a chainsaw at you just seems a little silly now.

[Daltone]

This brings up a question that plagues the series and its over-all success.

Even with the dynamic shift in camera work, Resident Evil 4 STILL at it's core controls like any other RE game.

That is, it controls with "RE Tank" controls and "stop & shoot" gameplay.



If RE4 was any type of failure (and it was anything BUT any type of failure) I could see these complaints to be more realistic, or at least more worthy of prompting Capcom to re-visit the controls with a more critical eye.

And to their credit they DID add some options (just not the much whined-about "move and shoot").

But I digress ...

Do you think the series should have completely revised controls to play more like Gears or Uncharted?

Do you think that would be an affront to the legacy of the series?

Thoughts please.

I have to say that I've been on my soapbox about RE4's controls for some time, and this half arsed attempt at adding something new only serves to show how unwilling Capcom are to go and do a total overhaul.

I understand the reasons behind not changing what isn't broken - Resident Evil still sells by the bucketload. To me RE4 was nothing but a glorified version of duck hunt with some really pretty graphics and a plot borrowed from the 1980s (are you a bad enough dude to rescue the President's daughter?), but people loved it and that's ok.

In my eyes, and my opinion doesn't exactly seem to be the commonly held one, the Resident Evil series is starting to look like it's going to go the same way as the Tomb Raider franchise. Ultimately, I would rather see the series take a dive into uncharted waters and see what comes out. Yes, Castlevannia's 3D manifestations were utter crap, but then you look at something like Prince of Persia which took the 3D platformer and did something new and brilliant with it. The previous premier 3D platformer of the the time - Tomb Raider, suddenly looks really old and clunky and is left trying to emulate what Prince of Persia did so brilliantly. When you come to it, the Prince was doing exactly what we wanted Lara to be able to do all those years ago.

You can be Resident Evil without sticking to that control scheme. I like the setting for RE5, I really do. I prefer it to the village from RE4 and the island of bland from Veronica. However, if playing the damn thing is more of a chore then a delight, if the lacking control schemes diminish the game as a whole why not just go for it and do something completely different?

The obvious answer is because people liked RE4, they didn't hate the controls there as much as I did, and so there is no need for something completely different, and an overhaul of the game mechanics would unbalance the game as it is designed now.

EDIT: Playing a 2009 game should not be comparable to this monstrosity - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vvxo_w4Wggc&feature=related

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I neglected to reference "Dead Space" which seems to be a great benchmark in terms of Survival Horror game fans' opinion of how a modern entry in the genre should play control-wise.

I'm curious as to whether or not the game has made an impact in the Japanese market or sold enough for Capcom to take a look at it as a possible "direction" for future entries in the series.

In the event that Capcom ever did decide to fully revise the series I'd be willing to take a look...but there's something about the classic style of gameplay that the series retains that I really enjoy, antiquaterd or not.

[BHvrd]

Played the demo with some DUMB ASS person.

They stood there and kept getting pummled by zombies and when the guy with the big axe came, he nailed her, lol, I was like.....FUCK.

I must have used a stim on her heart about 5 times, that's how bad my partner sucked, but regardless that experience was really fun, showed me that you CAN keep a player alive even if they are being extremely beaten! Cause instead of just health you can slap stims in their chest to keep them going, which is really cool and seems unlimited.

Everything aside, it's fun, yes I agree the zombies look kinda dumb and yes the controls are a bit of a pain, but yeah, it's fun! Day one buy for me (if I have the money, heh).

[maxlords]

I'd say that their long-term adherence to the control scheme is just awful. There's no shame in revising a BAD control scheme. I love the concept of the RE games. I love the storylines. I find the games unplayable except for RE4 and that had a moderate learning curve to it. 4 is the ONLY RE I've ever finished....the rest I just read the novelizations. Seriously. They're utter dreck for controls. Bleah. Why is that necessary? Oh wait...it isn't. You can have a scary ass game with better contols (i.e. Silent Hill series for example).

I think that people would still buy it cause it's RE. Most people hate the RE controls but love the stories, as hokey as they are, as the game version of B movies. I don't see how that would ruin the legacy. I think it should be fluid and responsive. Why is clunky unrelenting control allowed for this series after all these years anyway? ANY other series, people would be bitching to hell and back and boycotting the game.

Imagine if Street Fighter IV had clunky controls. Well...it's Street Fighter, but it's clunky...we don't care cause it's Street Fighter though. Or Mega Man......Oh...Mega Man 10 has clunky tank controls...and you can't fire and run at the same time...but who cares, cause it's pretty.
Riiiiiiiight. But it's acceptable for RE? No thanks. I'd rather play something I can actually control. It's not scary anymore at this point to not be able to escape the slow zombies because I can't run and shoot at the same time. It's not even a surprise. It doesn't raise the tension level because they've done it in EVERY game. It's just irritating.

[The 1 2 P]

Have people who are having major troubles with the control scheme not played through RE4 or any other significant RE release in the past 10 years??

Unfortunately the only Resident Evil game I've played to completion was Survivor on the PS1. I have about 8 other RE games(including two copies of RE4 which I've still yet to play) but I only played most in demo form. I've even gotten use to the Silent Hill controls(which mimic those of RE) but I haven't played that in awhile either. I'm going to play the demo about 3 times by myself tonight and then I'll start partnering up again. This game is too good to pass up from not being able to adapt to the control scheme.

[Daltone]

In the event that Capcom ever did decide to fully revise the series I'd be willing to take a look...but there's something about the classic style of gameplay that the series retains that I really enjoy, antiquaterd or not.

I'm all for the classic style of the series in a classic setting. I own every 'real' RE that's been released (I did play through the first Gun Survivor but I nearly fell asleep), sometimes on multiple platforms, and have played through them all. Going back through the first two (even on the DS!) is akin to slipping in to a pair of old, comfortable shoes because you know exactly what you're getting, setbacks and all. The thing is that by the time you get to Nemesis things are starting to get a bit stale. Sometimes you've just got to push the boat out.

[kainemaxwell]

I liked the control scheme for Re4 over the previous games, which is what finally got me to buy and enjoy 4.

Anone see this yet:
http://kotaku.com/5145249/zombies-invading-best-buy-for-resident-evil-5-launch

[Half Japanese]

I loved RE4, though it's been a bit too long since my run through it to be able to capably contrast the control scheme between that and RE5. The most important aspect to me is that it looks to be a solid co-op experience, and while trends are changing for the better in that regard, good co-op games are still few and far between.

I got the hang of the controls pretty quickly, but I'll agree with the sentiment that there's no shame in overhauling something that has been severely outclassed by its peers. Games like Uncharted and loads of other third-person action games have such excellent controls that it makes RE5 look ancient in comparison. I used to play Unreal Tournament on the Dreamcast pad with "southpaw" controls (buttons to move and strafe, stick to look around), but now that dual analogs has become the norm, I would never return unless the game was good enough to warrant it and didn't allow me to choose more fitting and modern controls.

[mnkysuit]

After playing through the demo a few times I got used to the controls. Something tells me the demo just couldn't do the whole game justice.

My one gripe that I still can't get past is the amount of exploding barrels, bullets, and grenades it takes to kill the chainsaw (zombie?). It's kind of outrageous.

[kaedesdisciple]

I'd say that their long-term adherence to the control scheme is just awful. There's no shame in revising a BAD control scheme. I love the concept of the RE games. I love the storylines. I find the games unplayable except for RE4 and that had a moderate learning curve to it. 4 is the ONLY RE I've ever finished....the rest I just read the novelizations. Seriously. They're utter dreck for controls. Bleah. Why is that necessary? Oh wait...it isn't. You can have a scary ass game with better contols (i.e. Silent Hill series for example).

I think that people would still buy it cause it's RE. Most people hate the RE controls but love the stories, as hokey as they are, as the game version of B movies. I don't see how that would ruin the legacy. I think it should be fluid and responsive. Why is clunky unrelenting control allowed for this series after all these years anyway? ANY other series, people would be bitching to hell and back and boycotting the game.

Imagine if Street Fighter IV had clunky controls. Well...it's Street Fighter, but it's clunky...we don't care cause it's Street Fighter though. Or Mega Man......Oh...Mega Man 10 has clunky tank controls...and you can't fire and run at the same time...but who cares, cause it's pretty.
Riiiiiiiight. But it's acceptable for RE? No thanks. I'd rather play something I can actually control. It's not scary anymore at this point to not be able to escape the slow zombies because I can't run and shoot at the same time. It's not even a surprise. It doesn't raise the tension level because they've done it in EVERY game. It's just irritating.

Castlevania, anyone? You find me a game that has a more clunky, unrelenting control scheme than the original Castlevania games. Yet, who complains about it? No one, because the games are almost universally considered great. You have to get used to the control scheme in order to play the game with any amount of skill. Does the same not hold true for RE, or do we have to hold Castlevania in higher regard simply because it was made 20+ years ago? If another 2D, whip-brandishing Castlevania game were put out with a harsh, stiff control scheme, it would be lauded as a great, high skill-based entry into the Castlevania series.

Castlevania's classic control scheme is considered part of the game, as RE's classic-inspired control scheme is considered similarly. Changing the control scheme would mean changing how the entire game is laid out and played, from weapon choice and placement to ammunition and other item placements even to comply with a run and shoot concept. At this point, is it still a survival horror game, or is it nothing more than Gears of War with zombies? The classic-inspired control scheme forces you to be careful with every step (jump), every shot (whip-lash) and every item (sub weapon) usage, because your life is always on the line.

I would look forward to another such Castlevania game and I am looking forward to this next entry in the RE series. I know what they both are and what they aren't.

[Daltone]

I would look forward to another such Castlevania game and I am looking forward to this next entry in the RE series. I know what they both are and what they aren't.

So what you're saying is that you'd rather be having awkward virgin sex over and over again simply because to you that's what sex is? Don't get me wrong, it's not bad, but it could be so much better.

[kaedesdisciple]

So what you're saying is that you'd rather be having awkward virgin sex over and over again simply because to you that's what sex is? Don't get me wrong, it's not bad, but it could be so much better.

So what you're saying is you can dismiss (not address) my points with an extreme yet completely unrelated comparison that may draw some laughs but not actually say anything. Good job.

[Daltone]

So what you're saying is you can dismiss (not address) my points with an extreme yet completely unrelated comparison that may draw some laughs but not actually say anything. Good job.

Surely my previous posts on the subject deal with the aforementioned points?

[Kid Fenris]

Castlevania, anyone? You find me a game that has a more clunky, unrelenting control scheme than the original Castlevania games. Yet, who complains about it?

I do. Prior to Rondo of Blood, the controls in Castlevania games are sluggish and terrible, and the games are consequently dull. I find less fault with Resident Evil's control system, as the actual game design is more forgiving and doesn't kill the player quite as unfairly as Castelvania often does.

[Kid Ice]

I played the PS3 demo for the first time tonight. I thought it....sucked. Not sucked like *sucked*, but sucked the way GTAIV sucked...that after a long wait and great anticipation, it's just more of the same.

Maybe it's just the demo, but man, I quit that sucker awfully quick. I played that crappy NHL demo longer.

[maxlords]

I do. Prior to Rondo of Blood, the controls in Castlevania games are sluggish and terrible, and the games are consequently dull. I find less fault with Resident Evil's control system, as the actual game design is more forgiving and doesn't kill the player quite as unfairly as Castelvania often does.


Both Rondo and Castlevania IV have spot-on controls, as did SotN even though IMO it was a step in the wrong direction. So after 3 games that slowly got a little better each time, they IMPROVED THE CONTROLS! Bloodlines doesn't control badly either. So....that's not really the same as keeping essentially the same scheme for 6 games straight (including Code Veronica of course). Not to mention all the GBA and DS ones that control GREAT.

And if I saw another new Castlevania come out that controlled like one of the original 3....I'd be just as pissed.

[Kid Fenris]

Both Rondo and Castlevania IV have spot-on controls.

Castlevania IV has a slow, awkwardly paced control system and, more importantly, level design that makes the control inadequate. That's the key here. Resident Evil may have lousy controls, but it doesn't have lots of bottomless pits or instantly fatal spikes.


So....that's not really the same as keeping essentially the same scheme for 6 games straight (including Code Veronica of course).

It would be the same, since there were about 5 or 6 Castlevanias (counting the GameBoy titles) with lousy control before the series bothered to improve it. Resident Evil has lasted longer with the same control design, but I maintain that it has less reason to improve now than Castlevania did in 1992.

[Nesmaster]

I've played the demo a few times, and enjoy the first level a lot. But Potatosackboy in the second never seems to drop for me and I always end up with my head on the ground, thus ending the demo. Stupid bullet sponge he is. I WILL prevail one of these days, but it's a bit rediculous when I use both grenades and all of my ammo in conjuction with the barrels around and he's still kicking. Maybe I need more headshots... :S

[The 1 2 P]

I've played the demo a few times, and enjoy the first level a lot. But Potatosackboy in the second never seems to drop for me and I always end up with my head on the ground, thus ending the demo.

I haven't beat his dumb ass yet either. I need to practice more. I WILL master these controls.....someday, I think.

[Sudo]

I've played the demo a few times, and enjoy the first level a lot. But Potatosackboy in the second never seems to drop for me and I always end up with my head on the ground, thus ending the demo. Stupid bullet sponge he is. I WILL prevail one of these days, but it's a bit rediculous when I use both grenades and all of my ammo in conjuction with the barrels around and he's still kicking. Maybe I need more headshots... :S

Head shots are definitely the key. Two head shots or so and he'll be stunned, leaving him open to a melee attack. Rinse and repeat, he won't last long (especially if you use the rifle).

[heybtbm]

I just took down the skinny chainsaw guy after quite a few tries. After I used all the barrels, I just concentrated on that electrical "motor" thing at the edge of the alley. It electrocutes enemies in the immediate area and seems to turn on each time you shoot it.

Also: RE4 controls are definitely the way to go. You just have to train your right thumb to stay away from the right stick.

[kupomogli]

I'm just curious about why there are people here bashing the earlier Castlevania games with some false bs about how the controls are so greatly enhance on later games.

We have Kid Fenris who praises Rondo of Blood's control but says everything prior sucks in comparison. Did you start playing someones save data who had Maria unlocked and you've never played as Richter? Richter controls almost the exact same way as Simon, Trevor, and Christopher. However the only difference is that Richter, just like Eric and John can change direction and attack while in mid air. So if you use Richter and jump forward, then you're going to go forward and you can't change your movement in mid air. It just shows how blind you are to the series as the control for Rondo of Blood is pretty much the exact same as it is for Bloodlines aside for the fact that Bloodlines uses aspects that were originally used in SCV4(multi directional attacking)

Also. It's called having some skill. When jumping forward in a Castlevania game, part of the skill is knowing how far the character jumps forward when jumping. The original Castlevania controls are realistic, not clunky. How about you guys go jump forward and then magically position yourself to land somewhere behind where your jump was originally intended.

Here's a video if any of you are interested in watching. It's Dracula X Chronicles, but it shows that "knowing how your character controls" makes all the difference over having perfect control(DXC is RoB btw.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey84svvU6_0

Now. As for Resident Evil 5. I can honestly say that I disliked RE4 in comparison to the other RE titles. It's not because I disliked the controls, because if you ask me, they were fine. The reason I disliked RE4 was the fact that it didn't play at all like a Resident Evil title.

Resident Evil 4 changed the series to nothing more than aim and shoot, aim and shoot. If I wanted to do that then I would go play an FPS game as they seem that was where they went towards just with the same controls as your average RE game. In RE4 there was no having to save bullets and hope you wouldn't run out like in the usual RE games as their was a very high over abundance in ammo. Infact, about halfway into the game RE4 seemed to take pride in locking you in a specific room and then forcing you to kill the hordes and hordes of enemies until the doors finally unlocked. That's how abundant ammo supply is.

Now RE5 has the exact same gameplay. However on RE5, I didn't play it in single player. I've only played RE5 so far in split screen multiplayer as I've yet to download it on my PS3. I do like RE5 more than 4 though. It's not because I like the gameplay better, because it's the same. I just like RE5 much more solely because the multiplayer is so fun. For some reason, that type of gameplay just seems so much better when you're with someone else. Actually. Almost any game would be better if you're playing it with someone else.

I don't think the controls in RE4 and RE5 are bad at all though. It's the style that was chosen. Think of if you had the same type of control as your average FPS and enemies were kept with the exact same handicap as they do on RE4? The game would be boring, would it not?

[poloplayr]

Just tried out the PS3 demo.... hmm.... is this what I have been waiting for.... I cannot remember the last time I was this underwhelmed by a game.... *sigh*

It just ....isn't fun.

[Kid Fenris]

I'm just curious about why there are people here bashing the earlier Castlevania games with some false bs about how the controls are so greatly enhance on later games.

We have Kid Fenris who praises Rondo of Blood's control but says everything prior sucks in comparison. Did you start playing someones save data who had Maria unlocked and you've never played as Richter? Richter controls almost the exact same way as Simon, Trevor, and Christopher. However the only difference is that Richter, just like Eric and John can change direction and attack while in mid air.

So the only difference is that the controls are better in Rondo of Blood than in previous Castlevania games? That's pretty much what I said. Rondo also has better level design and, of course, Maria.


Also. It's called having some skill. When jumping forward in a Castlevania game, part of the skill is knowing how far the character jumps forward when jumping. The original Castlevania controls are realistic, not clunky. How about you guys go jump forward and then magically position yourself to land somewhere behind where your jump was originally intended.

Yes, the games aren't poorly made, they're realistic! That's why they let you throw huge magical cross boomerangs and fight giant bats and floating medusa heads...just like in real life!

[Sotenga]

I've played the demo a few times, and enjoy the first level a lot. But Potatosackboy in the second never seems to drop for me and I always end up with my head on the ground, thus ending the demo. Stupid bullet sponge he is. I WILL prevail one of these days, but it's a bit rediculous when I use both grenades and all of my ammo in conjuction with the barrels around and he's still kicking. Maybe I need more headshots... :S

You're not the only one who's had trouble either. When I finally did beat that bastard, I somehow had five grenades (one of them incendiary), and I just threw all of them at the bastard. I think I mixed in a few headshots, but he went down after the last grenade I had. For frag grenades, the best results occur when you toss them a few feet in front of him. I believe the fire grenades explode directly, though I don't remember.

But yeah, the chainsaw guy is really obnoxious. I think he ended my game at least five times by killing either Chris or Sheva. Whoever had the bright idea of giving you a rifle but not a shotgun for that part of the demo is a dingus. >(

I did beat the first scenario my first shot around, though. I couldn't kill the Executioner, and he nearly sliced the heroes down, so I just became incredibly evasive and kept running from everything until the scene ended.

Overall, I like what I see! I haven't played RE4 in a really long time, but this is similar yet different to its predecessor. I intend to get this one soon, though as I'm not a giant RE fan, it probably won't be an immediate priority. However, it will be a part of my collection, likely sometime after I beat the Wii Edition of RE4 (which I've yet to do).

[kupomogli]

Yes, the games aren't poorly made, they're realistic! That's why they let you throw huge magical cross boomerangs and fight giant bats and floating medusa heads...just like in real life!

You forgot how the characters can also jump their own height.


So the only difference is that the controls are better in Rondo of Blood than in previous Castlevania games? That's pretty much what I said. Rondo also has better level design and, of course, Maria.

Yes Rondo has "slightly better control." Being able to turn while you jump or move forward only if you jump straight in the air. If you jump forward while moving, you're going to end up where you're going to end. No changing where you'll land like in SotN and onward unless playing as Maria. You also forgot how Rondo has the exact same control as Bloodlines except with Bloodlines you can attack in multiple directions, John can latch his whip onto ceilings, and Eric can do a high jump. So Bloodlines is the one that has better controls if you ask me. Maria doesn't count because she's easy mode.

Rondo having better level design isn't the reason as well. Maybe it's because Rondo is immensely easier than every other CV game aside from SCV4 that you like it(and mid game SCV4 it isn't even as difficult actually?)

[Kid Fenris]

You also forgot how Rondo has the exact same control as Bloodlines except with Bloodlines you can attack in multiple directions, John can latch his whip onto ceilings, and Eric can do a high jump. So Bloodlines is the one that has better controls if you ask me. Maria doesn't count because she's easy mode.

Bloodlines came out after Rondo, so that doesn't really disrupt my view of the Castlevania series sucking until Rondo arrived.


Rondo having better level design isn't the reason as well. Maybe it's because Rondo is immensely easier than every other CV game aside from SCV4 that you like it(and mid game SCV4 it isn't even as difficult actually?)

I like Rondo because it's a well-made game and because it doesn't revolve around boring levels and controls too stiff to adequately navigate those levels.

[heybtbm]

Wasn't this thread about Resident Evil 5 at some point?

[kaedesdisciple]

Wasn't this thread about Resident Evil 5 at some point?

Yea, sorry, I think it was my comparison between the unforgiving control schemes of RE and Castlevania that threw us WAY off track. My bad.

[kupomogli]

Bloodlines came out after Rondo, so that doesn't really disrupt my view of the Castlevania series sucking until Rondo arrived.

I was actually thinking of the Dracula X release date.


I like Rondo because it's a well-made game and because it doesn't revolve around boring levels and controls too stiff to adequately navigate those levels.

And again. Even though you can turn direction in midair, you can't move while midair so just like the original CV, any jump you make in a direction will put you in the exact same place as any other jump from similar elevation.

[The 1 2 P]

I just watched one of the free IGN videos on the 360's marketplace about beating the two bosses(chainsaw dude and ax man) from the demo. Good Paul, you have to damn near hit them with everything in the map before they die. Three to five explosive barrels, grenades, an electrifying generator, tons of weapon ammo and the kitchen sink. No wonder I haven't beat them yet. Of course they probably wouldn't seem so tough if I had already mastered the controls.

[carlcarlson]

I just watched one of the free IGN videos on the 360's marketplace about beating the two bosses(chainsaw dude and ax man) from the demo. Good Paul, you have to damn near hit them with everything in the map before they die. Three to five explosive barrels, grenades, an electrifying generator, tons of weapon ammo and the kitchen sick. No wonder I haven't beat them yet. Of course they probably wouldn't seem so tough if I had already mastered the controls.

I liked the demo but to me that is really dumb. I don't care if these are some sort of mutant zombie monsters or whatever, five headshots should drop the bastards. At the very least they should become sluggish and start to flail about after a bit. It just seems sloppy and lazy as it is.