The demo for Capcom’s eagerly awaited zombie-slaying sequel Resident Evil 5 has finally been released. For the first time, Xbox 360 owners will be able to play a Resident Evil game and for a short time the demo is available exclusively via Xbox Live
The game uses a similar 3rd person, over-the-shoulder shooting mechanics as Resident Evil 4, but teams the player with an AI-controlled comrade who will help you fight off the nasties in an African town struck by some kind of mutating virus.
The demo features two levels from the finished game – an opening sequence in which the player is besieged by machete-wielding hordes and a shanty town area familiar to anyone who saw the preview videos released late last year. Single player, online co-op and split-screen offline co-op modes are playable on both levels, with the co-op player taking over from your AI buddy.
Playstation 3 owners who are feeling left out should take heart – Capcom is cosying up to its new Microsoft friends now, but a PS3 version of the demo will be available from February the 5th.
Available now | £free | Xbox Live Marketplace
Tried this last night, awful clunky controls.
If your lucky you’ll manage to stop 2 or 3 infected with a single pistol clip, which only leaves another 20 chasing you whilst you run around looking for ammo. Switching weapons through the dumb inventory system is absolute suicide.
Resident Evil fans and those not expecting smooth action and playability will probably be well-in here, but new-comers will be running back to CoD, Gears and/or Resistence, before the second kneck bite lands.
Shame, it looks ‘bloody’ great,
AsciiSmoke
Yes, the controls feel as though Capcom have tried to mimic the original Resi controls while still trying to turn the game into more of an actioner. Classic Cake vs eating it error, basically.
The way the zombies (I know they aren’t zombies.. but they are really, aren’t they?) seem to pause between attacks seems like they know you are going to have trouble turning around, reloading and aiming and are giving you a sporting chance. Either that or its just clunky AI.