Thanks to the vagaries of geography, Japan Xbox owners were able to download a playable demo of Resident Evil 5 about four days ago - and it doesn't look like Resi fans in Europe or America will be able to get hold of it any time soon. But thanks to a bit of science and cunning, I managed to get my hands on the demo today - and it's incredible.
The essential play mechanics remain unchanged from RE4: the over-the-shoulder perspective's the same, as is the run-aim-shoot control system. The biggest addition comes in the shapely form of Sheva, who follows you around loyally, offing zombies and handing you ammo should you begin to run low. Take a hit, and she'll heal you too. Her AI is pretty good - not Elika from Prince of Persia, but not as annoyingly dim as Natalia from Goldeneye either, which is good news.
Despite the controversial setting (a particularly run-down borough in Africa, it would appear) it's business as usual: fast-moving zombies with a variety of weapons (blunt, sharp and petrol driven), all lusting after your blood. And if you thought the graphics in RE4 were good, wait until you see these - they're incredible, with subtle and disturbing animation throughout. The zombies' reactions as you fire away at them with your revolver is varied and convincing, and the devastating effect of your shotgun genuinely packs a punch - you've never seen heads explode like this.
There are fantastic incidental details too - it's surprising, for example, just how much of the scenery can be shot and destroyed. Obvious things like windows and doors will splinter after a shot or two, but try aiming for the little pyramid of watermelons stacked up in the first room you enter - the effect is unexpected and oddly comical, given the horror that lurks elsewhere.
RE5's setting may be sunny and well-lit (at least in the pair of levels I played), but make no mistake; this is a pant-fillingly tense game, and more than worthy of the 'Black Hawk Down with zombies' allusion drawn by Jun Takeuchi, the game's producer, last year. It's tense, gory, and every bit as fun to play as RE4 ever was.
RE5 may not turn out to be another revolutionary instalment as 4 was, but it's certainly shaping up to be one of the must-have titles of 2009. With any luck, the finished product will hit the shelves some time in March - and I can't wait.
