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Resident Evil 5: Versus Mode Review for Xbox 360

Resident Evil 5: Versus Mode Review for Xbox 360

Resident Evil Goes Competitive

When the Resident Evil 5 Versus downloadable content debuted on April 7, much was made of the fact that the game had not yet been out for a month, and DLC was already being thrust at fans that were probably just finishing up the game. However, what really riled fans up was the persistent rumor that this DLC was not even true additional content, but instead an unlock code that opened content already on the disc.

Resident Evil 5: Versus Mode screenshot

Either way, the Resident Evil 5 Versus downloadable content has been embroiled in controversy since it was released. Despite all the talk, Resident Evil 5 Versus Mode is great for fans of online multiplayer, and if you crave competitive play, this DLC may be worth your investment.

There are two main modes in Resident Evil 5’s Versus Mode: Survivor and Slayer. Survivor is the most competitive and has you running around familiar locations looking for other players to kill. You will get points for hitting (not just killing) other players and can get bonuses for extra hits, kills, and streaks. However, if you get hit or killed, you will lose points you accumulated by killing others. The trick here involves killing people, and staying alive at the same time, and the result is some very intense gameplay.

The other mode is Slayers. This mode involves killing as many Majini as possible during a time limit. Like Survivor, Slayers gives you a base amount of points for hitting Majini, and bonus points for killing them and going on uninterrupted streaks. You also get bonus points for killing special Majini, such as the black-clad, axe-wielding baddie from the first level of the story mode. Although Slayer bears more than a passing resemblance to the unlockable Mercenaries mode, the dynamics are definitely different when you are playing online with up to four different people.

Resident Evil 5: Versus Mode screenshot

In addition to the regular versions of these modes, there is also a team version you can play to rack up cooperative points instead of just points for yourself. However, the team modes don’t really add much to the gameplay, especially since working together can actually make you more of a target in Survivor mode. Still, it is nice to have the choice to work together or solo.

As far as characters are concerned, there are a total of four different characters you can play as, each with alternate costumes and weapons schemes. These four characters include (Spoiler alert!) Chris, Sheva, Wesker, and Jill. Each character has two or three bonus outfits, which brings the total roster count to ten. Fans of older Resident Evil games will be happy to know that both Wesker and Chris have their old STARS outfits available for unlocking. Playing with these characters doesn’t really impact the gameplay per se, but since these characters must be unlocked by gaining points through match rankings, if you really want to earn Weskers’ STARS outfit (which will cost you 10,000 points), it may be enough of an incentive to keep you in the game. (Alert over)

Resident Evil 5: Versus Mode screenshot

One thing that really concerned me about Resident Evil 5’s Versus Mode was the controls. While playing other shooters like Gears of War 3 and Halo 3 is fast-paced and fun, I was worried that the stop and shoot mechanics in Resident Evil 5 would hinder the frenzied feeling that online shooters have become so famous for.

However, the controls were not as much of a hindrance in Versus Mode as I had originally anticipated, and it actually enhances the gameplay by forcing you to think strategically instead of just running and gunning. Instead of just running around looking for people/Majini to shoot, the controls force you to stake out a place that is open enough you can reach targets, but shielded enough enemies can’t just run up on you and attack.

Resident Evil 5: Versus Mode screenshot

Sound and visuals are essentially the same as they were in the Resident Evil 5 story mode, mainly because Versus Mode uses many of the same assets. All of the locations are the same, and even though there are some new characters, most of the visuals in the Versus Mode have been seen before. The audio has a few new elements, mainly in the form of dialog that tells you what to do and reminds you of time deadlines. One thing that I definitely did appreciate about the sound in this game was the lack of constant character talking. Anyone who has played Left 4 Dead knows how annoying it can be when you are playing an online match and the various characters keep telling you every time they reload or need help. This is why, in this case, lack of voiceover is actually a good thing.

The decision to release the Versus Mode separately as DLC may never be very popular, but these extra modes still manage to be a lot of fun. Despite the criticism over when and how it was released, Versus Mode for Resident Evil 5 is a worthwhile investment for fans of competitive multiplayer gameplay who can see themselves playing online for hours to come. But, if you have already beaten Resident Evil 5 and put it on the proverbial shelf with all of your other conquests, I don’t think Versus Mode is really worth pulling Resident Evil 5 out again, not to mention the 400 points it costs to download.

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 4.1 Graphics
Graphics are just as good as they were in the regular game modes, because most assets are recycled. 3.7 Control
Although I was initially concerned about the point-and-shoot mechanic in a multiplayer setting, it works well and helps set this multiplayer experience apart from others. 3.5 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The peppy level music is nice, and it is actually good not to have characters yapping all the time (like in Left 4 Dead). 2.8 Play Value
This really depends on how much you value an online experience outside of co-op. If you love competitive interaction with people online, this is well worth your money, but if you are satisfied with your single-player experience, there is no real reason to invest in DLC. 3.5 Overall Rating – Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

  • Versus allows up to four players to match wits in online battles across two very different game types.
  • Slayer’s Rule is a point-based game that challenges players to kill Majinis.
  • In Survivor’s Rule, players hunt the most dangerous game, each other! Players can begin the hunt as Chris, Sheva, or other secret characters, and choose from either one-on-one or two-versus-two team matches for either of the two gameplay styles.

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