Resident Evil 5: Versus Mode Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: X360, PS3	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Capcom	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Capcom	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Apr. 7, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-4	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Mature	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

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 $4.99 it costs to download.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

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.