The storyline for this latest instalment in the Resident Evil franchise is delightfully daft and over-the-top, but its single-player mode suffers from a lack of focus.

RE5 bursts with ghouls, gunplay, familiar quirks, and genuine drama. Here's why the series' Xbox 360 debut is a must-play - and the spring's bloodiest, buddiest entertainment. Some games break you in slow - an opening cutscene, a lengthy tutorial, some easy introductory battles.

+ An action spectacular with terrific production values; + Excellent co-op game

- Item-management and control issues; ? Will Evil arise from the ashes of Raccoon City

Resident Evil 5 is the latest addition to Capcom's once survival horror, now 3rd person shooter franchise. If you've stepped away from the series at some point over the past few years, a HGH-pumped Chris Redfield and his anatomically perfect partner, Sheva, have replaced the familiar puzzle-solving...

you're a big zombie movie/killing fan; test; test

you've been away from the series for years; test; test

We haven't tried out the PS3 version, although the Xbox 360 edition proved to be more than satisfying, both in terms of graphics and gameplay. We honestly hope Capcom decides to deliver a PC port, worthy of the game's console versions. Hm, perhaps it's high time you added mouse support, eh guys?

Co-op is the defining moment of innovation for the franchise; stunning visuals; monster design creepy as usual; terrific atmosphere; a great survival horror experience

The single-player suffers on account of AI slip-ups; we expected more eye-openers in the game's narrative; not quite as replayable as RE 4

Lark Anderson fights bioterrorism in this video review for Resident Evil 5. Downloadable Versus Mode adds two online multiplayer game types to complement Resident Evil 5's online co-op play. For details, see GameSpot's reviews blog entry.

Beautifully detailed graphics and character animations; Having a partner enhances the fun and excitement while adding tension; Real-time menu system keeps you immersed; Plenty to do once you've beaten it

Frustrating hurdles to leap when joining an online game; Slow; deliberate movement and gunplay may not appeal to everyone; Can't swap weapons with a human teammate online

There's no doubting that Capcom are one of the most respected gaming developers in the world. Their broad gaming library stems from fighting titles, action-adventure, horror and puzzles and they set the standard for stylistic experiences set in fantasy worlds dictated by outrageous story arcs and...

First of all, a little background information. In my entire reviewing tenure I have only ever given top marks out to two games, Super Mario Galaxy and Resident Evil 4 , with the latter being one of my personal favourites of all time.

Japanese crafted gameplay is a very different experience to that of most Western developed games. There's a clear goal from the outset, especially when said Japanese development studio (or publisher) are dealing with a beloved franchise.

Absolutely stunning visuals; Good voice-acting (for a change; Sheva is an added bonus as an AI teammate (for a change; Cut-scenes are directed with uber-style; Bosses look awesome

Screen tearing everywhere; Invisible walls get annoying; Some may still be put off by the awkward controls; Intrusive HUD and other elements detract from overall immersion; There's no merchant :( Bring him back

The long wait is finally over and Resident Evil 5 is finally out around the globe! But has Capcom's latest entry in their popular horror franchise lived up to its huge hype or is the undead series mutating too much from its origins to be true survival horror fun?

It must be stressed that Resident Evil 5 is a very enjoyable action game. Despite its flaws, there is little here that will drive anyone crazy, and the whole proceeding, right down to the clunky control scheme, feels satisfyingly polished and solid.

Gorgeous presentation; solid, visceral shooting action; unlockables provide replayability; co-op is decently implemented and provides a good deal of fun; Mercenaries mode

Confused story; tank-like controls; lacks uniqueness; ultimately forgettable