Make sure you have a headset -- or if you can afford to, do a local LAN environment, with two PS3s and TVs connected to each other. Communication is vital here, and thinking through strategies together will help you survive. For example, when facing against RE5's new chainsaw guy (he's real fast, watch out!), James and I thought up a plan. Because I had the sniper rifle, James would bait the chainsaw-wielding psycho on the ground. I'd make my way up a dilapidated building. Then, I can snipe the baddie, making him fall to the ground. James can then go up to the boss and use Sheva's devastating finishing attack.
This kind of cooperation is at the heart of RE5's utterly compelling gameplay. In one level, we were stuck in a small shack, with enemies trying to break in. As they came swarming in, we played back-to-back, with each player responsible for covering one half of the area. Perhaps a situation like this would be too overwhelming alone -- but with two players, we felt a bit more confident.
A single press of a button will bring up a radar, showing where your partner is. If at all possible, don't try to stray too far: your abilities are far greater combined than alone. For example, if Sheva is being grabbed, Chris can press Circle and punch the enemy off her. Some lethal blows can be slightly healed with a Gears-style pat on the back. (Although decapitations can't be recovered from, sorry.) Medical sprays that are used with both characters near each other will heal them both. And, players can swap any inventory items with each other in real-time.
RE5 encourages players to play together, but also loves tearing them apart. There are many moments in the path which will force Chris and Sheva to part ways. Of course, that doesn't end the cooperation between these two heroes. You must always keep an eye out for each other, as enemies that catch one player off-guard can be sniped away. One sequence had me overlooking Sheva, as she tried to unlock a door. Enemies were rushing in from the staircase behind her, and I had to keep on shooting them down as she tried to destroy the lock. It's fast, intense and incredibly rewarding to finish these sequences.
I didn't make much mention of the game's new Action control scheme, because I'm perfectly fine with classic RE4-style controls. However, those that lament the awkward tank-like movement of the previous game will love what Capcom has done for RE5. You won't be able to move and shoot at the same time, but you're free to strafe and move in a far more natural way -- if you're so inclined.
With beautiful graphics, terrific atmosphere, and a genuinely fun co-op experience, RE5 is shaping up to be quite amazing. We can't wait to play it again.
