Resident Evil 5 is intense co-op action in crisis-torn Africa with online or local co-op, spectacular mutations and Chris and Sheva. Less horrifying than classic RE but extremely fun in pairs.
Your verdict
Category
Survival2 players16+
Co-op
Split screen
Description
Fifth main entry following Chris Redfield and BSAA agent Sheva Alomar in Africa, tracking bioterrorism and their former leader Wesker. Published by Capcom, released in March 2009 exclusively in Japan. Mandatory local or online co-op, real-time nine-slot inventory management, Majini enemies infected by the Las Plagas parasites, Mercenaries and bonus chapters, volcanic finale confronting Wesker.
Biohazard 5 review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
3/5
Story
★★★★★
"Solid"
The crushing African sun, saturated light and raw contrast: the game moves horror into an unexpected sunlit setting, without losing any of its tension. The grotesque design of the enemies and the cinematic staging impress. This visual direction, polished and spectacular, modernises action survival.
The Japanese edition of Resident Evil 5, under the Biohazard name, continuing the series' action turn in co-op. A worldwide best-seller, the Japanese disc version remains a target for collectors of Capcom's Japanese pressings under their original title and dressing. Its interest lies in this regional identity rather than in scarcity or a high price.
Better with friends
Built for two, this spectacular survival game blooms in co-op, where you share ammo and healing while juggling the inventory on the fly. Mutual aid is constant: covering each other back to back against the hordes tightens the bond and forces decisions under pressure. Playable in local split-screen, it avoids server dependence and stays a great shared thrill to restart without hesitation.
Is Biohazard 5 still worth playing in 2026?
Resident Evil 5 tipped the series toward pure action, and that is the angle from which to approach it today. Fans of slow horror will find few chills here, but the game proves devastatingly effective in co-op, whether online or local. Crossing a crisis-stricken Africa alongside Sheva, managing ammo as a pair and chaining spectacular fights delivers a nervy pleasure that holds up. The AI-controlled partner stays its weak link. Played as a duo, it remains an excellent explosive ride.
