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
Capcom cooperative action TPS plunging Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar into a virus-infected Africa. Published by Capcom, released in Europe in March 2009. Local split-screen and online two-player co-op, action TPS gunplay, varied African environments, direct sequel scenario to Resident Evil 4, and Mercenaries mode. Saga evolution toward action.
Resident Evil 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.
Resident Evil 5, Capcom's action horror that pushes the two-player co-op formula and spectacle, a big commercial success that marked the series' action turn. Very widespread, its collector interest is modest; the Asian pressing remains harder to find. An accessible piece for a horror set of the generation, whose desirability rests on its place in the saga rather than scarcity.
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 Resident Evil 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.
