Resident Evil 5 Head-to-Head

Content and Control

Resident Evil 5 is a hefty package of features and content, all of which orbits around the story campaign. Both the PS3 and 360 versions offer mostly equivalent experiences in terms of content. You can play through the 6 chapters of Story Mode alone or in co-op with a friend. You can play co-op online, through system link, or in local splitscreen. As you progress you'll earn points for upgrading weapons, collect story files, and unlock cutscenes which can be viewed as one uninterrupted movie. You can also unlock figurines of all the different characters in the game.

Beating the game unlocks a new difficulty setting and Mercenaries Mode, a returning favorite from Resident Evil 4. There is no online support for this mode currently, but you will be able to play in splitscreen with a friend. The PS3 and 360 versions both offer the same Achievements/Trophies to keep playing after an initial run-through. Completionists will have a field day with all the unlockables and extras in Resident Evil 5. After a speedy run-through of the game my total completion percentage was 25%. All of these modes and features are available in the PS3 and 360 version of the game.

The game controls similarly to Resident Evil 4, and it works equally as well on both machines. You'll walk at a deliberate pace by default, but holding the A/X button sends your character into a sprint. You'll have to stop all movement when you go into aiming mode. You'll hold the left trigger of L1 button, then fire with the right trigger or R1. You can use your knife while in aiming mode with the Right Bumper of R2 button. Chris can also execute context-sensitive melee attacks at close range with the X/Square button. Enemy movement is typically slow and the inability to move while aiming keeps the gameplay focused on fine-tuned shots and this works well on both controllers. I tend to prefer the PS3's analog sticks for shooters, but the game is equally playable on the 360. Whichever controller feels best in your hand should be your choice.

Capcom has done an admirable job of matching features and essential content in both versions of the game. You'll get all the modes, unlockables, and bonuses no matter who your console sweetheart is. The game controls just as well on the PS3 and 360, and with four different control types to choose from you should be able to find something that works for you on either machine.

Overall

1. Xbox 360 & PS3