As a Survival Horror fan and a huge Resident Evil fan I am constantly hearing from gamers that Resident Evil is no longer a Survival Horror franchise. The fan boy in me cringes at these remarks, but I must admit the basic themes of this franchise have been through a major revamp. Progressively, the series has shifted away from its Horror themes. I am not dropping any bombs here and saying Resident Evil 5 is not a Survival Horror game but what I will say is that this franchise is not as scary as it used to be.

5.) Where are the Zombies?

This is the big question fans have been asking since Resident Evil 4.  Resident Evil was originally THE ZOMBIE GAME, which made it terrifying. A putrefying corpse that knows nothing but hunger used to scare the crap out of me as a kid. Back in 1996 when the game was released Zombies were scary, now they are a novelty. Which is part of the reason they were nixed from the franchise I am sure.

Instead of Zombies in Resident Evil 4 and 5, we have LIVING individuals who are injected with parasites that attack the brain, making them totally psycho. The parasites continue to grow to the point of bursting from the head, killing the host. Although the concept of human experimentation is still quite frightening, I think the idea of a foreign entity growing in a person to the point of bursting out of them has been a long time Science Fiction theme. Alien is perfect example of this, although the splat was through the chest instead of the head.

4.) It’s a fine line between Sci-Fi and Horror!

Horror and Science Fiction are very closely related genres, and if you have a film with both elements you have to walk a fine line on which theme should be paramount. Films like 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Alien are films with fantastic horror elements, but the  Sci-Fi theme’s of Futurism, and Space Travel are much more overpowering; deeming them Sci-Fi films.

The Resident Evil franchise has had a consistent Science Fiction theme, one that is a vital part of the main plot line, which is Umbrella Corp. A super secret corporation that specializes in radical experimentation. If you drop the theme of a haunted mansion (or city in the case of Resident Evil 2, and 3), and zombies but keep the theme of Umbrella - than you have a story based on labs and experiments, which in and of itself (sorry people) is a Science Fiction based plot line.

3.) Survival Horror Street Cred

More and more, horror films are getting more violent, and more shocking. Today there are horror films in the movie theater that would have only existed as independent films a few decades ago. Survival Horror is the same - the games in this genre have progressively become more and more disturbing, and if your game isn’t truly shocking it’s going to lose its street cred.

Survival Horror fans love violence, it is the bread and butter of the franchise but in the past few years it seems Resident Evil has been toned down. It is true that Capcom is trying to reach a bigger audience with this franchise, and the effects are clear. Resident Evil games now play like action shooters like Gears of War, and although both are violent they certainly don’t have the feel of Survival Horror.

2.)  Location, Location, Location

Part of the strength of the original Resident Evil game and why it was genuinely frightening, was simply because you were confined to a single space; in this case the Spencer Mansion.  The felling of being trapped is one of the oldest themes and most potent of the horror genre.  The idea that there just may be a chance you will never leave that mansion alive added a feeling of dread to the game play. With Resident Evil 5 you have large open and expansive environments that nullify that feeling of being trapped, and ultimately detract from the terror.

1.) Action on Steroids

If you look at any great Horror film - what makes it great is the helplessness you feel while watching it. Whether it is Jason, or Freddy, or a little girl that crawls out of your T.V. set, they all have something in common; they can’t be killed! It is this theme of helplessness that is the Horror genre’s foundation, and Survival Horror is exactly the same.

With the Resident Evil 4 reboot it is hard to feel helpless when you have Leon S. Kennedy A.K.A. killing machine behind a shotgun picking off crazed villagers like they are those cardboard ducks at a carnival. The same can be said about Resident Evil 5 when you look at Chris Redfield, an all around BA military guy, you don’t feel quite so scared playing this game in the dark. The Characters in the Resident Evil games don’t seem quite so vulnerable any more, and that is part of the reason the franchise just doesn’t quite have the scares it used to.

Don’t get me wrong I still love this franchise I just have to except the fact that it has changed, and in some ways for the better. There are still Survival Horror themes in this franchise but it just does not feel the same. What do you guys think?

If you are feeling nostalgic

Xbox owners rejoice, because for the week of January 26th the official Resident Evil 5 demo will be available live. The demo will be on Xbox live Monday January 26th, and will be available for one week.  A Resident Evil 5 demo on PS3 should be on the way later, but we haven’t heard anything on it yet.

The Demo which was released in Japan last year a little before Turkey day, will now be coming to the US on Xbox live.  It will feature two exclusive levels from the game, both of them you can play co-op with Chris Redfield, and Sheva Alomar.

The Shanty Town, and Assembly Place are said to be the two levels you will get to play in.  You will also be encountering the menacing kinda zombie, kinda not enemies in this demo the Majini.

So Xbox owners enjoy yourselves, and try not to rub it in too much because I think a PS3 demo will be following soon after.

Below is a video of what you can expect from the demo.

Japanese Resident Evil 5 Demo on YouTube

More and more 2009 is looking like a good year! Capcom is part of the reason for this, as they will be releasing some big titles the first half of the year. Here is our preview of a few major titles that will be released from Capcom the first half of 2009.

ENJOY!

Link to video on YouTube

As the year is quickly coming to a close, we eagerly look forward to the new year and what is to come from the gaming industry. 2008 has been huge for games, and developers have their work cut out for them in the coming year. Here at NBS with great curiosity and anxiousness we have looked into a couple projects and from what we have seen 2009 has potential!

If you are wondering what is to come in 2009, here is our list of games that we think deserve a look.

10. Batman: Arkham Asylum
Developer: Rocksteady Studios
Due: 2009

For all of the Batman fans, who are waiting for a game to do the Dark Knight justice this one just may be it. Based on the popular graphic novel this game is a dark, gritty journey through everyone’s favorite funny farm. In Batman Arkham Asylum our caped crusader will have to face some of his most deadly foes; including Killer Croc, The Riddler, and The Joker.  In terms of game play you will not only need to use Batman’s combat skills, but also his forensic knowledge, and tech gear to progress through the game.

9. Wii Punch-Out
Developer: Nintendo
Due: 2009

Based on one of the most beloved classic NES games, Punch-Out is back on the Nintendo Wii.  Mac will be returning in this title as well as his classic competitors; Glass joe, Von Kaiser, and King Hippo. The same type of game play from the classic version will be carried over in this title but with the infusion of motion control. Although the art direction seems more cartoon-like in this title rather then realistic, it still has promise.

8. Aliens: Colonial Marines
Developer: Gearbox Software
Due: 2009

Based on the Sci-Fi classic film series Aliens Colonial Marines will pick up where Aliens 3 left off. The plot of this title is based on a search-and-rescue squad in search of Lt. Ellen Ripley, who was last seen on the Sulaco. In this FPS you will play as one of four marines who each have a different weapon. You are able to transition between the four marines, but you have to be careful which you choose because one may be better suited then the other for a specific missions. The classic Aliens will be featured in this game including facehuggers, drones, and the queen. This game is worth a look for Alien fans and FPS fans as well.

7. God of War 3
Developer: Sony Santa Monica
Due: 2009

The first God of War in full HD, we will get to see Kratos rip his enemies to shreds in full 1080p. There is not much information out on God of War 3, but from what we have surmised this third installment should be the end of Kratos quest. This title is most likely going to be released end of 2009, possibly 2010.

6. The Sims 3
Developer: EA GAmes
Due: February 2009

In The Sims 3 the scope of your control will be broader then in any previous game. You will have control over an entire neighborhood, in which you can observe the inhabitants, and pop in and out on their day to day lives. When designing your own little universe your customization options will be vast, as you can customize it as well as it’s inhabitants. When designing your characters you will be able to create their physical attributes, as well as personality traits. If you love customization options you will want to get a look at this game as it has more then any other previous title.

5. Star Wars: The Old Republic
Developer: BioWare
Due: 2009

After many rumors and whispers it is confirmed that the MMO title form another LucasArts, and Bioware pairing is in the works. Star Wars The Old Republic will have the two major classes; the Jedi, and the Sith, as well as others for the Star Wars folklore.  Along with a deep storyline, character development will be dynamic as you can choose a path of light or darkness, in which every decision you make has consequence.

4. Bioshock2: Sea of Dreams
Developer: 2K Games
Due: 2009

The second installment to the successful FPS,  BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams has been confirmed, and is expected in 2009.  Very little is known about this title but from what we have seen this game could quite possibly be  prequel, although this is just speculation.  Expect this title late in 2009.

3. F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin
Developer: Monolith Productions
Due: February 10, 2009

In the sequel to uber scary FPS survival horror title, everyone’s favorite psychotic ghost girl (Alma) is back, and she is screwing with more minds then ever before. In F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin you will explore the city that was annihilated by the cataclysmic explosion  of the previous game, in search of answers to the Alma mystery. The same slow-mo feature will be available in this title as you face off against more replica clones, as well as new enemies; living and dead. Get ready to jump out of your skin a second time, around February 2009.

2. Final Fantasy xIII
Developer: Square Enix
Due: 2009

The latest installment in the classic RPG series, has at long last been announced. In one of the biggest surprises this year Final Fantasy XIII was confirmed for release on PS3, as well as Xbox 360 to the dismay of Sony. In FFXIII you will be playing in real time, and like in previous titles you will rely on teamwork to progress, using a combination of magic, swords, and guns. Combat will be based around coordinated combo’s and also using the features of each environment to amplify inflicted damage. This title could potentially be the best yet from Final Fantasy.

1. Resident Evil 5
Developer: Capcom
Due: March 13, 2009

The latest Installment in the premiere survival horror series Resident Evil 5 is the most anticipated release of 2009.  Much like its predecessor RE4, this game will have the same over the shoulder view that helped make it so successful. RE5 will revolve around co-operative play, in which you can play as two characters; the Zombie Vet Chris Redfield, and new comer to the franchise Sheva Alomar. If you choose to play alone a highly advanced AI will take the place of Sheva, and If either character bites the dust the game ends. Resident Evil 5 is most likely to be the most visually stunning of any game in the series, and the most enjoyable in terms of game play. A new story, a new continent, and a new way to waste hordes of mutated products of Umbrelle Corp. Resident Evil 5 could be another extremely popular title in this franchise.

Lately there has been a windfall of Resident Evil 5 content released, as we are drawing closer to the games release. Today fans have just gotten another little nugget of joy to nibble on. Thanks to Capcom, we are getting the first real glimpse of the Resident Evil 5 box art for Xbox360, and PS3.

The box art we are looking at is supposedly the same art we will see on the date of the games release, as Capcom has said “This art will dominate North American store shelves when the game launches on Friday, March 13th, 2009.”

It seems the cover confirms that the main plot line of the game will revolve around Sheva, and Chris, as I am sure you have assumed. I am just hopping an image of the collectors edition comes out soon because that’s the one I will be drooling over.

Here’s a link to Capcom’s post on box art!

On the eve of the most glutinous day of the year we have found out that the Japanese will be getting a nice holiday treat from Capcom. Today we discovered that the Resident Evil 5 Demo is set for release Dec. 5th in Japan. The demo will be available only on the Xbox 360, and only to the land of the rising sun.  Sorry homeboys it seems we will not be seeing a Resident Evil 5 demo in the good old USA yet.

RE5 Development is said to be going so well that it will be released a whole week early then originally scheduled. Here in the U.S. RE5 is set for release March 13th, as previously scheduled. Although we have heard nothing of a demo in North America, we are set to get one for the 360, and PS3 but when is still unknown.

So while we are getting stuffed this Thanksgiving just know that Japanese people will be getting stuffed as well, but with the knowledge that they will be getting a RE5 demo Dec. 5th, and be getting the full game a week earlier then previously scheduled.  2 Japan, United States ZIP.

The fifth installment in Capcom’s super Survival Horror series Resident Evil 5 will be attacking the shelves March 13th, but until that day comes the ever growing Resident Evil 5 popularity cloud continues to swell. It has just gotten a little bigger with the release of the new screenshots on Capcom’s blog.

Just to be sure all you guys are up to speed. Here is a quick list of the major RE5 info Capcom has released on their Blog.

10/3/08   The first batch of RE5 screen shots
10/7/08   The One up show on RE5 co-op play
10/8/08   The TGS RE 5 Trailer
11/15/08 The new batch of RE5 screen shots released

The new batch of Screen shots show some images of Chris and Sheva. Also some Zomibe dogs whose heads open up and reveal…well in a word teeth. They also show a giant deformed bat, that seems to splash some type of goo on Sheva.

These are in my humble opinion the five must have upcoming survival horror games. This is for the zombie slayers, monster hunters, and lovers of mayhem.  It was our intention to post this video on Halloween, but better late than never.

Enjoy

Click here to see the top 5 must have upcoming survival horror games.

Get ready to salivate! Capcom has released four new Resident Evil 5 Screenshots, and they seem as cool as fans of the series had hoped. The four images show a variety of game play; everything from combat, to racing.  Of the four image the hooded mystery executioner seems to be the most interesting. Fans have been waiting with batted breath, and it seems the release of the photos will help dull the anticipation…at least for now.