As an African-American male in today’s society, it absolutely pains me to see racism become so pervasive in video games. Sure, I’ll shoot the black zombies in Resident Evil 5, and I’ll absolutely love doing it, but behind these hazel brown eyes, a little black man (with a tiny hat, even) inside me cries- which is why it’s absolutely APPALLING to see Left 4 Dead 2 follow RE5’s pattern and include some black zombies.

Despicable!

The Houston Chronicle’s Willie Jefferson was quick to point out that several of the zombies in Left 4 Dead 2 are black. Sure, a lot, if not most of the zombies are white, but Valve putting any black zombies in the game? How insensitive, Valve! Even worse is that the game is set in New Orleans, a city famous for its black residents. And since everyone knows it was only black people that suffered in Hurricane Katrina, we can only assume Valve purposefully picked this setting for their own, racist purposes.

Well it’s not going to work, Valve. We can see through your eye-holed bedsheets and torches at the monsters you truly are, and we’re not gonna stand for it! Nobody puts blackie in the corner- especially when that corner is full of zombie discrimination! It’s absolutely sickening that a black man can’t get ahead in today’s society, and is reduced to playing the undead.

One point Jefferson fails to point out is the fact that half of the survivors are black as well. Only half? Come on Valve. Did Rosa Parks settled for only half of the front of the bus? Did Michael Jackson only half moonwalk into history? Did that one lady from Touched by an Angel only get half touched by a half angel?

No she did NOT.

[via Destructoid]

Capcom have confirmed that resident Evil 5 will be appearing on the PC “later in the year”, as well as Street Fighter IV and Bionic Commando in July. Capcom says that “all three games will be optimized for the PC platform and will have new PC-specific features added to the already great games.” Bionic commando is set for console release on May 19, by the way. Hit the jump to see how the PC versions will be better than the console ones.

Street Fighter IV

The PC version of Street Fighter IV will feature online play, higher screen resolutions and three new shaders based on three of the “artistic” trailers released in 2008 that will change the visual appearance of the game: “watercolor,” “posterization” and “sumi-e ink” styles.

Bionic Commando

The PC version of Bionic Commando will support higher resolutions than the console version, remappable controls including mouse and keyboard support, support for both DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 and online connectivity for multiplayer sessions.

Resident Evil 5

The PC version of Resident Evil 5 will feature online play for co-operative play sessions over the internet and will also take advantage of NVIDIA’s new GeForce 3D Vision technology (wireless 3D Vision glasses sold separately).

Oh yes, you didn’t think you’d see this before the Easter weekend. Jim Henson’s Muppets are back and they’re satirizing Resident Evil 5. Original voice overs are used to go over the game’s synopsis and will make you wish for a Muppet’s shooter. Credit goes to Jim Henson, Black 20 and IGN. Enjoy!

A recent Gamespot interview discussed the February’s NPD sales figures with representatives of both Microsoft and Sony. The writer, Brendan Sinclair, closed the piece by making the following statement:

“The [Microsoft] representative added that Microsoft expects entries in other formerly Sony-exclusive series such as Resident Evil 5 and Final Fantasy XIII to also sell better on the Xbox 360 than the PS3.”

Wha? The Gamespot interview lounge must serve more than milk and cookies to their guests. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Xbox 360 (I loved it more before it broke), but I’d like to have some of whatever that representative was smoking. Now, it’s worth noting that in the Gamespot interview touting this alleged comment, that the wording is that of the writer and not an exact quote by the MS rep.

While I am in not directly doubting the legitimacy of the statement, I always find it hard to take anything outside of a direct quote at complete face value. It’s my belief that if the individual said it verbatim it would and should be quoted as such.

That aside, if he/she did make that comment I see it as more of a thumb to the eye of Sony more than anything else. The PlayStation 3 still has quite the stranglehold on the Japanese market, not to mention exclusive rights to the next gen Final Fantasy release in that region.

Source: Gamespot

Resident Evil 5 and the U.S. Army? Where do I sign up??!??!!

The only thing comparable to the way I feel when I see U.S. Army recruiters mixed into events packed with teenage kids would be witnessing Michael Jackson driving a bus load of Catholic priests to Chuck E. Cheese for a quick bite to eat.

I know I may take some heat for this, but I couldn’t help but notice the “GO ARMY” recruitment tent mixed into the Best Buy Resident Evil 5 launch party video (which you can also see after the jump). I don’t mind the idea of recruiters but what I do mind is the methods by which they often recruit.

This isn’t the first time the U.S. Army has been accused of blurring the lines between gaming and recruiting. Promoting an official U.S. Army videogame and lacing their official army game website to contain soldier bios designed to look like videogame stat cards is youth marketing at its finest. Look at all the stats you can wrack up kids – assuming you don’t die first.

Hit the jump for the RE5 launch party video as promised.

Video source: Kotaku

This week in new game releases finally brings us the highly anticipated Resident Evil 5 as well as the black and white Wii title, MadWorld. Other notables games include the New Play Control titles of Pikmin and Mario Power Tennis for the Wii, both now with motion controls. Hit the jump for the full list of new releases this week and my pick of the week.

Pick of the Week: Resident Evil 5 (Xbox 360, PS3)

Xbox 360:

• Resident Evil 5
• Resident Evil 5 Collector’s Edition
• Trivial Pursuit

PS3:

• Resident Evil 5
• Resident Evil 5 Collector’s Edition
• Ski-Doo Snowmobile Challenge
• Trivial Pursuit

Wii:

• M&M’s Beach Party
• MadWorld
• Marble Saga: Kororinpa
• MySims Party
• New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis
• New Play Control! Pikmin
• Totally Spies! Totally Party
• Trivial Pursuit

PC:

• Codename: Panzers – Cold War
• EVE Online Special Edition

Nintendo DS:

• Animal Planet: Emergency Vets
• Avalon Code
• Boing! Docomodake DS
• Crazy Chicken: Star Karts
• Dream Day: Wedding Destinations
• My English Coach Para Hispanoparlantes
• My Pet Shop
• MySims Party
• World Championship Games: A Track & Field Event
• ZUBO

PSP:

• Mana Khemia: Student Alliance
• Samurai Shodown Anthology

Microsoft has announced a new red colored Xbox 360 to accompany the upcoming release of Resident Evil 5 in a limited edition bundle.

The sexy red Xbox 360 Elite bundle will come packed with a copy of Resident Evil 5, a red wireless controller, a black Xbox 360 wired headset, a 120GB hard drive, an exclusive Resident Evil theme, a copy of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix and HDTV-ready component HD AV, HDMI and Ethernet cables.

The bundle will be available on March 13 for the release of Resident Evil 5 and will be priced at $399.

Source: Shacknews

When I first heard that Resident Evil 5 was coming out I didn’t think much of it because I really hadn’t messed with the series since it’s glory days on the original PlayStation.  Then when I heard about the co-op ability and saw it at E3 last summer I was really impressed. Finally, I played the demo that was released a few weeks back and that got me really thinking about purchasing the game in March. And, lastly, this new trailer probably just convinced me to cough up the 60 bucks. Capcom has been taking my money lately, but they’re also making me really happy. WATCH THE VIDEO PEOPLE!

Destructoid and PS3 Fanboy, combine! Together, they report that the English demo for Capcom’s zombie shooter Resident Evil 5 will be out on January 26 for Xbox 360 owners, and the week of February 5th for PS3 owners. Set your calendars; I certainly recommend you try it.

CVG report that Capcom have announced the console-specific extra conent for PS3 and Xbox 360. For the PS3, the game will feature a Hollywood-produced making-of video. The 360 version, though, will come in a metal case with a soundtrack CD entitled “Biohazard 5 Selection Track” (translated from the original Japanese). The main difference is that the PS3’s making-of video will come on the disc, as opposed to the physical content shipped with the Xbox 360 version.

Capcom also announced the “Limited Edition” version of the game, as seen in the above picture, featuring a 2GB USB flash drive, a 32-page art book, and a waist pouch which features in the game, as well as the pretty box it comes in. Snazzy. Worth getting? Which one do you want?

Via Destructoid.

Shacknews reports that Capcom are releasing a demo of Resident Evil 5, the next in their line of acclaimed horror games (more recently: zombie shooters) on December 5. The demo is unfortunately restricted to those with a Xbox Live Gold Account- no signing up for a Silver account for a sneaky go at the demo for you, you cheeky rascal. The demo is reported to feature two stages, playable offline or online with a friend. There’s no word on a US or European release, or even a PS3 version. Still, it’s nice to see a demo this early; the full game doesn’t release until March 5 (JP) and March 13 (US). Those of you who just can’t wait to find out what the game is like, you’ll just have to read our preview.

It might come as a surprise that Resident Evil 5 was playable at the Eurogamer Expo, as it certainly was for me when I saw it. There were only 3 screens playing it, one 360 and two PS3 (I played the PS3 version)- not much when you consider how anticipated the game is. Since the game is expected to be released in March of 2009, it was certainly a pleasant surprise to be able to play the game months before the release date. Hit the jump for my thoughts.

Fans of Resident Evil 4 have no doubt been anxiously awaiting the fifth installment of the series, and I can safely say Resident Evil 5 is shaping up to be at least as great as Resi 4. The first thing one notices is the visual difference between the two games. The level I played was set in a dusty junkyard, and while there were plenty of infected villagers, the bright sun and light coloured floor meant that the dark, creepy atmosphere from Resident Evil 4 is changed. The absolute contrast might seem like a mistake, but the brightness adds a certain eeriness to the location, and the wavering heat is portrayed brilliantly. I actually felt like the sun was beating down on my back as I played, and that just made me more tense as the waves of infected started rolling in.

The controls have barely changed from Resident Evil 4, although the ‘run’ and ’shoot’ buttons have been reversed, which took some getting used to. Of course, the controls were fantastic in Resident Evil 4, so no complaints in this department. The guns feel pretty similar too, especially the shotgun, with it’s satisfying knockback effect. One thing I did find happening was losing ammo. I ran out of shotgun shells pretty quickly, and once my handgun ammo had gone, I had to rely almost completely on the knife (it’s bigger than Leon’s, more of a machete actually) and Chris’ combat moves- kicking the enemies as they are stunned- which really adds to the feeling of desperation.

Another notable difference is that in Resi 5 you switch weapons in real-time, instead of the game pausing to let you sort out your inventory. It’s a nice touch for immersion, adding to the manic feel, but again, it takes some getting used to. The (useful) companion that follows you is another brand new feature; contrary to what you might think, she’s pretty useful. She helps out with the horde of infected, but best of all, she gives you ammo and health. I felt compelled to save her (unlike Ashley in Resi 4), because she would thank me with precious ammo, and she might carry on shooting the huge infected in an executioner’s outfit (complete with oversized axe) shuffling towards me.

Resident Evil 5 seems to be the logical progression of Resident Evil 4. Nothing drastically new, but why fix what isn’t broken? I’m confident that this game will be worth the wait until March (and I’m thankful it’s not coming out soon, actually- I’ve bought 5 new games in the last two weeks). Oh, and if I haven’t convinced you yet, just take a look at who’s back:

Capcom have recently launched a brand new website in promotion of their upcoming horror shooter Resident Evil 5. Those of you who love to complain about flash-based websites should probably stay away, but the rest of us can feel free to enjoy the awesomeness.

It’s one of the better flash sites out there, with a lot of pretty effects and (surprisingly) a decent amount of stuff to play around with. Yeah, it’s a marketing website, but who cares- there are shambling zombies!

From the press release:

Capcom has recently relaunched www.residentevil.com, giving the site new (un)life in anticipation of the launch of Resident Evil 5 on March 13, 2009. The new RE site features a unique Flash design that takes visitors through the dusty streets of Kijuju, as well as constant updates, including information on the game and its characters, screen shots, downloadable treats and much more. Please refer back to this site when referencing the game!

Well, what are you waiting for? Even if you’re not a Resi fan, it’s still a bloody cool website.

“Thank you – for blessing me with new controls and strafing feet.”

Where Leon Kennedy in Resident Evil 4 could do little more than shoot flying implements of rusty death out of the sky (which would really require way more skill than dodging), Chris Redfield will have an advantage thanks to Capcom’s announcement of an overhaul to the controls for RE5.

According to the most recent Australian Official PS3 Magazine, RE5 will feature a control style similar to Gears of War, enabling strafing and rolling.

While some will welcome this change excitedly, the question now becomes how this will affect the tension of the gameplay that came with the constant feeling of being cornered. Certainly, the ability to strafe and maneuver a little easier will ease some frustrations, especially if the number of enemies players will face is increased.

Without any hands-on time with the new control set, one can only speculate as to how it will affect gameplay for better or worse, but the fact that it is even being implemented means that Capcom is hearing complaints and is looking to fix them, as they should with such a highly anticipated title.

What do you think? How will the tuck-and-roll alter the formula?

Source: gameplayer.com.au

The good news about Resident Evil 5 is the same as the bad news: It plays very, very similarly to Resident Evil 4. The stage we played at E3 was just like the Ganado Village at the start of RE4, only with a greater variety of zombies, ultra-sharp environments and lighting, and a few gameplay tweaks like instantaneous weapon changes.

Of course, we have no idea where the story will go this time around, and how many deviations from the “zombie shooting gallery” will occur along the way. What we do know is that the cutscenes that preceded and followed this big action set-piece were stunningly gorgeous, and there seemed to be enough variety in the outdoor, shantyville location to encourage replayability. For example, zombies could come climbing over the fence, break through the windows, or barge in through the door, giving Chris Redfield lots of corners to watch to avoid being overrun.

The helpful A.I. partner in this scene, Sheva, was also a literal life-saver at points. She gave Chris boxes of ammo when he ran out, and saved his bacon from the fire by attacking the huge executioner miniboss who was in the process of throttling him.

This explosion of zombies occurred immediately following the raging crowd scene that we saw in the RE5 trailers. An instigator with a megaphone is riling up the crowd, and the executioner brings his giant gnarly axe down on some poor doomed soul. When the instigator spies Chris and Sheva, he orders the crowd to attack, and they descend with wild abandon.

As you begin to shoot at the approaching crowd, some of them will start to sprout symbiote tentacles from their mouths. Others will only show a flash of alien when you strike with a headshot– a reminder that while they may look human, they’re actually something far scarier.

Strangely, and we’re not sure if this will be in the final game, the instigator with the megaphone actually joined in with the crazed crowd. Of course, being armed only with a megaphone, he was no threat, but we shot him anyways and watched him dissolve like all the others. So much for him being an essential part of the story, right? Much tougher was the executioner, who took what seemed like dozens of shotgun blasts before finally keeling over.

Playing as Chris, I found that you could switch between weapons and items using the D-pad. However, since this was my first and only time playing the game, I often would accidentally equip my health spray when I meant to switch to the shotgun. Also, I noticed that when you pick up items such as ammunition, the game does not pause, but Chris takes the time to duck down and pick up the item. For this reason, you shouldn’t pick up stuff while enemies are right behind you.

This early stage was almost certainly chosen for its similarity to RE4. Whether this reflects the rest of the game remains to be seen. I for one would like to check out the more unconventional aspects of the game, like some of the on-rail sequences. Where is RE5’s version of the mine-cart or heavy-machinery chases?

If you thought Dead Rising was too cartoony, but still liked the horrible feeling of encountering dozens of on-screen undead, Resident Evil 5 will deliver the fright big-time. RE5 is less than 9 months away from release at this point, so we’ll get to play more with Capcom’s freaky little bundle of joy soon enough.

Are your eyes securely fastened inside your head? Is your jaw prepared to be dropped? Are you wearing rubber underwear (looking at you here, Wade)? If so, feast your brain on these amazing new gameplay demos, which premiered today at Microsoft’s press conference at E3.

To read our instant impressions of these demos as we saw them, check out the Microsoft press conference liveblog.

So without further ado, in the order they were unveiled, here’s Fallout 3 to start. Highlights include the robot playing Yankee Doodle (as a reminder of the now-collapsed US Government), the PIP BOY abilities (like being ablle to tune into that patriotic robot even as you’re walking around), and of course, the shoulder-fired nuke.

Next up is the pants-wetting Resident Evil 5. The best moments here include the first revelations about online co-op, the massive battle against a horde of zombies halfway through, and the realization that this is just like Resident Evil 4, but online and prettier.

And last but definitely not least, here’s Gears of War 2. The big surprise in this video is that you can ride a Brumak– at least, that’s what Marcus says. Other great moments include an elevator ride (complete with musak), the new flamethrower weapon, and the way you can shoot away the Locust’s grappling hooks.

Next zombie pandemic set for release on 13 March 2009 in the US and Europe. It’s a Friday no less. The ad team must have wet themselves coming up with that. We hope it’s worth the wait for the online co-op we have just seen.

It probably is. Capcom’s Jun Takeuchi was on hand to give a quick demo from the RE4 lookalike. From our live blog:

Gasp! Online co-op for RE5! Chris and Sheva do a tandem leap across a broken bridge, much like the Leon/Ashley cooperation in RE4. Also, it seems you can change weapons without going to the menu screen. Chris is now sniping with a bolt rifle. Sheva is using an AK. Items appear when enemies fall, just like RE4, complete with colorful light to indicate what they are. One of the African zombies is wielding a massive wrench. Sheva shoots a lock so Chris can go through.

Japan is once again getting special treatment – they get it a day earlier. Solely on the basis of superstition it seems.

The official Capcom blog got an update today in the form of a fairly detailed list outlining the company’s E3 lineup. Outside of the obvious jaw droppers in RE5 and Mega Man9, I’m looking forward to getting my hands on the next gen remake of Bionic Commando.

Capcom finished off the post by teasing its “Go to E3 with Capcom” contest, insisting that fans come out and see them at the show if they “have the chance” — too cruel.

While better than nothing, the odds of being granted access are stacked against you. Ripten will be at this years E3, so in the event you don’t get a golden ticket, feel free to check back with us for all of your coverage needs.

Have at the full Capcom lineup of games after the jump.

Hey, I just realized we haven’t told you what we’re going to be showing off come E3! And the show is next week! Jeepers!

• Street Fighter IV: Final arcade code running on a heaping handful of arcade machines.
• Resident Evil 5: Game of show? Quite possibly!
• Dark Void: Also playable, also awesome. Snazzed up since CAPTIVATE08 and ready to totally jetpack your face.
• Bionic Commando: New areas and enemies, now playable on console!
• Mega Man 9: Put on your retro hats and prepare for a major challenge.
• MotoGP ‘08: This year’s installment of the fastest-growing motorsport on two wheels. We’ll be running the 360 version.
• Neopets Puzzle Adventure: Surprise hit from CAPTIVATE08, we’ve got more to show on this puzzle adventure game created by the guys who brought you Puzzle Quest.
• Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix: A new batch of characters will be selectable for hi-def brawling.
• Plunder: Something new is happening with our digital pirate’s booty…
• Bionic Commando Rearmed: It’s almost out, and we’re showing it one last time.
• New games-on-the-go from Capcom Interactive, our mobile group
• Plus a new super-secret project, Flock!

You really should come and see us at E3 if you have the chance!

Source: Capcom’s Official Blog (via: GoNintendo)

If you haven’t heard by now, rumors are starting to fly around concerning Resident Evil 5 and an announcement at E3. The biggest (likely nothing more than the result of Xbox Fanboys) is that RE 5 will have some sort of exclusive time frame for the Xbox 360. Meaning PS3 owners will have to wait months if not years.

Sounds 100% bogus to me. Capcom did put on paper that there will be a “huge” announcement regarding their beloved Resident Evil Franchise, however if there was some sort of time frame, what does Capcom or Microsoft earn?

Yes Microsoft could be in a position to sell a “few” more systems. But they would shell out a pretty penny for it. Ask yourself, is it worth it for them? The answer is clearly no. Look at RE4 for the Nintendo Gamecube. If you forgot, Nintendo and Capcom also had a time frame before the PS2 version. Did that even come close to saving the cube from ending up being in third place in the console wars? Of course not.

Also what would Capcom earn? Yes they get money from Microsoft, but at the same time they really limit themselves in terms of units sold. Remember, at this point, no matter what MS really does, they have a hard time moving systems in Japan. Even having exclusives that appeal to a Japanese market hasn’t helped. In the end this scenario (if true) could hurt Capcom’s quarterly sales. Would it be worth it? Probably not.

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Update 6/19:
Capcom Corporate Officer and VP of Strategic Planning and BIZ Dev, Christian Svensson, issued two separate comments concerning the rumored “exclusive MS timed release” on the official Capcom blog which confirm my prediction and hopefully put the exclusive release rumor to bed.

The first comment was made on Jun 18, 2008 – 11:13PM stating:

“The assertion is false. RE5 is a multiplatform release that fits with our oft-stated crossplatform strategy.”

The second comment was made on Jun 19, 2008 – 09:32AM stating:

For the avoidance of doubt… simultaneous release.

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So then, what info could they have at this years E3? Honestly — I have no Idea. I do however, have a few guesses.

1. This could be the least interesting. It could be nothing more than a “limited edition” costing you 20-30 bucks more with some DVD extra’s that you’ll most likely never get the chance to watch. Although I doubt that there will be only one thing announced, I do believe this could happen.

2. Maybe, just MAYBE Microsoft and/or Sony will have some kind of exclusive downloadable content available, much like MS did with GTA IV. Unlike an exclusive time frame, this one is much less risky and cheaper.

3. I save my favorite for last. How about some ONLINE PLAY!?! This would be a win win situation for both 360 and PS3 owners. Imagine something as simple 4 on 4 RE online action. Four humans vs four zombies. Online play for RE could be fantastic, and when you come to think of it, it seems to be the trend these days. Some may say I am reaching a bit, but nonetheless this would be something all RE fans could get truly excited about.

We’ll all find out at this years E3.

According to both gaming magazine Electronic Gaming Monthly and gaming website PSU, we may see Resident Evil 5 before this holiday season – maybe even as early as October.

The latest issue of EGM contained rumors the Capcom plans to release Resident Evil 5 either before or during the upcoming holiday season. Now PSU has come out to say that they’ve heard that we could see the game as soon as October of this year.

Resident Evil 5 is due out on Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. The game puts you back in the shoes of former S.T.A.R.S member Chris Redfield, who many fans will remember as one of the main protagonists of the original Resident Evil.

Resident Evil 5 will feature much of the same camera and control scheme from its predecessor. The game takes place in the African Desert.

Source: PSU

Forget about the accusations of racism being made against Capcom’s Resident Evil 5, at least the offended living black people can defend themselves. What about the countless dead people that have been made a mockery of in every itteration of the game thus far?

They lay there, in peace (or pieces) just minding their own business, while the heartless crew over at Capcom thinks up new ways to portray them as evil beings full of life. It’s not only insulting, it’s flat out unrealistic.

Have you ever tried to wiggle your foot after it has fallen asleep? Now imagine trying to move your foot after you died. Not gonna happen, because dead people can’t move. Of course Capcom will claim that this was an oversight on their part, but we know the truth. They are out to make dead people look bad.

We decided to cut through all the BS and ask a few stiffs what they thought of the situation at hand. When asked about being portrayed as an evil individual who mindlessly tries to kill other humans in the Resident Evil franchise, dead person number one said … you guessed it, DP numero uno took the high road and declined to comment. When asked what color she originally was before biting the big one, DP2 kept her lips sealed as well. These two reeked of class and well … lets just leave it at class.

In closing, it is pretty obvious that the upset masses are focusing on the wrong issue here. The question is not what color was the skin on that dead person, it’s why the heck is he or she walking … aren’t they supposed to be dead? Get it together Capcom, gamers will not stand for these types of blatant inaccuracies in their games any longer.

The extended, 3 minute long trailer for Resident Evil 5 can now be found on Xbox Marketplace, and watching it again and again must be a thrill for fans. There’s a ton of new footage that we can assume to be gameplay, due to the over-the-shoulder perspective and moves that seem to be a natural extension of what players could do in RE4.

Without revealing the exact location of the game, the sun beaten locations and villagers’ attire suggest either an African village, or possibly Haiti. Haiti seems to be an especially attractive possibility, because of the connection to zombie lore through its voodoo roots, as explored in the book and film “The Serpent and the Rainbow”. All of the background signs are in English, which might support the notion that the game is set in Haiti due to its close proximity to the United States.

Click here to view the embedded video.

What’s especially impressive about the graphics in the trailer are the detailed eyes of the zombified foes you’re facing. Instead of the bloodshot red eyes of “Las Plagas”, the villagers seem to have a different infection that makes their eyes glow yellow. This is especially noticeable at the 30 second mark, and the realistic eyes are a sign that this Resident Evil won’t surrender to the Uncanny Valley.

For the first minute or so we are given a voiceover by Chris Redfield (who is actually identified in the trailer this time). “Casualties have continued to mount over the long years I have struggled. More and more I find myself wondering if it’s all worth fighting for. Who knows?” He glances upwards into the sun, as the shadow of an overhead wire sways on the ground.

The scene shifts to an indoor assault- a man is held on the ground, and gives way to a zombie-like infection. His eyes begin to leak blood. This was all we saw of zombies in this year’s E3 Microsoft press conference, but this new trailer shows us what happens when zombies attack.

Around 1:30 the action kicks in big time. There are a flurry of action shots that appear to be very similar to the combat in RE4. A group of villagers approach the hero quickly, while he tries to hold them off with a variety of weapons. A pistol, shotgun, and machine gun are all fired in this trailer. We also get quick flashes of certain special moves- a villager puts Chris’s arm behind his back and forces him to the ground, and in one of trailer’s final shots we see Chris fighting back by throwing a punch in self-defense (similar to Leon’s kick move in RE4).

We also have our best look yet at the zombies themselves. Mostly these are villagers– young men wearing jeans and dusty tees, but also women in headbands and dresses. Some are wielding scythes, and throwing them at Chris like the Ganados in RE4. There are also a few shots of a mysterious enemy with a sack-like bandage over his face, carrying a giant axe of some kind. Towards the end of the trailer, this creature smashes a section of wall with his weapon. Apparently these will be the tougher creatures of RE5, similar to the chainsaw-carrying Dr. Salvador in RE4.

The trailer ends with a mysterious blonde woman opening her eyes underwater. Could this be Ashley, the President’s daughter who Leon rescued in RE4? Is she in some kind of containment tank, perhaps?

The trailer still leaves a lot of details to the imagination- we are still dying to know where the game is set, which other STARS are returning, and whether or not this is a new form of the Umbrella/Plagas virus. Still, the gameplay snippits should excite anyone who loved RE4, and the next-generation graphics steal the show here. It’s a long, long wait until RE5 comes out in 2008, but hopefully we’ll get a little more information soon that will make the wait bearable.

So maybe Sony WILL end up losing the exclusive rights to Metal Gear 4 to Microsoft and the Xbox 360, but that may pale in comparison to what some Japanese outlets are reporting will be the fate of Konami’s Silent Hill 5 and even more surprisingly, Capcom’s Resident Evil 5.

Rumor has it that both titles could be dropped for the Xbox 360 all together! Once again, nothing has been confirmed at this time, and this may end up being nothing more than a vicious rumor surfacing in response to the MGS4 rumor already floating around.

If this holds to be true, the addition of the afore mentioned titles as PS3 exclusives could give Sony the time it desperately needs to play next gen catch up with Microsoft and Nintendo.

In closing, we aren’t sold on this rumor as of yet, in large part due to Sony’s staggering sales figures. We will however keep you all updated as more information becomes available.

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