In 2005, Resident Evil 4 revolutionized the famed survival horror series by giving players more intuitive over the shoulder controls, and focusing game-play on more action, instead of exploration. Fans went wild, and RE4 went on to get rave reviews and game of the year honors.
 
So how do you follow-up on one of the most successful games ever? Try adding nastier enemies, more firepower, and the ability to play with friends online. These features and more will make Resident Evil 5 the best game in the series.

Nastier Enemies: The infected have finally gotten faster, stronger, and smarter. Not only will they shuffle forward in search of delicious brains, but will also wield melee weapons like pitchforks, machetes, and even fire flaming cross-bows. We also got a sneak peak of some bigger meaner enemies, such as a huge ax-wielding executioner and monstrous giant bat.

More Firepower: To combat these nastier enemies, Chris Redfield and his partner Sheva Alomar have upped the firepower beyond the traditional pistol and shotgun. You’ll also have access to machine guns, sniper rifles, and more. In a recent demo event, FHM noted that players will be able to pick up gold from downed enemies, possibly to purchase upgrades, just like in Resident Evil 4.

Co-op Fun: You won’t have to take on all these nasty enemies alone; you’ll have a partner to beat the attacking zombies off you or spray you with healing herb to recover your health. During a single player campaign, Chris will be able to control Sheva with simple commands to pick up shotgun shells or trade inventory items. For the first time ever, you’ll be able to take the Resident Evil experience online to play with a friend over Xbox Live or the PSN in Co-op. Chris and Sheva will also be able to team up for certain partner-required maneuvers, such as jumping over gaps between buildings or boosting each other over walls.

Level Variety: Resident Evil 5 may have the most diverse set of levels we have ever seen.  Chris and Sheva will have more than the classic corridor-style levels of previous Resident Evil games to explore. We’ve seen dilapidated African villages, an Oil Refinery full of catwalks, Boat chases, and car chases (with infected zombies on boats and motorcycles respectively).

HD Graphics: The look and feel of Resident Evil makes a huge jump to the HD-capabilities of the Xbox 360 and PS3. Details such as the crazed infected eyes of the villagers and the blood dripping off the executioner’s axe really pop off the screen. The lighting dynamics not only look amazing, but also cause the players' eyes to fuzz when moving from dark to the bright African sun.

Resident Evil 5 hits shelves March 13, 2009.