It’s been almost a year since Resident Evil 5 hit consoles in North America. While the game shone graphically, the reviews from critics were mixed. Many complained the AI was weak and the controls were buggy, which took away from the experience. Now Capcom is releasing the first downloadable content (other than Versus mode) which will add a new chapter to the game. Is it worth paying for? Once again there will be mixed feelings about this one.
The Story
Lost in Nightmares is a standalone chapter played from within the Resident Evil 5 menu. It’s a mission that is actually hinted at in the main storyline of the game, but not accessible until now. The idea behind this DLC is to give players a bit more background on Umbrella Corporation and the infamous Albert Wesker.
You play as Chris Redfield who is accompanied by Jill Valentine. Together you explore Arklay Mansion, which is purposely reminiscent of the mansion from the very first Resident Evil game. The mansion actually belongs to Ozwell E. Spencer, the CEO of the Umbrella Corporation and served as his second hideaway (which is why it looks so familiar to the first mansion).
As you explore the hideaway you’ll discover journals left behind by the serving staff. The same family of butlers has served the Spencer family for years. The diaries and journal entries help fill in some of the holes in the Resident Evil story.
The Gameplay
Lost in Nightmares feels a lot like previous Resident Evil games as opposed to Resident Evil 5. There are no Majini here, rather a large mansion which is for the most part abandoned. Or is it? While half of the mission has you simply searching the mansion for diaries and clues, eventually you will make your way to the basement where you will encounter a new enemy, The Guardian of Insanity. These big lugs guard the underground section of the mansion, dragging around large anchor type weapons which can be swung causing critical damage.
Other than his size, the other unique aspect about The Guardian of Insanity is you won’t be able to simply kill them with guns. There isn’t enough ammo in the mansion to do that. Instead you must set traps and lure them in to defeat them. A neat twist.
Unlike traditional Resident Evil games, Lost in Nightmares isn’t divided into chapters, rather sections. As you progress you’ll encounter checkpoints where you can start over again if you die. You can not save your game. If you turn your console off, you will have to start at the beginning all over again.
The Controls
Lost in Nightmares controls just like Resident Evil 5. There is an easter egg however which will turn controls back to those found in the original Resident Evil. You know, the tank-like controls. If you try and exit the main entrance upon arrival three times, the view will change and the control scheme will revert to RE 1 style until you try to leave the mansion again. This really shows how far the controls have come through the years!
The Graphics
All in all Lost in Nightmares is a graphically solid game. While not as stunning as Resident Evil 5 this chapter looks quite nice. The colour tones are quite dull compared to the main story as it all takes place in a dark and creepy mansion.
The Downsides
The no saving came as a bit of a surprise. As you reach key points in the chapter a “checkpoint reached” message pops up on the screen. I thought this meant your game was being saved. Don’t let this fool you, or you too will be starting all over again just like I did.You have to complete this DLC in one sitting.
I also want to point out this new chapter feels a bit like one large fetch quest. You’ll have to find a series of passwords to open a locked door, then find pieces of an emblem to open another locked door. The mansion is for the most part empty. It felt like more could have been added to expand the chapter, although one must remember this is an add-on, not a standalone game.
The Bottom Line
Die hard Resident Evil fans will enjoy Lost in Nightmares. The game does flesh out a bit of back story that’s only eluded to in Resident Evil 5. A new enemy is introduced and you also get access to two new characters for Mercenaries mode: Barry Burton and Excella Gionne.
That being said some may be disappointed by what you get for 400 Microsoft points. The content feels a bit shallow and the chapter is very short. Even the boss battle against Wesker is a rehash from the fight against him in Resident Evil 5. The mansion feels like it could have been filled with a few more traps, maybe even a few new enemies. Instead you end up on what feels like a 90 minute fetch quest.
If you feel the need to flesh out the Resident Evil story then you’ll enjoy what Lost in Nightmares has to offer. If you’re looking for a new chapter filled with running and gunning, you’ll be sadly disappointed by what’s being offered.
The Good
Feels like you’re returning to Raccoon City
New enemy
New style of gameplay introduced
The Bad
No save points
Mansion is basically empty
Boss battle a rehash of fight in Resident Evil 5