Capcom’s Resident Evil 5 launched a
year ago to good critical and commercial reception, and saw a downloadable
addition soon after its launch with the well-received versus mode. Now, the game
is seeing it’s second piece of downloadable content, the Lost in Nightmares
pack. Aside from a few new features for its multiplayer modes, the DLC also
offers up a new prequel episode that follows series regulars Chris Redfield and
Jill Valentine as they return to the infamous Spencer mansion to face off
against a familiar enemy.
While it’s pretty short and a little
low on action, the episode is a nice bit of nostalgia that will ultimately ring
true for regular fans of the series. Additionally, weighing in at only five
bucks (400 Microsoft Points) the content pack comes in at a nice price for those
who want to check out some of the backstory only hinted at in the original
Resident Evil 5.
The Lost in Nightmares content pack
offers the titular episode, which explains Jill’s apparent death at the hands of
Albert Wesker. This is somewhat explained in the original RE5 via cut scenes, but
this episode allows you to play through the entirety of the events, letting you
face off against a tough new enemy type and solve a couple of puzzles before the
final boss battle.
The puzzles are pretty traditional
fare for the Resident Evil series, and include a fair amount of exploration. As
in the original game, you’ll have to work cooperatively with your teammate
(either AI-controlled or with another friend) in order to solve some of the
puzzles and find specific items to help you progress. One segment requires you
to run from the new enemy type, a hulking mutant beast with a weak spot on his
back that wields a heavy blunt weapon capable of killing you in one hit, while
your partner uses cranks to set at trap. As you won’t have weaponry at this
part, you’ll have to be smart with your actions and avoidance of this enemy.
The episode also provides new
information on the backstory of Ozwell E. Spencer through journals and diaries
that are dispersed throughout the mansion, giving you further insight to the
series’ history and background.
Lost in Nightmares is not terribly
long, and most players should be able to complete it in under an hour the first
time around, and even less in subsequent playthroughs. The pack also adds in a
few new skill-based achievements depending on how well you complete the episode.
There are also some new multiplayer elements. The Mercenaries Reunion
mode is a beefed up version of the Mercenaries mode featured in the original
game that allows you to play either online or split-screened, which is a nice
touch. There are also some new characters that you can play as, Barry Burton and Excella Gionne, each with their own weapons and special combat abilities.
Lost in Nightmares is a solid
addition to the original games, and at five bucks, it is a worthy investment for
fans who didn’t get their fill from the original game. While the episode may be
a bit on the short side, it offers some nice replay value and great multiplayer
features.
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Gameplay: 8.0
The new mission is pretty short, but worth a couple playthroughs from avid
fans.
Graphics: 8.5
While the graphics are essentially the same as the original game, the change
from the African setting to the insides of the mansion is pretty cool.
Sound: 8.5
The music is pretty low-key this point around, only kicking in when enemies
start to attack, but does well with the overall tone. Voice acting and sound
effects are mostly unchanged from the original.
Difficulty: Medium
Concept: 8.0
This DLC adds in some cool story elements that provide some backstory, but
is pretty short-lived and light on combat.
Multiplayer: 8.5
The great co-op features of the original game are present and accounted for,
and the new changes to the Mercenaries mode are great.
Overall: 8.0
Even though the episode is pretty short, there is some good replay value
here and the added multiplayer elements are a nice touch. All in all, this is a
worthy investment for fans of the original game.
