Features

Roughly one year after the initial release, Resident Evil 5 finally gets some real DLC. Perhaps perfect timing from Capcom, as I expect many people are slowly forgetting about Chris Redfield's safari adventure with the hostile Africans. While the subconscious awaits announcements of the next viral escapade, what can be better than a new small slice of downloadable Resi action? Especially when this slice contains fan favourites Chris, Jill and Wesker served up in the Spencer Mansion.

The revamped Resident Evil may have bred new life into the series, but with that it was a given that much of the hardcore would show their displeasure on internet forums: Where's the survival? Where's the horror? Naturally, the conversion to action hasn't taken the quality away from the game, but it has left the hardcore pining for some genuine survival horror action. Well Resi fans, your wish has come true. Lost in Nightmares is old style Resident Evil combined with the new style Resident Evil, and that's exactly what the Resi glands need.

Anyone who has been with the series since the beginning will tremble with excitements as the game begins. Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine are back together again. This time on a secret mission for the BSAA. As they stand, gun ready, at the doors of the Spencer Mansion it's revealed that their mission is to track down arch nemesis Albert Wesker. Suddenly the memories of long ago come flooding back to remind us where it all began, as well as where the series is now. The past is being revisited by older and wiser characters and the updated control scheme. This is several zombies and a big Wesker battle away from perfection.

Lost in Nightmares leads up to the flashbacks seen in the main game, in which Chris and Jill face off against the Matrix inspired Albert Wesker, building to Jill's mysterious disappearance (before her reappearance in Resi 5 as a possessed ninja). It's all good though, everything's rosy. The dimly lit creepy mansion corridors are back, albeit in slightly altered and condensed form, and it's the perfect introduction to the original heroes for all those newcomers who think Leon S. Kennedy IS Resident Evil.

As you step foot inside the familiar lobby, you'll be anxious to explore every nook and cranny. Exploring this area with full control of the camera and over the shoulder view brings new life to the old mansion. Naturally Remake pros will point out the incorrect details from the last visit to the mansion, such things as doors in a different place, new rooms as well as an extended dining room. There'll also be the hope of having the opportunity to explore the entire mansion, but sadly only a chunk is open to you.

Much like the original, the game slowly draws you in as you creep down the dark narrow corridors and inspect every object for files or items. The creepy foot steps and subtle distant groans put you on edge, leading you to think imminent danger lurks around the next corner. This mimics perfectly the same feeling the original games created, and something the new versions failed to do. It's tense, it's creepy, and I sure as hell know there's something in here wanting to eat me.