Everybody knows that it’s best to play Resident Evil in the dark with the sound turned up. It’s just one of those things that every gamer intrinsically understands. Kind of like how we understand that ammo crates will be few and far between, you’ll need to watch out for frightening zombie dogs around every corner and that deep down we all still miss the typewriter save option.

And so it was with this knowledge that I set off on my newest adventure into a world of zombies and umbrellas…luckily for me I had a big gun, and the light switch was nearby in case I needed to switch it back on to calm my nerves for a moment.

Yes folks, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City is a little bit different to the standard formula, but that doesn’t mean Capcom has packed any less survival horror into the package. Rest assured there’s still plenty of both survival and horror in Operation Raccoon City, and when you put this together with action, guns and lots of enemies you end up with an excellent co-operative gameplay experience.

There’s been an outbreak of a deadly virus in Raccoon City, and the Umbrella Corporation will stop at nothing to destroy all the evidence and keep the government forces from discovering the truth behind the epidemic. You’ll step into the shoes of an Umbrella Security Soldier in this team based shooter, as you and three online friends embark on a mission to silence anyone who may disclose the truth and ultimately attempt to escape the city alive.

There are other forces at play, however, and soon you will discover that more than hordes of zombies stand in your way. In addition to the horrifying zombies you will face armed US Government forces and terrifying Bio-Organic Weapons (B.O.W’s). There is a constant rallying to achieve your objectives, defeat enemies and ultimately survive the onslaught, and escape.

You’ll move through the city gathering intel, destroying evidence and generally trying to stay alive. Like all other Resident Evil games, ammo is not liberally strewn around but, apart from replenishing ammo whenever you can, you’ll be able to test out the generous range of weapons in the levels. If you’re looking for something reliable, the Assault Rifle is a safe option, but if you prefer running into the heat of the battle and picking pieces of zombie from out behind your ear then I would personally recommend the Pump Action Shotgun.

While facing the nimble-footed zombies (no shuffling here!) and persistent government troops you’re sure to take some damage. Never fear, you’ll be able to fill up that health meter with green herbs (ah, RESI, it’s been too long!) as well as collect health sprays scattered throughout the levels which come in handy during a battle. The anti-viral spray is also essential, because if you should become infected (cue blue slightly fuzzy screen) then you’ll need to use this anti-virus to cure yourself before you succumb to the virus too. Keep a wary eye on your teammates too, because if they become infected they can, and will, attack you! You’ll also find that if you are bleeding from a battle (cue red slightly fuzzy screen) the zombies will be drawn to you like bees to a hive so make sure you are equipped with health spray or that your teammate is ready to share the healing love with you before you become zombie bait.

The gameplay mechanics are very intuitive to a third person shooter and, while the automatic cover did take a little getting used to, I enjoyed mastering the slightly different control system, complete with brutal finishing moves. The variety offered by the six different character choices, as well as the option to unlock active or passive skills and different primary and secondary weapons through XP, helps to keep the gameplay fresh and interesting.

Operation Raccoon City is like Resident Evil as you have never seen it before, the co-op team element and the size of the monsters you will face have taken this to the next level of a survival horror meets action third person shooter videogame. You’ll quickly learn that you have to watch your back, if it’s not a B.O.W chasing you down, trained Government forces will be blocking your escape route, while zombies create havoc in between. Its action that never stops, never lets up, and I love it!

Capcom have got the balance just right in Operation Raccoon City: the intensity of the chapters, the war being waged between the different forces, and the co-operative element combine well to deliver an action-packed Resident Evil experience that fans of the series will not want to miss (keycards, green herbs and all) and newcomers will want to experience for themselves.

Purchase: