After five years of laying dormant, the "infected" have come out of hiding yet again in Capcom's latest, Resident Evil 5, for the Xbox 360 and PS3. Thought to be, in some of the small internet gaming circles, as RE 4.5...we let you know if that assumption holds up.

Seeing the game hands-off, the thought of RE5 being a quick, up-res'd Resident Evil 4 quickly fades. The environments, characters, and cut scenes clearly look better than what last gen could ever offer. Capcom took it upon themselves, as well, to include online co-op and gamers can play through the campaign with Chris Redfield or, series newcomer, Sheva Alomar. We've compiled a few things you might want to know before you head into your own zombie-killing adventure.

Previous Knowledge...

Haven't strapped your zombie boots on since RE2's Umbrella days? You might want to check out 2008's "Resident Evil: Degeneration" which starts after the events of RE4 and leads up to the new threat, Tricell, in Resident Evil 5. The CG is vanilla plain, for the most part, but there's a few good scenes with Leon. Thought he didn't know Mirror's Edge-style parkour? You'll think again once you watch the flick.

Also, if you're like us, we don't remember Chris Redfield ever being so incredibly buff. When did he start taking the 'roids? GameTrailers put up a retrospective on it to try to pinpoint his muscular evolution:

DLC Controversy

Downloadable content, as we've covered regularly in our previews, is great when it adds to games we already know and love. Christian Svensson, Capcom's Vice President of Strategic Planning & Business Development, recently responded to the outcry that people had over the post-launch announcement of a "Versus" mode in Resident Evil 5 on Capcom-Unity:

"Prior to the announcement of the Versus mode, no one complained they weren't getting their money's worth with the initial release because it packs TONS of value because it is an amazing game. So if people were already satisfied with what the package had, when we offer MORE, why is it people feel they've been somehow cheated? If you don't find value in our secondary offerings, the choice is simple, don't purchase it. If you do find it valueable (and we hope you do) please do buy it and enjoy it."

The multiplayer patch will throw in a "Slayer's Rule" and "Survivor's Rule" mode that use on-disc assets and lacks new weapons or costumes. What it does add, though, is that up to four players can play together in either a point-based game to kill "Majinis" or, alternatively, hunt each other. The "Versus" patch should be out in the next few weeks for $5 (400 MS points/$4.99 PSN).

Infectious Replayability

Controversy over why the "Versus" pack is coming so soon after launch, none withstanding, RE5 does pack a ton of gameplay for your $60. The single-player, alone, should take you an upwards of 10 hours to complete. There are also plenty of unlockable costumes, film grain, and statues, including a scantily-clad "Tribal Costume" for Sheva that conversely alters the game's numerous cut scenes to include her or Chris' new looks.

Mercenaries mode, integrated into later versions of RE4, appears once you've completed the game, as well. You create combos by shooting the most enemies you can, ammo is littered throughout the levels, and time limit extension statues help you in the -- essentially -- time attack mode. If you bought the game day one and saw a patch was waiting for you...that's what made it possible for you to play with a buddy online.

Take The Next-Gen Leap

For big Resident Evil fans and those looking to buy an Xbox 360, the Elite Bundle for the game is a great deal. It's the same price as a regular Elite system ($399) but with the added bonus of having two free games packed in: Resident Evil 5 (of course) and Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. Microsoft's Major Nelson cracked it open:

Resident Evil 5 is available now for Xbox 360 and PS3.