‘Resident Evil 5’

‘Resident Evil 5’

(Capcom) for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC

Genre: Action-Adventure

Rating: M

Grade: A

When I first moved into a college apartment with Luke, we quickly found out we shared a love of playing video games (read: skipping class). Though we toiled away primarily with “Twisted Metal 2” and “Madden,” Luke would occasionally pop in “Resident Evil 2” to enjoy the scare tactics from one of the original horror survival games.

So when “Resident Evil 5” was released, there was no way I could dare venture into its co-op gameplay without partnering with him. I’m glad I did because “RE5” is best enjoyed when played with a friend, either online or off. And with updated gameplay that sticks to the core of the “RE” brand, it’s hard not to become instantly hooked.

Gone are the brooding mansions and nighttime missions. Now, as returning character Chris Redfield and newcomer Sheva, you play in a distressed African nation that’s been overrun by bioterrorists using weapons from Umbrella, the dastardly corporation that just won’t go away. Mutated villagers, ticked-off freaks wielding bloody chain saws and plenty of other monsters await as you proceed through marshlands, mineshafts, oil factories and so forth.

The controls are classic “Resident Evil” style, which may put off those who didn’t grow up with the franchise the way Luke and I did. But this is about teamwork and survival. Run-and-gunning won’t get it done here, and you’ll be dead and frustrated in no time if you keep barging into barriers and out of ammo.

“RE” fans and even series novices should pick up this game. Luke and I have not quite finished “RE5,” but we’ll see it through to the end. We helped Redfield survive zombie hordes more than a decade ago from our couch in college, and even though our couches are now several states apart, we’ll make sure he survives this battle also.

‘Tom Clancy’s HAWX’

(Ubisoft) for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, PC

Genre: Flight; Rating: T

Grade: B-

Tom Clancy must be rolling in the dough from these video games. Now that his gaming franchise has entrenched itself in the shooter realm with its “Ghost Recon” and “Rainbow Six” series, the brand is taking to the air. It’s a welcome addition to the not-so-friendly skies.

First off, don’t expect a flight simulator here. This is pure arcade-style dogfighting. Stalls are few and, for the most part, it’s best to just keep hurling missiles and dodging those from enemies until you are the last plane standing. “HAWX” does nothing original with its gameplay, but all the parts you need (intense action, outstanding sound effects, etc.) are all present and accounted for.

The strongest aspect of “HAWX” is its visual design. Instead of pretend countries at war, the plot takes you from Rio de Janeiro to Washington, D.C., and beyond. While not perfect, a massive dogfight over D.C. was awfully cool to watch, save all the destruction I caused. A beefed-up multiplayer would have been nice, but what is there is enough to entertain you.

For close to a decade, it seems, the “Ace Combat” franchise has dominated the aerial-combat genre. “HAWX,” at least, provides some worthy competition.

—Chris Campbell, Scripps Howard