In a nod to the original game,
Resident Evil 5: Lost in Nightmares places more emphasis on puzzles than combat. Most of the chapter could be considered a nostalgic parody of the first game. There are loads of little in-jokes traded between the two characters as you explore the mansion and other minor "features" that have since found their exit from the series, like crests, out-of-place key hunts and opening door animations. There's combat as well, though not in the hard-nosed action style players have grown accustomed to. Instead of picking up an arsenal's worth of weapons, Jill and Chris have a limited stock at their disposal and must rely on old-style tactics.
The lack of weapons doesn't hurt the gameplay, though the lack of enemies does. Typically, the "shock value" in Resident Evil comes from knowing that a horde of enemies (or greasy Europeans) is waiting just around the corner. That sense is gone here and replaced with tension of knowing a trap could be sprung at any time. It's more psychological horror and less "jump-scare" horror. You'll only face two types of enemies throughout your adventure: some stock enemies and new breed of monster that's every bit as terrifying as some of the core game's bigger baddies. A few zombies for nostalgia's sake wouldn't have been unappreciated. The anticipation of fear works, but it doesn't kick into high effect until the latter part of the mission, leaving the first part pocked with dull moments.
Lost in Nightmares also includes a revamped multiplayer mode, Mercenaries Reunion. This set of DLC includes the first two additional characters for the mode, Barry and Excella. Barry is a straight up solider, while Excella brings an automatic pistol and grenade launcher to the party. Mercenaries Reunion includes both online and split-screen support, as well as leaderboards and trophies.
