Steve Haske writes, "And while it was interesting to see years and years of plot development unravel throughout Chris and Sheva's nightmarish trip through Africa, RE5's plot is considerably less engaging or emotional than say, Metal Gear Solid 4. The truth is, Resident Evil has never really been a series with an overall story arch you might care about. It's ridiculous, for one, and aside from a few key characters, riddled with unnecessary side-plots."