Capcom launches a remastered version of Resident Evil 5 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, complete with upgraded graphics and a brand new difficulty mode.

Seven years since it originally launched, the somewhat divisive Resident Evil 5 is now available for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. PS4 and Xbox One owners can download it digitally starting today, but those that want a physical disc will have to wait until July 12th to purchase the current-gen version of Resident Evil 5.

Like the current-gen version of Resident Evil 6, Resident Evil 5 on PS4 and Xbox One has some enhancements. The graphics have been slightly upgraded, and all the DLC content, which includes two full story expansions, comes packed-in. These story expansions fill in some blanks in the game's narrative, and could be enough to entice those that missed out on the DLC to purchase Resident Evil 5 again.

Besides improved visuals and packed-in DLC, Resident Evil 5 on current-gen also comes with a brand new difficulty level. Called "No Mercy," this mode increases the number of enemies that players have to contend with - a feature made possible thanks to the added power of PS4 and Xbox One.

Outside of that, there don't seem to be any other new features in the game, but returning Resident Evil 5 players will find that some changes have been made to the Mercenaries Mode. Renamed Mercenaries United, the tweaked mode allows players to access all the characters, alternate costumes, and weapons right off the bat, so RE5 vets won't have to grind for the content all over again.

Overall, it seems as though the new-gen version of Resident Evil 5 has more fresh content to offer returning players than the re-release of Resident Evil 6 did. Its brand new difficulty mode, the redesigned Mercenaries Mode, and the facelift given to the game's graphical presentation may make it worth checking out, even to those that have already explored every inch of the game on last-gen platforms. As well, if this enhanced content helps the re-release of Resident Evil 5 sell well enough, don't expect Capcom to deviate from its business strategy of focusing on remasters anytime soon.

With Resident Evil 5 now available on current-gen consoles, franchise fans will be looking to the future. In October, Resident Evil 4 will release on PS4 and Xbox One, and a few months after that, the long awaited next chapter in the series, the first-person Resident Evil VII, will launch across numerous platforms. Those games plus the upcoming Resident Evil 2 remake make it an exciting time to be a fan of the Resident Evil series, and fans can try out the new version of Resident Evil 5 while they wait for the next entries in the franchise.

Resident Evil 5 is now available for PS4 and Xbox One digitally, with a physical retail release coming July 12th.

Source: GameSpot