Posting this here because c/residentevil is pretty dead.

So I have a bit of a dilemma. I loved RE2, both versions but especially the remake, as well as Code Veronica, so I've been wanting a new Claire game for a really long time, not to mention wanting to finally get to play VII and the newer games. I've played all RE games chronologically up to Revelations 1 at this point, but RE5 has been a bottleneck for years.

I've heard that you need to have played RE5 to fully understand/appreciate the lore/plot points of Revelations 2, so I'd like to get through it, but I'm having trouble getting into 5 for a few reasons:

-It's more of an action game versus horror and the partner AI isn't great solo.

-I can't find anyone to play it with. I got to play the beginning with a friend a few years ago and had a blast, but we haven't played since.

-The game forces you to play as Chris first playthrough, but I want to play as Sheva.

-I don't want to play through the entire game as a character I don't like.

-I can't find any NG+ save files for PC where it's not 100% infinite ammo.

So I'm wondering if it's worth it to just skip RE5, watch cutscenes on YouTube, or just get the game over with as Chris. What are your thoughts? I'd love some other opinions as I'm not sure what to do and I'd like to finally get caught up and play the new games after all these years.