Good news! RE5's long-requested "Gold Edition" content is finally coming to PCs as part of the game's conversion to Steamworks. And by "finally coming," I mean it's out now!
If you already own regular RE5 through either Steam or a boxed retail Games For Windows Live, you can acquire a free Steamworks copy of the base game and then purchase the new Gold Edition content for $14.99.
If you don't own RE5 in any form, you can pick up the entire game (RE5 + Gold Edition content) at a discount price for a limited time. The standard RE5 is also still available, and is also on sale.
For those who didn't already know, Gold Edition was originally released for Xbox 360 and PS3 back in March 2010 - making this week the game's fifth anniversary. Gold Edition collected all the DLC released to that point, including a versus mode, four new costumes, Mercenaries Reunion and two new story-based chapters.
"Lost in Nightmares" takes place prior to RE5, with Chris and Jill on a mission to apprehend Umbrella founder Oswald Spencer. "Desperate Escape" takes place near the end of RE5, teaming Jill with BSAA agent Josh Stone. Mercenaries Reunion adds even more characters to the mode, including Barry Burton and Rebecca Chambers.
This anniversary is also perfectly timed with the release of Resident Evil Revelations 2, which completed its episodic release last week in conjunction with the disc version launch. While we won't spoil anything here, players and eagle-eyed fans may have already noticed some possible connections with Resident Evil 5...
Please note that if you have the GFWL version, you can certainly continue playing. All of our applicable GFWL titles continue to support the features and will function normally. To continue playing on GFWL though, you must maintain a separate installation using the GFWL activation key.
Here’s an overview of some of the basic Qs you might have:
Q: If I already have the GFWL version of the game, can I get the Steamworks version?
A: If you purchased a retail package GFWL version, you can use the GFWL activation code and redeem it on Steam to get a free copy of the full Steamworks-enabled version. Those who have already purchased the game on Steam or through other online distributors selling Steam keys will automatically be upgraded to the full Steamworks edition.
If you purchased a digital copy directly from the Microsoft GFWL marketplace, you can continue to enjoy RE5 on GFWL. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate a Steamworks transfer for these folks as there is no authentication option available. However, all of our applicable GFWL titles continue to support the features and will function normally. To continue playing on GFWL, you must maintain a separate installation using the GFWL activation key.
Q. Will my save data be compatible with the new Steamworks version?
A. We’ve implemented a save data and Achievements migration tool that’s built right into each game. The tool will allow you to transfer progress from GFWL to Steam. However, the game will require that you install and sign into the GFWL client since the game needs to authenticate unlocked Achievements recorded on the GFWL service. Those who wish to start the game from scratch can skip the GFWL client installation entirely since the save/Achievement migration is optional.
Note the GFWL save data and achievement migration tool will be ready after launch; please stay tuned for an announcement on the official Steam forum.
Q: Will the new Steamworks versions support any Steam features? (Steam Trading Cards, Steam Achievements, Steam Cloud, leaderboards, etc.)
A: RE5 and RE5: GE will support the standard suite of Steamworks features including Matchmaking, Achievements, Leaderboards, and Cloud save. Trading Cards will be available shortly after launch.
Q: Will previous DLC carryover from GFWL to Steam?
A: Unfortunately, DLC content purchased directly from Microsoft’s GFWL Marketplace store will not carry over to Steam due to the lack of CD/activation key. Those who wish to play the game with their DLC can continue to do so with the GFWL version of the game installation and under the GFWL service.
Q: How do I access “Lost in Nightmares” and “Desperate Escape” extra episodes?
A: You must complete Chapter 3-1 in the main campaign to unlock “Lost in Nightmare” and complete the full campaign on any difficulty to unlock “Desperate Escape.”