Partner Action Button

The Partner Action Button is a context sensitive feature introduced in Resident Evil 5. Mostly of the gameplay revolves around this feature, as Chris and Sheva must act together in order to progress through the game. It's featured on both single player and multiplayer modes, including The Mercenaries mini-game.

The player use a single button (B on the XBOX360 and Circle on the Playstation 3) combined with the directional pad to issue order to the partner (whether it's the A.I. or another player). It can also be used to ask for help, to express gratitude or even to make a compliment, depending on the context. In the multiplayer mode this feature is further expanded, allowing the players to minor-communicate which each other in-game without requiring any real voice communication.

The player and partner need to work together in some parts, and Partner Action Button is required for those combined efforts, like kicking down a heavy metal door, pulling switches, or freeing their partner from the enemy's grasp before they are killed. It's also used to give items in possession to the other character.

Commands and Voice Emotes
The most common actions, such as giving the player an item, entering another zone or rescue/save the partner will be displayed on-screen. Others are more subtetly and will only happen in specific contexts.

Orders

 * Cover Mode (Partner always stay close to the player): Partner Action Button
 * Attack Mode (Partner is more agressive and pick up items more often): Partner Action Button + Up
 * Call (Multiplayer only): Partner Action Button
 * Go (Multiplayer only): Partner Action Button + Up
 * Wait (Multiplayer only): Partner Action Button + Down
 * Thank (Multiplayer only): Partner Action Button + Left

Actions

 * Give: Holding non-weapon item (partner must have free inventory slots)
 * Help: Partner being held by an enemy
 * Rescue/Heal Partner: Partner in DYING state ("Heal Partner" requires Herb/First Aid Spray in possession
 * Open/Pull/Push: When using objects that requires both characters to operate (such as heavy doors and pulling switches)

Reactions

 * Ask for Help: Being held by an enemy or in DYING state
 * Hurry Up: Waiting for the partner in a context that requires both characters (refer to Open/Pull/Push Action)
 * Hold On: Partner is in DYING State
 * Thank: After being freed from an enemy or receiving item from the Partner
 * Roger: After being issued any Order
 * Cheer: After a performing Chain Melee Reaction Command or witnessing partner scoring a Perfect/Critical Headshot