All games have flaws... This one just has less than most.
Capcom seriously outdid themselves with this masterpiece. With a fluent and realistic storyline, unique puzzles, and chilling atmosphere, it is definitely a unique experience in survival horror. Having only one 'pursuer' after you at a time may seem to be boring, but in fact it makes the games overall feel even darker.
You play as young miss Fiona Belli, who had woken up in a mansion full of *cough cough rapists cough cough* oh, I really should get that looked at, psychos who seem intent on keeping her in her inheritance at all costs. You see, the only thing she remembers is being in a car crash, which her parents had apparently died in. Now, she has to find a way to escape the mansion with only her wits, solving puzzles and hiding when necessary.
At least, it seems to be with only wits, until a cute and helpless dog can be seen through Fionas window tied to a tree. Fiona, being the kind soul she is, releases the poor creature. Upon the entering of her room, she is attacked by Debilitas, the... urm... gardener of castle Belli, a deformed man with the mind of a three year old, that mind being convinces Fiona is his dolly. As Fiona helplessly scootches away from the monster, the dog pounces in and saves the day. A quick friendship with Hewie is formed.
As you have probably deduced by now, Hewie is the combat of the game. Yes, you order your helpful canine companion to attack and he will obediently attempt to gnaw their hand/head off. Adding a dog as a weapon was not only creative, but it is actually more effective than the normal melee or firearms, as Hewie will still attack the enemy when the two of you are not even in the same room, giving you a few extra moments to escape.
Another rather unique point to the game is the hiding. Unlike in Clock Tower 3, it is easy to find makeshift hiding spots. For example, holding L1 will make Fiona crouch. Doing so behind a door will normally make due as a makeshift hiding place, allowing the enemy to run past you and giving you the chance to run right out after they come in.
Graphics wise, the characters and backgrounds are stunning, yet dark... A perfect combination for survival horror game such as this. Hewie's fur was definately given much thought, as it is incredibly detailed. Actually, Hewie's entire character model is incredibly well done, and each character is almost flawless.
Although, the game itself has its flaws as the camera often disagrees with the direction youre running. Thus, you'll often have Fiona running toward your pursuer for a split second as the camera turns and she begins to run the direction you're holding according to the veiw on the screen. Also, this comes to be rather annoying when she runs into the wall and gets stuck, shaving away those few precious seconds you need to stay away from your chaser. The blood also seems a tad lazy, as it just awkwardly splurts out and suddenly seems to randomly appear on the floor.
Another thing that's unique about the game are actually a few of its flaws. For one thing, Hewie's AI can be rather stubborn, so you'll often find yourself spamming the right analog stick, which youll almost never find yourself saying with most other games. Also, some of the more seemingly obvious places to hide are actually where the baddies will look first, leaving you high and dry.
If youre looking for something new and fun in survival horror, this is definately a game worth buying. And with special bonuses to be unlocked and plenty of secrets, you can be busy for quite a while with this one.