Resident Evil 4 has broken free of the mold of the previous RE games...Stepping up the shock, gameplay and appeal!
User Rating: 9.6 | BioHazard 4 GC
I've always been a big fan of survival horror gaming. Lately though, with the exception of the always gruesome Silent Hill series, the genre has been in a bit of a rut. But now here comes Resident Evil 4, reinventing itself just in time to save the series and maybe the whole genre itself. This time around, the game has the heightened action and less brain scratching puzzles that many fans of the series have always asked for. What they've done to heighten the experience has been accomplished by throwing the camera over your shoulder and give you a more visceral, terrifying experience because its in your face...no longer the 'top down/looking at your character from across the room feel'. Graphics are top notch, sound is incredible, and all the technical goodies that the gamecube was designed for are shown with tons of finesse. The fact that their is minimal loading helps to grip you even tighter in the terror seat since you never really 'leave' the atmosphere. That's a very nice touch considering all the power the game requires to render the characters, motion video backgrounds etc. Very Nice! The action is hotter than ever as a bigger focus on weapons takes the driver's seat, giving you a multitude of options in taking foes out along with special context sensitive options. If you look close too, the attention to detail paid to this game is incredible, everythign from the way the water moves and just the satisfying squeeze of the trigger putting down an enemy. Theres lots to be said of this game, but not all of it can just be read about...my recommendation is that you get your hands on it if you're a fan of survival horror, shooters, or just in the mood to check out something 'new' and 'fresh' in the way of a gaming concept...A mature audience is required though....Gamecube game it may be, this is no kiddie ride! This is some pretty spooky and scary stuff when played without the lights....Check it out! 
