A horrifying adventure with very fun combat, an epic story line and great replay value.
GAMEPLAY: The majority of gameplay is spent backing yourself into a corner and blowing the heads off approaching zombies, which is surprisingly fun. At first I found the aiming/shooting technique unusual and uncomfortable, but I soon adjusted. You can't move while you aim, you hold the B-button and point the Wii-mote. A is fire. RE4 can pull it off though since the zombies are usually slow moving. That said, I'll guarantee they'll make you jump more than once. Regenerating giants quickly closing in, googly-eyed monsters spawning from what you thought was dead and unexpected attacks having you franticly shaking the Wii-mote. To top it off, ammo is always an issue, so you'll have to pick your weapon wisely and aim accurately. Utilizing kicks and your knife are good strategies when running low. Combined with the ever spooky environments, it's sure to get your heart pounding, especially if you're playing alone in the dark basement. The other mechanics of the game run smoothly, I'm a fan of the inventory case. RE4 takes a different approach by giving you an attache case with a limited number of squares in which to compact all your stock. You're going to have to organize to maximize your capacity. It's a nicely set up system that serves it's purpose.
GRAPHICS: You can't expect top-notch graphics on the Wii, but I found the them detailed and quite good looking. The zombies are filthy, the monsters are slimy, the environments are grungy (but well crafted mind you). It's all appropriate and it set's a tense mood. SOUND: The sound can be one of the freakiest parts. You may be strolling down a silent hallway when all the sudden you hear the deep voice of a zombie shout, a scream from behind you and menacing music slowing getting faster. You know you're in for it now! The rest of the sound is good, whether it's the splatter of a skull or Leon talking, it's clear and realistic.
VALUE: It's a good 20 hour game your first time through, and as with any game, there are unlockables and bonus features after completing the main game. These include characters, outfits, missions, mini-games etc. I think the main value in RE4 is the re-playability. It's one of those games that you can play over and over, I mean, who gets tired of owing undead zombies? I know people who have beaten this game 10+ times and still love it. When you do restart your game, you'll find you have retained all your weapons and items from the previous file, making the beginning stages very enjoyable.
TILT: I could barely put this game down. It kept me interested and on the edge of my seat (since I was playing alone in the dark basement). I was fascinated in the story and I wanted to progress. I was also very surprised, even during difficult parts and boss battles, I never got frustrated, not once. I just wanted to continue, retry. It was great.
Overall, RE4 is a great game from start to finish. It is captivating and nail-biting. A must buy for Wii owners interested in a satisfying slaughter and horrifying adventure.