The Gamecube's killer-app... too bad it's 4 years late.
User Rating: 9.5 | BioHazard 4 GC
Well, it's here! The long awaited sequal to the most popular horror video-game series ever has finally arrived, and it hopes to breathe new life into a franchise that is (Or should I say "was"?), in my opinion, dying. First let's talk about the graphics. In case you haven't noticed, the game is beautiful. If there was ever a game that pushed the Gamecube to it's limits, it's this. Everything in this game reeks realism, from the forest scenery to the massive foot of the 'El Gigante'. With enemies this realistic, you will definately be sleeping with the lights on for a long time. The lighting effects help add to the scares as well. When the lights go down, and your only source of light is the periodic flash of lightning, you'll see what I mean. There were some times when I noticed a bit of clipping issues, like an enemy's arm sticking through a closed door. These instances are few and thankfully don't deter from the otherwise beautiful visuals. The audio in this game is fabulous. From the sounds of the impressive variety of weapons to the yells coming from the ambushing villagers, there is always some sort of impressive ear-candy to listen to. These sounds come in especially well in the Dolby Pro-Logic II-enabled surround sound system. I personally don't own the system, but after trying it at a buddy's house, I might just buy one. The first time you hear a chain-saw ripping to life a foot behind you will leave you stunned (And horrified). I won't go as far as to say the audio is as impressive as the visuals, but they don't disappoint, and are everything you'd expect a high-budget horror movie. Now we get to the important stuff: Gameplay. In comparison to earlier RE games, the gameplay is light-years ahead. The aiming is no longer a game of "Aim in the general direction and hope it hits". The game controls much like Metroid Prime, so when you want to shoot at enemies, you have to stop and aim. Besides the new control system, there will also be numerous ways for you to dispatch of your foes. For instances, you can pull out your shotgun and start crackin' skulls, or you can run into a nearby house and barricade yourself in (Not for very long however). Unfortunately, there is no strafing, or moving in general, when using a firearm. Not many, but there will be times when you wish you could shoot and take a few steps back from the proceeding enemies at the same time. This is a minor inconvenience that you'll quickly get over though. Speaking of firearms, there is quite a lot of them in this game. Weapons can be bought from the new-to-the-series merchants. You simply collect pesetas from barrels, boxes, or enemies, and use them to purchase weapons, upgrades to your weapons, or even larger cases. That's right, you'll no longer be stressing on the amount of items you can carry. Now the story. Personally, I like the story. This game takes you out of the hellish Raccoon City into a mysterious European village filled with zombie-like villagers who will not hesitate in attacking you. The catch here is that they aren't zombies, and this adds much more tension to the game. The whole plot leaves you wondering if you really will survive this survival-horror game. This doesn't mean I don't have any gripes with it, by the way. It's riddled with both a predictable plot-line (Rescue the President's daughter) and some under-developed characters like Luis or even the President himself, who is never even named. But in it's defense, there is enough there that it will keep you playing for a good 15-20 hours before beating it, and it never leaves you dissinterested. Even after the story mode is completed, you'll be able to get more worth out of it with new costumes, weapons, as well as new game modes and characters! Overall, there is no reason not to play this game. If you enjoy Resident Evil, Silent Hill, Fatal Frame, hell, even Mario, you MUST buy Resident Evil 4. You don't even need a reason. If your parents ask you why you want this game, just say "Mr. Crono told me to." They'll know what you're talking about. 
