A brilliant and often chilling experience which should not be overlooked by anyone.
The game starts off relatively slow, compared to the fast and frantic action later on. Beginners and first time players are given the chance to learn the basics before moving on to more complicated techniques. There are also in-game button cues, so you’ll know the controls without having to read the manual.
Don’t be put off by the gentle start to the game though. Before long, you’ll be overwhelmed by enemies, and get your first taste of the action that makes Resident Evil 4 a strong candidate for game of the year. There are many strategies possible for situations like these. You may decide to use an element of stealth, rather than ripping through them with a shotgun and a few grenades for good measure. Whatever option you choose it will be a rewarding experience. However, sneaking can be slightly difficult due to the fixed camera angle, which looks over Leon’s shoulder. The environment also plays a huge part and gives the player many advantages, such as the ability to kick down ladders and dive though windows.
Most of the game’s weapons have a laser used for aiming. Though it can be difficult to tell whether or not you'll hit your target, due to the dot's small size. Most people, however, will be glad that there's any aiming device at all. The variety of weapons available to the player allow different strategies and techniques to be used, making the game an enjoyable and satisfying experience. The shotgun, easily the weapon of choice for close combat, makes easy work of grouped enemies; often knocking them to the floor. Two options are then available. Running straight past requires significantly less risk taking, but failing to kill your adversaries may quite literally come back to haunt you. If you are feeling in a violent mood then taking advantage of your stumbling enemy would be the best choice, which can be done using the cleverly implemented kick, performed by pressing the x button when prompted to. If you want to avoid these mass fights completely, why not use the sniper rifle?
In addition to using your massive arsenal of guns, it is possible to take out enemies at close quarters using the knife, which you will be grateful for when you run out of bullets. My only complaint with the weapons is the changeover between them. While swapping to the knife is smooth and quick, as only a single button must be pressed, changing primary weapons can become awkward. The game must be paused so that a new weapon can be selected, breaking up the speed of the action.
Controlling Leon’s movement is very responsive. The camera angle, situated over Leon’s shoulder, makes it easy to spot where attacks are coming from and where you should be heading next. The ability to spin 180° to face attackers from behind adds to the feeling that you are in control and cuts down on situations of complete panic. Without this feature, the game would be a lot more difficult as Leon turns very slowly. Movement in general is pretty slow, providing a cautious air about the game. Still, Leon can run when needed simply by holding down a button. Other small additions to the gameplay, which will go unnoticed by some, add quality and realism to the game. A good example of this is the way Leon shakes more and more profusely as he becomes nervous and quite often terrified, making aiming a lot harder because of his shaking hands. This is similar to how fatigue affects aiming in Metal Gear Solid 3.
During the game there are various scenes that require your own quick reactions to save Leon from injury, or even a gruesome death. These appear when you least expect it and usually consist of smashing a button repeatedly to run, and then a combination of buttons to finish. Don’t worry if you feel overwhelmed here, on screen cues are displayed at the appropriate time so you’ll know what to press. The difficulty of these encounters begin easy to give the player chance to understand what is happening and what they must do, but later require lightning quick reactions.
Graphically, this game is sublime and virtually flawless. The environment is amazing, and adds to the horror theme throughout, due to the dark and derelict appearance. As with most videogames in the horror genre, the theme is very dark, but also very detailed thanks to the high resolution textures. The characters are just as impressive. The enemies look so realistic, and vary in such different ways, that you’ll be glad you just blew its head off with a shotgun. The cut scenes are excellent and create a cinematic experience, which is enhanced by the widescreen format displayed at all times.
Despite some awkward dialogue, the sound remains just as inspiring as the rest of the game. Chilling music will often ensue at tense and dramatic moments, and the voiceovers are good without being spectacular. The environmental sounds are what make the audio so great for this game, as you will often find yourself checking the surroundings after hearing an eerie noise. There’s nothing worse than entering a new area and being greeted by an ominous silence, followed by eerie ruffling from the shadows.
The main storyline and extra side mission are long enough to satisfy, but still leaves you wanting more; a good thing or bad thing depending on your point of view. Those who opted to first play through on the easy difficulty setting will want to try their skills at the harder setting, while others will no doubt want to play it again because of its great storyline and, simply, because it is great fun to play.
The exclusion of a two player mode may put people off who enjoy playing games with others, but it is not really an issue thanks to the perfect one player mode. Maybe with a co-operative style multiplayer option this could have been one of the greatest games of all time. It may, however, have been poorly implemented as just a side thought, which would have spoiled an excellent game.
Any fan of horror games should see this as a must buy. While anybody else willing to give it a try will see that it’s an amazing game; even if at first it does not appeal to you. This game is definitely one of the best games released this year and would not disappoint anyone who plays it.