Basically, if you have a GCN, and are over 17, go buy this game.
Gameplay 9/10
The gameplay in Resident Evil is about as good as it gets. With a solid control scheme, which requires you to shoot in an over the shoulder view which disabled movement, immediately makes the game feel different. And trust me when i say that having to shoot a charging zombie holding a chainsaw standing still is an intense, visceral experience you won't soon forget. The game is also hard, really hard, if your not familiar with console shooters, your probably going to be more than a little frustrated with the difficulty of the game. One stand out feature of the gameplay are the cutscenes which require split second button presses. These are randomized and require you to press L+R or A+B at the same time to dodge certain death. This brings a certain sense of chaos and inherent danger to all the cut scenes, and make every bad-ass-ninja move Leon pulls off that much sweeter to watch.
Graphics 10/10
The graphics are just about as good as it gets on the Gamecube. Every enemy and boss fight will make you want to just stare for a while before you start shooting. Shooting a zombie's head off will result in a sound and display of carnage you need to see to believe. The screens and videos don't do the game justice. Sound 9/10
The sound in RE4 is subdued, appropriate, and effect. The sound effects of every gun and the sound of zombies being blown to bits are fantastic. The music kicks in just when it should to intensify the action, but never feels overdone or fake, taking away from the frightening and intense atmosphere.
If you own a GCN and are over 17, not buying this game would be a crime. In fact, if your 12, convince your mom the game "isn't that bad" and then play it at 1 am so she can't see. No amount of description can begin to give you an idea of what it feels like to blow a zombie's head off. With a solid solid, jaw dropping graphics, and revolutionary graphics, the bottom line is; you need to buy this game.