Resident Evil 4 - 10/10
Note: This review is based on the Gamecube version but I will briefly explain some aspects of the Wii version now.
Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition
The storyline remains exactly the same as previous versions including what can be unlocked after completion of the game. The new control scheme for Wii adapts well to the game making it quite easy to pick up and begin playing. New motions allows for easy aiming and also allow you to make slashes when equipped with the knife. Graphics remain strong and gameplay is smooth and vivid. Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition is a great port of the original and holds up well with new and upcoming games. It also shows gamers and fans what may be for the next installment of Resident Evil for the Wii.
Resident Evil 4: Gamecube Edition
Resident Evil 4 takes a step in a different direction when compared to the rest of the series. It still has all of the elements from the previous Resident Evil games but brings with it a whole new aspect of Resident Evil that no one expected. Along with it's fitting sound effects, strong graphical presentation and overall outstanding gameplay, it quite hard for any Gamecube owner to look past it, even if they aren't a fan of the series.
Fans however will recognise Leon S. Kennedy, the main character in the game. He has grown in his time between his last encounter and has been sent specifically to find the President's daughter who was kidnapped. His search begins in a European Village where nothing is as it seems. Coming into contact with one of the villager's only sets Leon's suspicions true as there is something is seriously wrong. The more information you dig up about the village the more that is revealed. But as these questions are answered, more questions seem to appear. Leon discovers that the local church has been running a cult group which in turn seems to have control over the villagers. You'll soon find that what has happened to villagers and the Cult is just the tip of the iceberg.
As your playing through the game, you'll find it difficult to find any faults. The control scheme has been set out to suit the changes made in Resident Evil 4 for a better feel of the game. However anyone new to the series may find this scheme difficult. It does not follow the same control scheme as the common first-person shooter has. There is no strafing and you can not move while you are aiming. Although this sounds like a disadvantage, it evens out since most or your enemies move at a slow pace. It may take some getting use to for newcomers but you won't be disappointed with the unique control scheme.
As for difficulty, it will remain hard throughout the game. Even with the difficulty settings, it will challenge almost any hardcore gamer. However, the difficulty may only heighten the experience of survival instincts. Who has ever heard of a zombie (or in this case Las Plagas) being easy to kill? It wouldn't feel right if they were push-over’s so naturally, they would be difficult. Some may see this as a burden while others will see these new found enemies a challenging and intense thriller.
The easiest part of the game that may be a relief is the navigation system. Each time you reach your destination, the map will update itself and show which direction or place to head to next. And even though guiding your way through the levels won't be challenging, the puzzles that occur replace this. They may not be as difficult as in a game such as The Legend of Zelda; it still provides that suspense that is craved in a survival-horror series.
What may impress players of the game is the arsenal of weapons that are available. From the handgun to the missile launcher, each one has a different ability such as strength or speed. But what is more impressive is how these weapons are stored. Each weapon and recovery item takes up a certain amount of blocks which limits the amount of items you can have simultaneously. Though during the later stages, you can upgrade the size of your attaché case which in turn allows for more items. The only weapon that doesn't need to be stored away would be Leon's knife which is drawn out by the L button. Not only can you upgrade the size of your case, you can upgrade your weapons. This includes things such as capacity, power, reload speed and firing rate. Even if you have the basic handgun, you can continue to upgrade it until it reaches its limits.
In terms of purchasing weapons, each decision must be calculated in order to receive the best results. A merchant sells most of his items at a high price so it is still important that you have some sort of financial strategy or you might find yourself stuck with the basic of weapons when you could have more powerful ones.
It is probably evident to everyone that there are no zombies. But how can you have a survival-horror game that doesn't have zombies? The answer is simple. The Las Plagas of course! These new enemies are smarter and stronger so it is more likely you'll need a strategy of some sort for defeating them. You can go crazy and shoot everything that moves (which you may find yourself doing quite a bit) or you can think before you shoot. For instance, shooting them in the head may cause them to stumble around and give you the chance to give them a good roundhouse kick, causing them to go flying back and resulting in stunning other enemies around you. It's a great strategy when surrounded by multiple foes and can make it that more enticing rather than mindlessly pulling the trigger.
As they can prove to be a handful, none of it compares to the level of difficulty when faced with the final foe. Given the weapons that you can obtain during that level, you'll find yourself stumped on how to bring them down. It is best to observe your surroundings for dodging or a quick escape route to set out a strategy. Not only are these sometimes over-powered enemies the strongest you'll face, they may be the best looking. Each has their own gruesome uniqueness to them which will have you on the edge of your seat.
Once you have completed Resident Evil 4, there are a few rewards. So if you feel that the story mode of the game was a bit on the short side, these mini-games should keep you very entertained long after you have beaten the game. So don't be depressed once you realise that you have finished the game because there is still a lot of quests that need to be accomplished.
Graphically, it is one of the most amazing-looking games you can find on the Gamecube. From Leon's wavy hair to the exploding heads all of it has been given strong detail, taking full advantage of the hardware capabilities. Nothing is left feeling unfinished leaving a sense of true terror. Even during the movie segments of the game, it would be hard to find a flaw which is even more rewarding to those playing it.
Sound effects couldn't be better. Certain enemies will have certain phrases that give it that creepiness of a surprise attack. For example, the villagers will speak in the Spanish language while the Zealots (located in the castle) will hum a low tone as if they are chanting a spell of some sort. Voices of the game also work incredibly well. You can tell that Leon is a strong-headed officer and Ashley is the tomboyish damsel in distress through their voices. And even at times, the dialogue steps out line, it keeps that seriousness needed to keep your heart racing.
Indeed Resident Evil 4 is a definite purchase for any Gamecube owner. It offers everything you could want from a survival-horror game. Cool and intriguing characters, tough to near impossible enemies and a storyline that will keep you hooked, even if you are scared straight. What makes this game even more desirable is that you don't need to be a fan of the series to enjoy it. Anyone can pick this game up and understand how things came to be. It simply is the greatest game that was to come from the series and in due time, will be one of the most intense and thrilling games that has graced into the gaming world.
Submitted by renagadez
14/08/2008
260
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