Resident Evil 4 Review for PS2
The game begins with a flash back to the story of Resident Evil 2, the tragedy of Raccoon City. Then we are welcomed to the rural area of Western Europe where Leon S. Kennedy is being driven to the last known sighting of the President's (of the United States, of course!) daughter: Ashley Graham. You are then thrown into there investigation then after. You first appear to enter a house where Leon questions a man about Ashley, and the fellow lacks a sense of understanding except for a swift strike of an axe. Leon quickly dodges this then you're back into the main component of the game, keeping yourself alive!
Resident Evil 4 has a very interesting and original factor to the core game play, the usage of cinematic cut-scenes. Though you may think it is not very original to have, considering most games take the use of cinematic cut-scenes. However, the main difference that is apparent here is that you have an action button which if the time may come, might save your life. This is a terrific addition to the game, as it keeps on the edge at all times and doesn't just let you take a break. The game is demanding of your undivided attention at all times.
Next to new, is the camera angle. The long running Resident Evil franchise has gained a lot of flack attributing to the constant aggravating camera that does allow the player to have complete awareness of the character most of the time. However, Capcom has thankfully resolved this dilemma. The over-the-shoulder camera angle has allowed the player to get right into the action. The downside, if you are allowed to call it that, is that you are not quite able to get yourself safely away from enemies that are coming from behind you. Though it may seem to be a downside, it is not mainly because it allows you to take more caution at all times and mind your surroundings. Again, another full force factor to keep yourself alert. Aiming your gun is quite simplistic; you just use your laser beam from your gun and aim, easy.
Next to perfect is the graphics. This game has one of the best graphics for a game on the Nintendo Game cube. It basically rivals graphics from Method Prime, if not better than MP. The level design is just eye candy to feast on. The atmosphere is just spectacular. It buildings in this game are just creepy to look at, adding rich experience in horror. The creatures, not zombies, are just amazingly good. Their A.I. is just great, they plan to surround you, attack you from all angles, use long distance weapons to keep you off balance. Plus, you become incredibly terrified of the chainsaw wielding baddies, for they will just scare the life out of you!
If the graphics don't win you over, the sound just might. The sound of the gun shots echoing, or just the sound of the forest will keep you mindful for how much ammo you're going to need for the next part.
The characters in the game are intriguing. Leon is a power house, using weapons and his hand to hand combat skills to cut down all the enemies in his path. Ashley is some what of an annoying character throughout the game. She is easily kidnapped many times, and doesn't hold much on her own. Ashley does become an obstacle that you must protect at all costs. Another one of the characters and one of the funniest is Luis Sera. His wise cracking humor gives a satisfying approach to the game.
One of the highlights of the game is the thrilling and absorbing story line. It has quite a twist and turns that'll keep your attention straight at the game. Plus, expect the enemies to get a little more interesting as the game progresses. Next to that, the boss battles are extremely enjoyable and offer some difficulty to Resident Evil 4. However, the dialogue can become a bit cheesy in some spots. And expect old friends to come back!
The replay value of the game isn't the best. It offers some bonus modes that unlock cheats to the game but that's about it. You may also want to play the game again if you choose because you may love the game enough to revisit the story and you can try out the Resident Evil 4 experience again on the much tougher professional mode after you beat the game.
Overall, the game is just an amazing achievement. The graphics offer huge enjoyment to the atmospheric areas which you will venture through, and the story will keep you riveted. And the mature rating for the game is very intense when it comes to the violence, and the game will leave you scared to the bone after. This game is probably better than any horror movie you could rent or buy. Resident Evil 4 is a truly incredible experience and basically if you are a gamer of any sorts, you would thank yourself forever if you played this game!
