"Resident Evil...4..." (Resident Evil 4 (GC))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	Resident Evil 4 (GC)
Date:	23/06/09 (11 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great graphics, superb gameplay...

Disadvantages: Plot is hokey...

In varying degrees, all of the previous Resident Evil games have in some way innovated beyond the original, but NONE have done so in such a drastic way as Resident Evil 4 did back in 2005. Not only did it boast supremely improved visuals, being on the GameCube, but it also wholly re-invented the gameplay mechanics that then became a mainstay when the fifth game was released this year. In short, Resident Evil 4 is, beyond the first game, the most influential title in the series.

Naturally, the game has had some criticisms - it is FAR easier than the previous games, for instance, and many hardcores are pretty miffed about this. However, it is also better produced and less frustrating, and so I commend it for this. For instance, the often cumbersome and frustrating save system, whereby you might play for an hour or two and then die, losing all of your progress, is gone - there are very frequent save points, meaning the most backtracking you EVER have to do is about 20 minutes, which is more than acceptable. Plus, regardless of difficulty, the game is pretty much longer than the first three put together, running in close to the 20-hour mark the first time around.

It is as much a re-invention as any game on.has ever been - RE4 is a huge series overhaul, notably with the gameplay. Whilst RE2 mainstay Leon Kennedy returns, virtually all other elements are new - now the camera rests behind the character in a fixed position, meaning that there are no strange camera angle changes at inopportune moments, causing glitches or a lack of spatial awareness. Also, Capcom have introduced QTE sequences that require you to attentively tap various buttons to survive an action, such as a boulder hurtling towards you early on.

The game plan is also pretty different from the standard operating procedure - whilst it still deals with a viral outbreak of sorts, the action takes place in Eastern Europe, and zombies are substituted for a crazed fleet of villagers called the Ganados. What's more? They can move faster than zombies, and some of the more aggressive iterations, such as the Chainsaw Sisters, move VERY FAST, and, oh, they carry CHAINSAWS. Not bad enough? The villagers most of the time come equipped with weapons like rakes and even throwing weapons occasionally like flaming bow and arrows.

Leon is essentially tasked with attempting to rescue the daughter of the President of the United States, who has been kidknapped. It is by far the hokiest premise of all of the games, and there isn't really much that addresses this as things go on, but the gameplay is so involving that this is mitigated to a fair degree. It is curious to note, though, that if you thought RE2 was the action-packed game of the series, you haven't seen anything until you've played RE4 - the entire game is mostly a huge set piece. There are puzzle elements, but they are generally exceedingly simple, and mostly just lead to a huge set-piece or Boss fight afterwards. The game also borrows the codec concept from Metal Gear Solid, and the translation over into RE doesn't really work too well - it seems kinda hokey. In much the same way, a good deal of the plot could very well have been torn from an arcade game like Time Crisis.

It may disappoint in the plot department somewhat, but there are some familiar faces that appear (although to spoil that would be criminal), and the refined gameplay, whilst drastically different, is a sure improvement. The production values are top notch, and so Capcom are to be praised for a bold and brave re-invention.

Summary: Superb improvements make up for a rubbish plot...