So, the long awaited sequel to Resident Evil 3 is finally upon us - and it certainly is the treat that it promised to be. I have to admit, in the build up to the release of this game, I was worried. I was hearing all sorts of rumours, from this being more like Devil May Cry than previous Resident Evil games, to the complete dropping of the staple Resident Evil monster - the zombie. However, I knew that Capcom weren't a gaming company that is in the habit of letting me down, so I decided to pass these ridiculous rumours off as hearsay, and therefore false. Imagine my surprise then when they turned out to be true, and imagine my increased surprise when they actually turned out to be worthy changes! The loss of the zombies, for example, is a big loss; but their replacement - mad villagers, is definitely a worthy one and it makes for a very nice change! In fact, all of the monsters in the game are brilliantly designed and help to make the game even more of a pleasure to play. The gigantic bi-pods, for example, are a particular highlight; as are the very odd 'regenerators' that come complete with their own unique and ingenious method of dispatch!
One thing I really love about this game is the amount of movie tributes that it has in it. From The Evil Dead style camera towards the beginning, to the King Kong-esquire way the giant monster is introduced, all the way down to the Night of the Living Dead shootout in an old abandoned hut - the game is a treasure indeed! The choice of lead character - Leon Kennedy - wasn't the best idea in my opinion. While I have nothing against the guy, Leon has always struck me as one of Capcom's less interesting creations and I would much rather have followed the escapades of Barry Burton or Leon's Resident Evil 2 co-star Claire Redfield than Mr Kennedy...but never mind. The story is entirely different from anything we've seen in Resident Evil before, but it actually serves the game quite well and it's always interesting enough to keep you hooked. The way that the Capcom have opted to change to a more arcade style adventure than previous games represents a change for the worse, as it makes the game far too easy and cuts out many of the staples of the series - things such as backtracking and the great feeling you get when you find that all important green herb or another case of handgun bullets. Now you always know that there's more items just around the corner and you don't really feel the same fear that previous games instilled so well.
However, despite it's major flaw, Capcom have once again succeeded in creating a magnificent gaming experience. While Resident Evil 4 isn't as gripping or as difficult as it's earlier counterparts, this is still a great video game and a prime reason for owning a Gamecube. Highly recommended!
One thing I really love about this game is the amount of movie tributes that it has in it. From The Evil Dead style camera towards the beginning, to the King Kong-esquire way the giant monster is introduced, all the way down to the Night of the Living Dead shootout in an old abandoned hut - the game is a treasure indeed! The choice of lead character - Leon Kennedy - wasn't the best idea in my opinion. While I have nothing against the guy, Leon has always struck me as one of Capcom's less interesting creations and I would much rather have followed the escapades of Barry Burton or Leon's Resident Evil 2 co-star Claire Redfield than Mr Kennedy...but never mind. The story is entirely different from anything we've seen in Resident Evil before, but it actually serves the game quite well and it's always interesting enough to keep you hooked. The way that the Capcom have opted to change to a more arcade style adventure than previous games represents a change for the worse, as it makes the game far too easy and cuts out many of the staples of the series - things such as backtracking and the great feeling you get when you find that all important green herb or another case of handgun bullets. Now you always know that there's more items just around the corner and you don't really feel the same fear that previous games instilled so well.
However, despite it's major flaw, Capcom have once again succeeded in creating a magnificent gaming experience. While Resident Evil 4 isn't as gripping or as difficult as it's earlier counterparts, this is still a great video game and a prime reason for owning a Gamecube. Highly recommended!