Resident Evil 4

Terror finds a new home on GameCube, as we offer our final verdict on what has to be the best survival-horror title on the planet! All-new videos included.

	Version GameCube, PS2	Developer Capcom	Publisher Capcom	Genre Survival Horror

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While Resident Evil 4 retains the archaic 3D control scheme of its predecessors, somehow it feels more refined now and makes Leon a joy to control compared to previous games in the series. Utilizing the analog stick and buttons players can make Leon run, perform quick 180-degree turns, quickly access his trusty knife to break open crates and boxes, slash away at enemies, as well as aim, fire and reload weapons.

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With the point-specific targeting system of the game, aiming is handled a whole lot better now. Rifle scopes and infra-red beams from Leon's guns allow for more pin-point accurate shots, and enemies react realistically when shot in specific regions - falling or dropping to their knees when shot in the ankle, holding their arm in pain, or holding their faces. What's cool is that players can also shoot weapons out of enemy hands, as well as shooting down weapons after they've been flung at them. All of these things provide a combat system that's a lot more fun and intuitive than what's been done before in the series.

Additionally, the Action button plays an expanded role this time around, and allows players to perform a variety of actions, not just opening doors, climbing ladders, picking up items, and activating switches. While attacking enemies, players can perform cool melee attack moves like kicks and even a suplex move on dazed opponents, and with the game's increased level of interactivity with the environments, using the Action button allows players to leap through windows, over obstacles, as well as knocking down ladders as enemies are climbing up after you...

There are many points in the game where players will be prompted to hit certain buttons in a timely manner or risk sudden death. These action sequences require players to remain alert all throughout the game, usually occuring at unexpected moments. It's reminiscent of the 'Quick Timer Event' sequences from games like Shenmue and also Die Hard Arcade. To keep players on their feet, the button sequences are randomized so if you die and replay, you'll still have to remain alert. If anything, these action sequences add even more excitement to Resident Evil 4's already fantastic gameplay elements.

With the variety of challenges and obstacles you'll encounter, one of the things I love about Resident Evil 4 is how the game world is seamlessly linked yet broken down into chapters with convenient check points and ample amounts of save points available throughout the game. Fortunately, while the traditional typewriter based save system is still in use, Capcom has done away with the annoying need to have ink ribbons in your inventory in order to save your progress, now you can save as many times as you like.

RE4 is broken down into six chapters, and while the quick pacing of the game might make it appear to be a little on the short side, the adventure spans two discs that took me a little over 20 hours to complete. Additional playthroughs cut that time in half, so there's no doubt that completion times will vary from 10-20 hours depending on player skill and how quickly they rush through the game.

Fortunately, compared to previous games in the series, RE4 has a significant amount of replay value; not only can players start a new game with the weapons and items from their previously completed game carrying over into the new one, but also a number of cool mini-games (and a side mission) can be unlocked, adding more variety to the package.

Graphically, Resident Evil games have been kicking ass on the GameCube since the remake of the classic original and Resident Evil Zero graced the system. But with Resident Evil 4 Capcom has effectively stepped up their game and has taken the graphics to a whole new level, showing what the Cube's ATI-powered graphics chip can really do. Background environments are crafted with intricate detail, sharp textures, dramatic lighting effects and a nice variety of weather effects that amplify the game's atmosphere no end, bringing some of its hauntingly gorgeous scenery to life. All of the environments were crafted with incredible care and attention to detail.

Character designs also look superb; from Leon's excellent character model to that of Ashley, the savage villagers, and some of the horrifying monstrosities you'll bump into, all of the characters have been lavished with ample detail; they're textured quite nicely and animate fluidly. The game's real-time cutscenes also look fabulous and can easily be mistakened for CG at times, thanks to the amazing visual quality. And while the lack of true widescreen support may disappoint some, it's really of no consequence as the game looks stunning regardless. Every thing comes together beautifully while maintaining a pretty solid 30fps, even during some of the more graphically intensive portions of the game. Resident Evil 4 is one of the best-looking games on the market.

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