"Resident Evil 4 raises the bar for horror-themed games. Any one with a passing interest should check it out now."

Resident Evil 4 is another entry in the popular Resident Evil series, which, gamers know, has been around for quite some time. However, this particular installment is an absolute masterpiece and is the first to feature adversaries that are not zombies. Its a superb game that doesn't disappoint and will keep you hooked for quite some time. I have never been a fan of any of the Resident Evil games, mostly due to their old-style controls, and excessively scary atmosphere (I'm scared of Horror games). This game corrects it by introducing easy and accessible controls, and the removal of the oh-so-terrible zombies.

The story stars Leon, a secret agent for the US, who's in search of the US President's missing daughter. Its a nice rescue story and soon, Leon's off to some European village. Here's where the whole mayhem starts and the game really kicks off. You'll go through a spooky castle too, and eventually arrive at an island littered with foes.

Graphics:- 10/10

The graphics are extraordinary to say the least. The characters are all very detailed and animate in a very realistic fashion. The main character, Leon, looks amazing. The environments are all extremely varied and through the game, you'll go from the depressing looking village to a very atmospheric castle and eventually an island. The textures fit quite well into the background and really bring the game to life.

However, there are no undead zombies to be found here. Instead you'll get creepy spanish speaking villagers who love killing Leon with pitchforks, axes, knifes and any other objects with sharp edges. These new enemies move with stark realism. They don't exhibit any zombie like characteristics like eating Leon's flesh or slowly slouching towards you. Their weapons may clip right through some of the doors they're trying to get through.

Everything has a nice, clean look to it. The light effects are great and has a natural feel. Throughout the game, you'll be seeing the world from over Leon's shoulders meaning it has a behind-the-back camera. It substitutes the cinematic camera angles of previous Resident Evil games. However, this system works even better due to the fact that you can always keep your enemies within sight. This also removes the disorientation factor usually associated with single-angle camera systems.

The visuals have a very distinct style thats extremely pleasing to the eye. The effect of watching a farmer reel back after a shot to the head and still live is quite unnerving. They react like they were poked in the eye.

The frame rate holds up pretty well and you'll only ever notice slowdown when the screen's littered with enemies (which is like once in two play throughs, when around eight to nine Ganados covered the screen, and I was busy popping one of their heads off). Its quite a technical feat really, and astounding too, as you have to wonder how the PS2 came to handling such life-like graphics. All in all, this is definitely one of the best looking games ever to grace the now aging console. Its also one of the more gory ones (Try dying at the hands of a fat, fast and completely crazy chainsaw guy with a hood, and you'll know what I mean).

Sound:- 10/10

The guns bang just right and sound extremely powerful. Your enemies scream and cry out through various shouts and screeches. The music is quite eerie and fits the unsettling mood the game tries successfully to instill. One moment it'll be quiet, with only your footsteps disturbing the silence. Then the next moment, you'll spot a monster and the background music will immediately start, tensing you up for the fight. Its the combination of this and the visual feedback that really gives this game its atmospheric and creepy aura.

The voice acting, although nice, is ruined somewhat by the goofy script. Its corny, and isn't funny even when it strains to be. Really, what's the use of such fine actors if you can't get your dialouge right? This doesn't take down the score though as cutscenes aren't quite frequent.

Nice sound effects like these really help bring the in scary feelings. In the end, its quite an outstanding work.

Gameplay:- 9/10

The gameplay is, truthfully, quite simple to get hold of and is plain in design. You'll be blasting the hell out of the game's small collection of enemies most of the time and all the while, looking out for any treasures to collect. Other times, you'll be trying to solve the rather easy puzzles which are currently standing in your way.

But what really makes it fun is the satisfyingly cool shooting. It just packs the right amount of punch. Nothing's quite like removing the head off multiple zombie-like farmers and zealots with the single shot of a shotgun. Or maybe a rifle. Heck, even the default starting pistol. It never gets old and is the highlight of the game. The way these enemies react also help to up the game's personality. You can shoot their knees while they're running towards you to trip them down, where you can mercilessly slash their ugly and white faces with your trusty knife. Or you can rush a headshot, which will stagger them, allowing you to deliver a roundhouse kick and grounding any potential threat around you. Why, Leon can even suplex the poor fools for an instant kill (most of the time).

You're arsenal consists of pistols, magnums and many other head-poppers. All are gratifying to use and have an importance in every specific scenario. For your regular meals of killer peons and soldiers, you'll be using the pistols to whittle down their healths. The bosses, however, will require a more heavy hand, thus forcing you to switch to your rifles, magnums etc for that extra punch.

As said before, the game is seen from over Leon's shoulders and this. It isn't too drawn back, which means you can't see what's exactly behind you. This heightens the tension considerably as you'll often get surrounded by the opposing enemies. These foes display some basic intelligence and can climb over windows, open doors, climb ladders and even replace the ladders you kick down. Its fun to throw a ladderful of farmers down, but it'll immediately turn to horror when you find out that some had found an alternative route to your spot and are currently standing right behind you, ready to strangle you or puncture your body with knifes.

They have a knack of working as a team. In groups, the ones with weapons will charge you head on while the rest circle around you, hoping to catch your unguarded back. You'll jump alot throughout the game when something catches you from behind when you least want it to happen, like during a frontal assault on a maniac brandishing a chainsaw.

The bosses are memorable adversaries and quite hard indeed if your still not used to the gameplay mechanics. They'll often hit you with attacks that require the dodge buttons. These dodges are performable in certain circumstances only and will really test your reflexes.

While battling with your foes, you really have to take advantage of your environment. You'll have to carry out escort missions and here, knowing your surroundings is critical.

The variety in gameplay is excellent. You'll do quite a many different tasks in a number of situations. Like a cart ride while being harassed by some pesky miners.

Overall, quite a gameplay experience and a must for people who like their gore in the face.

Value:- 10/10

A lot of replay value to be found here. After you beat the game, you'll get some minigames that help extend the game's life quite a bit. Also, upon completion of some of these minigames, you'll be able to unlock various items of interest.

Overall:- 9.7/10

Instant classic really. Action fans will absolutely love it and even players of other genres should try this game out. Just buy it and have fun ruining your social life.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/18/06