Before I even begin talking about Resident Evil 4, let’s go back a bit to the series' roots. Resident Evil 1, 2 + 3 for the original PlayStation is without a doubt one of the most respected survival/horror trilogies ever conjured. It may also be an acquired taste. Hard as I try, I struggle getting into these games, for one reason and one reason only: the camera. I think both fans and non-fans can agree the oddly orientated, fixed camera could be better; the argument lies in whether it impedes the quality of gameplay. In my opinion, it makes it incredibly difficult to grasp the gameplay itself. However, it’s also argued that the stubborn controls as a result of the manipulative fixed-point camera make the survival aspect more intense. No conclusion will ever be made; Capcom couldn’t have adopted the exact same camera and control scheme for three consecutive games if they didn’t have a good reason. But, as a result of this, it’s impossible for me to review these games in any more depth.

As classic as the originals are considered, Resident Evil 4 is thought to be the one which breaks the barriers. With its totally new control and over-the-shoulder camera, as well as entirely new collection of enemies which differ from the conventional zombies, I can only imagine its controversy within fans of the series. But let’s forget that for a moment, and take a look at it as the exceptional game that it is, and one of the best the PlayStation 2 and Gamecube have to offer.

We take control of Leon Kennedy, famed from RE2, who is on a mission to rescue the President’s Daughter, Ashley Graham. After a stroll through a haunted forest, we quickly learn of a cult consisting of odd-behaving ravenous human beings who want you dead. They are, in fact, under the command of Lord Saddler, head of Los Illuminados, the group who are responsible for Ashley’s capture. The minions are infected by a deadly parasite which takes complete control of their mind, while the parasite itself is controlled by Saddler. Your player must navigate multiple areas in order to put a stop to this organisation and their plans.

One thing we’ve mentioned enough is the renovated camera, which is an engaging and unique close-follow over-the-shoulder, which zooms in ‘shooting mode’. All shooting is done standing on the spot, and movement involves turning in the direction you want and then walking forward or backward. These attributes still make for intense battles, as control is still not totally fluent, yet fluent enough to be playable by anybody, without too much frustration. Aiming is vastly improved, as the player can shoot absolutely anywhere, as opposed to the far simpler three directions its predecessors had to offer (lower, straight ahead, higher). The game not only improves the series’ camera and control style, but manages to invent a whole new never before seen layout that sets it apart from others in its category. Action is the main focus of the game, although there are some interesting puzzles to relieve the tension and  get you thinking. The graphics are superb, and create a serious foreboding atmosphere from place to place. Some of the voice acting is incredibly cheesy, but is overall rather impressive, from the heroic in-your-face taunt of Leon to the blood-boiling jeers of an irritating villain (there are several villains like this).

There are also plenty of weapons to choose from, which a frequently appearing merchant will try to sell you. Although all ammo is procured on site, weapons can be upgraded with the in-game currency, and there’s a variety of other items that can be purchased. Another really smart feature is the briefcase which holds all your items/weapons. The case is divided into a grid of however many squares, with every item taking up a certain number of squares, depending on its size. Objects can be strategically shifted around to make room for others, which cleverly gives the impression of actual physical space, adding to the immersive nature of the game. The herb system has been included, with certain combinations of herbs giving different effects, such as extra health, extra maximum health or both. Other collectables include treasures, which may further be combined with other treasures to be sold at a high price to a merchant.

Part 2 is here!
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