2585

Resident Evil 4

Capcom

Gamecube

Body
-INTRO
The most important of the 5 innovative games Capcom said were to be GC exclusives. They said it was going to be the re-invention of one of the greatest series in gaming. Did they lie?
-GRAPHICS(Tech)
Truly shocking, prayers for a change in frame-rate when there will be 20 enemies on screen will reach a deaf, sweaty, motherfvcking killer of an engine. AZ could see his house with the sniper scope.
-GRAPHIC(Art)
The models and the locales are definitely more interesting than previous releases but still sink in the dreaded sea of generic. Interesting textures.
-AMBIENCE
Repetitive but interesting ambient music and some more usual generic music. FX are of a very good standard, as are voiceovers. There's nothing like being called "Motherfvcker" in spanish by a zombie seconds before offering him in return to change the chemical formula of his brains by adding lead to it.
-CONTROLS
Hats off to Capcom for trying a new avenue in 3rd person character control. Far from perfect but fully functional.
Mind
-DIFFICULTY CURVE
Perfectly calibrated. Sucks you in and never lets go.
-LEVEL DESIGN
Clever and active, no pointless wandering but also does its best to feel not on-rails and fairly succeeds.
-PUZZLE DESIGN
Lame and over-simplified in most of the game, you'll often find the keys before you see the doors. Not surprising for a game that shoots first and doesn't ever ask, though.
-FIGHTING SYSTEM
The controls are a new approach at killing that may seem weird at first but is quick to get into and works great. Shoot their feet, their heads or the dynamite sticks in their hands if there's more of them around. Many different weapons can be bought and upgraded with cash.
-MAGIC SYSTEM
N/A
-DEBUGGING
Endless testing must have gone into this. Virtually bug-free.
Soul
-ORIGINALITY & INNOVATION
They said they would have changed the story, the control system and the way you relate to the game, making the game funnier and better looking than all the previous Resis. They did. A crippling step forward in gaming, the game offers a new Resi formula. More action, more places, less backtracking and a bit of rpg-like customisation.
-STORY
You have to save the president's daughter from a bunch of mad people and their legions of zombies which aren't exactly zombies, apparently.
-ATMOSPHERE
The spanish villages in the mountains and the castle are beautiful and AZ found himself spending hours just staring. Innumerable little details give you a strong feeling of degeneration & decay, and constant set-pieces add to the violent vibe.
-ARTISTIC VALUE
Capcom accepted the challenge and came out as a winner on every level.
-PURE GAMING FUN
One of the best action games ever. The funniest of shooting galleries, always changing, challenging and charming. Also, it lasts ages.
Extra info
-HOURS TO COMPLETION
25-30
-PLAYER CUSTOMISATION
Different weapons for different approaches, buy and upgrade the ones you prefer. The usual extra costumes upon game completion.
-EXTENDED & REPLAY VALUE
The Mercenaries mode is fun for a while and sooner or later you will be back for another go, given the game will keep your weapons & items and some extra ones will be available.
Final Score
AZ can't but pity all the fools that think GC is a kid's console.

 

Copyright 2005 StrangeAeons Industries London
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