The Games of my Life

Back to the present decade for one of the best, most involving, most visually impressive, and most polished games games ever: Capcom’s Resident Evil 4. This is about the Nintendo GameCube version - the PS2 version isn’t out yet, and I’m sure it won’t be as good (I love my Cube. :))

First, unlike previous Resident Evils, this one has a great control scheme, and a great point of view, which makes me wonder why it’s not used more often. The story is good, the game is creepy (almost scary, sometimes) from beginning to end. Great voice acting (again, unlike some previous REs… “master of unlocking”, anyone?). Some parts of the game are unforgettable: the big fight in the first part of the village… the first El Gigante… the “big fish” under the lake… the first time you fight a… oops, don’t want to spoil it for you. This time, there are no zombies… your enemies are human. Or at least, appear to be… They communicate among themselves, work as teams, go after you in several ways at the same time.

In RE4, you play Leon Kennedy, from RE2, who is sent to a mysterious rural area in Spain (it’s so rural that they still use pesetas instead of euros! :)) to investigate a clue about the kidnapping of the U.S. President’s daughter. Of course, things aren’t as they seem… (are they ever?)

I haven’t seen a GameCube or PS2 game that looks nearly as good as this one. And believe me, it’s not just a graphics fest. Let’s put it this way: I can still remember how I played through several parts, even though it was months ago. It’s simply an experience you won’t soon forget.

Really, buy this game.