Resident Evil 4

Overall Rating:
Genre: Survival Horror
Christian Rating: 2 of 5
   (offensive)
Gameplay: 5 of 5
   (excellent)
Violence: 1 of 5
   (extreme)
Adult Content: 3 of 5
   (mild)

Resident Evil 4 is a game that goes where few if any games have gone before. The world of survival horror games is one that contains many games not worth playing, either because of boring gameplay or extreme violence and frightening images. Resident Evil returns to this formula while adding a few intersting spins to create a masterpiece of gaming, or an offensive show of distaste and disgust, depending on how you look at it. First to the gameplay. As will be seen throughout this review, it is impossible to deny the overwhelming existence of violence in this game. Survival horror and violence go hand in hand. In fact, the game probably wouldn't be possible without its mature rating. As far as the actual gameplay goes it is sheer genius. You play a young man named Leon, on a mission to investigate the mysterious disappearance of the president's daughter in a strange European town. After an encounter with one bizarre man, it is easy to see that the people in this village are far from normal. Different from other Resident Evil titles, these people are not zombies, they are simply humans under control by some greater power. As you progress through the game you will use whatever means necessary to completely obliterate anything in your path. Stealth is far from encouraged, in fact at times you are faced with hordes of enemies, blasting away with pistols, shotguns, rifles, rocket launchers, various other firearms.

As far as graphics it should suffice to say that no other Gamecube game can begin to accomplish the work of art that is Resident Evil 4. The environments are breathtaking, from the frightening castle to the all too peaceful house, each area is alive with tension and beauty. But just as the graphics impress as far as environments, the character models are equally impressive. Watching cutscenes alone is enough to allow you to understand just how amazing this game looks. Needless to say, these amazing graphics only assist in making the gore more realistic and just plain out nastier. In the larger portion of the game that I have experienced, I have seen countless heads exploding in balls of gore, my own character's head being sliced off with a chainsaw, a girl held onto a door by a pitchfork through the face, and enough blood to fill Lake Michigan. This game does not attempt to shield the violence in any way shape or form and should not be played by those who are easily flustered.

Violence is not the only reason why this game may be avoided by some. While not full of bad language, a few words are occasionaly heard. I have heard about 3 or 4 curse words in the larger portion of the game I have played. I was surprised to see that the language was not even mentioned on the back of the game, although on the start up screen the game warns of strong language and violence. It could have been much worse without a doubt, but there are a few bad words present.

There is also another element in the game that should be taken into consideration before playing. The main character's objective soon turns from looking for the president's daughter to investigating the cult group that is so intent on taking his life and keeping the girl hostage. There is a strong sense of evil present, and may be seen as offensive to some. Despite this negative element, it is nice to know that you are the one fighting the evil. Sexual situations are nonexistent besides one of the characters mentioning something about the looks of the president's daughter.

Overall, it is hard to suggest this game to anyone, but at the same time it is hard to suggest staying away. The game itself is absolutely amazing, and the amount of fun and playing time (around 20 hours) you will recieve from this game in just the first time through is enough reason to recommend this game to anyone. However, it is obvious that not everyone can play a game such as this, due to the extreme violence and other slightly objectional elements. I would end by saying that I would highly recommend this game to only the most mature teenager or adult, anyone else should stay away.

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