Resident Evil 4 Preview
When Capcom revealed that it would fully be supporting the GameCube with its scary-as-hell videogame series, Resident Evil, last year, not only did GameCube fans become extremely happy to have another awesome exclusive franchise, but also a series for older gamers with some edge and atmosphere. But it only got better from there. Capcom announced that its first entry on the GameCube would be in the form of a complete remake of the classic Resident Evil. And it even got better from there! Capcom revealed that its remake was completely gorgeous and lifelike.

Now, just a little more than a year has passed since Capcom released the beautiful and completely realistic remake of its very first Resident Evil. Even more impressive, Capcom managed to pull off a prequel to the title, Resident Evil 0, within the same year – and it was even better looking. So, we’ve gotten two excellent horror titles from Capcom in 2002, and two good ports in 2003. But there’s a good reason. That reason’s Resident Evil 4; the fourth installment in the freaky-deaky-dutch (Austin Powers pun, excuse me) franchise is gearing up to be the best possible Resident Evil title of all time, and in order for that to be done, it won’t see daylight until 2004. But when Resident Evil 4 made its semi-official revealing at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles in full beautiful 3D visuals, we were definitely reassured that the wait will be well worth it.


We don’t know how they did it, but they did it. Capcom not only improved the Resident Evil Remake engine, but made it look so much better that the remake looks like crap compared to it. Well, maybe not “crap”, but it doesn’t look quite as hot. At Nintendo’s E3 Conference, Capcom showed off a clip of Resident Evil 4. The clip lasted one beautifully engrossing minute. It showed off the game’s real-time lighting effects, awesome shadow effects, superb bump-mapped textures, silky smooth animation and awesome clothe physics. And, let’s not forget no more pre-rendered stuff this time around – it’s all full 3D and fully animated. It showcases the game’s main character, Leon S. Kennedy, traversing a spooky and atmospheric mansion. He comes across several zombies, one of which even attacks with some kind of chain-like weapon with a sharp hook at the end of it. He turns corners to find empty dead-ends, as well as corners manifested with a zombies. The game shows off a scene with him walking outside, rain pattering into the ground, thunder crackling in the dark sky, only light up for a brief second by a flash of lightening – which could easily be one of the best atmosphere’s in a game ever conceived. Additionally, he explores areas inside the dark mansion, such as a dining room, which is lightened by a small fire place filled with flames. It’s all too life-like and beautiful.

The storyline, from what we know, tells the story of Leon S. Kennedy, who has been infected with the never-ending Umbrella virus. Kennedy, of course, must explore a scary mansion in search of clues on what the heck he’s supposed to do and how to save his life. Details are scarce, but what we know is compelling and intriguing. Furthermore, also intriguing our interest in the fourth installment in the series, are a few improvements that Capcom is making. Resident Evil’s controls have been fixed up quite a bit – according to Capcom, that is. How they’ll work has yet to be announced, but something more similar to Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem is definitely in order. Additionally, Resident Evil 4’s camera is getting a complete makeover. The camera is still fixed, for the most part, but moves around depending on how players control Kennedy in certain situations. For example, upon coming to a zombie or any other horrifying enemy, the camera pans behind Kennedy, allowing a clear view to easily shoot at the enemy. Even more promising, Leon carries a flashlight with him (brought to life by beautifully real lighting effects), which he can shine at enemies allowing him to see his target a bit easier.


Although details are scarce, Resident Evil 4 is shaping up to be one of the biggest, hottest and most promising titles of 2004. The trailer shown of the game reassures that the game looks nearly undistinguishable between real-life at times and sounds completely real and horrifying, and of course, improves upon everything done in previous Resident Evil titles. Not only could this be the best looking game of all time, it could be the best Resident Evil title of all time.