In the Beginning…

In 2005 Gamecube released its blockbuster survival horror smash hit Resident Evil 4. The game was hailed as the best in the Resident Evil series and the best in the survival horror genre; winning multiple awards including game of the year. Originally the game was exclusively a Gamecube title, but later that year it was re-released for PS2 and recently released for PC. There are glaring contrasts between the console version and the PC version of the game; such as the loss in atmosphere and ambience and the change in game controls, but the PC version is definitely worth the price for a truly great survival horror game.

The Skinny

The plot is a based on a US special agent named Leon S. Kennedy (no relation to JFK) who is sent on a mission to Europe to rescue the president’s daughter from a religious cult known as the Los Iluminados (the illuminated ones). Leon’s journey takes him to a secluded Spanish village, where a group of hostile villagers await him. The plot thickens as it becomes apparent that the villagers are highly aggressive almost to the point of madness; chasing you with axes, sickles, and my personal favorite the chain saw. As you progress through the game you eventually retrieve the President’s daughter, Ashley from the cult and soon discover that the there is a much more sinister force than the Los Iluminados (which has made an appearance in every Resident Evil Game since its conception); that’s right everyone’s favorite evil organization Umbrella is back. Your journey takes you through wonderfully dark and creepy atmospheres, dilapidated villages, musty caves, and secret research facilities. As you progress through the game the atmospheres become more and more frightening.

Console vs. PC

There are a few distinct differences between the console version and the PC version. One change is graphics; the PC version’s artwork is not as rich as the console version and with a game that is known for rich atmospheres it is a definite deterrent. Second and possibly biggest draw back is the controls; the combat system is based on using laser guided weapons to hit targets and since the game is not compatible with a mouse it takes away from the enjoyment by forcing you to use your keyboard. There are also action sequences in the game where you will have to hit a number of random buttons to escape traps and trying to remember the correct keys on your keyboard for those scenes can become complicated. You will definitely want to buy a PC controller for this game because it is really the only way to enjoy the game adequately.

The PC version has its pros as well as its cons. One is the bonus material; there are extra weapons you can acquire that are not available on the Gamecube version, such as the P.R.L. 412 laser cannon (anything with the word cannon in it has sold me). You also have an alternate version of the game in which you can play as Ada Wong, a second special agent that gets tangled in Leon’s mission. Another huge positive is the PC version was released at $20 and now sells below that mark while the console version was still selling in the $50’s.

My 2 cents

If you prefer PC games to console, RE4 is a good investment; you will be getting hours of enjoyable game play. My advice; is to be sure and buy a game pad for your PC if you purchase the game especially if you prefer console games because without it the transition will be near impossible. The bottom line is that the PC version is a remarkably fun game; despite a couple small draw backs.

The Resident Evil title almost sells itself; it is a game with an awesome plot line, a remarkably fun combat system, and lots of cool creepy atmospheres. I would recommend it to any gaming or Resident Evil fan.

PHOTOS

Round table discussions between two of the biggest US game makers have been taking place since the rejected February 2008 bid from EA (Electronic Arts) to buy Take2 Interactive the makers of Grandtheft Auto and Bio-Shock.  EA, most famous for it’s legendary Madden NFL and The Sims Series has made several round-table attempts since February to purchase Take2 Interactive.  The lastest offer of $25.74 per share to take over Take2 Interactive was ignored and passed up at it’s August 18th deadline.

This week the US Federal Trades Commission approved the merger however, talks seem to indicate that this might play out much longer still yet.

Last year’s revenue for EA totalled more than 4 Billion dollars and ranked them as one of the top 8 largest software companies in the world.  Take2 speculated to be worth around 2 Billion while not quite as big, also has a great bargaining chip on the table with the new release of Grandtheft Auto IV coming out they expect to rake in record profits during this economy down turn.

While theaters and restaurants are struggling, companies such as Dish Network, DirectTV (Hughes), and most of the entire gaming industry are experiencing a huge upturn in sales.  Instead familes are opting to stay home for entertainment and save the gas money; in May of this year, the gaming industry posted an astonishing 53% increase in sales.  The sales have gone up so much, that XBOX 360’s set for Japan have all sold out, and the US sales are getting close as well.  The Nintendo Wii, the first physically interactive gaming system is experiencing the same problem since Christmas 2007, and most stores that carry the system sell out the day they arrive.

For more news on EA, you can visit thier news section ..  EA News.

To follow the press with Take2 Interactive you can check out their press release / news section.