I have heard nothing but critiscism for this game since it came out, and having just treated myself to this addition the the resi series, I'll give everyone a fully unbiased review, because despite being a religous fan of the series (and yes, I thought the G-Con games were foul, bar the marginally good dead aim), i decided to actually follow the progress of the game and read the box before purchasing it!!!!
The game follows, as you would have learned from the previous reviews, the exploits of Rebecca, Chris, Jill, Billy, Carlos, and 'others' throughout a retelling of the stories told in Resi titles 0, 1, and 3. It plays out as a 'less linear' lightgun shooter, in that you can swivel your view round using the nunchuk, and fire using the remote, even uncovering alternate routes if you are looking the right way at the right time. Blasting creatures as you go with a variety of weapons, your aim is to survive each episode intact alongside your partner, usually ending in a confrontation with a staple boss of the series. Between this, simultaneous events are revealed to the player of sides of the Umbrella story that they never saw, including Wesker's true motivations, resulting in a playable culmination that takes place at the main umbrella HQ.
The graphics of the game are superb, taking the visuals from the gamecube resident evil remake and zero, and recreating them in lavishly detailed full 3D. The monsters still look wonderful, with the usual high quality animation you expect. The sound also hits a high here, using a more sythesised light-rock twist on the usual resi tracks, but unforunately, the awful voice acting is indeed back, and at one of it's worst (any fan should be able to look past this though!). Resi 3 also looks superb I should note, all done up in remake graphics and with new less polygonal carlos and jill character models...the production values reek of quality throughout. Now, how does it play?
Fortunately, it works incredibly well. The control scheme is dead tight and feels comfortable and natural within minutes of picking up. All the controls are located in convenient places and the aim is just sensitive enough to enable sharpshooters to show off without making it too jerky for newcomers. Context sensitives are introduced too, and if you have defense items on you, you can choose to use them as you're about to be attacked by pressing A and B on the remote simultaneously, then being treated to a cool scene of said monster being trashed with a stylish reverse kick or knife slash to the face.
Extra weapons and health are found along the way by breaking stuff with your guns, and can be picked up by pointing at them and pressing A. Overall, the controls and gameplay style really mesh to create a highly playable, enjoyable title.
As for replay value, fans are treated to tons of files and collectibles to discover, different routes to explore, high scores (and yes, you can try for A grades again!) on each level, secret levels and characters, not to mention the 12 or so missions in the main game (which can be played through with one of two different characters!).
So in short, despite not being "proper resi", capcom have created a brilliant fan-title here, oozing with quality presentation and replay value, and providing hours of great fun. Fair enough if you want to knock it, but have the sense to read the box first!!!
Pros:
+ Fun and addictive gameplay.
+ Shooting controls are tight, responsive, and easy to pick up.
+ Tons of replay value and unlockables.
+ Superb story development for fans.
+ Excellent graphics and presentation.
Cons:
- Critical headshots hard to score.
- No RE2 or CV sections?
- Bosses not as exciting as actual missions.