As an avid fan of the Resident Evil series, I was needless to say very excited about this title. After a brief but mind-blowing preview on a friends Game Cube version, I found myself anxiously awaiting the Play Station 2 release. Owning the game for a month now, I've completed the main game four times, and every extra game mode (Separate Ways, Assignment Ada, The Mercenaries) several times as well.

In any case, on to the review.

GAMEPLAY- 10/10

While the tank like character rotational movement remains, it should serve as no problem for anyone familiar with the series, and is quite easy to pick up for a beginner as well. While it does make close combat difficult when surrounded, since the character rotation is rather slow, it remains a comfortable system, causing only minor problems for the most part. Most notable in this category, however, is the combat system. Unlike other games in the series, the player manually aims their weapon with the aid of a laser-aiming device. This allows for more versatility in combat, giving the player the option of choosing specific targets on the enemy, i.e. legs, arms, head. Another noteworthy factor is the "Action button". The action icon appears to allow the character to engage certain events, such as leaping through a window, knocking down ladders, and kicking enemies. In the same category, these button presses exist within cutscenes as well, forcing the player to stay "on their toes" during cinemas. Enemy AI is excellent as well. The ganados function well in group battle, constantly trying to encircle the player, and go so far as to dodge and duck to avoid attacks.

STORY- 9/10

The story of this game differs greatly from the rest of the series. Though dotted with many familiar characters, the game maintains the feel of an entirely new experience. I would have asked for a bit more thorough explaination of a few points within the game as they relate to the rest of the series, which is why I've scored this section as I have.

GRAPHICS/SOUND- 9/10

The environments in this game are well-rendered as well as interactive, and retain a singular "spooky" ambiance throughout. The character models are clear and crisp, with minimal faults in animation.

The music suits the game and while not brilliant, it flows well with the ambiance of each area. Sound effects are well-done also, though often the constant harping of "Esta aqui!" and the like from the Ganados grows irritating. The only minor flaw I've found is that on occasion the sound effects do not mesh with the number or gender of opponents. When spotted by a female ganado, for example, several male and female voices will sometimes be heard, though only one opponent exists.

PLAY TIME/REPLAYABLILITY- 10/10

Taking 10-15 hours to complete, the game is on par with the remainder of the series. However, upon completing the main game you are rewarded with not one, not two, but three extra game modes. Separate Ways serves to delve deeper into the plotline of the game, taking you deeper into the story and showing the player that not everything that occurs throughout is coincidental. Separate Ways plays much like a second game entirely. Assignment Ada plays much like the main game as well. The Mercenaries is certainly my favorite of the extras, however. With five characters and four levels, it allows for hours of entertainment in itself.

By completing these extra game modes, weapons become available in the main game and Separate Ways, coercing the player into numerous replays in order to obtain them all. This game can easily be enjoyed again and again, for hours at a time.

FINAL RECOMMENDATION- Buy it, now!