Tailored for PlayStation 2
Resident Evil 4 offered up absolutely stunning visuals on GameCube. While skeptics may have chattered it couldn't be pulled off on the PlayStation 2, they will now find themselves eating their words. Well, mostly. The beautiful art direction of RE4 is kept intact, and while there have been sacrifices on the PS2, they are minor -- just like any other indiscretions in the game. Textures have been dumbed down and lighting, a relatively big player, is not quite as impressive.
However, the framerate, even in the true widescreen mode with progressive scan on, is almost always 30 (although certain heavy effect areas will stutter). Capcom, who is no stranger to PS2, really stretched its resources, which makes RE4 one of the prettiest to hit the console yet.
There are signs of porting, it's true; for example, high contrast areas where light and dark plays off of each other are slightly less moody. This is only apparent to those that played it on GameCube, however. And to that point, this title is still breathtaking. It's very rare to see a game with such masterful art implementation, which is important to consider as it is often the very reason you can't wait to see the next area.
Beyond the technical feats, Ada's new Separate Ways mission is a real treat for gamers. Only after dedicating some serious time to the main mission and beating it will you unlock it, but once you do you open the way to learn more about the story than any GameCube RE4 player could have. Furthermore, there's even a custom-made new area that Capcom created just for RE4, making the mission more than just a simple sidequest through the same areas. The execution and presentation of this mission is quite detailed. As Ada, you'll have access to a more advanced stash of moves (like a grappling hook) and weapons, and you'll even have objectives that take place in the same time and space as Leon's. In the opening chapter, for example, you'll actually hear the chainsaw man chasing him down in the distance, and you'll find out exactly why those villagers clear town after the church bell rings. Interested? We thought so. It's a fine addition and reward for dedicated players.
That was when Resident Evil went from being scary to a clunky third person shooter.
