Resident Evil 4 [GC]

Playing Resident Evil 4 on a full stomach isn't advised... or, for that matter, experiencing it without fresh underwear handy. Set six years after Raccoon City's fall, the title takes great liberties with both the series' signature storyline and traditional scare tactics.

The tale -- which focuses on Leon S. Kennedy, former rookie cop turned top-secret U.S. agent -- sees our intrepid hero venturing into Europe's heartland in search of the President's kidnapped daughter. And although it sounds more like the setup for an international espionage thriller than survival horror outing, the script's nevertheless chilling.

As hands-on time with a beta build reveals, the franchise appears terrifying as ever. Your mission begins immediately upon arrival by car in a quaint forested hamlet. Two police officers accompany Leon, who looks none too happy to be undertaking the assignment. Graciously volunteering to keep watch over the vehicle, your companions hang back as you enter the nearest home, a ramshackle wooden construct. Things seem quiet, yet take a turn for the amiss when the abode's occupant -- a rustic-looking villager -- suddenly takes a swing at you with an axe. From there, the situation devolves as screams come from the direction of the parked auto and a frothing mob begins forming.

Setting the stage for coming events, this introductory sequence reinforces what we already know about the game: zombies aren't your chief enemies anymore. Instead, homicidal townsfolk possessed with a maddening rage take top billing. Though alive, something's obviously wrong with these people, who give chase whenever you're spotted with sickle or pitchfork in hand. Some even approach unarmed, yet can effortlessly lift Leon by the throat and toss him great distances. The only universal traits adversaries posses is that they're swift, almost unstoppable, and gang up on you en masse whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Being cornered under such situations is fatal, as you can imagine. So it's a good thing a new over-the-shoulder third-person view has been implemented. While camera angles still seem dodgy, getting a view of the surrounding territory isn't difficult. What's more, although the control scheme powering movement and inventory management is reminiscent of past games in the franchise, you gain greater command over the main character. All-new action buttons also prevent you from being boxed in, making it possible to kick down doors, dive out windows, and dodge incoming boulders. Once you catch up with Ashley Graham, the missing waif you're looking for, these functions also aid in protecting the girl, letting you lift her out of harm's way.

Of course, dodging the Hispanic adversaries -- we know their apparent nationality because opponents speak Spanish and you can collect coins called pesetas -- isn't easy under any circumstance. And persistent as enemies are, gunning them down while managing to avoid accidentally popping a slug in Ashley can be a real challenge. Weapons such as knives and a laser-sight equipped pistol aid in the effort, as does the option of spin-kicking foes into submission. Collectible herbs and sprays that increase health, and typewriters used for saving your game, also make the job easier (as in previous Resident Evil titles).

Another interesting play element introduced is traps. Early on, you meet a wolf whose leg is caught in a steel vise, which you have the opportunity to free. Consider it a warning; shortly thereafter, you'll stumble onto tripwires, more toothy metal terrors and other troublesome obstacles. These run-ins sap precious health, as will direct encounters with your ghoulish rivals. Early on, the point is made that stealth and caution should serve players better than brute force. Unlike the undead aggressors you've butted heads with before, current foes exhibit a high level of intelligence. Give away any information on your position, and they'll converge there in an instant.

On the audio-visual front, graphic violence remains commonplace, with well-aimed shots resulting in entire heads exploding. Showers of gore further spring forth whenever bullets hit home, and you'll bleed like a stuck pig if struck by a bladed object. Coupled with the photorealistic forest backgrounds and frothing hordes we've bumped into, the net effect is a convincingly authentic excursion. For those who turn out the lights, crank up the volume, and soak up the ambient sound effects, the sum total proves an unsettling affair.

While many key details about the game remain ambiguous, we're certain GameCube owners will be in for a treat when the title ships this January. Both the software engine and background story behind the game seem solid, and could potentially outstrip forerunners in terms of quality by a large margin. If nothing else, expect an engaging walk on the wild side that oozes otherworldly charm.