Sure, I already reviewed this game when it was released on GameCube earlier this year, but once in every console generation there's a title that deserves to be reviewed twice. Resident Evil 4 is that game. Plus, I just wanted an excuse to play it again.
There were concerns that the PS2 couldn't live up to the GameCube's graphics, but RE4's gorgeous atmosphere transcends technological limitations. To notice you're playing the PS2 version, you'd have to look down at the controller, or at least beat the game, at which point there's a PS2-exclusive bonus quest worthy of its own packaging. The core game is as tense as ever. The end credits alone are creepier than most survival horror games.
Even if you don't like Resident Evil—even if you don't like video games—you should play RE4. With five games to cover in this column each week, I rarely have time to go back and play old games. But when I do, I play Resident Evil 4. It's one of the best games ever made.
SOUL CALIBUR III (T) (4 stars)
Namco
PlayStation 2
Despite the addition of a few forgettable mini-games, Soul Calibur hasn't changed much. It's still Tekken with weapons, and there are still pretty lights where blood should be. But its cool character roster and top-notch combos still do the trick.
SHREK SUPERSLAM (E10+) (3 stars)
Activision
PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube
Once upon a time, there was a Smash Bros. rip-off, and since its controls were sluggish, players couldn't quite live happily ever after. But overly aggressive Shrek fans yearning to kick ass (and by ass, I mean Donkey) still found much to enjoy. The end.
WORLD POKER TOUR (E) (3.5 stars)
2K Sports
PlayStation 2, Xbox
For online play, this is the best poker game yet. The PS2 version even lets you see your opponent via EyeToy (which comes in handy if he eats Oreos when bluffing). AI opponents, however, are as baffling as ever. Either way, at least you're only losing virtual money.
BLITZ: THE LEAGUE (M) (4 stars)
Midway
PlayStation 2, Xbox
If you feel that Madden NFL leaves out too many aspects of real football (specifically drugs, violence and poor sportsmanship), then check out Blitz. Its mean-spirited, testosterone-fueled teams don't contain many role models, but they sure have fun.
Matthew Scott Hunter has been known to mumble, "Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, start" in his sleep. E-mail him at
[email protected].