Resident Evil 4 for the PS2
(2005-09-23)
We all know that Resident Evil 4, released for the Game Cube earlier this year, was one of the year's best titles, if not the best. Well, PS2 owners need not wait much longer to get in on the experience because Resident Evil 4 is being ported to the console, with a few extra goodies to boot.
RE 4 for the PS2 will, of course, offer the full Gamecube game, including all of the characters and such, as well as the Mercenaries minigame. New features include the stonkin' PRL 412, a compact version of the parasite-destroying laser from the Gamecube version, new costumes for Leon and Ashley, and a new five-chapter storyline called Separate ways starring Ada Wong. This “minigame” will detail Ada's movements and happenings during the events of RE 4's regular storyline. This will help explain some of what happened during RE 4, meaning you'll be playing in a lot of the same environments, but also on a brand new battleship level exclusive to the PS2. Ada will also get a new costume, and you'll have access to her report, which will provide more information regarding the storyline of the game.
The controls have transferred flawlessly to the PS2, and may even be better than on the Gamecube. You can expect exactly the same stuff as Leon, though Ada totes some different weapons as well as a number of cool gadgets, making the Separate Ways game a unique experience instead of a clone in a different set of clothes.
Because RE 4 was coded specifically for the Gamecube, you can expect some loss in graphical quality, but not much. Still, you most likely will notice that the PS2 version is a little rough around the edges in some places. However, RE 4 will be some of the best stuff available on the PS2, and all of the original's attention to detail will remain. Not only that but the game will feature 16:9 widescreen and 480 progressive scan support, something rarely seen on the PS2.
Although it may seem slightly cruder visually if subjected to thorough scrutiny, the game will definitely be worth its cost, both for the new content and for the amazing video gaming experience, something a lot of PS2 owners probably haven't had the pleasure of. You can expect to see Resident Evil 4 for the PS2 on store shelves this October. 
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