Playtest: Resident Evil 4 Wii edition

Resident Evil 4 was a milestone game on Nintendo GameCube. The game's graphics, exciting storyline and action-packed gameplay converged to create a true masterpiece.

Now Resident Evil 4 has returned to take advantage of a deadlier weapon - the Wii Remote - in Resident Evil 4 Wii edition. For mature players, this is a must-have Wii game, regardless of whether you've previously played Resident Evil 4. In addition to an enhanced control scheme, Resident Evil 4 Wii edition has taken all the game modes and bonuses from Resident Evil 4 versions on other consoles and PC and compiled them onto one disc for Wii, making Resident Evil 4 Wii edition the ultimate RE4 experience.

Those who previously played Resident Evil 4 will enjoy the fresh experience offered by the new controls, and all the extra game modes and bonuses not included in the GameCube game. If you never had a chance to experience the game, now is the time to jump in - the new life breathed into Evil makes it all the better.

As with the original, Resident Evil 4 Wii edition puts you in the shoes of Leon S. Kennedy, a special agent searching for the U.S. President's daughter, Ashley. She is being held by an unknown group that is harbouring a deadly secret. You'll help Leon shoot his way through the group's villages and traps, solving various puzzles along the way.

The control scheme from Resident Evil 4 makes a scarily smooth transition to its Wii counterpart. The Nunchuk controller mostly handles movement whether it's moving the character, the camera or the gun aim. The Wii Remote is primarily used to control the weapons, relying on its pointer capabilities for targeting.

The biggest control improvement involves the Wii Remote's precision targeting. Wherever you point on the screen, a small green circle follows and does so quickly. In fact, the targeting works so smoothly that you don't even think twice about wanting to adjust the pointer's sensitivity settings. When you point at something you can shoot, the target turns red. The GameCube version called on you to aim using the Control Stick with your left thumb and fire off rounds with your right. Not only is shooting now a one-handed operation, you decide which hand you want to use for your aiming and firing.

When your gun is engaged (hold the B Button), you can use the Nunchuk's Control Stick to change the camera angle at which you see your targets. This is perfect for including targets that are just to the left or right of your line of vision. Of course, you'll also adjust the camera when you're trying to shoot nests in the trees or enemies that stand above you on hilltops and platforms.

Two other very noticeable improvements in Resident Evil 4 Wii edition involve Leon's knife and running. In the GameCube version, you needed to press a button to switch from Leon's active weapon to his knife. Now to use the knife, all you need to do is make a slashing motion with the Wii Remote. It may seem minor, but this feature really adds to the game's fluidity.

Leon's evasion techniques feel improved thanks to the specialized two-handed control. Running is effortless now that it is controlled by just one hand. As you move the Control Stick, press the Z Button and Leon will take off. The split-second that is saved not having to transition your trigger finger from shooting to running makes a very noticeable difference when an enemy is so close you can tell it's never brushed its teeth.

It's hard to picture Resident Evil 4 as a game that could be improved, but Resident Evil 4 Wii edition did just that. The game modes and bonuses previously unavailable on the GameCube version are great, but it's the Wii Remote controls that will really blow you away.

Resident Evil 4 Wii edition will be in shops June 29, only on Wii.