I have been playing it for the last two days now. I completed chapter 5 last night.System: PS3
Graphics:
First of all as most of you know now most games with the ID5 engine has texture loading issues but I can assure you this game doesn't. Graphically its decent but feels not polished enough. There are some bugs as well (clipping mostly). Except those the graphics are not consistent, with some filters (there are some red filters and blue ones at certain scenes) the game looks awesome at times and very decent sometimes. Its just not polished well. After the Digital Foundry article we will see but I believe the game runs around 25fps most times. That's the feeling it gives at least.
Sound:
Sound design is very well done, but I can't say I liked the voice work much. It feels like a decent Hollywood action flick if you know what I mean. Sounds are well done, that's you can clearly understand if an enemy is far or close, you don't even need to see them. Music's are good too, i only heard classical music but it brings the tension up and makes you jumpy.
Controls:
Controls are tight and well done. Just like Resident Evil 4 for those who are wondering (In terms of tightness). You can issue your weapons, grenades and items to directional pad and select them with one touch of the button. If inventory is brought up the game doesn't stops but goes into slow motion (really slow) so you can do whatever you want in the middle of the combat.
Now for some gameplay mechanics and details:
-Stealth is really a valid option in this game. I completed one chapter completely stealthy.
-Enemies are very quick to react to sounds. This works both ways, you can manipulate them using empty bottles (You can throw them) or by kicking doors. They tend to lose your ''scent'' quickly though in open areas, you can quickly run away and hide.
-Melee weapons are very brutal and useful though after one use they are broken. Melee weapons are also one hit one kill for normal enemies (Haunted).
-While they said ammo is very scarce, i had no problems up until so Chapter 5 as i stealth killed most enemies.
-Mini bosses tend to be much harder to kill and you usually use your ammo on them as they are brutal and follow you relentlessly.
-There are many kind of traps in the game. Bear trap, motion sensor bombs, booby trap bombs. You can pick to disarm them for parts (which you make arrows for your crossbow) or you can manipulate enemies into them. Its up to you.
-There are little statues. Shoot them as they give you keys. You can use those keys to open lockers in game's hub place and get gifts (ammo, gel, etc.)
-The game really has that survival horror feeling. Its the much deserved following to Resident Evil 4 so far and gives you much freedom with how you want to play the game.
-Crossbow is your all around weapon.
I will update as i play more. If you have any questions, ask please.
