Besides, Resident Evil has always had its own ways to encourage player curiosity and exploration, which work in tandem with narrative not against it. On this subject, it would be utterly remiss to give away any story elements because this remains fundamentally a narrative game in which each beat of the script is a puzzle piece that you get to joyfully uncover and play with. Rest assured, Resi 4 is still a grandiose mix of hostage rescue drama and occult horror story, and those who played the original will get to revisit familiar moments as well as discover fresh twists.

This is a wonderful game: a beautiful, tense, camp, gory summation of everything that is so good about Resident Evil. Wherever you find yourself, whether rose garden or torture dungeon, it is alive with intimate detail, from the sounds of distant screams and chants to the sight of a grisly murder scene or a beautiful vase. It is resplendent, delicious and decadent, like an incredibly rich banquet served amid the detritus of some horrible battle. Believe me, you will feast on it.