Resident Evil 4 confirmed for March next year in Europe!

Christmas has come early for all you zombie-lovin' Cube fans, as Capcom and Nintendo have officially announced a March 18th launch for one of the hottest titles on Gamecube!

This is great news for Nintendo fans as we look towards the new year for big titles to slake our post-Christmas thirst for quality titles and big announcements for the coming 12 months.

Here is the press release in full:

17 December 2004 � Prepare for the scare of your life as Capcom's survival horror Resident Evil 4 launches on 18th March 2005, only on Nintendo GameCube. This latest incarnation will join 14 previous Resident Evil titles, which have so far sold over 25 million copies world-wide.

Heralded as the creator of the survival horror genre, Resident Evil 4 takes things a step further by not only revolutionising the series, but by re-inventing the action game genre. Taking place years after the T-virus outbreak, the storyline and gameplay structure have dramatically changed to allow more emphasis on action. Players move through the game as Special Agent Leon S. Kennedy who is on a top secret mission. His investigation into the abduction of the President's daughter has led him to a mysterious location in Europe. As Leon encounters all new unimaginable horrors, he must find out who or what is behind this new nightmare.

The atmosphere has been greatly enhanced in Resident Evil 4 thanks to a new control method and intuitive camera. Gone are the signature fixed camera positions that gamers will be familiar with. Now the camera follows closely behind the player, allowing for more intuitive movement and shooting, which is enhanced with the newly added aim and shoot mechanic.

Certain moves are now only a single button press away thanks to the innovative action button. Players will be able to perform a selection of actions including kick, jump, dodge or even swim by pressing a certain button quickly after being prompted to do so on screen. This adds to the adrenalin-fuelled excitement of the game, keeping players on the edge of their seats.

The menacing enemies we are all familiar with have been replaced with a new darker breed of evil. Enhanced enemy AI (Artificial Intelligence) means that the enemies are faster, smarter and more dangerous than ever before. Instead of automatically appearing at a certain point, creatures will now stalk you, waiting until you are at your most vulnerable to attack. The new camera mode adds to the excitement as you can no longer see what is creeping up behind you until it is too late.

Things become even more creepy and atmospheric as you progress deeper into the game. The breathtaking graphics and effects give the game a deeper sense of realism than ever seen before on any home console. Coupled with chilling sound effects and creepy background music, Resident Evil 4 will reduce you to a quivering bundle of nerves in no time at all.

Get ready to turn down the lights, crank up the surround sound and immerse yourself in 2005's most atmospheric game yet. You are in for a frighteningly good time!

Resident Evil 4 will launch on the Nintendo GameCube in the UK on 18th March 2005 at the estimated retail price of around �40. Nintendo of Europe will distribute this game in Europe and Capcom is the Publisher.

Resident Evil 4, Star Fox Assault, Mario Power Tennis, the possibility of the new Zelda... could 2005 be the best year for the Cube? Only time will tell, we approached a zombie for comment, and he had the following to say:

"Rrrrrrrr."

I think that just about sums it up! Here's looking forward to a great lineup of games in 2005 and the chance to at last find that elusive badger!