Good, but overrated withing the series.
Gameplay - 6/10
Graphics (for time) - 7/10
Story - 6/10
Character/Enemy Design - 8/10
Soundtrack - 10/10
Gameplay Review-
For a game that become so dependent on your ability to dodge, this game sure has a faulty dodging system. I can't count how many times I tried to dodge in a certain direction, only to have the game move me in the opposite direction. Also, we have the issue of Climax taking away the camera angles that made the original games all the more creepy. But on the pros, the combat was smooth, other than dodging, and the ability to look around in first person was a cool addition.
Graphics Review-
I have to admit that the graphics were pretty good for a 2007 game. It had the best of the series to date, and the cinematics looked good.
Story-
The story was good, but it is a bit overdone in horror gaming. You loose somebody, you chase somebody, you end up in hell. That happens in at least 2 of the franchise games before hand, and many others afterward. I also saw a lot of similarities to SH2, and not just the Achievements.
Character/Enemy Design-
The character design was great in this one. You have the insane protagonist, his hot girlfriend, his parents, and his dead brother. The enemies were pretty interesting too. I can see that the dogs may resemble his dog, and I guess Pyramid head does make a bit of sense as Alex feels guilty for letting his brother die.
Soundtrack-
I just love Akira Yamaoka hands down, any game he does the score for, is an automatic 10 in the soundtrack category.