Just finished this last night. No, it's not as good as RE4 - mainly owing to the fact that it runs out of steam and imagination in the final act.
It's a bit of a shame - I was really intrigued by the Africa/Umbrella story, which was unfolding through diaries n stuff - I thought the path to discovery of the lab was really interesting. But when I realised all holidaying was over (i.e. no more African landscape) and it was all destined to once again end up in a steel facility (or steel ship - similar thing) it was a little dissapointing. The story went a little too Japanese too, throwing out all mystery and credibility in favour of Wesker's generic "I am a god" drivel - and the Star Wars Episode 3 volcano battle (surely the worst thing to plageurise ever) was very overblown. The last fight was ill-concieved and awkward too.
Apparenlty RE4 was co-written by an American, which really shows actually.
I do wish sometimes the Japanese had a bit more imagination beyond the regular 'nutty super-powered bloke who wants to take over world' scenario. But despite all that, I'd still give it a 9/10 - it simply rocked my world for the first 7 hours, and is beautifully put together. Best adventure game in ages.
That's my two bits.
