Shinji Mikami's return to over-shoulder shooting has proven to be one that's dividing all that get stuck in. Although to focus on the more ridiculous and occasionally sparse elements of the plot is to miss the point entirely, this is a pretty unique take on the survival horror genre, the feel of which at times connotes that of inquisitive isolation first seen in Resident Evil 4's seminal opening sequence. Sure the plot does go completely ridiculous in the last few levels, but gameplay-wise this is spot on. Enemies can be baited into various traps around the level, you're free to hide and stealth kill your way through more heavily fortified areas, boss encounters require a defined method of approach, and there's an incredibly strict limit on your ammunition. You've heard the phrase 'make every bullet count'? Well, in Evil Within it couldn't be more literal, part of the fun of surviving a combat encounter is ensuring you're tagging headshots or explosive barrels with each shot, as well as occasionally herding a group of enemies together so you can take them all out. By restricting the ammunition so severely it forces you to reevaluate everything about how you take down each opponent, and although that may put many people off, Evil Within is incredibly rewarding if you stick with it.
