I was in your same position, I have never really got into the Resident Evil games. I played this game at E3 last year and was blown away. I automatically knew this game would be a big Game of the Year Contender.
Here's where i stand:
Graphics 9.8
After hours and hours, things seem to look alike. Although the graphic style sets one of the best atmosphere in almost any game. Overall Best Graphics on Gamcube and rivals the best on XBOX if not better than XBOX games.
Controls 8.5
A huge step from other RE games (I've only played REremake). Things become more easy to manage but in tight situations you still have a feeling that Leon has a broken foot or something. Aiming is more realistic and more simple but can prove to be difficult at times when enemies are further away, due to the laser not being straight (it's always a bit diagonal due to the camera angle).
Sound 10
The sounds add so much to the games atmosphere and it always makes you afraid of whats next. Whether its enemies running at you through water or villagers yelling at you in Spanish you always have that feeling like your in the game. It really draws you in. All the sound effects like bear traps going off or shotgun blasts decapatating enemies sound beautiful. Everytime a head is blown off you always get that "ooh!" feeling.
Gameplay 9.5
The first time through is always tough, but i found that the 2nd or 20th try ends up proving that it was actually not as hard. It is great watching different ppl play the game because everyone will play it differently. The first level for instance, you can run around shooting ppls heads or aiming at their knees, run for cover in "House A", "House B", or the "Tower", or Shotgun room, barricade the doors and windows. There seems to almost have a open ended feeling in a linear type of game. The cabin scene with Louis is remarkably intense! Overall the gameplay is great because every moment in the game has you hooked in. If your very own mother was being slowly killed beside you while you where playing this game, $100 says you wouldn't even notice!
Overall 9.8 (P.S. if you love your mom too much, try not to play it while she is home)