Resident Evil 4 HD

Blog Post: The Return of Resident Evil 4

Cowcommander — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 07:19:00 GMT

I remember playing this game at my friend's house before school everyday years ago. It was scary and terrifying but we had so much fun. Now the game is back with HD graphics which makes everything beautiful and clear again, even better too. The gameplay feels odd at first but you grow used to it and soon you're killing like a madman. The story is always fun and interesting to follow which makes you want to keep playing. They even added the small addons from Ps2 version which is cool of them to do as well. Its not all that terrifying anymore but still just as fun as it was years ago. It has come back stronger than ever!

Blog Post: A revolutionary classic that holds up well

Andrew Marcos — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 18:54:00 GMT

The original Resident Evil and its sequels prior to Resident Evil 4 are known for survival horror. Common themes and mechanics include zombies, fixed camera angles, incredible lack of ammunition, puzzles and a limited save system. There was never much in the way of action or shooter mechanics, and players could generally run past enemies instead of fighting them at all. Resident Evil 4 turns those concepts on their head and provides a revolutionary title that might just be the best Resident Evil yet, with a refreshing new camera angle, less restrictive save system, and some clever new enemies that still keep the tension flowing. That’s not to say this game is any less tense then the originals, it’s just much more improved.

Starting off 6 years after the Raccoon City Incident from Resident Evil 2 and 3, players are back in the shoes of Leon S. Kennedy, a government agent tasked with finding the president’s daughter. Upon arriving at the village he is greeted less then kindly by the villagers, who attack any outsider that comes in and have the president’s daughter with them. The story isn’t mindblowing, but it gets the job done, with much improved voice acting and cinematics from previous titles (though there are occasional moments where the writing and voice acting leave you scratching your head). It does do a good job of initiating new players in by setting up a plot that works well almost entirely on its own, with plenty of new characters and the previous games summed up nicely at the beginning, though fans can expect plenty of throwbacks and references that give you a glimpse at other popular characters and their ambitions.

The gameplay is highly improved and very fun, with the new camera angle and combat options making it easier to kill enemies without making you an unstoppable killing machine, taking away the frustration of making lucky guesses or spending time positioning yourself for one good shot in previous titles. The enemies (who are called Ganados in game) are deadlier then any zombie, with many variants in their ranks as well as some terrifying minibosses (including a hard to kill chainsaw Ganado) and some grotesque bosses you’ll encounter through the story. They respond to bullets in a very cool way, with a shot to the leg dropping an enemy to their knees or flat on the ground, a shotgun blast knocking them back a few meters, or a shot to the head or arm causing them to reel in pain, allowing you to close in for a kick. They also work together and get organized, forcing players to barricade themselves or try to put some distance. These enemies are definitely a far cry from the zombies of before, and while they don’t care much for their own lives they will work together in droves to get rid of you, with special enemy types coming into play and new enemies to face as the game goes on, to keep the experience fresh.

The new location is a village in Spain, but players will be facing several locations and will have plenty of exploration and puzzles to solve, in classic Resident Evil fashion. Just when you think the experience is starting to get stale, you wind up in an entirely new location close to or within the area that forces you to rethink your tactics and adapt. Levels range from a village, to a castle at the edge of the village, to a militaristic island just off the shore, all with different enemy types to face and new weapons to find or purchase. The game is on the longer side (it took me 25 hours my first time through), but it certainly never feels stale thanks to the work in making these areas so unique to each other.

A new addition to the franchise is the ability to buy, sell and tune up weaponry from a helpful merchant in the village. His role in the story is minor, with only a few cutscenes dedicated to him and no explanation given to how he operates or why he helps the player (aside from a hinted hatred of the cult Los Illuminados), but he doesn’t feel out of place in any way. As you progress he will sell you newer gear (including weaponry, higher capacity attaché cases and healing items) to face the different enemy types and offer challenges to earn the player some money so they can buy more gear. Enemies can drop pesatas you can use to purchase items, while you can also find them in vases and hidden areas, or find and put together rare jewels that he’ll purchase at a high price (though they don’t have any gameplay function aside from looking pretty, but keep in mind you can combine certain gems to earn much more than you would selling them individually). He also tunes up weaponry, offering upgrades for reload speed, magazine size, damage and firing speed, with appropriate prices for the level you are at or weapon you are using. Though players can ignore the merchant entirely, it can be very difficult to find weapons yourself, while not upgrading your weapons can make later enemy encounters much more difficult than they have to be, so I’d advise players to keep on the lookout for him and buy new items when necessary.

It’s not a perfect game, but when it came out in 2006 it was very close to it and was one of the best games to come out for the original Gamecube. Now on different systems (including the PS3 and Xbox 360 for an HD upgrade), and with a few years since it originally came out, how does it stack up? Very well actually, though that’s not to say it doesn’t have flaws. As mentioned, the story can be weird with some poor writing and occasional odd emphasis from voice actors (who otherwise do a stellar job). The inability to strafe or move while aiming is also a big negative, and was an issue when it came out which makes the problem a bit more annoying in modern years, even with a new control scheme the need to use the left analog to aim can be jarring. The weirdest issue specific to the HD versions would have to be the unfortunate porting of the Separate Ways side story starring Ada Wong, since the cutscenes are not in game and are still the same quality they were 6 years ago. Still, it doesn’t affect the main game, and while the cinematics are blurry and muddy, they are still watchable and provide more backstory to the main plot. The quick time events most definitely are not too enjoyable, a novelty back then, they are more annoying today and take away attention from the cinematics without feeling like “real” gameplay, and on higher difficulties the time you have for a button press can feel absurdly low. These are all minor issues though when considering how well the rest of the game holds up.

Overall, Resident Evil 4 was a revolutionary title when it first came out, and it still holds up well today, both in gameplay and in graphics, which were ahead of their time when it released, and still look great in HD. If you haven’t played Resident Evil 4, then considering the various platforms you can enjoy it on (including the PS2, Gamecube, Wii, PS3, Xbox 360 and PC if you are a masochist), then you have no excuse not to play this stellar game.

Blog Post: This Is Survival Horror At Its Finest

DrJoeystein — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 05:30:00 GMT

It'd be a common thing to say that Resident Evil 4 is the main reason why many people began playing the video game series. In my case, it wasn't that I played RE4 first and loved it so much that I went back to try out its predecessors. It was because I felt compelled to play the original titles before touching RE4. In other words, I wanted to know why Capcom's beloved survival-horror juggernaut became so famous by playing all the main games myself. After recently finishing RE3: Nemesis, I quickly proceeded to the next installment. Up to that point I was enjoying the series overall. The unique gameplay elements it presents, wonderfully detailed environments, and tugging sensations of apprehension and suspense it creates have made it a fun ride so far...despite the flaws in voice acting and general corniness of the series' situations and characters. This is why I can understand why Capcom made major changes to RE4 as the 21st century began. It's definitely a significant departure from the series' core formula. The camera works like a Third Person Shooter (TPS), enemies interact with you in radically different ways, there's a "store" where you purchase all sorts of supplies, and more just to name a few changes.

People talk about how the way we look at survival horror games today is because of RE4. I can firmly tell you that's a valid reason because I believe the game is the king of its genre and goes beyond that to compare with the best video games I've ever played. Capcom's daring risk to change was an absolute success that still delivers and surprises, as few video games have been able to accomplish.

(Story excerpt below in italics. Avoid if you don't want to know about main plot and introduction.)

It's been a few years since the Raccoon City Incident (the decimation of the city by nuclear destruction), the pharmaceutical corporation known as Umbrella has been disbanded, and the world is fully aware of the damage that bioterrorism can cause to humanity. During this time, Leon S. Kennedy (former S.T.A.R.S. officer in Raccoon City) has been training under the U.S. government as a special agent to perform secret missions of the utmost importance. His latest assignment turns out to be somewhat important: the President's daughter has been captured by a religious cult. Leon is sent immediately to Europe to save her from their clutches. Fast-forward and we find Leon in an escort vehicle near the known location of the cult's whereabouts. A village comes into view and Leon gets out so he can ask a resident if they have seen the President's daughter. He finds a man that simply grunts at him and turns away...guess that's a no. Suddenly, the man turns around and swings an axe at Leon! He has no choice but to kill him. Whoa, it's time for him to get out of there. But alas, more villagers have come and killed some of the men in the escort vehicle, which left the remaining ones no choice but to escape. Leon decides to run in the opposite direction and accidently stumbles upon one of his escorts stabbed to a log. That's when he sees dozens of villagers with weapons and torches coming to kill him. There's definitely something wrong here...and Leon has no idea what it could be. Regardless, it's time to load and aim.

Story:

One thing RE is generally not known for is its stories. They have typical and simple plots that are (for the most part) not important or engaging. I'm not saying they can't be; they are entertaining, creative, and interesting to a point. RE4 puts a new spin on the series' storytelling with a very intriguing introduction that makes you want to know what the heck is going on. RE4 is a zombie game, but I start out fighting people that can hold weapons, communicate with one another in their native language, and work together. I wouldn't call them zombies...or are they? The story only thickens with mystery and excitement as the game progresses; it grabbed my attention unlike any of the previous RE games have done.

I'm going to need a bigger gun...

Gameplay:

The gameplay is no exception. It pleasantly surprised me how it managed to feel like the old RE games while implementing bold, new changes. Let me hit you real quick with some contrasts. As I've already said, the first three RE games have an overhead camera that changes position as you move from spot to spot. On the other hand, RE4 uses a Third Person Shooter style camera that follows the position you're looking at. Speaking of which, you can now fully aim in RE4, whereas in the other games you auto-aimed onto your enemies from above in their general direction. The "tank controls" are still present in RE4, but they have been refined to make you feel slightly lighter on your fight. Combat has been changed to where you can interchange between a knife and gun in an instant or perform a special kick attack when an enemy is dazed. The enemies are MUCH smarter now and can dodge your aim, use weapons like chainsaws and axes, and come in several deadly forms. Weapons, health items, and upgrades can be purchased with gold from the Merchant in specific areas of the game. It's entirely different from randomly finding those types of items in RE4's predecessors. There're also parts in the game where you must co-operate with a partner by helping them when they're attacked or simply defending them, which was not like the lone wolf style of the past games. I could go on, but these are basic representations of how much RE4 went off the beaten path.

I haven't really mentioned whether these changes are okay, good, or awesome. I'd easily say the latter. RE4 manages to feel like I'm playing the old RE games from a different and more complex perspective. In addition to retaining the key feel of the original formula, new additions like currency, a "store," and radically different enemies reenergizes and increases the fun of the gameplay everyone has come to love about RE.

"Hello, strangah! What're ya buyin'?"

Graphics:

The graphics remained quite similar to each other in the past three installments with minimal improvements in-game. RE4 is a technically massive jump in every aspect. I played the HD remake of the game and would easily say it could match up to today's games. Character models, environmental effects (like lighting, shadow, or water), and the environments themselves are so detailed. Speaking of the latter, that's what really wowed me in RE4. The locations are so diverse and wonderfully laid out. I still can't get over how awesome the world of RE4 is. It suffices to say that even though graphics are never the reason why you should play a game, RE4 manages to be a visually pleasing treat.

Audio:

As it has always been, the music of RE fits the mood of the games very well and makes the experience more immersive. RE4 manages to retain this description that I personally gave it. The suspense of a creaky hall or the security of a safe-house is always bolstered by awesome music. You could say the same goes for the sound effects. Capcom has always been acute to getting even the most minor of detail into their games, and RE4 is an example of that. However, there is one, slight problem. Some voice clips and sound effects sound really low in quality compared to other sounds...like they belong on a handheld game or something. Sure, it was noticeable, but it isn't a big deal because it was probably a hiccup in the HD conversion process. Everything else sounded top-notch on my surround sound speakers. And last, but certainly not least, the voice acting! The only horrific aspect of RE that's so bad that everyone loves it. Guess what? It's so much better in RE4. I wouldn't say its worthy of an award, but Leon has some great one-liners and none of the voice actors sound like they're reading off the lines. I'll take it over the forced, super cheesy, and horrific voice acting of the old RE games...even though it does induce a lot of laughter.

Overall, the audio has improved in quality since RE3. Capcom kept up to make RE4 an immersive experience not just in a visual, storytelling, or gameplay-centered way, but in an auditory way as well.

Why, yes, I do indeed look like an absolute boss.

Longevity:

Today's single player campaigns typically don't last that long. I'd say anywhere from 4-12 hours. Strangely enough, this was in the range of how long the old RE games are (most of my playthroughs lasted around 10 hours). RE4 caught me by surprise by lasting twice as long! Minus the time I paused the game, I'd say I completed the game in 22 hours. Normally, games that start to last this long wear on me around 25 hours, but I could have played RE4 for even longer. It's amazing how engrossing the entire experience was even though it was almost too long (I know, that sounds odd to complain about, but it's just an opinion of mine). And what's even better is that I got an additional 5 hours out of an awesome side-campaign that shows a different side of the main story from another character's perspective. I didn't play it, but there's also a mode called Mercenaries where you complete challenges by fighting against the clock; a popular mode among fans of RE. As you can see, RE4 is a lot of bang for your buck. You can't go wrong with a purchase that has so much worthwhile replay value and length.

Conclusion:

What is RE4? Simply one of the best games I've ever played. I'd definitely put it in my top 10 video game favorites. Capcom managed to take all of the great things about its past RE games and combined them into a package with new ideas that bode really well together. Even if you don't plan on playing any of the other games, RE4 is something that needs to be in every gamer's collection. There's a reason why it's the prime example of survival horror and is regarded as one of the best games of this past decade. The reason being that it's just flat-out brilliant. I really hope you'll be willing to spend $20 for this game...you won't regret it, strangah.

Dr. J

Blog Post: More like Resident Evil 4 - Holy Damn

grenadeh — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:35:00 GMT

Whether you think RE4 was the bee's knees, and a much needed breath of fresh life/souls of the younger generation to reinvigorate a dying franchise, or you think the game is overrated, everyone should agree on one thing: Resident Evil 4 was a good game. Maybe you think it's not a good Resident Evil game, maybe you think it's the best. My opinion is somewhere in between. I like the game, a lot, but it's by far not the best Resident Evil game, and I hate it intensely for the "new fans" it and RE5 and the terrible Anderson movies have brought to the franchise - because 3 out of every 5 of them are no good.

Resident Evil 4 HD is a faithful port of the PS2 version to modern consoles, but with GameCube's original graphical quality. Yes, that includes the particle effects and overall higher quality of the original game where it looked good - not like garbage the way the PC version did and not noticeably different like the PS2 version did. Thus, there's little to say about the game. Even after 7 years of playing this game on different systems, it still managed to test my skill and scare me at times. Unfortunately, going back to RE4 mercs after playing RE5 will make you kind of sad, but at least you get to experience how broken Krauser is and how good the old maps were.

Included with HD are, of course, Ada's scenarios, and the EMP gun, and the costumes and such that came with the PS2 version. So if you don't have a PS2 anymore or can't find the game for less than a lot of money, you may as well get HD. If you are playing RE4 on Wii or playing RE4 GC on your Wii - stop it. Put it down and get a real system, and then get RE4 HD.

The graphics look noticeably better than the original, but it's not like they completely remade the graphical engine. It still looks almost exactly the same, just better. There are spots where you will notice things that are neither high resolution nor high definition, but they are not game breaking.

Really the only single complaint I have about the HD version (I have story complaints and complaints about how this game ends the same as approximately five other Resident Evil games - Step 1 ) Uber final boss attack. Step 2) Waste a lot of ammo Step 3) Here, use the rocket launcher/uber gun, you win) is that the achievements are lackluster. I have consigned this problem to the fact that this game pre-dates the achievement era by a few years. Thus, the achievements are only goal-based, not event-based. This means that the 12 achievements in the game are for things like killing the del lago without hitting a tree, or beating the levels, or getting all the caps - rather than things like "You killed a Gonados with a fish!" or "You took out three gonados with one grenade!" or something like that. It also didn't include achievements for other things like "You got all the shinies!" or "you upgraded your guns all the way!" which I would have appreciated.

It may be 20 dollars but 7 years ago my friends, this game was the same price as any modern game is now. Okay maybe it was $50 instead of $60, which was back then before the new generation of consoles overpriced everything to make up for slightly increased development costs. So, I think it should have had more achievements, but I am giving them the benefit of the doubt in believing that implementing a full array of what should have been 70 achievements was technologically more intricate than Capcom was willing to spend time and money on.

Regardless, RE4 is a good game no matter what you think of it, and I have absolutely no love for the new direction RE has taken since 2005. It's just a good game. It's not a 9.5, because of Ashley, because you don't get the girl in the end (no fan service for Leon, come on, when does he get a break? Didn't you know Leon and Chris are the only two heroes in Resident Evil? What? Dude I don't know what you're talking about when you keep saying Jill/Barry/Rebecca/Carlos/Claire. It's Greek to me) because it's not necessarily horror-like in most parts, and because Wesker stuck his face in it. And because Capcom waited 13 years after RE2 came out to declare an official timeline for the franchise, meaning at this point you didn't know whether or not to think Ada was supposed to be dead.

Forum Post: Resident Evil 4 HD

mudse — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:29:00 GMT

Does it make sense to play this game if I've never played any Residet Evil game before?

Blog Post: Several Years And A Console Generation Later, Resident Evil 4 Still Stands Out

Matthew Fugere — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:33:00 GMT

When Resident Evil 4 was released on the GameCube back in 2005, it universally praised by the gaming community for making a beloved franchise as intense and fun as it has ever been. It's been several years since the original release and the game has been released on several different platforms, each iteration offering some kind of extra content. This HD collection contains all the bells and whistles the game has collected over the years, so there's plenty of content for a $20 price tag.

If you're familiar with the game, the feel of the controls will quickly come back to you as you'll likely fumble through the first hour or so. The button and stick layout of Resident Evil 4 has been all but abandoned by games now (with the exception of its sequel), so newcomers to the game might find some frustration in getting a handle over the controlling Leon. However, once you've gotten an idea of how navigate and aim through the game without being completely mutilated, you'll find the same terror-driven action that fueled the original release of the game.

Leon seems more interested in his hair style than he does Ada

If you somehow missed out on Resident Evil 4 when it was first released, this is a great way to check out one of the best games ever made for a fair price. And even if you're a Resident Evil veteran, this definitely a game worth revisiting.

Rating: 9.75/10

Blog Post: Resident Evil 4 HD: A More Visual Zombie Infestation

Wallrunner — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 01:53:00 GMT

This year marks the 15^th anniversary of the Resident Evil franchise, and Capcom decided to honor this event with discounted versions of past entries in the series, as well as a remake of Resident Evil 4 for both PS3 and Xbox 360. Running at $20 on both systems, the updated zombie survival game is a steal for those who may have skipped the installment years ago, but a tentative buy for fans who are expecting something more than updated visuals.

The mixed action and survival feel of the later entries in the series are still intact, accommodating both cautionary and commando playstyles. Leon S. Kennedy is once again facing the Las Plagas infestation in an eerie Spanish village, armed with only tank controls and a limited inventory to aid him. However, this is all part of the fun of Resident Evil 4.

Enemies still quickly run up to players and scare the crap out of them, boss fights are still tense and extremely satisfying when completed, and Ashley is still one of the most useless and frustrating NPCs in gaming. Managing inventory space takes the patience of a saint in Resident Evil 4, but it's still considerably addicting due to its complexity and puzzle like similarities. Having to take care of the president's daughter during a virus outbreak, on the other hand, is nothing but unforgiving and tedious. Although almost nothing could have been altered without changing much of the game, it's still disappointing to have to lug around a deadweight that can be eaten alive in a matter of seconds.

In regards to differences between the original and the most recent version, the remake offers very little. While the actual gameplay graphics seem enhanced, some in-game cutscenes are still held back by last-generation technology. Other than refreshed visuals, trophy and achievement support are now available. The only real surprise is that the other sections of the original: Separate Ways, Assignment Ada, and Mercenaries Mode, are included. These add-ons tack at least another 5 -10 hours of zombie decimation on top of the main campaign.

Players expecting better controls and a significantly different experience should be warned that this remake is nothing but a better looking version of the original, which in perspective isn't too much of a setback considering Resident Evil 4 is still one of the best survival horror games out there.

Blog Post: Resident Evil 4 Resurrected

Jonathan Harrison — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 01:07:00 GMT

Back in 2005 when I was 11, when this game first came out, my friend brought this game over to a party I was having. I could hardly keep my eyes open. About 3 months ago, I decided purchase the PS2 version and give this hit game a try. It sat in my basement for a good month until I finally worked up the mood to play it. Today, I can't put this game down. The controls were a bit odd at first, but took no time to get used to. I love the game's gameplay and terrific graphics for its time. I can literally feel every 12 gauge cartridge I pump into those infected villagers. The story is fantastic. Overall, Capcom did an excellent job forging one of the greatest games ever made. I highly recommend this game for newcomers and returning Resident fans alike. Look for it in the PlayStation Store, Xbox Live Marketplace, or purchase the PS2 verison at select retail stores such as GameStop.

Blog Post: Resident Evil 4 HD Review

Adam Robert Paris — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:27:00 GMT

Having never completely finished this classic when it was first released on the last generation of consoles, I was ecstatic when I heard that Capcom would be re-releasing Resident Evil 4 in HD. The gameplay that helped revolutionize third-person shooters still holds up today and the HD graphics make shooting zombies even more satisfying. By bringing one of the greatest entries in this iconic series into the modern age of gaming, Capcom has retained all of the core gameplay, while heightening the moody atmosphere with a graphical overhaul.

The story centers around Leon Kennedy, who has been employed by the U.S. government to find the president's abducted daughter and bring her home safely. While the story isn't a gripping tale, it serves the main purpose of guiding the player through the multitude of horrors that await them. The core gameplay of solving puzzles, killing Ganados and escorting Ashley is still as solid as it was back in 2005, but the controls are clunky initially. Both aiming and movement are mapped to the left stick reserving the right stick for camera movement. The controls eventually become second nature, but rendering the right stick essentially useless seems like a waste. Once accustomed to the controls, the over-the-shoulder aiming and quick-time events work just as well on modern systems and only add to the suspense in the game's countless tense encounters.

The overall atmosphere in Resident Evil 4 HD is still just as terrifying, helped in part by the redone graphics. While nowhere near the level of Resident Evil 5, the graphics are still respectable for an HD remake. The character models are much improved over their last-gen counterparts, but the environments haven't been sharpened considerably and look as if they were completely passed over. However, this doesn't take away from the experience and the step up in visuals is still quite apparent.

New content for this release is minimal, but it includes everything that was offered in the original PS2 port and the subsequent releases afterwards. This includes both the Seperate Ways missons and Assignment Ada minigame that become available once the game's completed. New costumes, weapons and the Mercenaries mode which has become so successful for the franchise are all there as well. The only new features specific to this version is trophy support for the PS3 (No platinum though) and a full 1,000 points available on the 360 through achievements. As in the original the option to play again utilizing new game plus is also included.

Resident Evil 4 HD successfully translates a last-gen classic onto current-gen consoles complete with a graphical overhaul. The classic gameplay is still just as exhilarating today and the suffocating atmosphere is only enhanced with the redone graphics. For anyone who hasn't played through the game yet, this is a must download. Although the lack of new content may be disheartening, the new graphics also make this purchase well worth it for those who may have already experienced the game before. Taking a masterpiece and redoing it in HD will never be a bad idea and Capcom has certainly succeeded in giving everyone another reason to play through Leon Kennedy's journey once again.

Blog Post: Retro Review: Resident Evil 4 HD; The Series-Changing Epic Still Looks Good

opposedcrow88 — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:55:00 GMT

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By now if you’re a survival/horror fan who hasn’t played Capcom’s Resident Evil 4 you’ve most likely been living under a rock for the past ten years. Hailed as not only one of the most solid Resident Evil games to date but also as one of the greatest survival/horror games of all time, Resident Evil 4 has also served as the inspiration for other up and coming survival/horror titles such as Dead Space and the newer Silent Hill games and even non-horror games like Gears of War and Batman: Arkham Asylum have borrowed concepts first seen in the fourth numbered Resident Evil entry.

Following on the coattails of its recent HD release onto the Xbox 360 and PS3, which in turn are following its release on not only the GameCube but also PS2, PC, and Wii, I decided to take it for another spin on the modern consoles since I was a big fan back when it first showed up in 2005. In addition to all of the extra content added into the PS2, PC, and Wii versions, this new HD release also includes enhanced visuals for the gameplay and cutscenes as well as several achievements/trophies for players to collect.

I’m sure by now most gamers have played through one of the game’s several different ports so going into a lengthy breakdown of the various gameplay features would be unnecessary, all I will say is that the same over-the-shoulder aiming, exploring/puzzle-solving, and frantic combat are all still there and they have stood the test of time well. The game’s story still has that nice mix of campy cheesiness, subtle yet nail-biting horror, and over-the-top action featuring everybody’s favorite former RPD cop Leon S. Kennedy and the various locales he explores over the course of his adventure definitely benefit from the HD enhancements.

Getting to play around with all of the bonus content again felt satisfying too and there is still a lot to keep you busy once you’ve beaten the main story. I’ll admit I never did play through “Separate Ways”; the alternate story campaign featuring the enigmatic Ada Wong, before this new HD release and it was nice getting to experience content I’d never played through before. In addition to “Separate Ways” there’s also the shorter yet still fun “Assignment Ada” and of course, everybody’s favorite, “The Mercenaries.” The optional shooting galleries with collectable bottle-cap prizes are still there as well so it looks like diligent collectors hoping to gather and unlock everything will have their hands full.

Getting to play through this modern classic again also allowed me to see through fresh eyes some of the game’s small, yet noticeable, flaws. For some reason, while the cinematics in Leon’s story are on par with the HD enhancements seen in the gameplay, Ada’s journey in “Separate Ways” seems to have been overlooked as while the gameplay is updated, a severe drop in graphical quality occurs during the cinematics.

I’m not sure if it was just a technical oversight on Capcom’s part or if they just ran out of development time but the jarring shift in resolution and texture rendering is certainly noticeable but then again, since “Separate Ways” isn’t quite as long as the main story, it really only becomes a problem if graphics are a big issue with you. Also, while many elements of the game have stood the test of time well, Ashley’s shrill calls of “Leon!!” are as annoying and grating as ever and, like they did back when I first played the game on GameCube, they often forced me to play at a low volume wishing there was a mute button specifically for her.

Despite these small hiccups, it stands to reason that if a critic’s only complaints about a game are minor cinematic overlooks and the sound of one character’s voice then it must be doing something right. Even though it has already been ported to pretty much every other modern console since its release, Resident Evil 4 is still one of the most well-done survival/horror games out there and I’m sure it will continue to inspire future games for years to come. Whether it’s your first time experiencing this masterpiece or you’ve played through the game more times than you can count, Resident Evil 4 HD is well worth it if you’re looking for a new survival/horror game to add to your Xbox 360 or PS3 collection.

General Gameplay Tips:

Paying attention to your surroundings can pay off in the long run. Many cabinets, lockers, and drawers in the game can be opened to reveal ammo, health items, and even treasure.
Using your knife to take out prone enemies can help conserve ammo, just make sure to keep an eye out for other foes nearby.
The button-context kick attacks you can perform by shooting an enemy in the face or leg can actually hit multiple targets if they’re close together, an effective strategy for giving yourself some breathing room.

Useful Links:

Main Website: http://www.capcom.com/re4/

Resident Evil Wiki Entry: http://residentevil.wikia.com/Resident_Evil_4

Gamespot; Guides, Walkthroughs, cheats, etc.: http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/residentevil4/index.html

Blog Post: re4 ps3/360 review

Brandon Bevilacqua — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 06:47:00 GMT

This is a port of my own most played game of all time. I have played every edition of this title minus the pc version, so my run of this game runs deep. I'd give every version of this game a perfect score up till now because each version added something new and fresh. The gamecube version gave us this amazing title with mercenaries and assignment ada packed in. Then came the ps2 version with the main game and all the gamecube stuff, plus separate ways, which is a whole new single player experience where you live the story through ada's perspective, and additional other goodies. Then the wii version came along with all that plus the awesome wii controls which made it, in my opinion the way to play the game. Now with this version being re-released for the 360 and ps3, the only new upgrade is the hd visuals and trophies/achievements, and thats it. Yeah, its sure as hell nice to get all the awards for beating the game, and too see it all nice and shiny, but for someone who has probably beaten this game 30 times, there just wasn't that much incentive to go through, other than to relive this amazing classic. And I'm certainly not complaining about that, but the game has begun to show its age a bit, especially in terms of controls. Yeah, they work, but it is kind of clunky compared to most modern day shooters. But that is really all the negative ness I can truly say about this game. Yeah, I do really wish they had added new features for RE4 vets like myself, but i won't lie, it was still a hell of a time to replay this gem. Definetly buy this game if you have the chance, the low price point should even be more incentive to go out and buy this, especially if you are a playstation plus member. But if you have played this game as much as I have, be warned, there is nothing new other than the visual and trophy/achievement upgrade, so i would only buy this then if your literally dying to relieve this, which i'm sure you all are anyway. I know that, because i was as well.

Overall: It's resident evil 4! That's all i should really have to say.

Wiki: Resident Evil 4 HD Guides

Anonymous — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 03:41:00 GMT

Guides for Resident Evil 4 HD

Blog Post: r e 4 hd

robert — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 13:40:00 GMT

forgot how bad the controls were but still fun

Blog Post: It's finally here.

Max the young true gamer — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 23:26:00 GMT

I love this more than anything. The first was great, I first had it on Gamecube, then on Wii, but this beats them by far. It creates an involving experience, with great graphics, and improved gunplay. I'm looking forward to the HD remake of Code Veronica as well. I've never played that one.

Blog Post: Yep,Resident Evil 4 was a stepping stone and it deserved to be remade.

Sora — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:12:00 GMT

Resident Evil 4 was a turning point for the Resident Evil series.Cpacom had to head in a new direction from the old engine of Resident evil 3.i have it 4 gamecube and to me,the graphics blew me away.gameplay is so much fun.killing enemies,killing chainsaw maniacs and collecting guns while killing Ganados is so much fun.and it adds dificulty as well.pro tip:go buy the HD version or wii.Mercenaries and seperate ways adds so much more replay.

SPOILERALERT SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT

do not scroll down unless you want some epic spoilers

Mercenaries:unlocked after beating the game,you pick a character(5 in total,Leon Kennedy,Ada Wong,Jack Krauser,HUNK and Wesker)with a pre equipped attache case and you try to kill as many ganados as you can.you have 4 stages with its special boss enemy.

Seperate ways:Same as normal game except through Adas perspective

Blog Post: A Masterpiece...

11ssims — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 01:40:00 GMT

When Resident Evil 4 was first released on the Gamecube I definitely wanted it. I got it like the next day. The game is amazing. Its not like the first three games but its definitely a step in the right direction for the series. The aiming is great, the guns & upgrades gives you something to look forward too. The story is actually pretty long and interesting. The graphics are amazing and even better in HD. My first steps into the world of Resident Evil 4 were great. When i saw the first enemy with the axe i was so nervous and terrified. The enemies in the game are great ranging from normal people infected with a virus to a huge giant to a scorpion type thing. Plus, this game has the coolest character from all of the Resident Evils...Leon Kennedy. Leon is a total ***. You would have to be a complete fool to pass up an opportunity to play this game. Do yourself a favor and purchase it. Its definitely a Masterpiece...

Blog Post: Resident Evil HD Review (Better Reviews)

ZoidCommando — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:37:00 GMT

If you want a more accurate review for those that have played RE4 before....follow this link.

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/119/1195660p1.html

or this link

http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-pod-resident-evil/721221

You will find both to be less biased and more accurate to what is actually released for this title.

Blog Post: RE 4: Once More in HD

gohome64 — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:36:00 GMT

Resident Evil 4 was the greatest game of the sixth generation, plain and simple. The new mechanics for this old franchise was a welcome change from the odd camera angles and imprecise shooting of the old games. The camera angles of the old style of Resident Evil created fear by not allowing you to see every thing and the imprecise shooting meant no easy kills with head shots. Yet with the new mechanics I 4 the fear level remained. Shooting through hoards of Ganados running low on ammo and healing supplies when a chainsaw maniac come charging at you created a different fear then the old games. Fighting a boss praying that the next shoot kills him or that somewhere in the arena there is ammo or an herb gets you blood pumping and the adrenaline flowing. Enemies that seem impervious or Impossible situations, conntroling Ashley and feeling helpless, or trying to beat a timer. The fear in this game is not of the things that go bump in the night, but more of a feeling "how am I going to survive this."

Multiple playthroughs are a must. Unlockable costumes, extra weapons, different modes, and just a general sense of power from plowing through with the infinite rocket launcher at your side. The game has aged well, to me it's just as fun now as it was when it first came out. Some may be put off by the (by todays standard) old controls, but they work perfectly in the game.

As of writing this I now own Resident Evil 4, four times over. Twice on Gamecube, once on Wii, and now on Xbox 360. I can't count the number of times I have beaten this game now, it is a classic not to be missed weather you've never play a Resident Evil game before or are like me and beaten them multiple times.

One more time in HD is worth it.

Blog Post: Resident Evil 4: From Perfect to Perfect Again

t0talimm0rtalz — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 15:14:00 GMT

It's not hard to be astounded by Resident Evil as a series, but when Resident Evil 4 released it blew the minds of gamers all around the globe with it's revolutionary survival horror dynamics and fresh gameplay style. The original games in the series were eerie in a different kind of way, they didn't allow the 360 control of the camera, often annoying gamers or scaring the hell out of them. With RE 4, the fear factor seemed to drop slightly with the full use of camera control, but only made the game that much better. It not only added action, but what we love to have as gamers; control. The graphics upon release were some of the best, if not THE best, the Gamecube had to offer.

The freshly released HD remake only adds to that eye candy, along with all of the sweetness it had to offer before on the PS2 release. The visuals on PS2 may not have been as polished, but they extra content was well worth it. The use of new special weapons such as the Chicago Typewriter and the Plaga Removal Laser Cannon added a very fun new way to destroy the plague and new and even humorous costumes like the Mobster Suit for Leon and the hilarious yet super helpful suit of armor for Ashley made the game a blast to play through multiple times on different difficulties. This game was perfect before, and is perfect once again, yet even more so thanks to the HD era. Don't let this one slip your grasp.

Blog Post: As Good As it Ever Was - Resident Evil 4 HD

The_Tremble_Copter — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 06:03:00 GMT

Allow me to start off by saying that this is my favorite game of all time. I purchased the original Gamecube

release the week the game launched back in 2005. I played Resident Evil 4 so much that I found details the

complimentary strategy guide was completely lacking. When Capcom announced the updated PS2 version,

I purchased the game once again for a full $50 for additional content that would equivocate to 800 Microsoft

Points by today's standards. Then the Wii version was released, and while I have regretfully never owned a Wii,

I relished in the chance of blowing through a large portion of the game at a friend's party utilizing the new motion

controls. Everything good you've heard about this game is absolutely true, and if you missed out on arguably

the best game of the last ten years, you owe it to yourself to download it now.

Fanboy rantings aside, I do have several criticisms of this iteration. Now, none of these are game-breaking

bugs or symptoms of bad game design: for the most part, my problems with this version stem from the fact that

it didn't quite receive the full "next-gen" upgrade I was expecting. Everything good that could possibly be said

about Resident Evil 4 has already been said, and this review is for the new crowd ready to partake.

For starters, the control scheme has not aged very well. Keep in mind that the controller set-up for every

re-release of Resident Evil 4 has been kept the same, aside from the Wii version, and that initial control

scheme was designed specifically for a Gamecube controller. With no second analog stick, RE4HD relies

on aiming with the movement stick. There are only two control configurations: one that aims with the right

trigger and fires with the X button and one that aims with the left trigger and fires with the right. Aside from

those subtle changes, you're out of luck. Anyone used to Resident Evil 5's set-up will have a bit of a struggle

adjusting to these new controls.

Secondly, while Achievements, leaderboards, and the inclusion of high definition video quality were

welcome additions, I would have loved to see a little extra content. I think I speak for everyone when I say

co-op Mercenaries would have been a great addition. Maybe some additional costumes, new gun perhaps?

I see absolutely no reason recommending this to anyone who already has the Wii or PS2 version except that

it looks a little prettier.

Regardless, if you never experienced this game before, forget everything I just said and head over to your

Marketplace of choice. This truly was one of the greatest games of our generation, and as far as I'm concerned,

it still is.