Resident Evil 4 (2005)
" Innovative action-adventure with revolutionary camera and tight gameplay but clunky tank controls "
Resident Evil 4 (2005) Review
Resident Evil 4 (2005) is widely regarded as a masterpiece that revolutionized the third-person horror shooter genre. Players praise its tight gameplay mechanics, atmospheric design, and memorable characters. The over-the-shoulder camera and inventory system were groundbreaking, providing a fresh experience compared to earlier entries. The game’s tension and pressure remain engaging even after years, with many enjoying the challenge of managing limited resources and strategic combat.
While the story is considered campy and somewhat simplistic, it is entertaining and supported by strong voice acting and cutscenes. The game’s charm and horror elements are frequently highlighted, especially its unique enemies, boss battles, and setting transitions from villages to castles and military bases. Many players recommend mods like the RE4 HD Project and RE4_Tweaks to improve visuals and fix technical issues on PC. Despite some dated controls and minor bugs, the game’s legacy and replay value keep it relevant and beloved among fans.
Highlights
Players consistently praise the innovative gameplay mechanics such as the over-the-shoulder camera, inventory management, and weapon variety. The atmosphere and horror elements are immersive, with well-designed enemies and memorable bosses. The story, though campy, is entertaining and enhanced by quality voice acting and cutscenes. The game’s technical achievements for its time and the availability of mods improving graphics and fixing bugs are also highlighted. Many consider it a defining title that shaped the survival horror and action genres.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the dated 'tank' controls that can feel clunky and hard to master, especially for new players or those accustomed to modern controls. The story is viewed as simplistic and somewhat silly, with missed opportunities for deeper character development. Some puzzles are considered basic or tedious, often reduced to simple fetch quests. The PC port has technical issues requiring mods to fix, such as broken quick-time events at 60 FPS and occasional crashes. Additionally, the combat can feel repetitive due to bullet sponge enemies and straightforward gameplay.
Pros
- • Innovative over-the-shoulder camera revolutionized third-person shooters.
- • Tight and rewarding gameplay mechanics that stand the test of time.
- • Immersive atmosphere with diverse and memorable enemy designs.
- • Engaging inventory system adds strategic depth to resource management.
- • Strong voice acting and cinematic cutscenes enhance storytelling.
- • Varied weaponry with meaningful upgrades and customization options.
- • High replay value with multiple modes and achievements to unlock.
Cons
- • Clunky tank controls can frustrate players used to modern schemes.
- • Simplistic and campy story with missed opportunities for depth.
- • Some puzzles are basic fetch quests and lack complexity.
- • PC port has bugs requiring mods to fix crashes and QTE issues.
- • Combat sometimes tedious due to bullet sponge enemies.
- • Lack of modern quality-of-life features without community mods.
- • Graphics are dated without HD Project mod enhancements.
Rating Criteria
(Release: 2014) Special agent Leon S. Kennedy is sent on a mission to rescue the U.S. President’s daughter who has been kidnapped.
