An absolute masterpiece…
Some key points that this game offers:
- New Zombie Types
- New Story Setting
- New Weapons and Gear
- New and Improved Mechanics
Gameplay & Controls:
Similar to its predecessors, RE4 still makes use of the Tank control system, which may not seem fun, or even warranted compared to other Action games… Yeah RE4 took a slight step away from Survival Horror towards a more Action Horror experience. However, do not think for one second that it has any less of the RE atmosphere we have come to love. The Tank control system is the charm and a core element of the RE franchise. It adds a layer of realism to the game, where you can’t just run and shoot as you please. It also adds to the fear factor of shooting some and then retreating to fire again from a safer distance, this is something we’ve grown accustomed to with previous titles.
With RE4 they changed things up, we no longer have small corridors with fixed camera angles to play with. We have a fully 3D created world we explore and play in. Our view has also been changed towards an over the shoulder view, and when taking aim to fire we have a zoomed in view. This is actually a very warranted change and improvement from previous games. We have a larger world to play in and explore, and the new camera system does amazing work to show off this new world.
It’s been six years since the Racoon City incident, and Leon finds himself in Spain, the President’s daughter has been kidnapped and it is his job to find and rescue her. Trouble finds you the moment you set foot out of your vehicle… This trouble though is much worse than those of your nightmares.
Las Plagas, a strange parasite that turns people into mindless zombies that’s still capable of following orders and using weapons. The entire village is infected with this parasite and they are all hell bent on killing you to prevent you from rescuing Ashely. Los Iluminados the cult who these villagers’ worship is behind it all, your goal is clear. Find and rescue Ashely, but the task is not that simple.
RE4 may be more action oriented this time, but there are hordes of enemies gunning for you at any time, flinging weapons, or throwing dynamite all the while others try to flank you! Bullets are still scarce…, can’t go making it too easy now can they! A few new features we have this time around is a combat knife, the means to stun enemies, and then powerful combat moves that really does the job well to halt the overcrowding hordes. Throw a flash grenade and roundhouse-kick the stunned Ganado whilst taking down five others…
There is also a shopkeeper you meet during your travels. You can sell unwanted gear and ammo to him, or the various treasures you will be picking up as you explore. You can also buy and sell weapons here, and what’s more, you can upgrade your weapons to increase their fire power, their ammo capacity, or reload speeds. This totally changes the scope of the game and how you play it.
Adding to the challenge is also your life bar, it starts at half and stays there, as you explore areas you will come across yellow herbs which you can mix with green and red herbs. Using a yellow mixed herb will increase your maximum health by a bit, so the more you find the more damage you can sustain. Then there is Ashley, once you find her it is your job to keep her safe, and I assure you, they will do their best to carry her off, and if she dies or gets carried off, it is game over.
They went all out to give us a brand new thrilling experience that we will never forget.
Graphics:
The 3D environment is a massive step up from previous titles. Coupled with the new camera movements, we have a winning recipe here. The animations are better, the shadows and lighting effects have been massively improved as well.
The world itself is also beautiful; it is massive in size, full of buildings and other explorable areas. Every building has its own unique furniture and layout to add to the realism of the environment. There is an abundance of colours and themes that make this world absolutely beautiful to explore and witness.
Character models look a lot more realistic now with a variety of hostile enemies each sporting their own appearances. Some transform hideously Infront of your eyes, the process is astonishing! The game has a progression based day and night cycle which does a great job of adding to the visual beauty of the game and the eerie atmosphere.
Sounds:
This game simply cannot be as great as it is without the stunning marvel that is the soundtrack. It totally enhances every aspect of the game… Strolling through a village or running for your life are both experiences, unlike anything you’ve experienced thus far…
It’s further enhanced by spectacular background music that brings every part of this game to life. From eerie howling sounds on the wind to a variety of shrieks from all that which wants you dead.
Voice over artists also did a fantastic job bringing their characters to life with stunning voice over work.
Replayability:
Just like RE3, RE4 has its own version of Mercenaries. The game also sports a new game plus mode where you can restart the game on more fairer terms with items procured from a previous playthrough. Let us not forget Professional mode, where you can put your Zombie slaying skills to the ultimate test.
The game also features a few minigames that you can partake in, completing them will reward you with some unique weapons that you can use in the campaign.
MGR Gaming’s Conclusions:
Spoilers Ahead:
Through and through a masterpiece! Resident Evil never looked or played better than it does now. The new zombie types are a step up in the right direction. They offer you a greater challenge and a more realistic experience. The new open world environment is amazing and an absolute blast to play in. There are tons to see, and even more to find.
The merchant is another neat add on, that and weapon upgrades, it adds a new method to help you deal with the ever overwhelming odds that you are facing. This and the means to increase your maximum health adds a boost to your overall power without overpowering you. Don’t get me wrong there are some powerful weapons you are going to unlock, with unlimited ammo too, but they first have to be earned.
Ashley is another brilliant mechanic they have added, she plays the role of a fragile hostage that you always have to protect. But she is also a critical asset you rely on to get past certain areas. This mechanic was brilliantly implemented into the game.
RE4 offers you this and so much more. I love where they went with the game and what they’ve done.
Additional Info:
Platforms: PC: GameCube: PlayStation 2: WII: IOS: PlayStation 3: Xbox 360: Android: PlayStation 4: Xbox One: Nintendo Switch
Genre: Action: Adventure: Atmospheric: Classic: Gore: Great Soundtrack: Horror: Inventory Management: Quick-Time Events: Remake: Resident Evil: Shooter: Singleplayer: Survival: Survival Horror: Third Person: Third-Person Shooter: Zombies
Censor Rating: Blood & Gore: Intense Violence: Strong Language
Age Rating: 17+
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Release Date: 2 March 2007
MGR Gaming Steam Curator:
https://store.steampowered.com/curator/32364038/
