Resident Evil 4

Other products by Capcom

Product Features

• Advanced AI makes enemies smarter than ever and use their cunning in deadly attacks
• Use the Action button for better player control
• New 'Aim and Shoot' targeting for zeroing in on enemies with your weapons
• Behind the camera view for intuitive movement
• Conversations and monologues can be heard in real time

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002A6CQ4
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches ; 4 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: August 7, 2006
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (333 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,965 in Video Games (See Bestsellers in Video Games)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com

The walking dead have incoherently moaned, clumsily shuffled their feet, and affectionately given us crater-sized hickeys in every Resident Evil game to date. The animated corpses that put this series on the map and redefined video game horror as a whole are now buried six feet under the soil at Capcom's Production Studio 4. It may be difficult to envision a Resident Evil game without flesh-eating zombies, but Capcom is showing us that there are far more terrifying things that go bump in the night. Nothing can truly prepare you for the unspeakable horrors that will hunt you until your last breath is given. It's been a long time coming, but Resident Evil is back, and it is better and bloodier than ever before.

This game is such a departure from the series' heritage that the only familiarity gamers will have with it is through protagonist Leon S. Kennedy, who was first introduced as a greenhorn police officer that spent his first day on the job handling the outbreak in Resident Evil 2. Attracted to madness like teenage girls are to Camp Crystal Lake, Kennedy once again finds himself knee-deep in unspeakable horror. Rather than having maggot-infested zombies gnawing at his neck, crazed villagers are the order of the day. Unlike the slow-witted, slow-moving dead, these adversaries are very intelligent, extremely agile, and not afraid to use weapons. They also like to attack in packs. Picture if you will a group of six murderous souls with beady red eyes glowing under the moonlight running at you with lit dynamite, ducking out of the way of your shots, and calling out for others nearby to lend a hand in your death. This is a new kind of scare that far surpasses the suspense and jump-out-of-your-seat shock moments that fueled the previous chapters in the series. As you'll soon learn, there are few things scarier than a middle-aged housewife that sprints at you with a blood-soaked axe raised into the air, belting out a bloodcurdling scream.

To counteract the intelligence and sheer brutality of these new foes, Capcom has completely reworked the combat system. In the past, we blindly fired into areas we couldn't see and ran past enemies to preserve ammo. This time around, everything that so much as raises a finger at you must die – preferably by a nicely placed headshot. A remarkable new targeting system allows this feat to be handled with the utmost precision. On this note, I've never seen so many heads explode in my life. The new over-the-shoulder perspective coupled with a beautifully crafted laser sight makes for a lethal and satisfying combat experience. Additionally, players can now interact with their surroundings in a handful of clever ways, such as knocking down ladders and pushing dressers in front of doors. The Resident Evil games were always criticized for being too clumsy in gameplay. With Resident Evil 4, however, I can't envision it playing any better.

I also like how the game pushes players to scour every inch of the environments. Rare treasures that are unearthed can be traded in to a vendor for cash. With enough funds you can buy new weapons and items, as well as upgrade all of your armaments. Inventory space is still limited, but it's finally done in a way that makes sense. You now manage a physical space. If a new gun doesn't fit in your case, try moving things around to make room for it.

Recently, developers have been talking about the need to blend story cinematics with gameplay. Capcom has accomplished just this, and it's captured in way that will make you wish that every game that you play utilized this innovative system. For instance, if a character in a sequence comes at you with a knife, you have to press the L and R buttons at the precise moment to dodge the attack, otherwise the scene will end with blood gushing from your neck. The interaction that you have at your hands is unprecedented, and you'll be doing things you didn't even think were possible in games.

There are no flaws in Resident Evil 4. It is the greatest horror game to date. I never thought that a game, or movie for that matter, could deliver pulse-pounding action in such an awe-inspiring way.

Concept:
A brilliant new direction for survival horror that focuses on gunplay and truly cinematic moments

Graphics:
A sickening level of detail accompanies every little object, animation, and effect. It looks too good to be true

Sound:
Great voice acting, stress-inducing music, and disturbing sound effects combine to create the perfect atmosphere

Playability:
The controls are fashioned beautifully, boss fights are ingenious, and the popping of heads is immensely rewarding

Entertainment:
Hard to put down even after you've beaten it twice

Replay:
Moderately High

Rated: 10 out of 10
Editor: Andrew Reiner
Issue: March 2005

2nd Opinion:
Some games are simply destined to become milestones in gaming history, and Resident Evil 4 is one of them. Even those who have never picked up one of the previous titles and swear that they hate the slow-paced crawl of survival horror games simply must play it. Capcom has managed to create a game that is a complete reinvention of the series – even the entire genre – without losing anything that Resident Evil fans expect. Perfectly balancing elements of horror, subtlety, and wit with explosive action and over-the-top thrills, playing RE 4 feels like living one of the most epic films you've ever seen. Gorgeous to look at, a dream to control, and filled with some of the most exciting moments you've experienced in a game, Resident Evil 4 is stellar on every level. It goes without saying that it's the best in the series, the best survival horror game yet, and simply one of the best games ever made.

Rated: 10 out of 10
Editor: Jeremy Zoss


Subscribe to Game Informer

Product Description

In Resident Evil 4 you'll know a new type of horror, as the classic survival-horror action returns with all-new characters, controls and storylines. We last saw Leon S. Kennedy in Resident Evil 2 - a rookie cop in Raccoon City, fighting to stay alive. That was six years ago. Since then, government forces have managed to control the zombie threat and Leon has become a Federal agent. When the President's daughter is kidnapped, Leon tracks her to a remote, hidden fortress in Europe - where he'll relive the horror he faced six years before. Players will face never-before-seen enemies that make Nemesis seem like a kitten. You'll be wishing for the usual Resident Evil zombies!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

237 of 256 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hands down, best Gamecube title I've ever played., January 17, 2005

By	John M Spangler (Bryan, OH United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

No spoilers! Read with confidence without me giving away information!!

When you're 32 years old, I'll admit, it's difficult supporting Nintendo. The lack of games is certainly the main issues, which explains why Nintendo is #3 behind XBOX and Playstatio 2. But I still stand by the big N, games like Zelda, Metroid Prime and the immense Resident Evil series. It's reason enough to hold onto the little Cube a little longer. Also, the repuation of the Cube being a kiddie system needs to be put to rest, especially after you lay your hands into Resident Evil 4 which is the most brutal and most appealing title I've ever played. Up front I will say, and without hesitation, this is " the best Gamecube title I've ever played" and is right up there with what the XBOX and Playstation 2 has released too.

1st things first, from what I've read before it's release, I know it has been in the works for over 2 years. Capcom always strives for perfection and I also read it was revamped and started over from scratch a total of 4 times! Capcom kept this monster quiet and underwraps for awhile, but the hype for it was phenomenal and people, gamers, critics, expected perfection considering the lengthy delays. I am pleased to say, not only did this game live up to hype, it surpassed it and then some. I've never had this much fun on my cube since Zelda! It's also one of the longest games I've ever played and expect tons of replay value just for that fact.

Resident Evil 4, while scary like it's other incarnations, feels totally different and FORGET what you know about the series, it's a whole new ball of wax. Think this game is simply about killing zombies then moving on to the next level? Think again. I won't give anything away, just know the game experience is as fresh as a new loaf of "just baked" bread, you'll always want to get more!

The new "behind the back" perspective works amazingly well and you feel more in control and it has never been done before. The graphics are astonishing and pushes the system to the limit and is easily the best looking game I've ever layed my eyes on, even better what XBOX or PS2 has ever offered! Really! Take it from someone who has them all! The main strength of the game is that it keeps the faith of the series by being a great survial horror game with addding new elements of gameplay and scaring the wits out of you!

I wont' give details away about the game, but I have to put the basics down on paper for you. The enemies in the game, sometimes referred to as "not-zombies" are smarter than what we are used to in past games. They throw firecrakers at you, come at you with chainsaws, axes, bats, bombs, you name it, these evil sickos want to take you out. Are they human or zombies or a combination? Play the game to find out.

The graphics are top notch in every sense of the word. Simply beautiful in a "disgusting way". You'll see the most obscene images of guts, decapitations, bloodletting, exploding heads, cut off arms and legs, spewing blood and the most disturbing visuals I've ever seen on any video game. This is not Mario Sunshine. I about jumped off my couch when I experienced my characters head getting sawed off by a sick dude with a rusty chainsaw. Don't think you'll be alone, at least you got your trust weapons, sniper guns, pistols, rocket launchers, flame throwers, grenades, shotgunts, your weaponry is astounding in Resident Evil 4 and it's truly exciting putting them into action against the crazies in the game.

This 4th installment lives up to the Resident Evil Tradition and will scare the wits out of you from start to finsih. Make note to only play this game when the sun goes down and turn off the lights. Why play at night? Because a game of this magnitude deserves it! Capcom painstakingly spent 2 years making this baby a reality. Now you can finally experience the best looking video game ever. Really. The overall blood factor is as immense as the "mature" rating on the cover implies. No kiddies please!

The game also has an amazing storyline and presentation. Tremendous voice acting actually for a video game, not grammy material, but good for Resident Evil to boot, and great cinematic sequences during your disgusting journey!! The sound is 1st rate too, I was hoping for a little more music accompanying my walks through the game, but for the stuff that does occur during certain situations, it's all good. The sound of a shotgun blast taking down 8 sickos is pleasing to your ears, believe me! Crank this baby up.

Games made specifically for the Cube has kept the system afloat since it was released. Sure it's 3rd place next to the powerful XBOX and almighty Playstation 2, but Gamecube survives on games that are made specifically for the system. Capcom and Nintendo are the big makers and seem to always churn out quality stuff. As with most Nintendo titles, this game is worth playing, and if you don't own the system yet, you might consider for Resident Evil 4 alone, it really is that good. This is the type of game that is so good, you'll want to play over and over. Could be a "game of the year contender" without question.

If you can take the terror, wipe off the dust on your Gamecube and bring it back to life with the first name in terror, Resident Evil is back and it's better than ever.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The world stopped, and RE4 and I were the only things left.., January 15, 2005

By	fizzylove "neinnamen" (Shoreline, WA United States) - See all my reviews

Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

If I could, I would give this game every star in the world. It is just that good. Some say that it is not Resident Evil, that it does not have any of the key elements that "make" Resident Evil. Yes, it is missing the Umbrella Corporation, yes there are no Zombies per-say, yes the fixed camera is gone, and yes, there is alot of ammo. HOWEVER, RE is the only series that has really scared the crap of me, yet still remains insanely fun to play. So, the question is, "Does Resident Evil 4 maintain that feel that only the RE games can acheive?" Answer? HELL YES. This game is fast paced, smart, fun and scary. There are no slow moving zombies that you can easily shoot down, there are now fast smart villagers (Ganado) apparently infected with something (I know what, but spoilers are no fun!). They chase you, come at you in waves, and if you think you are safe, they find ways of bringing you to them. The game takes place in a forest in Europe, and forests have never been scarier. Plagued with Ganado and traps, the game can pull out some awesome suprises, including a certain viallager with a chainsaw, who is very eager to take your head off. The controls are swift, and very easy to catch on too. You stay in the action the whole game, the only complaint I have is the lack of switching weapons fast. You have to go to the sub-screen in order to do this. The puzzles are still there, but they take very little time and generally not to hard, so the action is nver interuppted. You can now buy and upgrade weapons from a traveling merchant, which is very usefull. The bosses are inventive, and fun to face. In fact, the whole game is inventive, and fun to PLAY. It's scary, sure, but you never get too scared to play. You always want to see what happens next, and you always want to move on to see what kind of unexpected twists the game will take. Like I said, it is fast paced, smart, fun and scary. The gore is intense, but I love it. The cutscenes where you get particulary gruesome deaths (face melting, decapitation, etc) are very entertaining. Overall, I think this game is amazing, and should be a must have in any game collection. True, it does not have alot of the classic elements of RE, but alot of those elements were hindering and preventing the games from developing. This is a whole new kind of RE, and a better one I must say. Get over the fact that the "old" RE is taking a back seat for the time being, and enjoy the game for what it is : Amazing.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A long awaited reshape of the Resident Evil series, January 15, 2005

By	robby n. wakeley "robby n. wakeley" (Mason,Ohio) - See all my reviews

Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

In the commercial it clearly states "forget everything you know about Resident Evil." This is really a short set of words that really go so far and mean so much. All gameplay is basically "corrected" to run like other games where you can aim and shoot, dodge attacks, and control your character in a way that your not rotating in a circle. However, it easily surpasses that. You determine what happens during cinematics at some points, by pressing buttons according to the set on the screen, the puzzles show to be less confusing, you can purchase and upgrade your weapons, but a huge factor is you can increase the amount of space you can hold objects. This really helps since there are many different guns and attachments.
One thing that hasn't changed is that the graphics are most likely some of the best if not the best ever seen. All effects,
reloads on guns, gore, and speaking movement on all characters is literally perfected.
What really makes this game so suspenseful is that the A.I.
is just as capable of doing things as your character Leon can.
They can organize and chase after you on any path you go. Through windows, up and down ladders, they will even hit the door your concealed behind until they break a devastating hole in it and come storming through.
Aside from recent games, it was all about the T-virus that turned the living into flesh-eating zombies. Now, it's a different story. There are so many enemies including:a man with a chainsaw, a lady with a throwing axe, a farmer with a pitchfork, a knight in shining armor, and men with cloaks that are believers of the religion called "Los Illuminados."
For some people that player Resident Evil Zero for Gamecube, that capability is somewhat included in this game with Leon Kennedy and Ashley Graham. You'll get the chance to play as Ashley once or twice and with Leon, you can tell her commands such as "wait" or "follow" to solve puzzles to progress more into the game. Also, while in battle, you can tell Ashley to hide in a dumpster or some hiding spot or whenyou jump down from a decently large fall, you can catch her when she jumps down. What seems to create some sense is that the believers of "Los Illuminados," needs Ashley as a sacrafice for a ritual they perform. During normal gameplay, they will grab her and if you fail at rescuing her by defeating the person that captured her, you automatically lose.
Even some small things may seem very important like how you have checkpoints and not continously reverting to where you last saved, you can save as many times as you please(this makes sense because there are many typewriters in the game), you can place your items in the places that you want to save space in your case, and how you can kick opponents while their weak and defenceless.
As there may be very many good qualities about this game, there are some negative. You have to backtrack pretty often, Ashley gets captured so many times. Whenever you finally reach you destination, you almost complete nothing and a new location is set for you to travel, the most powerful gun in the game, the Rocket Launcher, is almost a sure waste because it cost 30,000 and it has only 1 shot, then you dispose of it. Last,
the game itself just seems like non-stop violence and probably the most disgusting gore ever included in a video game.
Overall, this is a really great game, the best Resident Evil game to come out yet, and is a must buy.