Resident Evil 4 (original)
In short: Resident Evil 4 (original) is an action game released in 2005 by Capcom Production Studio 4, available on PlayStation, Nintendo and PC. Our score: 9.5/10 (highly recommended). Lowest price we found right now: $33.80.
Resident Evil 4 redefined the survival horror genre with its over-the-shoulder camera, intense action, and focus on combat. Leon S. Kennedy is sent to rescue the President's daughter from a mysterious cult in rural Spain.
Resident Evil 4, released in 2005, is a seminal title in the survival horror genre, developed and published by Capcom. It marked a radical departure from its predecessors, moving away from fixed camera angles and tank controls to introduce an innovative over-the-shoulder third-person perspective. This change, coupled with a greater emphasis on action and dynamic combat, revitalized the series and influenced countless third-person shooters that followed. The game's atmosphere is a masterclass in tension, blending psychological horror with visceral creature design, all set against the eerie backdrop of rural Spain. The narrative follows U.S. government agent Leon S. Kennedy, six years after the events of Resident Evil 2, as he is dispatched to a remote Spanish village to rescue Ashley Graham, the kidnapped daughter of the President of the United States. Leon soon discovers the villagers are infected with a mind-controlling parasite known as Las Plagas, transforming them into violent, cult-like adherents. Throughout his perilous journey, Leon encounters a grotesque array of enemies, from possessed villagers and monstrous creatures to deranged cult leaders and the enigmatic Saddler, the mastermind behind Ashley's abduction. Resident Evil 4's gameplay is a finely tuned balance of intense gunplay, strategic resource management, and environmental puzzle-solving. Players must conserve ammunition and healing items, make critical decisions in combat, and utilize the often-claustrophob…
Game details
- Developer: Capcom Production Studio 4
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release year: 2005
- Platforms: PlayStation, Nintendo, PC
- Category: action
Our review
Resident Evil 4 is a masterpiece that redefined the survival horror genre. Its innovative over-the-shoulder camera, intense action, and compelling story create an unforgettable experience. The combat is fluid and satisfying, with a wide array of weapons and challenging enemies. Resource management is crucial, adding a layer of strategic depth. While the graphics may show their age in some areas, the art direction remains top-notch, contributing to the game's oppressive atmosphere. The narrative is engaging, blending horror and action seamlessly with memorable characters. Replayability is high, with unlockable content and multiple difficulty settings. Resident Evil 4 is not just a great game; it's a foundational title that influenced a generation of action games and remains incredibly fun to play today.
Pros
- Innovative over-the-shoulder camera
- Intense and satisfying combat
- Engaging story and characters
- Excellent atmosphere and art direction
- High replayability
Cons
- Some graphics show their age
- Ashley's AI can be frustrating at times
FAQ
- Is Resident Evil 4 a remake?
- The original Resident Evil 4 was released in 2005. A full remake was released in 2023 for modern platforms, offering updated graphics and refined gameplay while staying true to the original's essence.
- How long does it take to beat Resident Evil 4?
- A typical first playthrough of Resident Evil 4 takes around 15-20 hours, depending on playstyle and difficulty. Completing all side content and unlockables can extend playtime significantly.
- Is Resident Evil 4 scary?
- While Resident Evil 4 leans more into action than pure horror compared to earlier titles, it still delivers plenty of intense, suspenseful, and shocking moments. The atmosphere is often oppressive, and boss encounters can be genuinely terrifying.
- Are there multiple endings in Resident Evil 4?
- No, Resident Evil 4 has a single, canonical ending. However, there are bonus modes and unlockables that provide additional content and replay value.
- What platforms is Resident Evil 4 available on?
- The original Resident Evil 4 was released on GameCube, PlayStation 2, and PC. It has since been ported to numerous platforms, including Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, making it widely accessible.
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Last updated: 18/09/2026