Below are user reviews of Resident Evil 4 and on the right are links to professionally written reviews.
The summary of review scores shows the distribution of scores given by the professional reviewers for Resident Evil 4.
Column height indicates the number of reviews with a score within the range shown at the bottom of the column.
Higher scores (columns further towards the right) are better.
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User Reviews (11 - 21 of 128)
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an average game
3
Rating: 3,
Useful: 8 / 13
Date: July 21, 2007
Author: Amazon User
After thoroughly playing through Resident Evil 2 and 3, I finally arrived to the overwhelmingly popular Resident Evil 4. I've read the positive reviews. I pumped myself up for all sorts of incredible mind-boggling graphics and animations to excite me like never before... and I can honestly say the previous Resident Evil games gave me a lot more satisfaction overall.
Now, the graphics are truly memorable with every twist and turn your main character Leon faces. It makes the older Resident Evil games show their age. Throughout the game, many of these twisted-looking mutants will walk up to you in an attempt to kill you. Because the game is pretty easy, and because the game is mainly focused on nonstop shooting action, taking out the bad guys hardly ever becomes a problem. Most of them will die in just one or two hits from the shotgun. There's almost no challenge at all here. You can argue that the same sort of gameplay takes place in Resident Evil 2 and 3 (where a bunch of zombies slowly walk in your direction and you have to take them out one by one) but many of those zombies require a fairly decent amount of ammo to completely kill.
In Resident Evil 2 and 3, you'd be shooting at a bunch of zombies and quite often it all became too much to handle and the zombies would eventually overpower you. Nothing like that in this game, because you can see them coming ahead of time. That really hurts the gameplay.
I hate how the dreary, quiet and almost shockingly life-like atmosphere of the previous Resident Evil games has been removed, with Capcom choosing to instead make a nonstop action shooter with loads and loads of bad guys frequently entering the picture. I admit that it looks pretty cool how you first see a shadow of a figure walking in your direction, and then it appears *right* in front of you a few seconds later. I can't complain about the graphics because they really *are* a sight to behold. But I can complain about the lack of a creepy atmosphere. It would have made the game better, in my opinion.
In Resident Evil 4, it seems like the game encourages one-hit kills, and honestly, most shooting games I've played that had one-hit kills only happened because of some cheat code I activated. In Resident Evil 4, it really *is* a simple game with Leon only needing to waste a couple bullets for each of the mutants he faces.
I also really hate how there's hardly any freedem whatsoever to the areas you explore and walk through. There's one narrow path that you mindlessly follow for pretty much the entire game. It reminds me *so much* of the old Playstation classic Dino Crisis 2. However, back then walking down a small path wasn't considered much of a problem because the PSX hardware was pretty limited in those days. With the Playstation 2 and Gamecube, there's really no excuse for a crammy environment. Improving technology was supposed to eliminate this problem. Maybe they will fix it when Resident Evil 5 finally arrives.
I also hate the little things such as the sound your shotgun makes when it fires. It has a weak, quiet sound which isn't nearly as cool as the shotgun you found in Resident Evil 2. Remember that gun? It made an exploding sound when fired. The death animations from the bad guys is pretty spectacular at first. However, after about 20 minutes you begin to see them repeating the same death sequences over and over again, and that makes the game begin to lose its impressiveness. Some of them stagger around before falling over dead, while others spin around. It gets old quick. You can also aim for the face of a mutant and their head will explode. It's not as cool as in Resident Evil 2 when their head actually blows to pieces, though.
Most of the time the enemies don't make much noise after they've been shot. They're surprisingly quiet. They mostly make a quiet "aw" sound and then fall over dead. A far cry from the unsettling moaning sounds from the zombies in the previous RE games on the Playstation.
Throwing in a money feature was a bad idea, too. You can find money in these white crates sitting on shelves (in which you have to shoot to discover the money). Also money can be found from enemies after you've killed them. Money is used to buy better weapons from a merchant who occasionally appears on screen. Now I ask you, wouldn't it have been *really* awful had the previous Resident Evil games thrown this feature into the gameplay? The Resident Evil series is supposed to be about blowing apart undead zombies and making it out alive with the limited amount of bullets you are given. Once you waste those bullets and can't find anymore lying around, it's safe to say you blew it- you have to start the game over again. This is a GOOD thing because it increases the challenge. Now, you can just buy whatever you want when the going gets tough. It just LOOKS strange collecting money in a Resident Evil game.
The music is pretty unspectacular as well. I never once got the sense I was going to die because I was too busy mindlessly shooting my way through a narrow path and killing the same enemies time and time again in order to make my way to the next area... and then blaze my way through THAT part of the game. Repeat over and *over* again. The gameplay never changed. Some of the bosses were awesome, though. Those boss fights were the high point to an otherwise overrated and challenge-free game.
The Wii version of the game is definitely the best, with the new control system and the updated graphics enhancing the experience. I just wish that during the creation of this game, Capcom had focused more on atmosphere and the "occasional" shooting instead of seemingly never-ending shooting. That way, you'd feel scared the entire way *and* you'd appreciate shooting the bad guys when the moment finally came. So much action is involved in Resident Evil 4 that you *really* stop taking notice of the fact that killing something is supposed to be a special moment in a video game when the time to do so finally arrives. You'll just be shooting your way through the game, collecting money and upgrading weapons, and repeating the same thing over and over again. Resident Evil 4 takes about 3 hours to complete, and that's what you'll be doing for the majority of the time.
Honestly, the gameplay doesn't feel much different from Medal of Honor (despite being a 3rd person shooter). I think we've finally arrived to a point when all action/shooters are starting to feel the same. When game companies update graphics, the control system and gameplay, they're actually accidentally removing some of the things that make games special in the first place. People might look at the graphics in Resident Evil 2 and complain about the muddy and grainy appearance, but at least there's nothing else like it out there (well, besides Resident Evil 3).
I say skip Resident Evil 4 and just play the old games instead. The updated graphics and enemy animations are only interesting for a little while and then the experience wears off. I've actually stopped buying new video games for over six years because I began to notice a horrible trend in that all video games are starting to blend together and feel pretty much the same. After playing Resident Evil 4, I think there's some truth to that. Graphics don't always equal long-lasting fun.
Is anyone else having this problem?
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 5 / 6
Date: June 26, 2007
Author: Amazon User
It may sound like I've been hiding in a cave, but this is actually my first time playing Resident Evil. I bought it for my boyfriend's birthday but I've been playing it more than him! I typically don't like shooter games, but this is so much fun! The wii controls are actually very easy to pick up. If this is your first time playing RE4 or your fifth I think everyone will enjoy this remake on the wii.
It was my favorite game before, and the spot is now even more secured.
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 4 / 4
Date: June 24, 2007
Author: Amazon User
I do a lot of gaming. I played both the PS2 and the GC versions because of how much I loved it. Sadly, the PS2 was lacking the audio and video quality of the GC, where the GC was missing some of the bonuses of the PS2.
From the moment I picked up this version, i've loved it. The controls take some getting used to, but are very well done. When you get groups, it can be a little difficult. And one think i'm not entirely sure I like is the target they added for the aiming, instead of the small red dot from previous version. I felt this made it a little easier, but I also hadn't played the 'normal' mode in quite some time, so it may just be me.
The quality is excellent, and I feel it is worth the buy if you are a fan and have either of the two versions. It is like a graphics update for the PS2 version, and content update for the GC version. Not to mention the controls, which can be quite fun. For those who don't like using the new controls, I believe the classic control can be used.
Overall, I would recommend this to any RE fan with a Wii.
Pros:
+Graphics and Audio aren't updated from GC, but they are still amazing.
+It has good play length and plenty of bonuses to keep you going.
+The controls are so well done it is like the game was originally made for the Wii, even though it wasn't.
+The storyline is still very good.
+Never have issues on waiting for it to load.
+For those who don't want to use the Wii Remote and Nunchuck, there is the classic controller.
Cons:
-To some it seems easier, but I think that may be simply because of playing experience. I haven't yet played through professional yet, so I don't know. Normal mode for me does seem easier, but i've also mastered the storyline and know where every enemy is, so I think experience makes it easier. It may also be the new controls making it easier with improved reaction times.
-No Wii exclusive extras, but that isn't really something to worry about.
Really, those are the only cons I see, and as I said, the ease may be just experience coupled with the ease of use of the new controls. For someone new, who knows.
This is a game for old fans of RE4 and new fans alike. This is an amazing game that is at least among the top 5 best games around, and is my number 1 recommendation to anyone looking for a good game.
A great addition to the Wii!
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 4 / 4
Date: June 24, 2007
Author: Amazon User
When I bought my Wii a few months ago and I did some research on games, I was ecstatic that Resident Evil 4 would be released in just a few months. So, of course, when the game came out, I had to buy it right away. I knew this game was going to be fun but I didn't expect it to be THIS great.
I've actually never played any Resident Evil games so if you're looking for a comparison between games, I'm not the right person to ask. However, I've had this game for a few days and I've played for 4 or 5 hours each day because of how entertaining it is.
So what's to like about this game? For those who haven't played any Resident Evil games, this review is for you. First of all, the graphics. Everything looks so realistic and even the smallest details have clearly been worked hard on. The zombies are incredibly creepy in their own way (some carry pitchforks, some carry chainsaws, even the old ladies get in on the action with their knives). Second, the storyline. I love games that have storylines because they give you an understanding as to why certain things in the game are happening and it gets me even more involved in the game. The storyline in this particular game is rather interesting and every now and then the game will go into what I call "story mode" where the storyline is updated. You will also find notes hidden around the game regarding the storyline. Third, the weapons. You can go to a merchant periodically throughout the game to buy a ton of different guns and accessories (including a handgun, rifle, shotgun, grenades, and a blacktail). Furthermore, unlike a lot of shooting games, you don't have a set number of bullets. Yes, eventually you do run out but boxes of bullets are strewn everywhere throughout the game. Fourth, you don't have a set number of lives. There are a few different scenes that I have died over and over again and it's great to know that I don't have to start all over again if I die. Fifth, the price. I was amazed that this game only costs $30 rather than the usual $50 that most Wii games cost. Entertainment-wise, this game gets played more than my other games and for $20 cheaper, I can't complain.
And what's not to like? The only negative I can think of is the controls. You have to use the nunchuk in order to play this game which can be complicating to some. It took me about 15 minutes to figure it out but after that, it was a breeze. Also, there are a couple of scenes that I got stuck on but having unlimited lives helped a ton with trying to figure out exactly how to get through certain parts of the game.
If you're looking for a great shooting game with an even greater storyline, be sure to pick this game up.
Amazing
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 4 / 4
Date: June 29, 2007
Author: Amazon User
I had been starting to regret purchasing my Wii these past couple months. Don't get me wrong -- it's a lot of fun -- but I couldn't find the game that made the Wii experience live up to the hype. That was until I bought Resident Evil 4.
This game is amazing, just as this review's title dictates. The graphics, the game play, the story line, the characters, the controls ... perfection. I haven't had this much fun playing a console game since Goldeneye 64.
I'm not going to say that the game is for everyone, although any zombie-enthusiasts are going to have a great time. Unlike most games, Resident Evil 4 requires a lot of time to advance from chapter to chapter, and doesn't really "let-up" on the gamer until they have wiped out entire areas of the undead. If you don't have a fair amount of patience, or if you lack strategic thought, this game is probably not for you.
Enjoy.
It's as good as all the reviews say...
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 4 / 4
Date: July 05, 2007
Author: Amazon User
I haven't played an FPS since Doom, but I'd read such good reviews about the Wii version of this game I had to try it. Surprisingly, it lives up to the hype. The control scheme is great, it's very natural and satisfying. Gameplay is good too; not too easy, not too hard. I've never been a fan of games where you can't save whenever you want, but the combination of spots you can save manually plus automatic checkpoints as you enter places you're likely to get killed works well. I liked the atmosphere as well, it seemed immersive (i.e. scary). My first time through I was nervous and took things slowly, so it took 88 hours. My second run, keeping all the gear I had from the first, took about 18. Amazingly, it's just as fun the second time through, especially since you make enough money to upgrade all your weapons. You also unlock two new weapons at the end of the first run, which is nice, although the infinite launcher costs too much to afford for quite a while. After I made enough money to buy it I ran through a third time in about 11 hours - that was a blast, literally :)
Good points:
- Visuals and music combine for an immersive experience
- Great, natural control scheme for moving and shooting
- Wide variety of weapons, each with its own use, leaving you the fun of using the ones you prefer (though there are a couple of short sections which are much harder if you don't use a rifle with infrared scope)
- Interesting story for a first person shooter
- You get some of the feel of a role playing game in terms of leveling, since you can upgrade your max health with herbs you find and can upgrade your weapons with the cash you earn from loot and treasures. Going to the merchant and finding a new upgrade available feels just like leveling.
- Good replayability, both the original mission (which seems to get harder after the first time through) and the bonuses. The Mercenaries game is pretty much a live shooting gallery where the targets shoot back, they are fun (and hard) quickies.
Minor complaints:
- Merchants are killable. In a couple of spots I didn't notice the usual blue flame marker from my vantage point so just shot the suspicious looking character from a distance. This was annoying, making me restart from last checkpoint.
- No visual indicator when enemies approach you from outside your view. Usually you know this can happen from context (like when you're on a bridge and people start over from both sides), but I nearly had a heart attack a couple of times when someone hit me from the back or side unexpectedly.
- Rocket launcher didn't have an ammo count of 1. It says single fire, but I didn't realize that it was usable until the very end, I kept carrying it around waiting for ammo to show up.
- There are a few parts where you have to wave the remote or press selected buttons. I didn't really care for these twitch things but thankfully they're mostly easy, short and you are checkpointed right before these start so you can just replay them until you survive.
Aside from these minor nits, I found the game to be amazingly fun, well worth the money, and well suited to the Wii.
Resident Wiivil 4
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 4 / 5
Date: June 21, 2007
Author: Amazon User
When I first bought Resident Evil 4 for the Game Cube it blew me away, with it's graphics and game play. When I heard that it was headed for the Wii, I decided to buy the Wii Edition, and I have yet to regret it. The new controls are great, they make the game a little easier, but they also make it twice as fun. If you own a Wii and liked RE4 on GC, PC, or PS2, get the wii version.
The only problems are:
It's easier
Nothing new.
Aside from that this is like RE4 for the First Time...Again
5/5
A fun additive game
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 3 / 3
Date: July 02, 2007
Author: Amazon User
I got RE4 a few weeks ago and I love it. The controls are smooth and easy to use. The story line is great and flows very well. The graphics are A+ as well as the audio track. I have my Wii going into my surround system and it sounds great. This is a must have game for the Wii. It ranks right up beside Zelda Twilight Princess which I just finished.
Best Version
4
Rating: 4,
Useful: 3 / 3
Date: December 26, 2007
Author: Amazon User
Alot of people complain that this version is alot easier. It is, but they fail to mention that it is so becasue it is more realistic. You can move your gun quicker becasue you point at the screen instead of moving the control stick to look around. In the real world you would be pointiong and moving your gun just like in the game, so the real complaint should be that the GC and PS2 versions were needlessly difficult by being unrealistic.
Hands down, the best RE in the series so far.
4
Rating: 4,
Useful: 3 / 3
Date: December 29, 2007
Author: Amazon User
While it can be frustrating, difficult and downright scary for the younger players, I would say this is one of the best games out for the Wii, and the best game in the RE series.
I have not played the Gamecube version, but the Wii controls are intuitive and easy to figure out. The characters control quite easily, but the menu system takes a LITTLE getting used to, mainly figuring out what buttons do what in the menu. Setting up shoot-then-hand-to-hand-combat combos gets easier as you go along, and after a few hours of playing I think most people will be able to find their own creative ways to use this technique, which is a very valuable strategy in this game. I had no issues with the third-person camera, something that I find very often spoils an otherwise flawless game (see: Ninja Gaiden Black).
Replayability and value are certainly there, a trademark of the RE series. There are also no goofy hacks to easily rack up money or unlock hidden mini-games and items, so getting to all the secrets of the game is a challenging task, but never so difficult that it becomes unenjoyable. There is just the right amount of difficulty that you do not become frustrated, and are supremely satisfied when you overcome them.
In the RE series, this is the best. Among Wii games, it is most certainly in the top 3 of games offered at the moment, and can easily be #1 for most. In the list of games I've played over the years (a lot), this is also remarkably in my top 5, among which are also Ninja Gaiden: Black for the Xbox, Final Fantasy III for the Super Nintendo, Final Fantasy VII for the PC, and Gran Turismo 1 for the Playstation. FYI, Ninja Gaiden: Black is #1 on my list, and it always will be, despite the god forsaken camera.
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