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.
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User Reviews (101 - 111 of 202)
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resident evil 4
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 2
Date: December 20, 2005
Author: Amazon User
great game, if you're a player, dont miss out on the new resident evil game. i rate it as a 10+
Best RE since RE2
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 2
Date: December 24, 2005
Author: Amazon User
This is without a doubt the best Resident Evil game since RE2. It's got a creative and different setting, it brings back RE's best hero (Leon!), it manages to be spooky while still playable.
There's no questions this game has some difficult sections when you play through the first time. As with all survival horror, you start barely armed, have to hoard ammo and use it carefully (no first-person shooter, this, you need to be clever). As the game goes on you gradually get better weapons, but the enemies get stronger.
On a re-play, of course, you start with a full boat of weapons, so the game is MUCH easier on successive plays; but here's one of the strengths of RE4. The plot and graphic design make it a pleasure to re-play, and the money element lets you play (in effect) for score, gathering up as much as you can without wasting it on things you don't need. You also have the choice of keeping lesser weapons to challenge yourself (I'm now playing it with the knife as much as I can, just to prove I can beat lower enemies with no gun).
This game has something we've never had in RE; the ability to buy and upgrade weapons. Where other games were all about getting away from the enemies in many scenes, this one encourages more fighting because enemies drop items (money or supplies). While this takes away an element that's fun and creepy (run away! run away!), it trades this for a better fighting game where you HAVE TO kill enemies in many cases. The weapons available are all entertaining, and you have choices, selling ones you don't like as much for ones you like better. This lets you choose one of several very good weapons as you main side arm, and lets you change the game on re-plays by working with different sets of weapons. You can also sell a weapon and then buy it back later, so things that are gone are not gone for good. There's a *lot* of shooting in this game, and lots of changes to try out different weapons to find what works best.
Gone are the 'magic boxes' that let you stash weapons in one room and get them from another. This is different, but not really better or worse; as you play you can upgrade your carry capacity with bigger cases. So there's a bit more thought required to make sure you have only what you need, but you also can have all your weapons to hand and never have to run back to swap a shotgun for a sniper rifle.
One of the main things I like about this game is that it actually has a coherent plot. Many of these games wind up with mystery story lines so convoluted that it makes following them more effort that it's worth. This one plays like an action film, and you could pretty much convert it to a movie with no re-work. It makes watching someone else play the game entertaining, which I find unusual.
That the graphics are great goes without saying. Graphics in video games are so sophisticated these days that I don't even notice any more. But what stands out here is some really fabulous graphic design. Some of the settings - castles, mansions, caves, tombs, mines - are brilliantly designed and I find myself stopping in many scenes simply to admire the way a scene looks.
All in all it's a great game. If you like RE, this is a must-have.
There are down sides of course.
If you're a huge puzzle fan, the puzzles are mostly pretty easy. Puzzles are my least-favorite part of survival horror games, so this isn't a big issue for me, but still, they're easy.
More annoying to me is that they pulled the game-designer cheat in some scenes of making you character (Leon) slower and clumsier in boss fights. Lots of games do this, but it's cheating as far as I'm concerned. There are several fights against 'El Gigante' bosses where Leon's run speed goes down, and they box you into a small area where it doesn't make sense to fight, and the reaction speed on the controls decreases slightly. It makes the fight harder, but not in a fun way because you can't spin and juke and fire the way you would normally, you wind up under the monster's feet when you mean to be pulling a grenade and then popping a few rounds into him (though these fights get incredibly easy on re-play if you have a big weapon). I've seen a number of games where they do this, making a fight harder by changing your character's behavior or control response time, and it is, IMO, cheating by the game designers.
My objections are trivial though. Of all the survival horror games I've played, this is very close to the most fun.
Best RE game so far.
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 2
Date: January 03, 2006
Author: Amazon User
Excellent game.I've loved every minute of it since I got it for X-Mas.It is very dark and creepy...anyone thats played a resident evil game before will like this one.
RE4 definetly stepped up to the plate!
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 2
Date: January 03, 2006
Author: Amazon User
I don't know what one reviewer was talking about when she said it wasn't as scary as the others. While the slow moving zombies were creepy, with the moaning and decay, you can't get creepier than some crazed villagers sneaking up on you with torches and pitchforks and RUNNING up to you to kill you. Those zombies didn't climb virtually silently through windows, or call their friends to come kill you, or speak in some twisted, old spanish language. What is she talking about?
This game is fantastic. The graphics are amazing and so is the sound, and finally the voice acting in an RE game is good. (Weskerrrrr! Anyone? I think not)
I played on normal and I don't think the boss battles were scary, they just take some getting used to. I think the ganados were scarier than the actually bosses because they show up quietly and gang up on you. Plus, the graphics are so pristine and the movements of the characters are so realistic, they look more human; they move like humans when shot or injured (they hold the area where you shoot them, dodge bullets, recoil realistically when shot, etc.) that it raises the level of creepiness. Slow moving zombies are one thing..but these things are something else.
I like the Merchant, though he should sell ammo. I think it's trial and error on what to buy and sell from the merchant. Common sense would tell you not to buy bigger weapons early, but I kept collecting rifle ammo early on, and when I bought it it took up space, what with the shotgun. I needed all my weapons. I ended up using the rifle in a clinch then reselling it to get space. I accidently discarded the handgun and didn't get all 15 blue medallians. You really have to keep an eye out for that sort of stuff.
I enjoyed having Ashley if for no other reason than she had very realistic AI. I liked how she crouched behind Leon when he shot, kept up close with him and ducked or moved from an enemy. She didn't just aimlessly run after him, she looked around nervously when in creepy, dark areas. It was nice to have that touch of realism while playing. Also, the cutscenes were excellent, moved the story along and were entertaining and informative to watch.
My only real complaints were as follows:
Could have been more save points (but no typewriter ribbons is a REAL BONUS)
Merchant should sell ammo
Better camera angles
Leon should be able to run and walk while shooting. This has been an incredibly annoying staple to the RE games and it's finally time to get rid of it!
button mashing
Overall, I'm happy to have it for PS2, and it really is an incredible game. All the reviews aren't lying. There are just a few things that I wish they would fix already! Other than that, it's great. The controls take some getting used too, but if you've played RE before you're used to all the frustration.
The Best Game of 2005!
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 2
Date: January 17, 2006
Author: Amazon User
Resident Evil 4 is the best game of 2005 and the best one out of the entire Resident Evil Franchize. The amazin gameplay, cutscenes, Boss battles, and graphics and physics have made this game so damn fun. Leon Scott Kennedy (from RE2) is back but not in Racoon City But in Europe Possibly Spain on a top secret mission "to save the presidents daughter". The Game from beginning to End is without a soubt amazing and scary. I suggest you get the PS2 version because although it has less appealing graphics, it does have much more extras such as the new mini game-Seperate Ways which explains the more confusing parts of the story. New costumes With Leon wearing a mafia type suit and Ashley wearing an armor which is extremly helpful because the enemies can't hurt her or pick her up and take her away because she's so heavy wearing that armor. Plus new weapons like the Cross Bow-Gun (seperate ways only) which is an explosive cross bow, and P.R.L.412 laser cannon which is a gun that shoots powerful electric/lasers at the enemies. I highly reccomend this game to all types of gamers because it really is that good.
P.S.But if you own the first one on the Gamecube version then there is no reason for YOU guys to get this version
Poor Porting of a Great Game
4
Rating: 4,
Useful: 1 / 2
Date: November 22, 2005
Author: Amazon User
This review probably isn't what you're expecting, but I think it's something you need to hear as a customer. You need to be informed of information like this, not only about the game, but its other versions, and the events of its producing company.
To start things off, let me just be honest. I am biased against the PS2 port, not because it was ported to PS2 (I love my PS2), but because it was given additional content on an older and more outdated platform that contains lower capabilities. The Gamecube is technically superior to the PS2 in all areas; in addition RE4 was optimized for this systems capabilities (which specializes in rendering complex textures and special effects). Not only did this violate the exclusive agreement promised for 3 years by capcom, but it also gave the PS2 an upper hand in some areas.
October 31, 2004 was when it was officially announced that PS2 would receive a port of the game with additional features. Months before the game were released on Jan 11, 2005. On the actual release of the game on Gamecube, Capcom was disappointed with the sells. I can't imagine why. Oh wait, yes I can. This created a significant outcry from the fans. In addition, Shinji Mikami, director of the original RE, RE remake, and RE4, producer of RE2, RE3, RE Code Veronica, and advisor of RE gaiden and RE 0, was not pleased by this move. This decision was made, not only without, but against his consent. Mikami refused to help with the PS2 version and, in addition, refused to work on another Resident Evil game. Mikami, manager of Capcom Production 4 Studios moved to Capcom Clover studios. Hidaki Kamiya has also moved to Clover Studios. It is unknown if Mikami will ever agree to work on another RE title. Well played Capcom, betray the fan base, make an illogical move of putting a superior version on a system with lower capabilities, and burn bridges with the game's creator.
The notion of this port does not seem to be supported by Okamoto. Likewise, this decision was not supported by Kobayashi, who had fully intended RE4 to be a GC exclusive. Further more, internal rumblings suggested that a port to PS2 was not driven by fans requests as Capcom had originally suggested, but rather by want to increase stock value. A number of RE4's staff announced they would be leaving the company after the Gamecube version was completed. This forced port seen as a manifestation of a decrease in freedom concerning game development and a focus more on profit than quality.
This RE game is vastly different from the others, but if the RE series continues, this may be the end of the REs as we know it as new people are brought in and a new director may take it in a different direction (for better or worse).
In order to make up for the lower PS2 capabilities, as well as new staff being brought into to move over a game not created by them, Capcom has added new stuff. This is considered, to some extent, a "director's version"; although that's a huge misnomer as the games director would have nothing to do with this port.
RE4 PS2 differences
Pros
- A new scenario starring Ada
- A five-part documentary titled "Ada's Report"
- New Outfits for Leon and Ashley new weapon exclusive to Leon
- A cut scene viewer
- True widescreen mode (forced to be removed from the GC version to be a PS2 exclusive)
Cons
- Character control is a bit sloppy in comparison; controller setup is a bit awkward
- Slower frame rate (fps - frames per second) in busy areas (laggy feel), and between some scenes which some say decreases the very well flowing feel if the GC version.
- Lower object count due to lower resources available
- Lower quality bitmapping
- Lower quality lighting effects (some people feel the GC's lighting tops Doom 3's by superior application)
- Lower sound quality (I didn't notice)
If you have an old, small, crappy TV, then the cons are probably nearing non existent. However, I have a nice decent sized new TV, and the difference is quite noticeable. This is definitely a great game, and you should play it. However, if you want the best experience, decide whether you want a better experience in the main storyline (or if you don't bother with extras), or if you want extras enough to dumb down the graphics. The extra content is estimated around 2-4 hours by most players.
I have yet to purchase either version, I can't see buying both, and I'm going to feel cheated either way I go. I can't get over how much better the mood was in the GC version. Many people say the graphics are close enough... but they really really aren't. GC's graphics blew me out of the water last year; the PS2 version came out even later with worse graphics... Where's the "director's version" for Gamecube Capcom? Why not push back the original GC release to be able to hold off the pud for the PS3? The game was already put off long enough, and RE4 would have been a killer first tier game on the PS3.
Capcom owes its fans and the creator and employees of RE a huge apology. Not only is this port done wrong and immorally, but in addition it affected the original release, which makes it even worse. US sales exceeded 320,000 units in the first 20 days, 200,000 units in the first month of Europe, by July 2005 1,200,000 units were sold world wide. Yet Capcom denounced the GC version a failure. How much more successful could this title have been without bad politics and with greater support for superior hardware. I want the extra stuff and the superior graphics. Gamers shouldn't have to choose between capabilities and content on the same game, when they both could have been available on one version.
Blast all the zombies & las plagas, man!
4
Rating: 4,
Useful: 1 / 2
Date: January 23, 2006
Author: Amazon User
Resident Evil 4 is the best game of 2005 and the best one out of the entire Resident Evil Franchize. The amazin gameplay, cutscenes, Boss battles, and graphics and physics have made this game so damn fun. Leon Scott Kennedy (from RE2) is back but not in Racoon City But in Europe Possibly Spain on a top secret mission "to save the presidents daughter". The Game from beginning to End is without a soubt amazing and scary. I suggest you get the PS2 version because although it has less appealing graphics, it does have much more extras such as the new mini game-Seperate Ways which explains the more confusing parts of the story. New costumes With Leon wearing a mafia type suit and Ashley wearing an armor which is extremly helpful because the enemies can't hurt her or pick her up and take her away because she's so heavy wearing that armor. Plus new weapons like the Cross Bow-Gun (seperate ways only) which is an explosive cross bow, and P.R.L.412 laser cannon which is a gun that shoots powerful electric/lasers at the enemies. I highly reccomend this game to all types of gamers because it really is that good.
P.S.But if you own the first one on the Gamecube version then there is no reason for YOU guys to get this version
Best Resident Evil yet.
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 2
Date: January 28, 2007
Author: Amazon User
This game is totaly differant from the other resident evil games and much better. It is one of the few games I have played over right away (3 times so far). I highly recommend it to anyone who likes shooting games. It was well worth the low price that I payed.
Awesome shooting game!!!
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 2
Date: May 12, 2007
Author: Amazon User
If you are a fan of zombie movies, this is the game for you. The zombies look scary and the story plot is pretty neat. This is a very intensive shooting game. Being able to upgrade the guns is one of my favorite parts about this game. Also, using the rocket launcher to shoot the boss at the end of each chapter is very entertaining... you can feel the power!! You wouldn't want to put the controller down once you start playing this game. It took me nearly 30 hours to finish this game. There are also extra missions at the end.
The future of survival/horror
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 1 / 2
Date: June 29, 2006
Author: Amazon User
I was such a happy camper when I found out the little honeymoon between Capcom and Nintendo was done for,and RE4 (along with Killer 7 and Viewtiful Joe)would be made for the PS2.And also finding out the PS2 version would have more unlockables than on the GC allowed me to give my Nintendo fanboy buddies of mine a hard time.Thanks Capcom!Some of these unlockables include new costumes,weapons and also allowing you to play as Ada.
Now,onto the actual game.If you haven't played RE4 before you're going to have to get used to the new behind-the-back camera style.Whether you've played the older RE games or not,it's going to take a lot of practice.It's nice to see Capcom make this change with the camera instead of using the whole "Oh,the crappy camera system makes the game more scary!" excuse.This new camera makes the game experience even more scary in my opinion.It puts the player in an almost constant state of paranoia,making you look around and check behind your back constantly.You can almost feel your heart burst out of your chest while in a boss fight,or when you're being completely surrounded in a village or inside the castle.
As for the storyline,you are playing as Leon six years after the RE2 story.It's his first day on the job (ironic?)working for government,and the President has given him orders to find his daughter Ashley who has been kidnapped by an extremist religous cult.Yes,I know the plot doesn't sound like something over the top that you would expect from a Metal Gear Solid or Silent Hill game,but it works.And plus,with this fast paced action and terrifying suspense the plot will be the last thing on your mind while playing this game.You will also see a few familiar faces later in the game,and trust me you'll be shocked.
RE4 also has a very unique weapon upgrading system.You could turn the average hand pistol you started out with in the begining of them game,and by the end of the game have it be completely customized and ten times more powerful.You can also buy some nifty weapons from the weapons seller which includes a wide variety of hand guns,shotguns and automatics throughout the game.You can also purchase a rocket launcher,which makes boss fights as simple as they come.
To finish this review off I can easily say RE4 is right up there with Silent Hill 2 as my favorite survival/horror game,and by far my favorite of 2005.Even if you aren't a fan of RE I still suggest trying this game out.
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