Review: Resident Evil 4

TonyDaytona

72%

Why the fuck is an Abercrombie fashion model on the cover of RE4? This guy couldn’t fight his way through rush-hour traffic in the Bronx, let alone a Spanish village filled with zombies. I forgot how much of a pussy Leon was until I booted up RE4 on the Wii. Sure, he’s a trained Secret Service agent, but I’m tired of heroes that look like contestants from American Idol.
   As you can tell, I wasn’t all that excited to watch Ken-doll combat the parasitic hordes of Los Ganados, but I was able to refocus my rage and squeeze some enjoyment out of RE4. I quickly learned the nunchuck’s movement and mastered the wiimote’s aiming system. After a bit of practice even an average player (I’m talking to you Euro) will be able to place a few headshots or mercilessly kneecap some locals. Nothing is more fun than unloading a full clip from a Schofield Model 3.
   The story is the same old shit… rescue the President’s daughter, find the virus, and defeat the cult leader (Saddler). In addition to the story not changing, the graphics and content also remain the same.
   In the end, Capcom should stop ruining their games by making heroes that look like Ken from Street Fighter. RE is an edgy game that needs a bad-ass (part porn star, part Green Beret). One day Capcom might lose the white guy with a Colgate smile and introduce a latino or a brother who’d make the President’s daughter (Ashley Graham) his bitch.

EuroTrash

91%

Continuing with the 2007 Recycled Release Tour we were transported back to 2005 with Resident Evil 4 (RE-4) for the Wii. RE-4 was one of the biggest hits on the GC and the PS2, but I believe the finest version was made for the Wii.
   The primary story remains unchanged and the graphics, although enjoyable, don’t make any obvious advances on the Wii. The game pushes 480p in true, widescreen format and creates an adequate, cinematic experience. While the graphics aren’t about to trigger a press conference, the interface is brilliant and the Wiimote’s pointer system redefines the “action-shooter.”
   The nunchuck’s analog stick controls the X and Y movement, while the remote handles the aiming interface for weapons (even the occasional knife fight). Even though you still can’t fire a gun and walk at the same time (still odd), the game never feels confined.
   RE-4 is known for its absurd plotlines that are pulled straight from the editing floor of a B-movie production. RE-4 is unapologetic in its delivery and never pauses long enough to give anyone a chance to second-guess the story. Leon is back from RE-2 (main character), but this time he’s a government trained agent searching for the President’s missing daughter (like I said, B-movie material). Leon’s inquiry leads him to a small village in Spain and with the subtlety of a blitzkrieg, the war begins.
   RE-4 lost some points for not adding new content, but the bonus sections from the prior ports remain (Separate Ways, Ada’s Report, etc.). Regardless, RE4 remains a terrific game.

Tzo

83%

I’m so tired of people saying witty little things like, “There’s no ‘i’ in Wii” or “Wii are the future.” In case the Wii-minded fans require a quick reminder:
   1) There’s no ‘i’ in release (original content is lacking)
   2) You’re living in the past (tired graphics/fad controller).
   RE4 is a clear reminder of the Wii’s system limitations and its potential to entertain. RE4 was a huge hit on the GC and it plays even better on its younger, next-gen brother (Wii). However, it’s sad when the best game for the Wii was released 2 years ago on an older system.
   Many ported-games try to integrate the Wii’s inventive controllers, but few make it work. At first, moving with the nunchuk’s directional stick and aiming with the remote’s pointer feels odd, but it soon becomes the game’s strongest feature. The precision of the Wii’s controls enables the main hero (Leon) to decimate the infected legions with unequaled ease.
   With over 50% of US households having access to a hi-def monitor (720p+), I have no idea why any developer would release a game in 480p. I was also surprised RE4 didn’t provide one extra minute of new content. All of the old features are bundled together, but I expected to see new weapons or an un-lockable map.
   The minimum wage pricing ($30) is Capcom’s attempt to apologize for RE4’s short-comings. With about 18 hours of game-play, RE4 costs about $1.66/hour of play (not bad).
   Overall, RE4 is a flawless port to the Wii that both super-fans and new players will enjoy. Everyone else should consider the five-finger discount or make RE4 a 2-day rental.