Resident Evil 4
| Resident Evil 4 | |
|---|---|
| File:Re4boxart.jpg | |
| Developer(s) | Capcom Production Studio 4 |
| Publisher(s) | Capcom (GCN, PS2, Wii) Ubisoft (PC) |
| Designer(s) | Shinji Mikami (director) Hiroyuki Kobayashi (producer) |
| Platform(s) | GCN, Wii, PS2, PC Windows, MP |
| Release | GameCube:
PlayStation 2:
PC: Wii: [1] |
| Genre(s) | Action-adventure Survival Horror Third Person Shooter Science Fiction |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
Resident Evil 4, known in Japan as Biohazard 4 (バイオハザード4, Baiohazādo Fō), is a third-person shooter, published and developed by Capcom. It is the sixth installment in the Resident Evil series. It was released in North America on January 11, 2005 for the Nintendo GameCube, and was later released in Japan on January 27, 2005 and in Europe on March 18, 2005. The game was later ported onto the PlayStation 2 in October 2005, and for the PC and Wii in June 2007. Resident Evil 4 has won numerous Game of the Year awards.
Story
In 2004, the Umbrella Corporation's secretive activities within Raccoon City have become a public affair. Following an investigation conducted by the US government, several Umbrella officials are implicated and prosecuted. The government indefinitely suspends Umbrella's business, causing the company to become bankrupt.
Leon S. Kennedy, one of the few survivors of the Raccoon City incident and a former Raccoon City police officer, was recruited by the US Secret Service after they learned of his actions in Raccoon City. Leon is sent on a mission to rescue Ashley Graham, the President's daughter, who has been kidnapped by a mysterious cult. Leon travels to a rural village in Europe, where he encounters a horde of unruly villagers who pledge their lives to Los Iluminados (The Illuminated Ones), the cult that kidnapped Ashley.
During the course of the mission, Leon is reunited with Ada Wong, a woman he met in Resident Evil 2, and Jack Krauser, one of Leon's former comrades from his years of government training, thought to be dead. He also meets Luis Sera, a former Los Illuminados researcher, who aids Leon on his mission, before he is murdered by Osmund Saddler, the leader of the Los Illuminados cult. By examining Sera's notes, Leon discovers that Los Illuminados gained control of their subjects by implanting a mind-controlling parasite known as Las Plagas into their bodies.
After Saddler discovers that Leon has rescued Ashley, he commands his subjects to use any means to recover her. Meanwhile, after defeating the village chief, Bitorez Mendez, Leon and Ashley take refuge inside the castle of the local castellan, Ramon Salazar. A surprise attack by Salazar's minions leads to Ashley's recapture, forcing Leon to travel to a military and research complex located on a nearby island after defeating Salazar. After numerous altercations with Saddler's forces, Leon is able to rescue Ashley, and defeat Saddler with Ada's assistance. Leon recovers a vial containing a Plagas sample from Saddler’s corpse, but Ada forces him to give it to her at gunpoint. She then escapes from the complex in a helicopter, leaving Leon and Ashley to escape via jet-ski.
Gameplay
Resident Evil 4's game mechanics have been completely redesigned to incorporate fast-paced gunplay, quick controls and shootouts involving massive crowds of enemies in large open areas. This, combined with an abundance of healing items and ammunition, results in a different gameplay experience from other Resident Evil games. Previous titles in the series have focused more on exploration and conservation of ammunition. A typical playthrough can result in the player killing upwards of 900 enemies.
Changes
The main enemies are parasitically-controlled humans referred to as "Los Ganados" (Spanish for "the cattle" or "the mob"). Significantly smarter and quicker than the zombies from previous games, Ganados are a very different sort of foe. These new enemies dodge, wield melee and projectile weapons, and are capable of working collectively and communicating with each other. Once simple farmers, these Ganados are the product of an infestation of Las Plagas, which are powerful mind-controlling parasites.
Resident Evil 4 also contains changes to the inventory, camera angles, and control system. Normally, the camera remains behind the player, who stands just left of the center of the screen. The camera zooms in for an over-the-shoulder view when the aiming button is pressed, and projectile weapons are given a laser sight for precise aiming. This feature was removed in the Wii version in favor of an aiming reticule controlled by the Wii Remote.
The inclusion of a laser sight gives players an unprecedented amount of control in their attacks. Previous Resident Evil games only allowed players to aim their weapon up, down, or level; Resident Evil 4 expands this considerably, and enemies respond differently to bullet impacts to various parts of the body. For example, a shot to the foot may cause an enemy to stumble, while a shot to the arm might make an enemy drop its weapon. In many cases these shots leave enemies vulnerable to melee attacks, which often knock nearby enemies to the ground as well. This allows skilled players to use ammunition more efficiently, a feature not possible in previous Resident Evil games, by changing the focus away from item management to combat. Additionally, ammunition is more plentiful than in previous installments, primarily because some enemies drop ammunition after they are defeated. Weapons may be purchased from and continuously upgraded by the merchant using the currency in the game, the peseta.
Item management has also undergone significant change. While previous installments restricted a character to carrying a set number of items, Resident Evil 4 bases the number of items a character may carry on a grid system in which each item takes up a set of squares on the grid. The player's carrying capacity may be expanded by purchasing larger attaché cases. In addition, key items are now kept separately from weapons and healing supplies, allowing the player to acquire them without dropping current items or backtracking to the nearest item chest to make room. Treasures may be sold to the merchant for pesetas. The healing herbs from the previous games are back. In addition to the traditional green and red herbs, the new yellow herb, when combined with other herbs, increases the player's maximum health.
Another new aspect of Resident Evil 4 is the inclusion of context-sensitive controls. Based on the situation, the player can interact with aspects of their environment: kicking down a ladder, jumping out of a window, or dodging an enemy attack. As mentioned previously, the player can perform a melee attack against enemies while the enemy is stunned or on their knees. There are also dynamic cut scenes, in which the player must press buttons indicated on-screen to execute actions such as dodging a falling boulder or wrestling an enemy to stay alive. These are often incorporated into the game's many boss battles, where the player must avoid one-hit kill attacks. The Wii version expanded on this concept slightly by including a quick Wii Remote shake as a possible context sensitive action. The game also features a dedicated knife button, which the player can use in addition to firearms. In the Wii version, flicking the remote without using the knife button results in a weaker knife attack that is automatically aimed at the nearest available target.
The game features a more cinematic presentation by using letterboxing. Loading times are kept to a minimum, unlike previous Resident Evil games, where moving between areas required a load screen. In Resident Evil 4, the game loads only between areas denoted by green action text. An area may consist of anything from a few buildings to a huge military base. Doors may be opened slowly and quietly by pressing the 'action' button next to them, or kicked open by double-tapping the same button, often stunning enemies on the other side.
Characters
Creatures
Weapons
Resident Evil 4 features a variety of weapons that the player can collect and use, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.[3][4] A major goal for the game design was to increase weapon diversity in order to improve player freedom and gameplay depth. [5] The increased variety of weapons has been praised by gaming publications such as GamePro[6] Game Over Online Magazine.[7]
The makers of Resident Evil 4 worked on various innovations associated with the use and inventory of weapons.[8] Thomas Wilde explains that players can use the vast array of weapons to "go for headshots now."[9] Game Informer explains that ammunition is more plentiful in Resident Evil 4 than in other games in the series, making the game more action-oriented. [10] Resident Evil 4 producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi revealed that these changes were made with basically the same weapon engines, and were not too troublesome to implement. [11]
Resident Evil 4's weapons are unique in that it is the only game to have had a special edition controller made for the PlayStation 2 (PS2) and GameCube versions.[12] This chainsaw controller, which was released worldwide,[13] features a ripcord which doubles as the Start button. The controller is designed for PS2 and PC and therefore comes with a PS2 controller-to-USB adapter, meaning it can also be used on a PlayStation 3. Nuby Tech designed the controller to look like the Dr. Salvador's chainsaw that appears in the game.[14][15][16][17] The packaging of this game peripheral has received high praise.[18]
Many of the game's weapons have been adapted to accompany action figure toys based on the game.[19] The chainsaw that served as inspiration for the controller mentioned above accompanies the figure for Chainsaw Ganado.[20] Other figures come with multiple firearms that appear on the in-game list above.[21]
Capcom released a special trailer showcasing the weapons[22] and G4 held an "interview" with the in-game Shopkeeper who sells weapons.[23]
Reception
Resident Evil 4 has garnered significant critical acclaim. It has received dozens of awards from various organizations and stellar reviews from various video game websites.[24]
The Nintendo GameCube version was released in the United States on January 11, 2005 with US.sales exceeding 320,000 copies in the first 20 days. The European release on March 18 2005 mirrored this success, selling its entire 200,000 unit allocation within the first month. As of January 2006, reported sales of Resident Evil 4 show that it has shipped over 3,000,000 copies worldwide. Sales totals include the PlayStation 2 port that was released on October 25, 2005.[25]
The game was considered by critics as a top contender for 2005's Game of the Year. The game was a successful crossover hit as the new gameplay alterations and immersive style appealed to many not previously familiar with the Resident Evil series.[26]
According to January 17, 2007 sales figures provided by Capcom, the GameCube version of Resident Evil 4 has sold a total of 1.6 million units worldwide, while the PS2 version has sold over 2 million units.[27]
Both the GameCube and PS2 versions of Resident Evil 4 scored over 95% on Game Rankings[28] and reviews were 100% positive on Rotten Tomatoes,[29] two review aggregator sites. Nintendo Power also gave it a perfect 5 out of 5, and named it their 2005 Game of the Year. It also ranked #2 on their NP Top 200 list.[30] The Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine named it the Game of the Year for the PlayStation 2 . Game Informer gave both editions of Resident Evil 4 a perfect score, and ranked it their 2005 Game of the Year. It tied with Kingdom Hearts II as Famitsu's Game of the Year 2005.[31]
Subsequently, Resident Evil 4 was named "Game of the Year" at the 2005 Spike TV Video Game Awards.[32]. Also, the G4 TV show X-Play, named it the greatest game since the beginning of the series in April 2003 and gave the GameCube version a 5/5, the PS2 version a 5/5, and the Wii Edition a 4/5.
However, one criticism comes from Cerise Magazine, which accuses the game designers of "regressive gender politics". This was due to the portrayal of Ashley as a helpless female, which was seen as "a rapid departure from previous women in Resident Evil".[33]
Awards and recognition
|
2004 IGN Best of E3 Awards
2005 CESA Game Awards
2005 Spike TV's Video Game Awards
IGN Best of 2005
2005 GameTrailers
2005 Golden Joystick Awards
2005 GameSpot Best of 2005
GameSpy Best of 2005
2005 Edge magazine Awards
Telewest Shiny Awards Games Digest
NGC Magazine 2005 Awards
2005 1UP Awards
|
2005 Nintendo Power Awards
2005 X-Play
GameFAQs 2005's Best
GameFAQs Tenth Anniversary Contest
2005 Game Informer
2005 Metacritic
2005 Play Magazine
2005 EGM Magazine
2005 Games Master's Gaming Awards
2005 GamePro Magazine Editor's Choice
2005 UGO.com
2005 Game Revolution
|
2005 GAME
2005 Gamefly Q Awards Favorite
2005 Gamecentral's (UK)
2005 Nintendo Power Awards
2005 Nintendo Power "NP Top 200"
2005 Spike TV Video Game Awards
2006 Famitsu
2006 GameSpy
2006 PSM
2007 X-Play
2007 IGN
IGN Best of 2007
2007 GameTrailers
|
Nintendo GameCube exclusivity
In September 2001, Capcom announced that the core Resident Evil series would become exclusive to the Nintendo GameCube with three new games: an enhanced remake of the original Resident Evil, a prequel titled Resident Evil 0 and Resident Evil 4. Capcom had previously proposed a version of Resident Evil 4 for PlayStation 2, but the idea was revamped into Devil May Cry.
As a result of heavy losses incurred in 2002, the company later confirmed that not all the Resident Evil series games were actually exclusive to the console, with the exception of Resident Evil 4. Shinji Mikami, in an interview with a Japanese magazine, claimed that he would "cut [his own] head off" if Resident Evil 4 came to the PlayStation 2. [citation needed]
After the announcement of the exclusivity policy, Capcom still announced two Resident Evil titles for the PlayStation 2; Resident Evil: Dead Aim and Resident Evil Outbreak. Capcom stated that those games were side stories and not subject to the GameCube policy, adding that the games also required the use of additional peripherals (a light gun and online support) that were not available for the GameCube.
On October 31, 2004, Capcom officially announced that Resident Evil 4 would come to the PlayStation 2 near the end of 2005, citing increased profit, changing market conditions, and increased consumer satisfaction as the key reasons (this, and that Capcom was equally pleased with the sole sales of Resident Evil Outbreak). Resident Evil and Resident Evil Zero remain GameCube exclusives.
On February 1, 2006, Ubisoft announced that they would be publishing the game on the PC.[34]
On April 4, 2007, a Wii version was revealed to be in production, and was launched later in the year. The game features all of the extras in the PS2 version, along with other additions, including a trailer for Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles. The extra material and the use of the Wii Remote were praised by critics. One review labeled it as the ultimate version of the game.[35]
Despite the fact that Resident Evil 4 later appeared on other platforms, the GameCube version has sold over 500,000 units in the US alone, earned several Game of the Year awards, achieved Player's Choice status, and is now available at a reduced cost from $49.99 to $19.99.[36]
Special editions and bonuses
- Before the release date of Resident Evil 4, Capcom offered a pre-orderable collector's pack that was found only through the website itself. This collectible pack, limited to 100, included the Resident Evil 4 game, the Prologue Art book and a white t-shirt with a black logo of the name on the front, and the Resident Evil website address on the back.
- Another pre-order was established for the PlayStation 2, in both a standard and collector's bundle. The standard package included the game and a dark blue t-shirt, with a small Capcom logo printed on the left, front side of the shirt, with the PS2 game cover on the back and the resident evil website on the lower bottom. The collector's bundle included the game and t-shirt, as well as a Leon S. Kennedy figurine, sculpted by NECA and a black Biohazard Sound Chronicle Best Track Box, that contains 6 discs in solid black cases and a CD booklet with information on lists of selected songs. This was quickly sold out, and a second pressing was released that did not include Leon S. Kennedy but Ada Wong instead.
- During the GameCube launch, the retail chain GameStop released Resident Evil 4 in a limited special edition, packaged in a tin box, along with an artwork book about the story of the series, a cel of Leon, and a soundtrack CD.[37]
- The PS2 also saw a special edition, packaged in a Steelbook media case, along with the artwork book, a documentary DVD, and a cel art of Ada.[38]
- Game developer Nubytech also made a special chainsaw controller. However, due to its less-than-ideal layout and cost, it is seen more as a collector's item rather than an enhancement to the gameplay.[39][40][41] The chainsaw controller also contains motion sensitivity in the PS2 version only; raising and lowering the controller can be used as a mechanism to make Leon take aim with his weapon.[42]
- Available in Japan for a short time was a Leon S. Kennedy outfit package. It contained Leon's fur jacket, a pair of Leon's boots and a "Las Plagas" sample vial filled with cologne.
- Hot Toys have made 12-inch figures of Leon (in two costumes), Jack Krauser (regular and transformed), and the Chainsaw Ganado.
- Exclusive in Australia, a collector's edition that comes with the game, a bonus game with interviews, creator's footages of the game and past games.
Alternative versions
Regional differences
The GameCube version of Resident Evil 4 went through slight modifications in each regional release since the initial one. The North American version was the first and the original to be released, followed shortly by the Japanese version. These two versions are reportedly identical in most aspects (excluding localization), with the only difference being that animation involving decapitation was censored and removed from the Japanese version. This was presumably due to the fact that Resident Evil 4 was the first game in the series (not including re-releases and ports) to be rated by the Computer Entertainment Rating Organization, which objected to the game's depictions of decapitations.[citation needed] When Leon is killed by a chainsaw-wielding ganado, the chainsaw is pulled out after it severs his head, but when Leon starts to fall his head then falls off. The PAL versions of the game went through several changes from the North American version. These changes include a new Easy mode and increased firepower in some guns.[citation needed] In addition, the listed firing speed for rifles has been changed to reflect their actual firing speed in the game more accurately.[citation needed]
In terms of violent content, all the PAL region versions are identical to the North American version. The exception is the German version of the game, which lacks the Mercenaries and Assignment: Ada minigames. The Swiss and Austrian version, however has all the original violence of the normal game and also includes the minigames that were removed from the German version while shipping with a German booklet.
Exclusive features
Capcom added new content made specifically for the PlayStation 2, and later added into the PC and Wii releases.
- Separate Ways, a five chapter minigame which revolves around Ada Wong's involvement in Resident Evil 4, and her connection to Albert Wesker, a former member of the Raccoon Police Department S.T.A.R.S., who is now attempting to revive Umbrella. During the minigame, the player can use a pump-action shotgun and a bowgun with explosive arrows, two exclusive weapons. The Japanese version of the minigame title is the another order.
- Ada's Report, a five-part documentary, which analyzes Ada's relationship with Wesker and his role in the plot. Players unlock portions of the documentary as they progress through the Separate Ways mini-game.
- New costume set, one of which portrays Leon as a 1920s mobster, and puts Ashley in an indestructible suit of armor. Leon's Chicago Typewriter also has a drum magazine as opposed to the regular box magazine.
- P.R.L. 412 (Plaga Removal Laser), a laser gun which can be used to stun or kill an enemy. Unlocked by beating the "Professional" difficulty setting. With a tap it releases a bright flash that blinds the enemies temporarily and causes some damage. With a complete charge it creates a beam of light that can instantly kill any enemies caught in the beam. In the Wii version, the weapon fires a beam at every targetable object onscreen, including enemies and windows.
- Movie Browser, a feature that allows the player to view cut scenes from both Separate Ways and the actual game. The feature is unlocked after a player beats the game.
- Amateur mode, an easier difficulty setting which is exclusive to the Japanese and PC versions. In the PC version, a player will start the game with the shotgun already in their inventory on Easy mode.
- A 16:9 anamorphic widescreen mode, for widescreen TVs.
PlayStation 2 port
A PlayStation 2 port of Resident Evil 4 was released in America on October 25, 2005. A handful of critics stated that the PlayStation 2 version's graphics were inferior to those of the GameCube, however some felt that the exclusive features made up for these shortcomings.[43]
Additionally, almost all the GameCube’s real-time cut scenes were converted into FMV movie files in order to maintain a better quality on the lower-spec PS2. In other words, the player’s character will appear (in higher-polygon GameCube model) wearing their default costume, regardless of which accessories or outfits were actually chosen. The gameplay balancing present in the PAL GameCube version applies to the PlayStation 2 version as well (though the North American release has no Easy option).[citation needed]
Voices and sound effects quality outside of the cutscenes had been reduced due to audio RAM constraints.[citation needed]
A second special-edition chainsaw-controller was also made for the PlayStation 2 version. On which ripcord itself doubled as the Start button. The controller is designed for PS2 and PC and therefore comes with a PS2 controller-to-USB adaptor, meaning it can still be used on a PlayStation 3.
PC port
A PC port of Resident Evil 4 was developed by SourceNext and published by EA in Taiwan and Typhoon Games (HK) Ltd. in Hong Kong in February 2007.[44] The port was published in Europe by Ubisoft on March 2, 2007, and in North America in May 2007.[45] [46] The port contains the bonus features from the PlayStation 2 version, such as "Separate Ways", the P.R.L. 412 laser cannon and a second set of unlockable costumes for Leon and Ashley, as well as an Easy difficulty that grants players the Shotgun from the beginning. It also supports multiple widescreen resolutions.
The PC port is based on the PlayStation 2 version of the game, and thus features lower quality textures and reduced-polygon character models in comparison to the GameCube and Wii versions. The cutscenes are pre-rendered FMV movies instead of rendered using the in-game engine. The original version of the port also did not feature any lighting or shader effects, though these were added in with a patch, which was also integrated into the later US version.
Notably, the port does not allow mouse support; the game can only be controlled either with the keyboard only, or with a PC gamepad controller. Unlike the console versions of the game vibration of the controller is not supported. There have been created several mouse mods that enable mouse usability, but a common complaint is that the sensitivity is too difficult to adjust.
The PC port's manual mistakenly switches buttons 1 and 3,[47] and ingame button-bash icons are not updated to the corresponding key.
A patch was released to update the game to version 1.1.0 that restored the lighting and shader effects, and it also fixed a freezing issue. The North American version of the game which was released on May 15, 2007 includes the updated files of the patch for the other regions.
The Japanese version was released on June 7, 2007 in Japan. In the same year, the game was released on some shopping centres in Singapore, such as Challenger at EastPoint Mall, as Biohazard 4. The Asian version, however, did not come with the patch.
The ratings of the PC port were not as high as for the other versions. It was heavily criticized for no mouse support and frustrating keyboard controls, low quality FMV cutscenes and requiring a gamepad controller for better aiming and gameplay. Despite the frustrating control scheme, the game still got positive reviews that praised the gameplay. Gamespot has given the game a 7.8 out of ten,[48] while IGN gave it a 7.7.
A number of modifications for the PC version were released that added high quality textures and character skins. The textures, skins and shader mods combined to make the PC version potentially the best looking one available, although its still missing some shaders from the Gamecube version.
Wii Edition
Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition includes Wii Remote and Nunchuk compatibility for numerous gameplay features such as aiming and shooting, reloading and a "search knife" function that aims the knife at the nearest enemy. Players can switch between the Wii Remote and Nunchuk and the Classic Controller at any time, depending on their preferred style of play.
When playing with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, the laser sight on guns is replaced with a reticle that flashes red (enemy) and green (no target) when a gun is drawn. The reticle is always present on screen, remaining a faint grey color that keeps track of the player's aim. This allows the player to aim and draw the gun, retaining the original aim.
The Japanese version has its gore toned down and decapitations removed in the final product just as it did on the GameCube. Footage of the Japanese version caused some to worry that the North American version would also be censored. The North American and European versions, however, remain uncensored.[49]
The Wii Edition also includes the extra content from the PlayStation 2 and PC versions. It was released in North America on June 19,2007, and in Europe on June 29, 2007. This version also includes a trailer for Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles.[50] In addition, the Wii edition supports 480p and 16:9 widescreen, as opposed to the 480p and 4:3 letterbox format of the NTSC GCN version. The game also maintains a consistent 30FPS, as opposed to the PS2 version which had occurrences of slowdown in hectic moments.[citation needed] Otherwise, the visual quality remains very similar to the GCN iteration. [51] Like the GCN version, the game features in-game cutscenes rather than the pre-rendered variety[52]. However, the video clips found in Movie Browser and Separate Ways are FMVs. Also regarding the in-game cutscenes, if the player happens to choose mobster Leon and knight armor Ashley as their costumes for the game, in the cutscenes they will only appear in their normal default costumes.
Game Rankings currently scores it 91% after 51 reviews. The Japanese magazine Famitsu reviewed the game, with two editors giving the game a perfect 10 score, and the remaining pair giving it a 9, resulting in a score of 38/40. The reviewers noted that the game's improved controls offer something fresh and different. One reviewer said that the game offers the feeling of being closer to the action as well as upping the tension. Multiple reviewers agreed that even those who own the original will find something fun and enjoyable in this version.[53] British magazine NGamer gave the Wii edition a score of 96%, higher than the 95% given to the GameCube version. They praised the visuals, controls and features and commented on the fact that such an "exceptional package" was on sale for only 29€ (£20), however when writing about the Wii controls they said "if you've played the GC version this won't be as special." IGN gave the game a 9.0, stating it was the superior edition, but doesn't push the Wii like it did with GameCube and PS2. The Wiire gave the version an A-, and an "Editor's Choice" award. GameSpot gave the Wii edition a score of 9.1, praised the new controls, but commented on the lack of exclusive Wii features.[54] Got-Next awarded the game with a perfect 5/5, citing the Wii version of Resident Evil 4 as "the pinnacle of its existence."[55]
Mobile version
A mobile version for cell phones was announced by Capcom at TGS 2007. Details are expected to be revealed in the near future. [56]
Graphics
Some graphical differences exist between the GameCube and PlayStation 2 versions. The game is presented in widescreen on both formats: the GameCube version features a 4:3 letter-boxed format and 480p, while the PlayStation 2 version can be displayed in 16:9 widescreen and 480p and up to 1080p if played on the PlayStation 3 via its upscaler.
The Wii edition features the original graphics of the GameCube version, in-game engine cutscenes, with the addition of the original PS2 version extras, costumes, and cutscenes, and supports both a 16:9 widescreen mode and 480p. There is a bug in the PAL Wii version of the game that causes a green line to flicker across the bottom of the screen when running in 576i mode in a 16:9 ratio, which can be removed by switching the Wii to 480p mode.
Development history
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Officially announced in 2001, Resident Evil 4 underwent a long development period in which three proposed versions of the game were discarded by the developers before the finished product was released in 2005.
An earlier attempt at developing Resident Evil 4 was made from 1998 to 2000 for the PlayStation 2, with Resident Evil 2 director Hideki Kamiya leading the project. The first year was primarily spent on research of what the project would be, and included a trip to Spain for the development staff to study Spanish architecture. The first character designs were made. The direction that the project took was considered too much of a departure from the traditional Resident Evil style and the resulting game was revamped and released as Devil May Cry in 2001.
The development of Resident Evil 4 got its official start in 2001 for the GameCube as part of an exclusivity agreement between Capcom and Nintendo. The first proposed version, dubbed the Fog Version, was unveiled in the Tokyo Game Show in 2002 and had Hiroshi Shibata, the background designer for Resident Evil 3, attached to the project. This version's premise featured Leon infiltrating Umbrella’s headquarters in Europe, getting infected by the Progenitor Virus and fighting fog-like creatures. One of the most notable areas shown in this version was a flying airship; however, Capcom scrapped the second beta of Resident Evil 4 quietly and created a new version without any outside announcement.
After the Fog Version came the Hooked Man Version. First shown at the E3 in 2003, this version was set in a haunted mansion and featured Leon fighting what appeared to be paranormal enemies, such as medieval suits of armor and living dolls. The most notable enemy in this version was the aforementioned Hooked Man. The game displayed numerous elements that have been carried over to the final release:
- The over-the-shoulder perspective when Leon's weapon is drawn. However, in the video, there are a few times when Leon aims without the over-the-shoulder camera. The game reverts to a third-person view like a traditional Resident Evil game.
- A red laser sight for Leon to use during aiming.
- The flashlight that is added to Leon's character design.
- A suit of armor suddenly attacking Leon when he attempts to pass it, as well as the button combination to dodge the attack.
- The ability to throw a grenade.
- The concept of assigning the L button to draw another type of weapon. In the beta version, the weapon was a grenade; in the final release, the weapon was a knife.
- The 'struggle' feature where the player has to break free from an enemy's grasp.
- Leon's health indicator. In the beta, it flashes when Leon is hurt, but in the final release the developers decided to add a HUD to display more information.
This version was reportedly so scary that Shinji Mikami warned the gamers with a famous quote "Don't pee your pants" prior showing the initial trailer at E3. Gameplay footage of this version was featured in the Biohazard 4 Secret DVD, released in Japan. This version was scrapped for being too paranormal for the Resident Evil plot.
The final proposal before the finished product reportedly featured zombies as enemies once again. Not much is known about this version as it was never shown publicly. It was considered too formulaic by the developers and was discarded. After this, Shinji Mikami took over directorial duties from Shibata and began working on the version that was released.
At the last beta version, again, several things were changed during the development. Resident Evil 4 was to retain the inventory slot system, but this was changed to the attaché case.
Cast
- Paul Mercier — Leon Scott Kennedy
- Carolyn Lawrence — Ashley Graham
- Rino Romano — Luis Sera
- Salli Saffioti — Ingrid Hunnigan
- Sally Cahill — Ada Wong
- Rene Mujica — Ramon Salazar
- Jesse Corti — Bitores Mendez
- Jim Ward — Jack Krauser
- Michael Gough — Osmund Saddler
- Richard Waugh — Albert Wesker
- Carlos Carrasco — Villagers/Zealots
- Alex Mendoza — Villagers/Zealots
- Carol Bach y Rita — Villagers/Zealots
- Ward E. Sexton — Title Call
Music
The original 2-disc soundtrack CD for Resident Evil 4, composed by Misao Senbongi & Shusaku Uchiyama, was released in Japan on December 22, 2005 and its catalogue number is CPCA-10126~7 .
References
- ^ "Resident Evil 4: WII Edition — Nintendo Wii". GAMEHEAD.COM.AU. Retrieved 2008-02-17.
- ^ "Resident Evil 4 - PC". Ubisoft. Retrieved 2007-01-28.
- ^ "Feature: Resident Evil 4 - Weapons of Mass Destruction Guide," GamePro.com (10/05/2005).
- ^ Stephen Stratton, "Weapons and Items," Resident Evil 4 (Wii version): Prima Official Game Guide (Prima Games, 2007).
- ^ Jérôme Cukier, "Some thoughts on Resident Evil 4 - Revolution or Evolution?," Gamethink: Articles and discussions on game production (9 June 2006).
- ^ "Feature: Resident Evil 4 - Weapons of Mass Destruction Guide," GamePro.com (10/05/2005).
- ^ Thomas Wilde, "Review of Resident Evil 4," Game Over Online Magazine.
- ^ IGN Staff, "Resident Evil 4: Capcom reveals a ton of new details on weapon upgrades, the new inventory system, controlling Ashley and more," IGN (November 23, 2004).
- ^ Thomas Wilde, "Review of Resident Evil 4," Game Over Online Magazine.
- ^ Chris Cook, "Resident Evil 4 Hands-On Impressions And Movies," Game Informer (1/10/2005).
- ^ As quoted in IGN Staff, "Interview: Resident Evil 4 Producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi gives us the spooky details on the game," IGN (March 17, 2004).
- ^ Gerry Block, "Dueling Chainsaws! NubyTech's GC and PS2 Resident Evil 4 Chainsaws square off," IGN (November 11, 2005).
- ^ Chris Roper, "RE4 Chainsaw to See Worldwide Release: NubyTech to take the collectable controller outside of the US," IGN (March 1, 2005).
- ^ Matt Casamassina, "Resident Evil 4 Chainsaw Controller: It may be the ultimate collector's item, but does Nuby Tech's bloodstained peripheral make RE4 play better? Full review." IGN (February 11, 2005).
- ^ Ricardo Torres, "Nuby Tech Resident Evil 4 Chainsaw Controller Review: While it's a great piece of swag for a Resident Evil enthusiast, Nuby Tech's Resident Evil 4 Chainsaw Controller doesn't quite pass muster as a proper controller.," GameSpot Tech (Mar 4, 2005).
- ^ Chris Cook, "Capcom/Nubytech Team Up For RE4 Chainsaw Controller," Game Informer (11/17/2004).
- ^ IGN Staff, "Becoming the Chainsaw Man: We get our hands on Nuby Tech's RE4-themed chainsaw controller. New pics included.," IGN (February 4, 2005).
- ^ Matt Casamassina, "RE4 Chainsaw Controller Box: This is the coolest peripheral packaging ever created. Pics included," IGN (February 7, 2005).
- ^ "Res 4 Figures, Now With Cute Little Real Clothes," Kotaku.
- ^ Michael, "Review of Resident Evil 4 Chainsaw Garado and Verdugo action figures," Captain Toy (2003).
- ^ Ryan Brookhart, "Ryan Brookhart has a Preview of the Hot Toys RESIDENT EVIL 4 Figures," Collider.com (10/20/2007).
- ^ "Resident Evil 4 Weapons," Gametrailers.com (October 03, 2005).
- ^ Steve Dove, "Interview with the Resident (Evil) Shopkeeper," G4 (March 07, 2005).
- ^ "Search Results: "Resident Evil 4"". Metacritic. Retrieved 2007-07-22.
- ^ "The Latest Installment in Capcom's Hit Resident Evil Series "Resident Evil 4" Ships 3 Million!". Capcom. Retrieved 2007-01-28.
- ^ Brightman, James (2005-03-02). "Capcom's RE4 Reinvigorates the Franchise". GameDaily BIZ. Retrieved 2007-01-28.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Platinum Titles". Capcom. Retrieved 2007-07-12.
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- ^ "NP Top 200", Nintendo Power, vol. 200, p. 65, February 2006
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- ^ Sinclair, Brendan (2005-11-19). "RE4 named Game of Year at Spike Awards". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-01-28.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Diego Luna, "Shotgun vs. Skirt: Gender in Resident Evil 4," Cerise Magazine (October 2007).
- ^ "Resident Evil 4, Onimusha 3: Demon Siege and Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening Special Edition coming to PCs beginning February 2006". Ubisoft. 2006-02-01. Retrieved 2007-01-28.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition Review". IGN. 2007-06-19. Retrieved 2007-07-16.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Capcom's RE 4 Achieves Player's Choice and Earns Game of the Year Awards". Capcom. Retrieved 2007-05-04.
- ^ "Resident Evil 4 Collector's Tin (GCN)". GameSpy. Retrieved 2007-01-28.
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{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Matt Casamassina, "Resident Evil 4 Chainsaw Controller: It may be the ultimate collector's item, but does Nuby Tech's bloodstained peripheral make RE4 play better? Full review." IGN (February 11, 2005).
- ^ Ricardo Torres, "Nuby Tech Resident Evil 4 Chainsaw Controller Review: While it's a great piece of swag for a Resident Evil enthusiast, Nuby Tech's Resident Evil 4 Chainsaw Controller doesn't quite pass muster as a proper controller.," GameSpot Tech (Mar 4, 2005).
- ^ Chris Cook, "Capcom/Nubytech Team Up For RE4 Chainsaw Controller," Game Informer (11/17/2004).
- ^ Block, Gerry (2005-11-11). "Dueling Chainsaws!". IGN. Retrieved 2007-07-12.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Resident Evil". Games We Like. Retrieved 2007-07-12.
- ^ "Biohazard 4". Electronic Arts. Retrieved 2007-07-12.
- ^ "Ubisoft Delivers Resident Evil 4 for PC". Ubisoft. 2007-05-17. Retrieved 2007-07-12.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Resident Evil 4 for PC". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-02-11.
- ^ Shea, Cam (2007-03-12). "Resident Evil 4 AU Review". IGN. Retrieved 2007-07-12.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Vanord, Kevin (2007-05-22). "Resident Evil 4 PC review". Gamespot. Retrieved 2007-08-19.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Resident Evil 4 for Wii is NOT censored". Destructoid. 2007-06-06. Retrieved 2007-07-12.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ McElroy, Justin (2007-04-04). "Resident Evil 4 on Wii official, Umbrella Chronicles an on-rails shooter". Joystiq. Retrieved 2007-04-04.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition". Game Freaks 365. Retrieved 2007-07-11.
- ^ "Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition". Got-Next.com. Retrieved 2007-11-02.
- ^ Gantayat, Anoop (2007-05-21). "Famitsu Reviews RE4 Wii". IGN. Retrieved 2007-05-21.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ VanOrd, Kevin (2007-06-20). "Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition for Wii Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-07-12.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ "Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition". Got-Next.com. Retrieved 2007-11-02.
- ^ Onyett, Charles (2007-09-22). "Resident Evil 4 Mobile". IGN. Retrieved 2007-09-22.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)
External links
- Official Japanese site
- Official PS2 version Japanese site
- Official American site
- Official European site
- Capcom Gamer's Day 2007 Video Interview
- Template:StrategyWiki
- Resident Evil 4 on Gamerankings.com
- Resident Evil 4 on IGN
- Resident Evil 4 at Resident Evil Wiki
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