Resident Evil 4 is a HD port of the popular survival horror game that was released in 2005. In which you play as special agent Leon Kennedy who has been sent on a mission to rescue the president’s daughter from a cult in Europe. This review is based on the port available on steam that was originally available for games consoles.
This game is a console port, and it is obvious on many levels. This is because; the game was originally designed with a gamepad. As a result of this the game doesn’t consider the requirements of a keyboard and mouse. Aiming your weapons in particular is atrocious. This is due to the game converting inputs from the mouse into analogue results. As a result of this it leads to slow mouse movements, which you struggle against whilst aiming.
Another thing which is unchanged is the menus as you use the WSAD control scheme to navigate the menus. However the developers could have used the mouse as an option to navigate the menu. This game’s inventory interface, in particular, lacks a well-thought-out design. Since the interface doesn’t explain how to rotate items. Neither is this mentioned at the start of the game. However the menu/game will explain how to pick up items and navigate through the menus. In fact, because the inventory controls aren’t properly explained, I had to Google them. In some instances (namely buying items from the merchant) it won’t even show you any controls.
However issues with the port aside this game is decent. I like the graphics of this game, the HD upgrade to this game is really noticeable. I have played on the original release of the game back in 2007 and there are differences between the 2 games. The graphics are noticeably clearer and look respectable enough for modern standards.
Even though the game is a modern port of the game there is still plenty that hasn’t changed. Even though this is generally a good thing as it stays to the games roots. This game does feel quite antiquated in many respects. Namely in the tank controls which limit where you can shoot when in a shooting position. There is also the necessity to open your inventory system every time you need a different gun or to heal. Whilst I accepted it as a part of the game I know that many will not tolerate the games mechanics. Furthermore the mechanics will be a major put off to those who have never played this game before.
Nevertheless, there are things that should required updating. Particularly, the game’s AI. Whilst the enemy AI whilst it functions well in some instances I have noticed it act very odd. Taking one instance as an example I was fighting against a group of cultists. In the corner there was one cultist staring at the wall and wasn’t helping his friends. In other instances I have seen them spin around in circles. I have even stood aiming at enemies while they stand there.
But it also affects Ashley, whom you escort for most of the game. Her AI will only operate in 2 modes that being static or following you. In the latter mode she will often stand in front of you or get up your backside. Which is annoying and can mean accidents will happen sooner or later. Especially in close quarter battles. Unless Ashley is hiding in a bin or other things she can hide in.
Technical issues aside the game play is good albeit a little dated. I like the general game play as it is tense and requires you to think things through occasionally. Primarily because on a first play through you don’t know what is around the corner. Whilst for veterans of the game you know what is around the corner and can prepare properly. Also, this game relies on luck since you depend on drops from fallen foes. Since, there is no guarantee whether a drop is more ammo, treasure or money.
I also like the merchant as you can spend your hard earned cash with him. Unlike the previous Resident Evil games where you had to find inventory upgrades, weapons and upgrades. In this game you buy most items instead. I like this method as you can decide what to prioritise. I personally chose to get the bigger inventories. With weapons you have 4 sections to choose to upgrade. You can also decide what to parts to upgrade even though there are caps on upgrades based on your progress in game. However I don’t like the ammo capacity upgrade of your weapons. Since if you upgrade your weapon while it still has ammo you effectively lose any rounds in it. As a result, you should only increase a weapon’s ammo capacity when it is empty. Purely because, the game will give your gun a full magazine for free.
I also like the treasure hunting in this game. Since it is a detour from the main game and encourages me to explore the areas. But in order to obtain some prizes, you must also solve strategically placed puzzles.
The inventory system in the game is unique. As you get a case which is in boxes,with each item being so many boxes. This system is different compared to the inventory system that is used in previous games. I like the uniqueness of the system and it does make you be cautious about space. It also makes you think as you need to be crafty in placing items. So that you can save space and carry more items.
Overall I can recommend this game as it is a great horror game. Although this game does shows its age in some areas, particularly mechanics. I also advocate that you play this game with a controller.
