Figured Id give you guys a sense of variety here and switch it up a bit. What follows is my review of Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition.
Wow, just wow. This game is an absolute master piece. The hard work and passion that went into this, video game, is simply inspiring.
Resident Evil has been my favorite series of games since as far back as I can remember. Played and beaten all of the real ones (not the cheap knock offs). Prior to playing 4, they were all pretty equal in my eyes (3 was probably my favorite however). Similar gameplay formulas, graphics progressed gradually as time went on, sometimes confusing as hell but always a blast. This was the Resident Evil formula.
When Resident Evil 4 was released back in 2005 on the Gamecube though it shook the world (maybe not but it was an awesome game nonetheless lol). It even got game of the year. Graphics were top notch when it was released, and Capcom (the developer of the game) revamped their entire formula for success in this game. Was it still Resident Evil, the most successful survival-horror series to date? Oh yes, but a zillion and one times better.
Just recently though Capcom decided to re-release the game on the new console, Wii (from Nintendo for any of you cave dwellers).
The result? The best version of the game, the best survival horror game to date and quite possibly, there ever will be.
With Nintendo innovative control scheme using IR and motion sensing technology, the game was reborn. They also included all of the best traits from previous versions. From the Gamecube version they included the graphics (including real time cut scenes rather than pre-rendered crap), and they actually improved the aspect ratio for the Wii version to a full 16:9. From the PS2 version they included all of the bonuses including 2 separate side quests using a different character, and a theater for viewing all the cut-scenes found throughout the game. For Wii only content they included a special trailer featuring their upcoming Wii game, The Umbrella Chronicles.
The controls are what makes this game a 10 though. Before the Wii, this game was outstanding. It received 9.5s+ across the board from every major game reviewer. The Wii control scheme makes this game a 10 hands down. There isn’t more you can ask from a survival horror game.
It takes about 5-10 minutes to get used to but in the long run, the accuracy and responsiveness is unreal. It also aids with in game action sequences as seen in the video.
What’s that you may ask? Well FYI this game plays like an epic movie, and to make it seem even more real they keep you on your toes during cut scenes by requiring you to keep yourself alive. This is seen in the video while dodging/killing enemies.
Like I mentioned a minute ago this game is virtually flawless on the Wii. The graphics are unreal for it’s time, even today they are still eye candy. Lighting, frame rates, AT
The menus and interface are all kick ass as well from start to finish. Sound effects and music make everything seem that much more alive (some enemies will have you jumping around on your couch if you’re playing this at
Game play as I said is just awesome. Every piece of the story is so fitting it seems as if something like this could actually happen (maybe not but you get the idea). Characters are well developed and all have purposes to fill. Around every corner some big thing awaits also. Boss fights are frequent and never easy. Better yet though you never know what to expect. It might be an entire village chasing you or it could be “El Gigante”, a giant skinless gorilla thing. The variety of bad guys is also stunning, these guys really thought outside the box.
Lasting appeal is also there. I’ve now beaten this game 3 times over the years and I’ll be sure to beat it again someday. 2 difficulty levels, 2 side quests, tons of unlockables like weapons and costumes, and “The Mercenaries” will keep you busy for a longggg time if you wish.
The one flaw with the Wii edition honestly is the weapons usage. The weapons are awesome and creative don’t get me wrong, but there’s a few guns in the Wii edition that should have been modified, such as the Blacktail pistol. Excellent handling but minimal power. With the Wii-Mote, all weapons handle skillfully and gracefully, making that gun pointless.
In the end this game deserves nothing less than a perfect 10 all across the board. The team that made this game had a drive to make something excellent, and that they did. Capcom was in a rut prior to this game so they put everything on the line, and they came out stronger than ever. Good luck to them toppling this game with Resident Evil 5 though, because these shoes are huge.
For a low price of 29.99 NEW, this game is a steal for anyone with a Wii. Well worth the cash.
-Dream
ps- I kept this game after renting it from Gamefly for only 22.49. Better yet, since I rented it on the release date it was BRAND NEW. Sweet stuff
