Resident Evil 4 HD is the latest port of a game that has already been on several other platforms including the Gamecube, PS2, and Wii. Some people will understandably write this Xbox 360 version off because they’ve already enjoyed the full experience on another platform, and it’s fair to say this release might not be for veteran players. Yet for those who haven’t played it, you should know that Resident Evil 4 is a classic third person shooter with strong adventure mechanics mixed in and this updated version brings the graphics up to more recent standards. While it has a steep learning curve, the satisfying weapons and fights combine with memorable characters to make this game both one of the best in its genre, and an interesting change from earlier, less action-oriented releases in the Resident Evil series.
Players assume the role of Leon Kennedy, a government agent sent to retrieve the daughter of America’s president from a dangerous cult. While that might suggest either excessive firepower or a lot of stealth, Leon is a protagonist all about making an important choice: when and where to fight. There are only a few places he can sneak around in, so the majority of foes he finds will have to be fought but Leon cannot move and attack at the same time. Therefore it’s important to find a good and defensible spot (ideally with a few escape routes) before opening fire, and keeping a careful eye on your ammo; you’ll have just enough to get by if you aim well, but Leon cannot go on shooting rampages and takes time to reload. Thus the action mostly centers around scouting your enemies, picking the right gun and range to fight at, then choosing between lengthy reloading, quickly switching to a less ideal gun, or running away to find another spot to fight from. It’s slower and more deliberate than calling it a third person shooter suggests, but it is fun in its own way.
Along with fighting various enemies and some very creative bosses, Leon has to explore the area. He not only needs supplies such as healing items and ammunition in order to keep fighting, but he’ll need to solve various puzzles and find keys to reach the next area. Most of the puzzles are fairly simple or short if you have a good eye for detail, so they generally amount to little more than distractions. This isn’t a bad thing; it keeps the puzzles from wearing out their welcome, and instead lets them serve as quick breaks from the action. The other aspects of exploration are much more fun, as carefully checking the area around Leon will yield all kinds of neat items and powerful weapons. Such adventuring will actually take up the majority of your time, and there is enough variety in locations that you’ll remain interested throughout.
One of the best things about Resident Evil 4 is your first run through it. While ’new game plus’ runs are entirely possible (and encouraged), you’ll have very limited resources the first time around. Leon will have enough money to cover everything you need, but not everything you want so you’re going to have to make some hard choices. For example, that pump-action shotgun may have served you well for the first half of the game... but is it still getting the job done against more dangerous foes? Maybe you’ll be fine just putting some money into upgrading it, but you might need a newer model that fires faster and carries more ammo; it’s up to you. Likewise, if you’re not happy with a slow-firing pistol that does a lot of damage then perhaps you’ll like one that holds more rounds per magazine but does a little less damage? These sort of choices are a very important part of your first run through Resident Evil 4, and add a lot to its charm. Of course, going through it again with your weapons of choice and maximum upgrades for them has some satisfaction of its own.
