Change is Good

I think, above all else, the main reason Resident Evil 4 did so amazingly well is because its development team decided to be bold and change up the very core recipe of the RE franchise. The first thing to discuss on this topic is the huge change in game play, with RE4 switching to a third person over-the-shoulder mechanic. This new combat mechanic completely changed not only Resident Evil, but all third person shooter titles, with expectations that this genre will follow suit and represent a formula as smooth as RE4's. For reference, check out Resident Evil 2's combat -

















Ironically enough, in the world of narrow corridors and fixed camera angles, this style worked well enough, but the team behind Resident Evil 4 clearly saw potential for something much better. Something like this -













This over the shoulder style accomplishes so many goals at once. Combat feels more personal, and therefore stresses the "survival horror" even more. For the first time ever players can actively aim their weapons with precision and dispatch enemies as they see fit, not to mention this style allows for a wider variety of enemy types, utilizing different strategies of defeat. It's also important to note that now while Leon is aiming down his sights, he cannot move. The inability to strafe or even slowly walk backwards does wonders to add to the tense atmosphere presented in Resident Evil 4.





These new mechanics allow Leon to utilize a pretty big arsenal, and use these weapons well. Instead of spraying a machine gun in a direction, players can fire at enemies legs, causing them to fall. Shotguns can be used more efficiently than in previous titles and not to mention grenade throwing is as effective as it should be. All of these new guns and items are great, but how does one manage this arsenal? Well they thought of that too.







Resident Evil 4's inventory system is another huge change done perfectly. Despite being frustrating early due to being sensibly limiting, this system of organization allows a relatively believable approach to managing what Leon has on hand. Too much gear and things become trivial but not enough and players find themselves frustrated and annoyed while being unable to deal with enemies. Players can move items around in the grid, rotating them as they see fit to utilize their given space as efficiently as possible. Just like the game's combat, this system puts some stress on the player, but is appropriate to the genre and atmosphere intended.





Not only is combat excellent, but the way the player can interact with the environment was overhauled as well. Leon can jump out windows, climb ladders, push ladders over (while enemies are climbing them, cartoon style), QTEs and jump over small cover. This all allows for more immersion in the environment via interacting with it. While on the subject of environments, this is another field I feel RE4 nailed perfectly. Previous RE titles had players exploring small and cramped areas like mansions and city streets, Resident Evil 4 presents players with a plethora of areas. Old medieval castles flooded with cult members, rural Spanish villages, abandoned mine shafts, high tech labs and a personal favorite of mine, a filthy infected swamp. Each of these areas present challenges and never fail to keep up the tense atmosphere and feeling of, "Holy crap, what is around the next corner."













































One of my personal favorite aspects of Resident Evil 4 is the use of characters. The whole plot of Resident Evil 4 is based around rescuing Ashley, the president's daughter, and keeping her safe. While on paper that may sound like a big escort mission (everybody's favorite thing, right?), but on the contrary Ashley never feels like too much of an annoyance. Certainly you feel the burden of your task, especially when you're in a room filled with monstrosities, but the game doesn't bog you down with crappy AI or silly escort stereotypes. In fact Leon and Ashley's relationship is pretty enjoyable with some funny banter and fantastic use of perspective. Ashley aside, players get to meet a plethora of interesting boss enemies, NPCs and allies including Luis Sera, a researcher of the virus; Ada Wong, a mysterious woman who seemingly is an ally to Leon; and Jack Krauser, a former comrade of Leon. You cannot talk about Resident Evil 4 characters without touching on one of the most memorable and quoted men (?) in Capcom history...





Despite having absolutely no effect on the plot, having almost no lines of dialogue and all around making little sense, The Merchant was one of the best decisions made in RE4. The Merchant is one of the player's biggest motivations outside of the task at hand to not only continue with the plot, but to push yourself to the explore even the most daunting of areas. The Merchant offers Leon a multitude of items, weapons, upgrades and gear in exchange for currency, which is rewarded via exploration and dropped from enemies. This feature wasn't present in previous Resident Evils and is all around an excellent way to help players stay up to snuff against the constantly evolving Las Plagas menace.





Resident Evil 4 has multiple game modes outside of the plot including a Gears of War Horde mode-esque "Mercenaries" mode and an Ada Wong sub-plot on top of the collectibles available in the normal campaign. These features add a ton of replay ability to Resident Evil 4, adding to its overall worth.





So what makes Resident Evil 4 so good? Capcom and Shinji Mikami proved to the masses that a legendary and very established series can turn its very recipe on its head and produce amazing results. Resident Evil 4 reinvented its own series, its own genre and honestly video games in general to an extent, proving that after 11 years of age and 11 ports Resident Evil 4 stands every test of time. I've been playing through the PlayStation 4 port and the remaster is great, and revisiting the game again hasn't even remotely felt boring. I feel I cannot recommend Resident Evil 4 enough, and if you haven't played it there's so many ways to get a hold of the title, you won't regret it! Have you played Resident Evil 4? What was your favorite aspect? Least favorite? Let me know in the comments below!