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Resident Evil 4 HD
Cert: 18
Platform: PS3, XBOX 360
Genre: Action, survival horror
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A killer app on the Gamecube (and later released on PS2 and Wii), Resident Evil 4 is now downloadable on the Playstation Network and Xbox Live. RE4 took a departure from the series' horror survival combat in favour of 3rd person action adventure. You are Leon Kennedy, a Raccoon City survivor, now assigned to rescue the President's missing daughter Ashley. Acting on a tip, Leon enters a small European town and must fight through mind-controlled villagers, monsters and an evil cult to get her back.
While a classic in its time this reissue shows it age. While the graphics have been smoothed out for HDTVs, they appear fundamentally unaltered from the original which ironically highlights the dated nature of some of the cut-scenes and in-game animation. As RE4's graphics had impressed me when first released, I found this, initially, highly off putting. After replaying the original though, I did warm to the update's visuals. Another fault is the lack of Move controls. Optional inclusion of motion controls is generally a bad idea but considering the Wiimote version of RE4 is more than functional, it seems a stupid omission here.
The controls can be set as the original set-up from the Gamecube version or modified to be closer to the standard PS3 shooter setup. Ensure you play with the modified version, as the Gamecube layout does not suit the PS3 controller – my own failure to notice this option led to numerous frustrating moments that could have easily been avoided. A more problematic control issue is the camera. The right analogue stick does move the camera but only for examining the environment not to aim. During action or movement, it is best never to touch the right stick – again not something which will come naturally to experienced gamers.
Despite these problems, RE4's charm does shine through. The plot is sometimes over the top but knowingly so and never to the detriment of the storytelling. While the abundance of ammo removes a lot of the horror, the game balances its action and tension well. Even the quick timed events are well incorporated. I still find myself compelled to advance through the levels and collect treasures to sell for equipment. The game starts with solo missions but as you progress you will be required to escort the rescued hostage. Solo sections do return at points as Ashley is often trapped or recaptured, so variation is maintained. Escort mission heavy games are generally a deal breaker for me but, along with recently re-released ICO, this is only one of two that I have enjoyed thanks to the overall strong gameplay.
If you haven't played it before, RE4 is probably worth your time and is a far better investment than its sequel.
Buy or Rent: Download only
Graphics: 2.5/5
Gameplay: 4/5
Replay: 3/5
Overall: 4/5
Reviewed by JP Gallagher
