Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition
Resident Evil 4 is and one of the best video game ever created. The game has set new standards and pushes the envelope in the survivor horror genre; will the Wii version do the same?
Graphics:
When Resident Evil 4 came out on the Gamecube it made my jaw drop resembling Yacco from Animaniacs screaming out, “HELLO NURSE!” The game completely awed me. The textures, the models, the lighting all combined and created an experience that was undeniably horrific…in a good way. I was amazed by what Capcom had accomplished in the “SD Era”. Until this day I can vouch that the graphics are better than some of the “Next Gen” titles, with that being said the Wii Version, although more powerful than the Gamecube, contains exactly the same assets except that it now support a 16x9 and progressive scan mode. There’s no other enhancements done to the title, but nevertheless the game looks gorgeous and by far one of the better looking games on the Wii till this date. The viewing area now reveals more of the environment, meaning more ugly mug shots of “Zombies” to gun down. The progressive scan make the game look smoother and sharper without taking a hit on the frame rate. Resident Evil without a doubt is a must see and play with the widescreen, and progressive scan update.
Game Play:
Older Resident Evil games have always controlled a bit weird for me, but Resident Evil 4 kicks ass with its control scheme on the Gamecube and PS 2 versions. The Wii Edition adds even more innovation, immersion and creativity to the game. The aiming of course is controlled via the IR sensor of the Wii Remote, and navigation is controlled by the analog stick on the Nunchuck. At first the control mechanics was a bit awkward, because prior games such as Red Steel or Medal of Honor have tuned my brain into thinking that camera movement is done by pointing the IR at the outer edges of the screen to turn. That case is not true for RE4, instead the developers chose to limit the player to only controlling the aiming with the IR and the turning via Nunchuck’s analog stick. Now you’re probably asking why the developers choose to do it this way, and I may have an answer for you; however, this is my guess and it seems appropriate. The title as we know is slow paced game, meaning it’s not an FPS where quick movement is essential; it’s a horror scary ass game where slow movement is favored. The movement handicap is presented to us this way so that we don’t break the game by bum rushing through the level tagging every “Zombie” with a head shot while yelling out, “Sup Now Foo!” It works and its done intentionally; I support this idea. Being Rambo in a RE 4 just doesn’t mix, being lost and moving around slower and with caution does. Giving the player full control of the camera via the awesome Wii Remotes IR is unfair and the same experience I had when playing it on the Gamecube would not resurface. For those of you that have only played the Gamecube version, the Wii Edition includes the extra levels that Ada Wong had in the PS2 build. These levels are a welcome addition to the game and give new comers or players from the Gamecube a chance to completely experience RE4.
Sound:
Resident Evil without sound or any horror game without great sound is doomed to fail. Great thing, RE4 has the best sound I have ever heard or experienced in any videogame that I have played. From the Score to the Voice over, horror and fear is all I hear. The game’s music score fits the bill and complements the games atmosphere in every sense. The music is never inappropriately placed or composed. The ambient voices and sounds are eerie and terrifying. I can’t tell you how many times I had to stop and pause the game, look around just to check my surroundings. The Dobly Pro Logic II is awesome. Yes its not true surround sound but in all honesty I couldn’t tell the difference. The whispers of the monks and the low mumblings of the villagers were all there and scary as ever. The sound has not changed much from the previous versions however that does not make it any less scary.
Lasting Appeal:
The title is not an RPG nor is it a game that you would want to play over and over to get a super high score. RE4 is meant (to me at least) to be played once through, but from that once play through you can expected to spend 10-14 hours on it. There are plenty new additions that may keep players coming back for more like getting a new outfit for Leon or acquiring a weapon like the Bazooka earlier for the next run through of the story mode. The game does offer incentives to play the story mode again, but to me I don’t think I could go through it again right away. Having more powerful weapons ready for the next run though is awesome and fun but you’ll go through the game playing it as a Frag Fest. There’s nothing wrong with this, but I like the eerie atmosphere that makes me jump. Other game options that interests me more is the survival mode that was present in the prior versions; however, this time you have the Wii Remotes IR to thank for your high scores. For those of us that don’t know what this mode is, it’s loosely similar to death match type game that keeps score of how many “Zombies” you kill in a limit amount of time. RE has a wide range off replayability incentives that will keep players coming back for more.
Fun Factor:
RE4 is and one of the most immersive engrossing game I have ever played in my lifetime. The game has plenty of great characteristics. The story is awesome, the game mechanics tuned for the Wii is solid and the Sound is complements the levels like no one’s business. The survival mode paired with the Wii Remote is nothing short of impressive gaming. The ability to free aim with the IR Remote gave the players a whole new experience with the RE series. The reloading and waggle controls all seem to work and plays out great.
The 411:
Here’s the 411 on RE4 guys and gals. The game will take your breath away. The game carries the same assets as the Gamecube and PS2 title; however, the textures, the models, the level and design is nothing short of a gift from the gamming god. RE4 is one of the best looking game to have ever grace Nintendo’s little white console. The music is eerie and appropriately placed. The Voice work is not cheesy and works great. The game has a bunch of little incentives to keep the players going on and on. Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition is a worthy purchase, especially at its bargain price of 29.99. It is the definitive Edition of the game that has a lot to offer. So stop reading go get it.
Graphics
9.0
One of the best looking Wii games to date.
Gameplay
9.0
The Wii Remote adds a lot to the control mechanics
Sound
9.0
The eerie sounds still scare me
Lasting Appeal
9.0
The game has plenty of incentives to go back and play again
Fun Factor
9.0
The game is as fun as it was on the Gamecube and PS2
