Resident Evil 4 (Wii) Review
If you’re reading this right now, you’ve either played some iteration of Resident Evil 4, and maybe beaten between 1 and 100 times, or you’ve never played the game. Either way, this version of the game is a must buy for everyone.
Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition is a remake of the GameCube and PS2 versions. It takes the best of both versions and adds a new control scheme into the mix. You could say that this is the Collector’s Edition, if you’d like.
The main highlight of this game is the new controls. It plays almost exactly the same as the previous versions, but instead of having to use the analog stick to aim your weapon, you get a reticule on screen that’s controlled by the Wii remote. When you’re running around the reticule will appear gray, but once you go into the aiming mode, by holding the B trigger, it’ll turn green. When you pass over an object you can shoot, an enemy or maybe a giant padlock on a door, it’ll turn red meaning something will happen if you shoot it. This control style works well, and is very intuitive, but it makes the game a bit easier than the older versions. There are also new action commands that take place during the cut scenes that might involve swinging the Wii remote or simply pressing A and B together. You can also control the game with the GameCube controller, and the Classic controller.
As I stated earlier, this version takes the best from both the GameCube and PS2 versions of the games, and compiles them together into one nice little package. You get the graphics engine from the GameCube version, which had better lighting and didn’t have pre-rendered cut scenes, and you get all the bonus content from the PS2 version, like the Separate Ways mission with Ada Wong. Altogether, it makes this the ultimate version of the game.
The graphics are still quite good, even after 2 years, but they do start to show their age. Everything in the game is beautifully detailed and the lighting is magnificent. The soundtrack is wonderful, and sets the mood perfectly. It can be atmospheric or intense, and always gives you the vibe it’s sending off. There are still some pesky camera angles that make it feel awkward sometimes, which is something Capcom should have tried to fix, at least a little bit. The story in the game is also very deep and the characters are very believable. Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition is the same Resident Evil 4 you’ve played before, but the new controls make it feel like a fresh experience. Plus, the 30 dollar price makes this game warrant a purchase from any Wii owner or Resident Evil fan.
