Resident Evil 4 is one of the most influential games of all time, to the point where even if someone hasn't personally played it, they have almost certainly felt its impact. Popularizing third-person shooting and movement systems, many of which are still present in modern games, is perhaps its greatest achievement, but RE4's seminal accomplishments in video game storytelling, tone, and survival horror conventions can't be overlooked either.

With Resident Evil 4 being so celebrated, it's no surprise that Capcom has aimed to capitalize on it with new versions and re-releases. This is fairly common practice in the games industry (see: Skyrim's many incarnations), but Resident Evil 4's myriad renditions are particularly unique, with many of them providing considerably distinct gameplay experiences due to differences in hardware, creative goals, and platform gimmicks such as motion controls. All told, Resident Evil 4 has been released about eleven times:

  • Resident Evil 4 (2005) - GameCube
  • Resident Evil 4 (2005) - PS2
  • Resident Evil 4 (2007) - Wii
  • Resident Evil 4 (2007) - PC
  • Resident Evil 4: PLATINUM (2009) - iOS
  • Resident Evil 4 (2011) - PS3 & Xbox 360
  • Resident Evil 4 Ultimate HD Edition (2014) - PC
  • Resident Evil 4 (2016) - PS4 & Xbox One
  • Resident Evil 4 (2019) - Nintendo Switch
  • Resident Evil 4 VR (2021) - Meta Quest 2
  • Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023) - PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
How Resident Evil 4 Continued to Shape Horror Gaming for 20 Years
How Resident Evil 4 Continues to Shape Horror Gaming 20 Years Later

The gameplay and narrative influence on horror video games from Capcom's critically acclaimed Resident Evil 4 can still be felt 20 years later.

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The Best Option for Resident Evil 4 Purists

Updated Versions of the Original Resident Evil 4 Are Best

For those seeking little more than the most authentic Resident Evil 4 experience, the best choice would be the PS4, Xbox One, Switch, or 2014 PC releases. These versions are essentially unchanged from the original 2005 title, but with higher resolutions and better FPS. They also come with the original Separate Ways DLC, which isn't available on the GameCube version. It should be noted that PC players looking for the best OG RE4 option should be careful not to get the original 2007 PC release, as it is poorly optimized and lacks key features like KBM support.

Experimental Spins On Resident Evil 4

The Wii and VR Editions of Resident Evil 4 Are Spectacular

Resident Evil 4's 2007 Nintendo Wii release is often cited as the best way to experience the game, as it retains the visuals and gameplay of the original, but with the option to use the Wiimote motion controls. This can alleviate some of the headache that accompanies old-school tank controls, making shooting far more precise and intuitive. Alternatively, players can simply plug in a GameCube controller as well, so the Wii version really is the best of both worlds.

Resident Evil 4 VR offers a much more unique experience. With a few exceptions, this Meta Quest 2 exclusive allows players to enjoy the entire RE4 story in first person with fully-integrated VR systems, cranking up the horror and intensity while offering the convenience of motion controls, which makes combat much easier. This version definitely isn't for those interested in the "pure" RE4 experience, though, as it's a fundamentally distinct and reimagining of the game.

The Best Modern Version of Resident Evil 4

The Resident Evil 4 Remake Is a Masterpiece

Though sometimes criticized for lacking the charm and personality of the original, 2023's Resident Evil 4 Remake is without a doubt one of the best survival horror games of all time. Combat has been fine-tuned to the point of perfection, making enemy encounters deep, expressive, and multilayered. Certain narrative changes, like the more plausible dynamic between Leon and Ashley, help some of the game's emotional beats land harder as well. It may not be a replacement for the 2005 classic, but for the modern gamer, it's hard to think of a better way to experience Resident Evil 4.

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Resident Evil 4 (2023) Tag Page Cover Art
9 /10

Resident Evil 4
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Survival Horror
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Systems
PC-1 PlayStation-1 Xbox-1
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Top Critic Avg: 92 /100 Critics Rec: 98%
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Released
March 24, 2023
ESRB
M for Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
Developer(s)
Capcom
Publisher(s)
Capcom
Engine
RE Engine
Franchise
Resident Evil
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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Survival is just the beginning.

Six years have passed since the biological disaster in Raccoon City.
Agent Leon S. Kennedy, one of the survivors of the incident, has been sent to rescue the president's kidnapped daughter. He tracks her to a secluded European village, where there is something terribly wrong with the locals.

And the curtain rises on this story of daring rescue and grueling horror where life and death, terror and catharsis intersect.

Featuring modernized gameplay, a reimagined storyline, and vividly detailed graphics, Resident Evil 4 marks the rebirth of an industry juggernaut.

Relive the nightmare that revolutionized survival horror.

Genre(s)
Survival Horror
How Long To Beat
16 Hours
PS Plus Availability
N/A
OpenCritic Rating
Mighty