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{{Short description|2005 video game}}
{{About|the 2005 video game|the 2023 remake|Resident Evil 4 (2023 video game)}}
{{Redirect|RE4}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2016}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Resident Evil 4
| image = Resi4-gc-cover.jpg
| caption = North American cover art
| developer = [[Capcom#Development divisions|Capcom Production Studio 4]]{{efn|Original Microsoft Windows version developed by Sourcenext; Oculus Quest 2 version developed by [[Armature Studio]].}}
| publisher = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|[[Capcom]]}}|'''Microsoft Windows'''{{Video game release|JP|Capcom|NA/PAL|[[Ubisoft]]}}|'''Oculus Quest 2'''{{Video game release|WW|[[Reality Labs|Oculus Studios]]}}}}
| director = [[Shinji Mikami]]
| producer = [[Hiroyuki Kobayashi (producer)|Hiroyuki Kobayashi]]
| designer = {{Unbulleted list|Hiroshi Shibata|Kouji Kakae|Shigenori Nishikawa}}
| programmer = Kiyohiko Sakata
| writer = Shinji Mikami
| composer = Misao Senbongi<br />Shusaku Uchiyama
| series = ''[[Resident Evil]]''
| platforms = {{Collapsible list|title={{Nobold|[[GameCube]]}}|[[PlayStation 2]]|[[Windows]]|[[Wii]]|[[iOS]]|[[Zeebo]]|[[PlayStation 3]]|[[Xbox 360]]|[[Android (operating system)|Android]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[Oculus Quest 2]]}}
| released = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|January 11, 2005}}|'''GameCube'''{{Video game release|NA|January 11, 2005|JP|January 27, 2005|PAL|March 18, 2005}}|'''PlayStation 2'''{{Video game release|NA|October 25, 2005|EU|November 4, 2005|AU|November 9, 2005|JP|December 1, 2005}}|'''Microsoft Windows'''{{Video game release|AU|March 1, 2007|EU|March 2, 2007|NA|May 15, 2007|JP|June 7, 2007|WW|February 27, 2014 (HD)}}|'''Wii'''{{Video game release|JP|May 31, 2007|NA|June 19, 2007|EU|June 29, 2007|AU|July 5, 2007}}|'''iOS'''{{Video game release|NA|July 27, 2009|JP|July 28, 2009|NA|April 3, 2010 (iPad)|JP|May 21, 2010 (iPad)}}|'''Zeebo'''{{Video game release|BR|August 11, 2009}}|'''PlayStation 3''', '''Xbox 360'''{{Video game release|JP|September 8, 2011|NA|September 20, 2011|EU|September 21, 2011}}|'''Android'''{{Video game release|JP|January 23, 2013|WW|April 23, 2013 (Samsung)}}|'''PlayStation 4''', '''Xbox One'''{{Video game release|WW|August 30, 2016}}|'''Nintendo Switch'''{{Video game release|WW|May 21, 2019|JP|May 23, 2019}}|'''Oculus Quest 2'''{{Video game release|WW|October 21, 2021}}}}
| genre = [[Survival horror]], [[third-person shooter]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
}}
'''''Resident Evil 4'''''{{efn|Known in Japan as {{nihongo|'''''Biohazard 4'''''|バイオハザード4|Baiohazādo 4|lead=yes}}|name=|group=}} is a 2005 [[survival horror]] game developed and published by [[Capcom]] for the [[GameCube]]. Players control the special agent [[Leon S. Kennedy]] on a mission to rescue the president of the United States's daughter, [[Ashley Graham (Resident Evil)|Ashley Graham]], who has been kidnapped by a religious [[cult]] in rural Spain. Leon fights hordes of enemies infected by a mind-controlling [[Parasitism|parasite]] and reunites with the spy and mercenary [[Ada Wong]]. In a departure from the [[Virtual camera system#Fixed|fixed camera angles]] and slower gameplay of previous ''[[Resident Evil]]'' games, ''Resident Evil 4'' features a dynamic camera system and [[Action game|action]]-oriented gameplay.
Development on ''Resident Evil 4'' began for the [[PlayStation 2]] in 1999. Four proposed versions were discarded; the first was directed by [[Hideki Kamiya]], but series creator [[Shinji Mikami]] felt it was too great a departure from the previous games, so it was spun off as ''[[Devil May Cry (video game)|Devil May Cry]]'' (2001). Other versions were scrapped until Mikami took directorial duties for what became the final version. The game was announced as part of the [[Capcom Five]], a collaboration between Capcom and [[Nintendo]] to create five exclusives for the GameCube.
''Resident Evil 4'' garnered acclaim for its story, gameplay, graphics, voice acting, and characters, and is cited as one of the [[List of video games considered the best|best video games of all time]], winning multiple [[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year]] awards in 2005. It was ported to numerous formats, and became a [[Cross-platform software|multi-platform]] hit, selling 14.7 million units by March 2025. It influenced the evolution of the survival horror and third-person genres, popularizing the "over-the-shoulder" [[Third-person (video games)|third-person view]] used in games such as ''[[Gears of War]]'', ''[[Dead Space]]'', and ''[[The Last of Us]]''. Its successor, ''[[Resident Evil 5]]'', was released in 2009. A [[Resident Evil 4 (2023 video game)|remake of ''Resident Evil 4'']] was released in 2023.<ref name="RemakeAnnouncement">{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=2022-06-02 |title=Resident Evil 4 remake announced, coming March 2023 |url=https://www.polygon.com/23152449/resident-evil-4-remake-release-date-capcom |access-date=2022-06-02 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |language=en-US |archive-date=June 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602221100/https://www.polygon.com/23152449/resident-evil-4-remake-release-date-capcom |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Gameplay ==
The player controls the protagonist, [[Leon S. Kennedy]], from a [[Third-person (video games)|third-person]] perspective. Departing significantly from the series' previous games, the gameplay focuses on action and [[shootout]]s with fewer survival horror elements. The camera is placed behind Leon and zooms in for an over-the-shoulder view when aiming a weapon, or a first-person view when aiming with a [[sniper rifle]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.softpedia.com/reviews/games/playstation/Resident-Evil-4-Review-46046.shtml|title=Resident Evil 4|first=Alexandru|last=Stanescu|publisher=[[Softpedia]]|date=February 1, 2007|access-date=September 1, 2011|quote=The camera problems have been finally solved thanks to a very useful over-the-shoulder and behind the player camera that makes the whole aiming process really easy.|archive-date=October 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022001537/http://www.softpedia.com/reviews/games/playstation/Resident-Evil-4-Review-46046.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> There is no [[Reticle|crosshair]] for firearms; instead, every firearm has a [[laser sight]]. Unlike previous games where players can only shoot straight, up, or down, players have more options. For example, shots to the feet can cause enemies to stumble, and shots to the arms can make them drop their weapons. Players can also shoot down projectiles like thrown [[axe]]s or [[scythe]]s.<ref name="laser">{{cite web|url=http://uk.cube.ign.com/articles/499/499572p2.html|title=Resident Evil 4 – Gamecube Preview at IGN|website=IGN|date=March 17, 2004|access-date=September 1, 2011|page=2|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320123521/http://uk.cube.ign.com/articles/499/499572p2.html|archive-date=March 20, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
[[File:Resident Evil 4 Ganado village.png|left|thumb|Leon fighting a group of Ganados. Unlike previous entries in the series, ''Resident Evil 4'' has the camera following directly behind the character. The [[laser sight]] enables the player to target key zones on enemies.<ref name="laser"/>|alt=An image of a young man defending himself against a horde of humanoid enemies in a village setting. The camera is behind the man's shoulder, placing him in the bottom left corner and the attackers in the background of the picture.]]
''Resident Evil 4'' adds context-sensitive controls. Based on the situation, players can interact with the environment: kicking down a ladder, jumping out of a window, dodging an attack or executing a "finishing move" on weakened enemies. There are also [[quick time event]]s, in which the player must press buttons indicated on-screen to execute actions such as dodging a falling boulder or wrestling an enemy to stay alive. These are often incorporated into the game's many [[Boss (video games)|boss]] fights, in which the player must avoid instant-kill attacks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.cube.ign.com/articles/501/501208p1.html|title=Resident Evil 4 Secrets Revealed|website=[[IGN]]|date=March 23, 2004|access-date=September 3, 2011|page=1|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320131455/http://uk.cube.ign.com/articles/501/501208p1.html|archive-date=March 20, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
The main enemies are violent villagers referred to as Los Ganados ("The Cattle" in Spanish). They can dodge, wield melee and projectile weapons, and are capable of working collectively and communicating with each other. Once simple [[farmer]]s until becoming the product of an infestation of Las Plagas ("The [[wiktionary:Plague|Plague]]" in Spanish), Los Ganados can gain the ability to cause mutated parasites to sprout from their heads.<ref>{{cite web|first=Jesse|last=Schedeen|url=http://uk.stars.ign.com/articles/957/957628p7.html|title=Resident Evil: The Many Looks of the Infected|publisher=IGN|date=February 26, 2009|accessdate=September 3, 2011|page=7|archive-date=April 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423152027/http://uk.stars.ign.com/articles/957/957628p7.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The inventory system features a grid system, represented by an [[Briefcase|attaché case]], that has each item take up a certain number of spaces. The case can be upgraded several times, allowing for more space. Weapons, ammunition, and [[healing]] items are kept in the case, while key items and treasures are kept in a separate menu. Items may be bought from and sold to a [[merchant]] that appears in various locations. He sells [[first aid]] sprays, weapons, allows for weapons to be upgraded and buys various treasures that Leon finds. The various weapons each have their own advantages and disadvantages.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Major|last=Mike|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/48779/resident-evil-4-weapons-of-mass-destruction-guide/|title=Feature: ''Resident Evil 4'' – Weapons of Mass Destruction Guide|magazine=[[GamePro]]|date=October 5, 2005|access-date=September 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607155422/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/48779/resident-evil-4-weapons-of-mass-destruction-guide/|archive-date=June 7, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Stephen|last=Stratton|chapter=Weapons and Items|title=''Resident Evil 4'' (Wii version): ''Prima Official Game Guide''|publisher=Prima Games|year=2007|isbn=978-0-7615-5701-2}}</ref>
Capcom added content for the PlayStation 2 version, which was later incorporated into the [[Personal computer|PC]] and [[Wii]] releases. The largest addition is "Separate Ways", a side story which focuses on [[Ada Wong]]'s involvement in ''Resident Evil 4'' and her connection to the series' villain [[Albert Wesker]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ps2.ign.com/articles/653/653900p1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015180145/http://uk.ps2.ign.com/articles/653/653900p1.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 15, 2007|title=Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways|website=IGN|date=September 26, 2005|access-date=September 3, 2011}}</ref> "Ada's Report", a five-part documentary, analyzes Ada's relationship with Wesker and his role in the plot.<ref>{{cite web|first=Bryn|last=Williams|url=http://uk.ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/resident-evil-4/653813p1.html|title=Previews: Resident Evil 4|publisher=GameSpy|date=September 26, 2005|access-date=September 3, 2011|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090140/http://uk.ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/resident-evil-4/653813p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Other [[Glossary of video game terms#U|unlockable]] content in all versions includes the [[minigame]] "The Mercenaries" and short scenario "Assignment Ada" (using Ada to retrieve Las Plagas samples), new costumes for Leon and Ashley, new weapons, and a [[cutscene]] browser.<ref>{{cite web|first=Audrey|last=Drake|url=http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/119/1195660p1.html|title=Resident Evil 4 HD Review – PlayStation 3 Review at IGN|website=IGN|date=September 21, 2011|access-date=October 20, 2011|archive-date=June 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603175726/http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/119/1195660p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
==
In 2004, U.S. government agent [[Leon S. Kennedy]] ([[Paul Mercier (actor)|Paul Mercier]]) is on a mission to rescue [[Ashley Graham (Resident Evil)|Ashley Graham]] ([[Carolyn Lawrence]]), the U.S. President's daughter, who has been abducted by a mysterious cult.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Resident Evil 4|developer=Capcom Production Studio 4 |publisher=Capcom|date=October 25, 2005 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Leon:''' It was right before I was to take on my duties of protecting the President's daughter when she was abducted. That's the ultimate reason I'm in this lonely and rural part of Europe. According to our intelligence, there's reliable information of a sighting of a girl that looks very similar to the President's daughter. Apparently, she's being withheld by some unidentified group of people. Who would have thought my first job would be a rescue mission?}}</ref> He travels to an unnamed rural village in [[Spain]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Pham |first=Alex |url=https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/02/resident-evil-5.html |title=Racism in Resident Evil 5? Capcom, two black actors respond |newspaper=LA Times |date=2009-02-12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131112021/https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/02/resident-evil-5.html |archive-date=2019-01-31 |access-date=2019-08-20 }}</ref> where he encounters a group of hostile villagers who pledge their lives to Los Iluminados, the cult that kidnapped Ashley. The villagers were once simple farmers until becoming infected by a mind-controlling [[Parasitism|parasite]] known as ''Las Plagas''.<ref>{{cite web|first=Jesse|last=Schedeen|url=http://uk.stars.ign.com/articles/957/957628p7.html|title=Resident Evil: The Many Looks of the Infected|website=IGN|date=February 26, 2009|access-date=September 3, 2011|page=7|archive-date=April 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423152027/http://uk.stars.ign.com/articles/957/957628p7.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
While in the village, Leon is captured by its chief, Bitores Mendez, and injected with Las Plagas.<ref name="plagas"/> He finds himself held captive with [[Luis Sera]] ([[Rino Romano]]), a former police officer in [[Madrid]], and former Los Iluminados researcher.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Resident Evil 4|developer=Capcom Production Studio 4|publisher=Capcom|date=October 25, 2005 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Sera:''' That is the incident with the viral outbreak right? I think I might have seen a sample of the virus in the lab at my department.}}</ref> The two work together to escape, but soon go their separate ways. Leon finds out Ashley is being held in a church and rescues her.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Resident Evil 4|developer=Capcom Production Studio 4|publisher=Capcom|date=October 25, 2005 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Leon:''' Calm down. Everything's going to be just fine. My name's Leon, I'm under the President's order to rescue you. / '''Ashley:''' What? My father? / '''Leon:''' That's right, and have to get you out of here. Come with me.}}</ref> They both escape from the church after Osmund Saddler ([[Michael Gough (voice actor)|Michael Gough]]), leader of the cult, reveals his plan to use the parasite they injected into Ashley to manipulate her into injecting the president of the United States with a "sample" once she returns home, allowing Saddler to begin his conquest of the world.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Resident Evil 4|developer=Capcom Production |publisher=Capcom|date=October 25, 2005 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Saddler:''' If you must know, my name is Osmund Saddler, the master of this fine...religious community. / '''Leon:''' What do you want? / '''Saddler:''' To demonstrate to the whole world, our astounding power, of course. No longer will the United States think they can police the world forever. So we kidnapped the President's daughter, in order to give her our power, and then send her back.}}</ref>
After killing Mendez, Leon and Ashley try to take refuge in a castle but are attacked by more ''Iluminados'' under the command of Ramon Salazar (Rene Mujica), another of Saddler's [[Henchman|henchmen]] who owns the castle,<ref name="plagas">{{cite video game|title=Resident Evil 4|developer=Capcom Production |publisher=Capcom|date=October 25, 2005 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Leon:''' We decided to lay low in a castle, but it looks like it was a bad move. / '''Hunnigan:''' Meaning? / '''Leon:''' Well it appears that this castle's also connected with the Los Iluminados. They must not get many visitors cuz they're giving me one hell of a welcome. / ... / '''Saddler:''' Oh, I believe I forgot to tell you that we gave you the same gift. / '''Leon:''' (When I was unconscious.)}}</ref> and the two become separated by Salazar's [[Trapping|traps]]. Meanwhile, Luis searches for [[Tablet (pharmacy)|pills]] that will slow Leon and Ashley's infection, as well as a sample of ''Las Plagas''. He brings the two items to Leon but is killed by Saddler, who takes the sample, while the pills to suppress the infection remain in Leon's hands.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Resident Evil 4|developer=Capcom Production Studio 4|publisher=Capcom|date=October 25, 2005 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote=''''Saddler:''' Now that I have the sample, you serve me no purpose. / '''Leon:''' Saddler! / '''Saddler:''' My boy Salazar will make sure you follow the same fate. / '''Leon:''' Stay with me, Luis. / '''Sera:''' I am a researcher...hired by Saddler. He found out what I was up to. / '''Leon:''' Don't talk. / '''Sera:''' Here. It should suppress the growth of the parasite. The sample...Saddler took it. You have to get it back.}}</ref> While in the castle, Leon briefly encounters [[Ada Wong]] (Sally Cahill), a woman from his past who supports him during his mission. He battles his way through the castle before killing Salazar.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Resident Evil 4|developer=Capcom Production Studio 4|publisher=Capcom|date=October 25, 2005 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Leon:''' You, working with Wesker. / '''Ada:''' I see you've been doing your homework.}}</ref>
Afterward, Leon travels to a nearby island research facility, where he continues the search for Ashley. He discovers that one of his former training comrades, Jack Krauser ([[Jim Ward (voice actor)|Jim Ward]]), who was believed to have been killed in a helicopter crash two years prior, is responsible for her kidnapping in an attempt to get close enough to Saddler to steal his new Plagas sample.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Resident Evil 4|developer=Capcom Production Studio 4|publisher=Capcom|date=October 25, 2005 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Krauser:''' I died in the crash two years ago. Is that what they told you? / '''Leon:''' You're the one who kidnapped Ashley! / '''Krauser:''' You catch on quick. That's expected. After all, both you and I know where we come from. / '''Leon:''' What do you want? / '''Krauser:''' Hmph. The sample Saddler developed, that's all.}}</ref> Ada and Krauser are working with [[Albert Wesker]] ([[Richard Waugh (actor)|Richard Waugh]]), for whom both intend to secure a Plagas sample, though Krauser is suspicious of Ada.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Resident Evil 4|developer=Capcom Production Studio 4 |publisher=Capcom|date=October 25, 2005 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Krauser:''' Saddler's got it. It seems he's sniffed out our little game. / '''Ada:''' Perfect. / '''Krauser:''' Just so we understand each other clearly, I don't trust you. Nor does Wesker. If you try to do anything clever, I will kill you. / '''Ada:''' Is that so? You know, I met Wesker long before you.}}</ref> Suspicious of the mercenary's intentions, Saddler orders Krauser to kill Leon, believing that no matter which one dies, he will benefit.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Resident Evil 4|developer=Capcom Production Studio 4 |publisher=Capcom|date=October 25, 2005 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Leon:''' Wha? What are you talking about? I thought he was with you. / '''Saddler:''' What are you talking about? Did you really think I'd trust an American? To tell you the truth, I was contemplating how to get rid of him. But thanks to you, that's no longer necessary. / '''Leon:'''You were just using him right from the start.}}</ref> After Krauser's defeat, Leon rescues Ashley, and they remove the Plagas from their bodies using a specialized [[Radiation therapy|radiotherapeutic]] device. Leon confronts Saddler, and with Ada's help, manages to kill him. However, Ada takes the sample from Leon at gunpoint before escaping in a helicopter,<ref>{{cite video game|title=Resident Evil 4|developer=Capcom Production Studio 4 |publisher=Capcom|date=October 25, 2005 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Ada:''' Sorry, Leon. Hand it over. / '''Leon:''' Ada, you do know what this is.}}</ref> leaving Leon and Ashley to escape via her [[Jet Ski]] as the island explodes.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Resident Evil 4|developer=Capcom Production Studio 4 |publisher=Capcom|date=October 25, 2005 |platform=PlayStation 2|quote='''Leon:''' We have to get off this island now! It's gonna blow any minute.}}</ref>
== Development ==
In 1999, producer [[Shinji Mikami]] said a ''Resident Evil'' sequel was in development for [[PlayStation 2]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/072/072895p1.html |title=Resident Evil Series to Haunt PlayStation 2 |first=Douglass |last=Perry |date=December 3, 1999 |website=IGN |access-date=July 17, 2010 |archive-date=December 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213020356/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/072/072895p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Resident Evil 4'' underwent a lengthy development, during which at least four versions of the game were discarded.<ref name="egm2005">{{cite magazine |author=Kevin Gifford, Mark MacDonald |date=April 2005 |title=Afterthoughts: Resident Evil 4 |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |publisher=Ziff Davis Media Inc. |issue=190 |pages=51–52}}</ref> The first version was directed by [[Hideki Kamiya]].<ref name="dmcbegin">{{cite web|url=http://www.capcom.co.jp/devil/column/vol002.html |title=新しいバイオ |first=Hideki |last=Kamiya |date=July 2001 |work=Devil May Cry Column |publisher=Capcom Co., Ltd. |access-date=July 17, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306002045/http://www.capcom.co.jp/devil/column/vol002.html |archive-date=March 6, 2010 }}</ref> Around the turn of the millennium,<ref name="dmcscenario">{{cite web|url=http://www.capcom.co.jp/devil/column/vol010.html |title=The Story of the Scenario |author=Hideki Kamiya |date=July 2001 |work=Devil May Cry Column |publisher=Capcom Co., Ltd. |access-date=July 17, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306002121/http://www.capcom.co.jp/devil/column/vol010.html |archive-date=March 6, 2010 }}</ref> ''Resident Evil 2'' writer [[Noboru Sugimura]] created a story for the game,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20010411/capcom.htm |title=カプコン、深作欣二監督を招き「クロックタワー3」を制作 |trans-title=Clock Tower 3 produced invited to Capcom, directed by Kinji fukasaku. Hope charm is different from the resident evil |author=Minoru Funatsu |date=April 11, 2001 |work=GAME Watch |publisher=Impress Watch Corporation |access-date=July 8, 2010 |archive-date=June 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630004745/http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20010411/capcom.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> based on Kamiya's idea to make a "cool" and "stylish" [[action game]].<ref>{{cite book |title=Devil May Cry Graphic Edition |date=December 2001 |publisher=Kadokawa Shoten |isbn=978-4-04-707071-4}}</ref> The story was based on unraveling the mystery surrounding the body of the protagonist, Tony,<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=PG_kamiya |author=Hideki Kamiya |author-link=Hideki Kamiya |number=24941810134 |date = September 19, 2010 |access-date = July 13, 2015 |title=But in the 1st plot the hero's name was Tony. }}</ref> an invincible man with skills and an [[intellect]] exceeding that of normal people, with his [[superhuman]] abilities explained with [[biotechnology]].<ref name="dmcscenario" /> As Kamiya felt the playable character did not look brave and heroic enough in battles from a fixed angle, he decided to drop the prerendered backgrounds from previous installments and use a [[Virtual camera system|dynamic camera system]].<ref name="dmcbegin" /> The team spent 11 days in the United Kingdom and Spain, photographing objects such as [[Gothic art|Gothic]] statues, bricks, and stone pavements for use in [[Texture mapping|textures]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capcom.co.jp/devil/column/vol009.html |title=背景 |trans-title=Background |author=Hideki Kamiya |date=July 2001 |work=Devil May Cry Column |publisher=Capcom Co., Ltd. |access-date=July 17, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306002116/http://www.capcom.co.jp/devil/column/vol009.html |archive-date=March 6, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/features/retroactive-hideki-kamiya |title=Retro/Active: Hideki Kamiya – The Okami Family Tree |author=James Mielke |work=1UP.com |publisher=UGO Entertainment, Inc. |date=August 18, 2006 |access-date=July 20, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120605051116/http://www.1up.com/features/retroactive-hideki-kamiya |archive-date=June 5, 2012 }}</ref>
Though the developers tried to make the "coolness" theme fit into the world of ''Resident Evil'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/094/094860p1.html |title=E3 2001: Interview with Shinji Mikami |author=Douglass C. Perry |date=May 17, 2001 |website=IGN |access-date=July 20, 2008 |archive-date=December 29, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061229181518/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/094/094860p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Mikami felt it strayed too far from the series' [[survival horror]] roots and gradually convinced the staff to make an independent game. This became a new Capcom franchise, ''[[Devil May Cry (video game)|Devil May Cry]]'', released for the PlayStation 2 in August 2001.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/087/087835p1.html |title=New From Capcom: Devil May Cry |date=November 15, 2000 |website=IGN |access-date=July 17, 2010 |archive-date=June 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611205641/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/087/087835p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== "Fog" version ===
Development on ''Resident Evil 4'' restarted at the end of 2001.<ref name="fogbegin">{{cite journal |date=December 2004 |title=Resident Evil 4 Entwickler-Tagebuch – Teil 1: Die Entstehung |journal=N-Zone |publisher=Computec Media AG |issue=12/2004 |pages=76–77 |language=de |quote=Die ersten Arbeiten an ''Resident Evil 4'' haben bereits Ende 2001 begonnen. Die Teamgröße fluktuiert je nach Entwicklungsstand, derzeit arbeiten etwa 60 Mann an dem Titel. [...] Hiroyuki Kobayashi: Es war nicht einfach, das Team bei Laune zu halten, nachdem wir die Richtung des Spiels so radikal verändert hatten. Als die Entscheidung getroffen wurde, das Spiel actionlastiger zu gestalten, war die Stimmung im Team schon sehr gedrückt. / The first work on ''Resident Evil 4'' already begun at the end of 2001. The size of team varies depending on the stage of development, about 60 people are working on the title at the moment. [...] Hiroyuki Kobayashi: It was not easy to keep the team going after we changed the direction of the game so radically. When it was decided to make the game more action-oriented, the team felt really depressed.}}</ref> The first announcement was made in November 2002, as one of five games developed exclusively for the [[GameCube]] by [[Capcom#Development divisions|Capcom Production Studio 4]], the [[Capcom Five]].<ref name="productionstudio4">{{cite web |url=http://www.capcom.co.jp/studio4/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050206023353/http://www.capcom.co.jp/studio4/index.html |title=Production Studio 4 |language=ja |archive-date=February 6, 2005 |publisher=[[Capcom]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/377/377330p1.html |title=Capcom's Fantastic Five |date=November 13, 2002 |website=IGN |access-date=July 17, 2010 |archive-date=March 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312122107/http://cube.ign.com/articles/377/377330p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This revision, commonly dubbed the "fog version", was directed by Hiroshi Shibata<ref name="jp">{{cite web |url=http://www.capcom.co.jp/gamecube/english.html |title=Director's comment: biohazard 4 |date=November 14, 2002 |work=Production Studio 4 Announcements |publisher=Capcom Co., Ltd. (via [[Internet Archive]]) |quote=The game the whole world has been waiting for will finally be unveiled. The story takes place deep inside the very heart of Umbrella, the evil company responsible for the Progenitor Virus. The main character of Resident Evil 2, Leon S. Kennedy, is back in the game. What will Umbrella have in store for him this time? That "surprise" will push Leon to the very limits of his being for one purpose...the STRUGGLE to survive. Director / Hiroshi Shibata |access-date=July 17, 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20021116211311/http://www.capcom.co.jp/gamecube/english.html |archive-date = November 16, 2002}}</ref> and was 40 percent finished at that time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gfdata.de/archiv11-2002/november03.html |title=Neue Infos zu Biohazard 4 |date=November 20, 2002 |work=GameFront Online |publisher=GameFront Verlagsges. (via [[Internet Archive]]) |access-date=July 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040505074110/http://www.gfdata.de/archiv11-2002/november03.html |archive-date=May 5, 2004}}</ref> The game saw Leon S. Kennedy struggling to survive<ref name="jp" /> after having infiltrated Umbrella's castle-like main headquarters located in Europe and featured traditional ''Resident Evil'' monsters such as [[zombie]]s.<ref name="egm2005" /><ref name="gamespykobayashi" /><ref>{{cite video game|title=Resident Evil 2 |developer=Capcom Co., Ltd. |publisher=Capcom USA, Inc. |date=January 21, 1998 |platform=PlayStation |quote=Chris's Diary: We talked it over, and have decided to fly to the main Umbrella HQ in Europe.}}</ref> During the course of the new story which was again written by Sugimura's scenario creation company [[Flagship (company)|Flagship]],<ref>{{cite journal |date=May 2001 |title=Im Gespräch mit Shinji Mikami |journal=Play |publisher=CyPress GmbH |issue=5/2001 |page=27 |language=de |quote=Mikami: Ja, Flagship hat die Story dazu geschrieben. Mehr über Teil 4 werde ich aber nicht verraten (lacht). / Yes, Flagship wrote the story for it. But I won't reveal anything more about part 4 (laughs).}}</ref> Leon became infected with the Progenitor Virus and possessed a hidden power in his left hand.<ref name="egm2005" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/524/524138p9.html |title=Resident Evil Series Profile |date=June 25, 2004 |website=IGN |access-date=July 17, 2010 |archive-date=March 19, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110319225859/http://cube.ign.com/articles/524/524138p9.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://un-wiredtv.com/index.php/headlines/game_info/paul_mercier/ |title=Interview with Paul Mercier |date=September 21, 2009 |publisher=unWIRED TV |access-date=July 17, 2010 |archive-date=March 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305065102/http://un-wiredtv.com/index.php/headlines/game_info/paul_mercier/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The producer of the final version also pointed out that Ashley did not appear back then, though there was a different girl who was never revealed to the public.<ref name="egm2005" /> The game was to feature some [[First-person (video games)|first-person]] elements.<ref>{{in lang|ja}} [http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20021114/capcom.htm カプコン、「biohazard4」など個性の強い大人向け作品を一挙に5タイトル発表] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413070438/http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20021114/capcom.htm |date=April 13, 2013 }}, GAME Watch, November 14, 2002</ref>
=== "Hook Man" version ===
[[File:Re3.5hookman.png|thumb|This screenshot of a cancelled version depicts Leon fighting the hook man. Though this earlier revision still used fixed camera angles while exploring environments, the battles already employed the over-the-shoulder view seen in the final build.|alt=An image of a young man aiming his gun and flashlight at a hostile male figure wielding a large hook. The whole scene is marked by a bluish hue, giving the mansion environment an otherworldly feel.]]
At [[E3#Events|E3 2003]], Capcom showcased a version widely known as the "hook man version".<ref name="hookman">{{cite web |url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/960/960835p7.html |title=IGN Presents the History of Resident Evil |author=Travis Fahs |date=March 11, 2009 |website=IGN |access-date=July 17, 2010 |archive-date=March 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309085443/http://retro.ign.com/articles/960/960835p7.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It was later titled {{nihongo|''Maboroshi no Biohazard 4''|幻の「バイオハザード4」||lit. "The Phantom Biohazard 4"}} on the ''Biohazard 4 Secret DVD''. During Mikami's introduction of the [[Trailer (promotion)|trailer]], he assured that development was proceeding smoothly and claimed the game was scarier than ever before.<ref name="hookman" /> The story was set in a haunted building where Leon contracted a bizarre disease and fought [[paranormal]] enemies, such as animated [[Plate armour|suits of armor]], living dolls, and a ghostlike man armed with a large hook.<ref name="gamespykobayashi">{{cite web |url=http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/resident-evil-4/551775p2.html |title=Hiroyuki Kobayashi on Resident Evil 4 & Killer 7 |author=Heidi Kemps |date=September 27, 2004 |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=July 18, 2010 |archive-date=February 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206233905/http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/resident-evil-4/551775p2.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="hookman" /> The game had an otherworldly feel to it, containing elements like [[Flashback (narrative)|flashback]] and [[hallucination]]s that were marked by a bluish tint and a shaking camera.<ref name="egm2005" /> It also displayed various gameplay mechanics that carried over to the final release, like the over-the-shoulder camera, a laser sight for aiming in battles and quick time events.<ref name="hookman" /> Other features, such as [[Dialogue tree|dialogue choices]], were removed later.<ref name="egm2005" /> Five minutes of gameplay footage were released on the ''Biohazard 4 Secret DVD'', a Japanese [[pre-order]] bonus given out in January 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/582/582869p1.html |title=RE4 Bonus Disc Footage |author=Juan Castro |date=January 26, 2005 |website=IGN |access-date=July 18, 2010 |archive-date=October 4, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004181322/http://cube.ign.com/articles/582/582869p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== "Hallucination" version ===
The Hallucination version had only a basic story concept, having dropped the previous scenario penned by Noboru Sugimura of Flagship. In 2012, ''[[Resident Evil 3: Nemesis]]'' (1999) scenario writer Yasuhisa Kawamura said he was responsible for this version, as he wanted to make ''Biohazard 4'' scarier "and suggested using a particular scene from the American film ''[[Lost Souls (2000 film)|Lost Souls]]'' (2000), where the main character [...] suddenly finds herself in a derelict building with a killer on the loose. An arranged version of this idea eventually turned into Hook Man. The idea went through several iterations as Mr. Sugimura and I carefully refined this world (which, I have to say, was very romantic). Leon infiltrates the castle of Spencer seeking the truth, while inside a [[laboratory]] located deep within, a young girl wakes up. Accompanied by a B.O.W. [an abbreviation for "Bio Organic Weapon" in the series' lore] dog, the two start to make their way up the castle. Unfortunately, there were many obstacles that needed to be overcome and the cost of development was deemed too expensive." Kawamura added he was very sorry and "even ashamed" that Mikami had to step in and scrap this version.<ref>[http://www.vg247.com/2012/03/15/writer-ashamed-of-resident-evil-4-hook-man-experiement/ Writer "ashamed" of Resident Evil 4 "Hook Man" experiment] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418131533/http://www.vg247.com/2012/03/15/writer-ashamed-of-resident-evil-4-hook-man-experiement/ |date=April 18, 2012 }}, vg247.com, March 15, 2012</ref> After this attempt, the last cancelled revision featured classic zombies again. However, it was discontinued after a few months, and before it was ever shown to the public, as the developers felt it was too formulaic.<ref name="egm2005" />
The story of the Progenitor Virus was eventually covered in ''[[Resident Evil 5]]'' (2009) and the Spencer Estate became the setting for ''Resident Evil 5''{{'}}s [[downloadable content]] (DLC) pack "Lost in Nightmares" (featuring [[Chris Redfield]] and [[Jill Valentine]]).<ref>Lark Anderson, [http://www.gamespot.com/resident-evil-5-lost-in-nightmares/reviews/resident-evil-5-lost-in-nightmares-review-6252729/ Resident Evil 5: Lost in Nightmares Review], GameSpot, March 2, 2010 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019094549/http://www.gamespot.com/resident-evil-5-lost-in-nightmares/reviews/resident-evil-5-lost-in-nightmares-review-6252729/ |date=October 19, 2012 }}</ref>
===
It was decided to reinvent the series.<ref name="gamespykobayashi" /> Mikami took over directorial duties from Shibata and began working on the version that was released.<ref name="ignkobayashi">{{cite web |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/499/499419p1.html |title=Interview: Resident Evil 4 |date=March 17, 2004 |website=IGN |access-date=July 18, 2010 |archive-date=March 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320225427/http://cube.ign.com/articles/499/499419p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In an interview with ''[[Game Informer]]'', Mikami explained his decision to shift to a new gameplay system is due to the feeling that the older system is "more of the same" after playing ''Resident Evil Zero''. He says that he only felt nervous once more when playing with the newer system.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Reworked, Revitalized & Pure (Resident) Evil |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |issue=131 |date=March 2004 |publisher=GameStop |access-date=25 September 2016 |url=https://onedrive.live.com/?id=70BBBD9C272717DE%213489&cid=70BBBD9C272717DE |quote="I remember playing Resident Evil Zero and said to myself that this is just more of the same... This is why I wanted to change the system. With the new system, I once again feel nervous and scared when I play it." |archive-date=September 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927113850/https://onedrive.live.com/?id=70BBBD9C272717DE%213489&cid=70BBBD9C272717DE |url-status=live }}</ref> Speaking for the team, game producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi<ref name="ignkobayashi" /> mentioned how the staff was "tired of the same thing"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/515/515402p1.html |title=E3 2004: Resident Evil 4 Interview |date=May 13, 2004 |website=IGN |access-date=May 27, 2008 |quote="The staff, which includes myself and of course Shinji Mikami, decided that we wanted to go in a new direction and re-create the series. We were tired of making the same stuff as well. We wanted to make something new and original. And that's how it started. " |archive-date=February 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212232749/http://cube.ign.com/articles/515/515402p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and how some got bored and moved on to other projects.<ref>{{cite video|title=The Making of Resident Evil 4|medium=DVD|publisher=[[Capcom]]|date=2005 |quote="I've worked on a number of Resident Evil titles in the past and honestly, I think the series has been recycling the same patterns, the same gameplay each time. The creators were starting to get bored with it and many moved to other projects."}}</ref> In addition to that, the producer also felt that the older format was "stuck in a cookie cutter mold" and described it as "shackles holding us down".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/resident-evil-4/551775p2.html |title=Hiroyuki Kobayashi on Resident Evil 4 & Killer 7 |author=Heidi Kemps |date=September 27, 2004 |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=July 18, 2010 |quote="In the past installments, we were stuck in the cookie-cutter RE mold. We had to break those shackles holding us down before we came up with something new." |archive-date=February 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206233905/http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/resident-evil-4/551775p2.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
However, some of the staff members disagreed about changing the gameplay system. These members felt depressed and were hard to motivate after the game's focus shifted to be more action-oriented.<ref name="fogbegin" /> Although Mikami demanded the camera system be revised, the team had reservations about making big changes to the series he had created.<ref name="nintendopowerkobayashi" /> Eventually, he intervened, explained his proposed changes, and wrote a new story that, unlike previous installments, was not centered on the company Umbrella.<ref name="nintendopowerkobayashi">{{cite magazine |date=June 2004 |title=New Evil |magazine=Nintendo Power |publisher=Nintendo of America, Inc. |issue=180 |quote=The Umbrella Corporation is no more. "It's the only thing that makes sense if you think about it," explains Resident Evil 4 producer Hiroyuki Kobayshi. "Why would the U.S. government allow a company that developed the T-virus, and in the end forced them to destroy an entire city, to continue to exist? They wouldn't. Hence the rationale for Umbrella going away after RE3." [...] "Right from the start, we wanted to do something new and innovative for the series, so Mikami issued an order to the team: 'I want to totally re-create how the polygons, the camera, everything looks.' But, every time the staff tried to do it without his direction, they only came out with little minor changes. Nothing major. Perhaps they were too afraid to take this series that he created and totally change it. But anyway, he stepped in and showed what he wanted."}}</ref><ref name="staffjp">{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041228225650/http://www.capcom.co.jp/bio4/ |archive-date=December 28, 2004 |url=http://www.capcom.co.jp/bio4/ |title=biohazard4 |publisher=[[Capcom]]}}</ref><ref name="ignint"/> Mikami wrote the entire story in just three weeks due to time constraints.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vg247.com/shinji-mikami-hopes-a-resident-evil-4-remake-will-make-his-story-better |title=Shinji Mikami hopes a Resident Evil 4 Remake "will make his story better" |last=Cryer |first=Hirun |date=February 3, 2022 |website=[[VG247]] |access-date=February 6, 2022 |archive-date=February 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205205312/https://www.vg247.com/shinji-mikami-hopes-a-resident-evil-4-remake-will-make-his-story-better |url-status=live }}</ref> Inspired by ''[[Onimusha 3: Demon Siege]]'' (2004), a game Mikami had enjoyed playing but felt could have been better with a different view, he decided to place the camera behind the playable character.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/67755/shinji-mikami-on-shadows-damned |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110314155922/http://www.shacknews.com/article/67755/shinji-mikami-on-shadows-damned |title=Shinji Mikami on Shadows of the Damned and inspiring a new generation of competition |author=De Matos, Xav |date=March 9, 2011 |work=[[Shacknews]] |publisher=[[GameFly|GameFly, Inc]] |archive-date=March 14, 2011 |access-date=March 13, 2011 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> To go along with the new gameplay and story, a new type of enemy called "Ganado" was created, as opposed to using the undead creatures from previous ''Resident Evil'' games.<ref name="ignint">{{cite web |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/515/515402p1.html |title=E3 2004: Resident Evil 4 Interview |date=May 13, 2004 |website=IGN |access-date=May 27, 2008 |archive-date=February 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212232749/http://cube.ign.com/articles/515/515402p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Furthermore, producers expended additional detail to modify and update characters that had previously appeared in the series. In a documentary explaining the conception of the characters, Kamiya stated he intended to make Leon Kennedy "look tougher, but also cool".<ref name="dvd">{{cite video|title=The Making of Resident Evil 4|medium=DVD|publisher=[[Capcom]]|date=2005}}</ref>
Kobayashi was responsible for the design of some of the final game's enemies, such as the Regenerators.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/14/e3-2004-resident-evil-4-interview|title=E3 2004: Resident Evil 4 Interview - IGN|date=May 14, 2004|via=www.ign.com|access-date=July 1, 2022|archive-date=July 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701041054/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/05/14/e3-2004-resident-evil-4-interview|url-status=live}}</ref> Kobayashi described the creatures' origins within universe lore as byproducts of Los Iluminados' research into [[Bioorganic chemistry|bioorganic]] weapons, malformed creations implanted with multiple ''Plaga'' parasites during the experimentation process.<ref name="auto">Koichi Hamamura, ed (2006) (in Japanese). biohazard4 kaitaishinsho revised edition. ''[[Famitsu]]''. ISBN 4-7577-2638-4.</ref> Regenerators are designed to take distinct heavy breaths before they are seen, which alerts the player to their presence. When encountered, often in small confined spaces, they would walk slowly towards the player character. The Regenerator is capable of continuously regenerating itself and cannot easily be dispatched unless the player is able to find the ''Plaga'' parasites within its body, which can only be seen with the [[Night-vision device|infrared scope]], and specifically target them first.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gamingbolt.com/resident-evil-4-remake-15-things-it-needs-to-do|title=Resident Evil 4 Remake – 15 Things It Needs To Do|website=GamingBolt|access-date=July 1, 2022|archive-date=July 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701041053/https://gamingbolt.com/resident-evil-4-remake-15-things-it-needs-to-do|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/what-s-a-game-that-really-scared-you-1845469194|title=What's A Game That Really Scared You?|website=Kotaku|date=October 26, 2020|access-date=July 1, 2022|archive-date=July 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701041053/https://kotaku.com/what-s-a-game-that-really-scared-you-1845469194|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto3">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/features/438643-scariest-video-game-enemies|title=The Scariest Video Game Enemies Ever|date=October 4, 2018|website=GameRevolution|access-date=July 1, 2022|archive-date=July 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701042555/https://www.gamerevolution.com/features/438643-scariest-video-game-enemies|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/best-resident-evil-bosses-monsters-ranked/|title=15 Best Resident Evil Bosses and Monsters Ranked|date=May 6, 2021|website=Den of Geek|access-date=July 1, 2022|archive-date=July 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701013652/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/best-resident-evil-bosses-monsters-ranked/|url-status=live}}</ref> During an interview with ''[[Famitsu]]'', Mikami explained that elements like the Regenerators help maintain the survival horror aspect of ''Resident Evil 4'' as a balance between a "scary kind of gameplay and the challenge of overcoming that fear", with the goal of giving players a sense of achievement when they manage to overcome the monster.<ref name="auto5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/actually-resident-evil-4-was-plenty-scary|title=Actually, Resident Evil 4 Was Plenty Scary|first=Kat|last=Bailey|date=January 11, 2020|website=USGamer|access-date=July 1, 2022|archive-date=January 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111072533/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/actually-resident-evil-4-was-plenty-scary|url-status=dead}}</ref>
The English voice actors recorded their parts in four sessions, over three to four months.<ref name="cary">{{cite web |first=Chris|last=Carle|title=Babe Interview: Carolyn Lawrence|date=August 2, 2005|website=IGN|url=http://stars.ign.com/articles/663/663669p1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071122182003/http://stars.ign.com/articles/663/663669p1.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 22, 2007|pages=2–3|access-date=June 4, 2008}}</ref> Capcom assigned Shinsaku Ohara as script translator and voice over coordinator.<ref name="credits">{{cite video game |title=Resident Evil 4 |date=October 25, 2005 |developer=[[Capcom]] |publisher=[[Capcom Entertainment, Inc.]] |platform=[[PlayStation 2]] |scene=staff credits of main game and "Separate Ways"}}</ref> [[Carolyn Lawrence]], who provided the voice for Ashley Graham, described her character as "vulnerable, because Leon has to come to her rescue all the time".<ref name="cary"/> She also described Kennedy's character as "more brawn, perhaps, than brain".<ref name="cary"/> In addition to the voice acting, the game's designer detailed each cinematic sequence so that each character's facial expressions matched the tone of their voice actor.<ref name="dvd"/>
Along with ''[[Resident Evil: Dead Aim]]'' and ''[[Resident Evil Outbreak]]'' (both 2003), two side story games that did not fall under the exclusive policy, it was announced on October 31, 2004 that ''Resident Evil 4'' would come to the PlayStation 2 in 2005, citing increased profit, changing market conditions, and increased consumer satisfaction as the key reasons. The PlayStation 2 version included new features, primarily a new sub-game featuring Ada Wong. On February 1, 2006, [[Ubisoft]] announced that they would be publishing the game on the PC for [[Microsoft Windows]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ubi.com/UK/News/Info.aspx?nId=3754 |title=Resident Evil 4, Onimusha 3: Demon Siege and Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening Special Edition coming to PCs beginning February 2006 |publisher=[[Ubisoft]] |date=February 1, 2006 |access-date=January 28, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311160457/http://www.ubi.com/UK/News/Info.aspx?nId=3754 |archive-date=March 11, 2007 }}</ref> On April 4, 2007, a [[Wii]] version was announced and was launched later in the year. The game features all of the extras in the PS2 version, along with other additions, including a trailer for ''[[Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles]]''.<ref name="joystiqwii"/><ref name="cubed3wii"/>
== Release ==
The original version for the GameCube featured two different collector's editions. The first was available as a pre-order that included the game, the ''Prologue'' art book, and a T-shirt. [[GameStop]] offered another limited edition that was packaged in a tin box with the art book, a [[cel]] of Leon, and a soundtrack [[Compact disc|CD]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/resident-evil-4-collectors-tin|title=Resident Evil 4 Collector's Tin (GCN)|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|access-date=January 28, 2007|archive-date=July 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723014007/http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/resident-evil-4-collectors-tin/|url-status=live}}</ref> Australia received an exclusive collector's edition that came with the game and a bonus disc with interviews and creator's footage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.cube.ign.com/objects/743/743771.html|title=Resident Evil 4 (Australian Collector's Edition)|website=IGN|access-date=October 20, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111105245/http://www.ign.com/games/biohazard-4-bonus-disc/gcn-743771|archive-date=November 11, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref> [[Nintendo]] handled marketing sales and distribution of the title in Europe and Australia.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/nintendo-plans-horror-film-promotions-for-resident-evil-4 | title=Nintendo plans horror film promotions for Resident Evil 4 | date=February 21, 2005 | access-date=May 17, 2024 | archive-date=May 17, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517233237/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/nintendo-plans-horror-film-promotions-for-resident-evil-4 | url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Ports ===
''Resident Evil 4'' was ported to the PlayStation 2 after Capcom stated that it did not fall under the exclusivity deal with [[Nintendo]]. It was released in North America on October 25, 2005. The largest addition is "Separate Ways", a new scenario for Ada written by Haruo Murata.<ref name="credits" /> According to producer Masachika Kawata, the Separate Ways campaign was something thought up by the PS2 porting team and was added after getting approval from Shinji Mikami.<ref>[https://archive.today/20051105033412/http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200509/N05.0917.1830.06421.htm Game Informer Online<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The PlayStation 2 version featured two standard and collector's bundles from pre-orders. The standard package included the game and a T-shirt, while the collector's bundle also included a [[figurine]] of Leon, and the soundtrack ''Biohazard Sound Chronicle Best Track Box''. This quickly sold out, and a second pressing was released that included an Ada figurine. Another, called the ''Resident Evil 4: Premium Edition'', was packaged in a [[Optical disc packaging#SteelBook|SteelBook]] media case, along with the art book, a documentary [[DVD]], and a cel art of Ada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/668/668035p4.html|title=Resident Evil 4: Premium Edition|last=Mirabella III|first=Fran|website=IGN|date=November 18, 2005|access-date=January 28, 2007|archive-date=November 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106174401/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/11/18/resident-evil-4-premium-edition?page=4|url-status=live}}</ref>
A PC port of ''Resident Evil 4'' developed by Sourcenext was released in Hong Kong on February 1, 2007, published by [[Typhoon Games]]. It was released in Europe, North America, and Australia in March 2007 and was published by [[Ubisoft]]. The port contains the bonus features from the PS2 version, such as "Separate Ways", the P.R.L. 412 laser cannon and a second set of unlockable costumes for Leon and Ashley, as well as an Easy difficulty level. It also supports multiple widescreen resolutions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ea.com.tw/Products/Products_Info.aspx?ID=628|title=Biohazard 4|publisher=[[Electronic Arts]]|access-date=July 12, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080229065852/http://www.ea.com.tw/Products/Products_Info.aspx?ID=628|archive-date=February 29, 2008|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The shadow and lighting problems were fixed in the only patch, Version 1.10.<ref name="re4pcpatch">{{cite web |url=http://www.strategyinformer.com/pc/residentevil4/patch/13395.html?details=1 |title=Resident Evil 4 PC 1.10 Patch |publisher=Strategy Informer |access-date=April 11, 2011 |archive-date=March 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318022616/http://www.strategyinformer.com/pc/residentevil4/patch/13395.html?details=1 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
''Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition'' was released for the [[Wii]] on May 31, 2007 in Japan and on June 19, 2007 in the United States. It features updated controls that utilize the [[Pointing device|pointing]] and [[Motion controller|motion-sensing]] abilities of the [[Wii Remote]] and [[Wii Remote#Nunchuk|Nunchuk]], though both the GameCube controller and the [[Classic Controller]] are also supported.<ref name="cubed3wii">{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Mason|url=http://www.cubed3.com/review/507|title=Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition|publisher=Cubed3|date=August 27, 2007|access-date=September 3, 2011|archive-date=March 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308092538/http://www.cubed3.com/review/507/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Wii Remote is able to aim and shoot anywhere on the screen with a [[reticle]] that replaces the laser sight found in the other versions, and motion-based gestures are used to perform some context-sensitive actions, such as dodging or slashing. The ''Wii Edition'' also includes the extra content from the PS2 and PC versions, and a trailer for ''[[Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles]]''.<ref name="joystiqwii">{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/resident-evil-4-on-wii-official-umbrella-chronicles-an-on-rails|title=Resident Evil 4 on Wii official, Umbrella Chronicles an on-rails shooter|last=McElroy|first=Justin|publisher=Joystiq|date=April 4, 2007|access-date=April 4, 2007|archive-date=October 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013192843/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/resident-evil-4-on-wii-official-umbrella-chronicles-an-on-rails|url-status=live}}</ref> The ''Wii Edition'' became available for [[digital distribution|download]] from the [[Wii U]]'s [[Nintendo eShop]] in Europe on October 29, 2015.<ref name="-DigitalSpyWiiEdition-eShop">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a675355/resident-evil-4-wii-edition-is-coming-soon-to-the-wii-u-eshop.html#~psvFRQKUvGYLZf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031102203/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a675355/resident-evil-4-wii-edition-is-coming-soon-to-the-wii-u-eshop.html |title=''Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition'' is coming soon to the Wii U eShop |first=Albaraa |last=Fahmy |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]] |date=October 24, 2015 |access-date=October 29, 2015 |archive-date=October 31, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref><ref name="NinLife-Oct29-Nintendo-eShop">{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/10/nintendo_download_29th_october_europe |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151028230315/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/10/nintendo_download_29th_october_europe |title=Nintendo Download: 29th October (Europe) |first=Thomas |last=Whitehead |work=[[Nintendo Life]] |publisher=Gamer Network |date=October 29, 2015 |access-date=October 29, 2015 |archive-date=October 28, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}</ref>
''Resident Evil 4: Mobile Edition'' was released in Japan for [[Au (mobile phone company)|au]]'s BREW 4.0 on February 1, 2008. It was announced by Capcom at TGS 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wireless.ign.com/articles/822/822381p1.html|title=Resident Evil 4 Mobile|last=Onyett|first=Charles|website=IGN|date=September 22, 2007|access-date=September 22, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140129152148/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/09/22/tgs-2007-resident-evil-4-mobile-report|archive-date=January 29, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Differences from the original include changing the flow of the story from being continuous to being divided into sections such as "Village", "Ravene", "Fortress" and "Subterranean Tunnel". There is also a more challenging Mercenary Mode.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inside-games.jp/article/2008/02/01/26766.html|title=『バイオハザード4』auの携帯電話版の配信スタート|trans-title=Delivery start of the mobile phone version of Resident Evil 4 au|author=水口真|publisher=Inside|language=ja|date=February 1, 2008|access-date=October 26, 2011|archive-date=February 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207100257/http://www.inside-games.jp/article/2008/02/01/26766.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capcom.co.jp/keitai/ezweb/brew_bio_mobile.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080619054415/http://www.capcom.co.jp/keitai/ezweb/brew_bio_mobile.html|archive-date=June 19, 2008|title=Mobile Capcom}}</ref> The game uses the MascotCapsule eruption engine<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hicorp.co.jp/english/product/eruption.html |title=Hi Corp. Product Information|publisher=HI Corp|access-date=January 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804040731/http://www.hicorp.co.jp/english/product/eruption.html|archive-date=August 4, 2011}}</ref> and was adapted to the [[Zeebo]] and [[iOS]] platforms.<ref>{{cite web|first=Justin|last=McElroy|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/resident-evil-4-mobile-edition-ported-to-zeebo/|title=Resident Evil 4: Mobile Edition ported to Zeebo|publisher=Joystiq|date=November 10, 2009|access-date=September 6, 2011|archive-date=October 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021053734/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/resident-evil-4-mobile-edition-ported-to-zeebo/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="res4ios"/> On July 13, 2009, without any formal announcement, ''Resident Evil 4: Mobile Edition'' was released by Capcom for the iOS platform via the [[App Store (Apple)|App Store]] in Japan, but was quickly removed,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://toucharcade.com/2009/07/13/resident-evil-4-mobile-edition-video-accidental-early-release/ |title='Resident Evil 4' Mobile Edition Video, Accidental Early Release? |date=July 13, 2009 |publisher=Touch Arcade |access-date=July 15, 2009 |archive-date=October 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016054845/http://toucharcade.com/2009/07/13/resident-evil-4-mobile-edition-video-accidental-early-release/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://wireless.ign.com/articles/100/1003474p1.html |title=Resident Evil 4 for iPhone |author=Buchanan, Levi |date=July 14, 2009 |website=IGN |access-date=July 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717054350/http://wireless.ign.com/articles/100/1003474p1.html |archive-date=July 17, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> though some players were able to purchase and download it. The game has since been released in Japan and North America.<ref name="res4ios">{{cite web |url=http://wireless.ign.com/articles/100/1003815p1.html |title=Resident Evil 4 Gets Date |last=Buchanan |first=Levi |date=July 15, 2009 |website=IGN |access-date=July 15, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130330211613/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/07/15/resident-evil-4-gets-date |archive-date=March 30, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Later, Capcom made an update that had different difficulty levels and high scores. Capcom released a new separate version called ''Resident Evil 4 for Beginners'', which offers the first two levels (three counting a training level) of both Story Mode and Mercenary Mode. However, the rest of the levels are available for purchase in-game as downloadable content. Due to the release of the [[iPad]], Capcom recreated the iPhone version of ''Resident Evil 4: Mobile Edition'' and updated it to HD graphics as ''Resident Evil 4: iPad Edition''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pr-inside.com/capcom-announces-resident-evil-r-r1812880.htm |title=Capcom announces "Resident Evil 4: iPad Edition" |date=April 3, 2010 |publisher=PR-Inside |access-date=April 4, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429192506/http://www.pr-inside.com/capcom-announces-resident-evil-r-r1812880.htm |archive-date=April 29, 2011 }}</ref>
On March 23, 2011, [[High-definition video|high-definition]] remastered versions of both ''[[Resident Evil – Code: Veronica]]'' (2000) and ''Resident Evil 4'' were announced to be in development for the [[Xbox 360]] and [[PlayStation 3]], as part of the ''Resident Evil: Revival Selection'' series.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://andriasang.com/comui9/ |title=Here's What's Known About Resident Evil Revival Selection |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=March 23, 2011 |publisher=andriasang |access-date=March 23, 2011 |archive-date=July 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120701110330/http://andriasang.com/comui9/re_revival_selection/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The ports feature all the bonus content from the previous releases, including "Separate Ways". On July 23, 2011, Capcom announced at [[San Diego Comic-Con]] 2011 that ''Resident Evil 4'' would be released on September 20, 2011<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.impre.com/la-gente-dice/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978879963 |title=More info on Resident Evil Revival Selection |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=March 23, 2011 |publisher=andriasang |access-date=July 23, 2011 |archive-date=November 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125021737/http://www.impre.com/la-gente-dice/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474978879963 |url-status=live }}</ref> for the [[PlayStation Network]] and [[Xbox Games Store#Games on Demand|Xbox Live Games on Demand]].<ref>{{cite web |first=Jim |last=Reilly |url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/115/1157430p1.html |title=Resident Evil 4 HD Hitting PSN and Xbox Live |date=March 24, 2011 |website=IGN |access-date=April 26, 2011 |archive-date=March 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322015144/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/115/1157430p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In Japan, ''Resident Evil 4'' and ''Resident Evil – Code: Veronica'' were released on a single disc with the title ''Biohazard Revival Selection'' on September 8, 2011.<ref>{{cite web|first=Eddie|last=Makuch|url=http://comic-con.gamespot.com/story/6324933/resident-evil-4-code-veronica|title=Resident Evil 4, Code: Veronica X HD lurch to US in September|website=GameSpot|date=July 23, 2011|access-date=September 4, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006043829/http://comic-con.gamespot.com/story/6324933/resident-evil-4-code-veronica|archive-date=October 6, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref> For North America and Europe, both games, including ''Resident Evil 4 HD'', were only released as downloads on Xbox Live Games on Demand and PlayStation Network.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.capcom-unity.com/gregaman/blog/2011/07/27/resident_evil_hd_titles_dated,_priced,_gameplay_videod|title=Resident Evil HD Titles Dated, Priced, Gameplay Video'd|publisher=Capcom-Unity|date=July 27, 2011|access-date=September 4, 2011|archive-date=September 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910074336/http://www.capcom-unity.com/gregaman/blog/2011/07/27/resident_evil_hd_titles_dated,_priced,_gameplay_videod|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 27, 2014, Capcom released ''Resident Evil 4 Ultimate HD Edition'' for [[Microsoft Windows]]. The port features improved graphics and many other enhancements that were included in ''Resident Evil 4 HD''. ''Resident Evil 4'' was re-released on [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Xbox One]] on August 30, 2016.
In April 2013, ''Resident Evil 4'' was released on [[Android (operating system)|Android]], but outside of Japan, it is exclusive to [[Samsung]] through their [[Galaxy Store]].<ref>[http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/Android/Resident+Evil+4%3A+Platinum/news.asp?c=50328 English version of Resident Evil 4 now available on Android from the Samsung Apps store] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410025517/http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/Android/Resident+Evil+4%3A+Platinum/news.asp?c=50328 |date=April 10, 2016 }}. April 2013</ref>
Capcom announced in October 2018 that ''Resident Evil 4'' would be published for the [[Nintendo Switch]] sometime in 2019, along with releases of ''[[Resident Evil (2002 video game)|Resident Evil]]'' and ''[[Resident Evil Zero]]'' (both 2002).<ref>{{Cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-10-26-resident-evil-4-headed-to-nintendo-switch | title = Resident Evil 4 headed to Nintendo Switch | first = Tom | last = Phillips | date = October 26, 2018 | access-date = October 26, 2018 | work = [[Eurogamer]] | archive-date = October 26, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181026214646/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-10-26-resident-evil-4-headed-to-nintendo-switch | url-status = live }}</ref>
In October 2021, Capcom released a [[virtual reality]] (VR) version of ''Resident Evil 4'' for the [[Quest 2|Oculus Quest 2]]. Developed by the American [[Armature Studio]],<ref>{{cite news |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |url=https://www.polygon.com/22386233/resident-evil-4-vr-oculus-quest-2-facebook-capcom-armature |title=Resident Evil 4 is coming to VR |work=Polygon |date=2021-04-15 |access-date=2021-04-16 |archive-date=April 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415224225/https://www.polygon.com/22386233/resident-evil-4-vr-oculus-quest-2-facebook-capcom-armature |url-status=live }}</ref> many elements of gameplay like combat and inventory management were changed to accommodate VR.<ref name="re4vr-ign">{{cite news |last=Knoop |first=Joseph |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-4-vr-gameplay-and-graphic-changes-revealed |title=Resident Evil 4 VR Gameplay and Graphic Changes Revealed |work=[[IGN]] |date=2021-04-21 |access-date=2021-04-22 |archive-date=April 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422165300/https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-4-vr-gameplay-and-graphic-changes-revealed |url-status=live }}</ref> This version, which runs on [[Unreal Engine 4]], also includes redesigned textures with increased resolution.<ref name="re4vr-ign"/> The developers and executive producer Tom Ivey stated that there were changes made to "update the game for a modern audience", and a number of in-game animations (such as the animation triggered when players attempted to look up Ashley's [[skirt]]), dialogue and flirtatious banter between characters were removed.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Tom |date=20 October 2021 |title=Resident Evil 4 VR version edits out several lines of dialogue |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-20-resident-evil-4-vr-version-includes-several-dialogue-cuts |access-date=20 October 2021 |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |archive-date=October 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020165711/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-10-20-resident-evil-4-vr-version-includes-several-dialogue-cuts |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=2022-04-20 |title=Resident Evil 4 VR developer on expanding Mercenaries mode and those campaign cuts |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/resident-evil-4-vr-developer-on-expanding-mercenaries-mode-and-those-campaign-cuts |website=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]] |access-date=April 23, 2022 |archive-date=April 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423231636/https://www.eurogamer.net/resident-evil-4-vr-developer-on-expanding-mercenaries-mode-and-those-campaign-cuts |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kim |first=Matt |date=2021-10-20 |title=Resident Evil 4 VR Cuts Certain Content Including Voice Lines and Animations |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-4-vr-cut-content-ashley |access-date=2022-11-02 |website=[[IGN]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |archive-date=November 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102200529/https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-4-vr-cut-content-ashley |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Merchandise ===
''Biohazard 4 Original Soundtrack'' was released in Japan on December 22, 2005. It contains 62 compositions from the game and the 48-page ''Visual Booklet'' with liner notes from composers Shusaku Uchiyama and Misao Senbongi.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Biohazard-Resident-Evil-Original-Soundtrack/dp/B000E45MOQ|title=Biohazard 4 (Resident Evil 4) Original Soundtrack|website=Amazon|access-date=September 6, 2011|archive-date=March 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110322001916/http://www.amazon.com/Biohazard-Resident-Evil-Original-Soundtrack/dp/B000E45MOQ|url-status=live}}</ref> Other merchandise included figures by [[McFarlane Toys]],<ref>{{cite news|first=Ryan |last=Brookhart |title=Ryan Brookhart has a Preview of the Hot Toys RESIDENT EVIL 4 Figures |date=October 20, 2007 |url=http://www.collider.com/clubhouse/vortex/article.asp?aid=5818&tcid=6 |work=collider.com |access-date=May 21, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004230658/http://www.collider.com/clubhouse/vortex/article.asp?aid=5818&tcid=6 |archive-date=October 4, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Daniel|last=Roswell|title=Resident Evil Figures|date=October 21, 2007|url=http://levelselect.co.uk/resident-evil-figures|work=levelselect.co.uk|access-date=May 21, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529064637/http://levelselect.co.uk/resident-evil-figures/|archive-date=May 29, 2008|df=mdy-all}}</ref> [[National Entertainment Collectibles Association|NECA]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dreadcentral.com/reviews/resident-evil-4-series-one-figures |title=Resident Evil 4: Series One (Figures) | Horror Movie, DVD, & Book Reviews, News, Interviews at Dread Central |publisher=Dreadcentral.com |date=November 22, 2005 |access-date=February 2, 2010 |archive-date=October 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011131301/http://www.dreadcentral.com/reviews/resident-evil-4-series-one-figures |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Hot Toys]].<ref>Jorge Bocanegra, [http://www.relyonhorror.com/latest-news/resident-evil-news/ada-wong-figure-joins-hot-toys%E2%80%99-resident-evil-line/ Ada Wong figure joins Hot Toys' Resident Evil line] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529234502/http://www.relyonhorror.com/latest-news/resident-evil-news/ada-wong-figure-joins-hot-toys%E2%80%99-resident-evil-line/ |date=May 29, 2016 }}, Rely on Horror, May 27, 2011</ref> [[Agatsuma Entertainment]] has also created various miniature collectibles based on several main characters and enemies from ''Resident Evil 4''.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=KingZombie.com|url=http://kingzombie.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=4|title=Agatsuma Entertainment|access-date=May 21, 2008|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305005335/http://kingzombie.com/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=4|url-status=live}}</ref> Two special controllers designed to resemble chainsaws were designed by NubyTech for use with the GameCube and PlayStation 2 versions.<ref>{{cite web|first=Gerry|last=Block|url=http://gear.ign.com/articles/666/666241p1.html|title=Dueling Chainsaws! NubyTech's GC and PS2 ''Resident Evil 4'' Chainsaws square off|website=IGN|date=November 11, 2005|access-date=September 5, 2011|archive-date=April 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414003319/http://gear.ign.com/articles/666/666241p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Reception ==
=== Reviews ===
{{Video game reviews
| MC = NGC: 96/100<ref name="MC_NGC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/resident-evil-4-2005/ |title=Resident Evil 4 for GameCube Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive|CBS Interactive Inc.]] |access-date=January 20, 2016 |archive-date=August 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120820094116/http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/resident-evil-4 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />PC: 76/100<ref name="MC_PC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/resident-evil-4-2005/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Resident Evil 4 (2005) for PC Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive|CBS Interactive Inc.]] |access-date=April 2, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402122555/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/resident-evil-4-2005 }}</ref><br />PC (''Ultimate HD Edition''): 79/100<ref name="MC_PCHD">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/resident-evil-4-hd/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Resident Evil 4: Ultimate HD Edition for PC Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive|CBS Interactive Inc.]] |access-date=March 18, 2023 |archive-date=March 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318080922/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/resident-evil-4-ultimate-hd-edition |url-status=live }}</ref><br />PS2: 96/100<ref name="MC_PS2">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/resident-evil-4/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Resident Evil 4 for PlayStation 2 Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive|CBS Interactive Inc.]] |access-date=January 20, 2016 |archive-date=June 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626001155/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/resident-evil-4 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />PS3: 84/100<ref name="MS_PS3">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/resident-evil-4-hd/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=Resident Evil 4 HD for PlayStation 3 Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive|CBS Interactive Inc.]] |access-date=January 20, 2016 |archive-date=June 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626102838/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/resident-evil-4-hd |url-status=live }}</ref><br />Wii: 91/100<ref name="MC_Wii">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/resident-evil-4-2005/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |title=Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition [...] Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive|CBS Interactive Inc.]] |access-date=January 20, 2016 |archive-date=February 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217163930/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/resident-evil-4-wii-edition |url-status=live }}</ref><br />X360: 84/100<ref name="MS_360">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/resident-evil-4-hd/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Resident Evil 4 HD for Xbox 360 Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive|CBS Interactive Inc.]] |access-date=January 20, 2016 |archive-date=June 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624060234/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/resident-evil-4-hd |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 1UP = NGC: A<ref>{{cite web|first=Shane|last=Bettenhausen|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/resident-evil-4_9|title=Review: Resident Evil 4 (GameCube)|publisher=1UP|date=February 2, 2005|access-date=March 16, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204062133/http://www.1up.com/reviews/resident-evil-4_9|archive-date=December 4, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref><br />PC: A<ref>{{cite web|first=James|last=Mielke|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/resident-evil-4_2|title=Review: Resident Evil 4 (PC)|publisher=1UP|date=June 19, 2007|access-date=March 16, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110055155/http://www.1up.com/reviews/resident-evil-4_2|archive-date=November 10, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><br />Wii: B+<ref>{{cite web|first=James|last=Mielke|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/resident-evil-4|title=Review: Resident Evil 4 (WII)|publisher=1UP|date=June 19, 2007|access-date=August 4, 2022|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128192124/http://www.1up.com/reviews/resident-evil-4|archive-date=November 28, 2011|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
| Edge = NGC: 9/10<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=March 2005 |title=''Resident Evil 4'' |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future Publishing]] |pages=76}}</ref>
| Fam = Wii: 38/40<ref name="ignfamitsu"/>
| GSpot = NGC: 9.6/10<ref name="gamespotgc"/><br />PC: 7.8/10<ref name="gamespotpc"/><br />PS2: 9.3/10<ref>Kasavin, Greg (October 24, 2005). "[http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/residentevil4/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;read-review ''Resident Evil 4'' for PlayStation 2 Review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090723075243/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/residentevil4/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;read-review |date=July 23, 2009 }}". GameSpot. Retrieved on February 5, 2009.</ref><br />Wii: 9.1/10<ref name="gamespotwii"/>
| GSpy = NGC: 5/5<ref>{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=O'Donnell|url=http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/resident-evil-4/577819p1.html|title=GameSpy: Resident Evil 4 Review (GameCube)|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|date=January 6, 2005|access-date=February 6, 2009|archive-date=February 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223153542/http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/resident-evil-4/577819p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><br />PC: 3.5/5<ref>{{cite web|first = Li|last = C. Kuo|url = http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/resident-evil-4/794657p1.html|title = GameSpy: Resident Evil 4 Review (PC)|publisher = [[GameSpy]]|date = June 6, 2007|access-date = April 18, 2012|archive-date = March 4, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304085114/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/resident-evil-4/794657p1.html|url-status = live}}</ref><br />PS2: 5/5<ref>{{cite web|first=Sterling|last=McGarvey|url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/resident-evil-4/662600p1.html|title=GameSpy: Resident Evil 4 Review (PS2)|publisher=GameSpy|date=October 28, 2005|access-date=February 6, 2009|archive-date=May 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531011750/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/resident-evil-4/662600p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><br />Wii: 5/5<ref>{{cite web|first=Bryn|last=Williams|url=http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/biohazard-umbrella-chronicles/797383p1.html|title=GameSpy: Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition Review|publisher=GameSpy|date=June 18, 2007|access-date=February 6, 2009|archive-date=June 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619054500/http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/biohazard-umbrella-chronicles/797383p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| IGN = NGC: 9.8/10<ref name="ign"/><br />PC: 7.7/10<ref name="ignpc"/><br />PS2: 9.5/10<ref>Mirabella III, Fran (October 21, 2005). "[http://ps2.ign.com/articles/660/660397p1.html Resident Evil 4 Review (PS2)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317220701/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/660/660397p1.html |date=March 17, 2016 }}". IGN. Retrieved on February 5, 2009.</ref><br />PS3: 8.5/10<ref>Audrey Drake, [http://uk.ign.com/articles/2011/09/21/resident-evil-4-hd-review Resident Evil 4 HD Review] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130126030556/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/09/21/resident-evil-4-hd-review |date=January 26, 2013 }}, IGN, September 20, 2011</ref><br />Wii: 9/10<ref name="IGN_Wii">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/06/19/resident-evil-4-wii-edition-review?page=2|title=Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition Review|last=Casamassina|first=Matt|date=June 19, 2007|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis, LLC]]|access-date=January 20, 2016|archive-date=April 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416140552/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/06/19/resident-evil-4-wii-edition-review?page=2|url-status=live}}</ref>
| NP = NGC: 10/10<ref name=nintendopower />
| OXM = X360: 9/10<ref name="oxmreview">{{cite magazine|first=Mitch|last=Dyer|title=Resident Evil 4 HD review|url=http://www.oxmonline.com/resident-evil-4-hd-review|magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine]]|date=September 20, 2011|access-date=April 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925003736/http://www.oxmonline.com/resident-evil-4-hd-review|archive-date=September 25, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| PCGUS = PC: 85/100<ref>{{cite web|first=Wes|last=Fenlon|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/resident-evil-4-hd-review/|title=Resident Evil 4 HD review|website=[[PC Gamer]]|date=February 28, 2014|access-date=March 31, 2023|archive-date=February 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220120353/https://www.pcgamer.com/resident-evil-4-hd-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
The GameCube and PlayStation 2 versions of ''Resident Evil 4'' have a score of 96/100 on [[Metacritic]], indicating "universal acclaim".<ref name="MC_NGC"/><ref name="MC_PS2"/> These versions have [[2005 in video games#Critically acclaimed games|the top ranking on Metacritic's list of the Best Video Games for 2005]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Best Video Games for 2005 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/browse/game/?releaseYearMin=2005&releaseYearMax=2005&page=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219074341/https://www.metacritic.com/browse/game/?releaseYearMin=2005&releaseYearMax=2005&page=1 |archive-date=December 19, 2024 |access-date=December 19, 2024 |website=Metacritic}}</ref> In addition to the gameplay, the characters and story received positive commentary, leading to the finished product being deemed by most as [[List of video games considered the best|one of the best video games ever made]]. ''[[GameSpot]]''{{'}}s [[Greg Kasavin]] praised the voice acting, but claimed that it was betrayed by "some uncharacteristically goofy dialogue".<ref name="gamespotgc">{{cite web|first=Greg |last=Kasavin |title=Resident Evil 4 for GameCube Review|date=January 10, 2005|website=[[GameSpot]]|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/adventure/residentevil4/review.html|access-date=May 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050206033150/http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/adventure/residentevil4/review.html|archive-date=February 6, 2005}}</ref> ''[[Yahoo Games|Yahoo! Games]]''{{'}} Adam Pavlacka and ''GameSpot''{{'}}s Kevin VanOrd acclaimed Capcom for adding great amounts of detail to the characters.<ref name="gamespotwii">{{cite web|first=Kevin|last=VanOrd|title=Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition|date=June 19, 2007|website=[[GameSpot]]|url=http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/residentevil4/review.html|access-date=May 18, 2008|archive-date=October 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111010193810/http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/residentevil4/review.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Adam|last=Pavlacka|title=Resident Evil 4 (PS2)|date=October 27, 2005|publisher=[[Yahoo! Games]]|url=http://videogames.yahoo.com/ps2/resident-evil-4/review-408114|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216071443/http://videogames.yahoo.com/ps2/resident-evil-4/review-408114|archive-date=December 16, 2008 |access-date=May 18, 2008}}</ref> ''[[IGN]]''{{'}}s [[Matt Casamassina]] went into further detail in his review for ''Resident Evil 4'', praising not only the detailed character design but also the [[Stage combat|fight choreography]] and three-dimensional modeling within cinematic sequences.<ref name="ign">{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Casamassina|title=IGN: Resident Evil 4 Review|date=January 7, 2005|website=IGN|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/577/577841p1.html|access-date=May 17, 2008|archive-date=May 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517002822/http://cube.ign.com/articles/577/577841p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Casamassina also complimented the voice actors, especially [[Paul Mercier (actor)|Paul Mercier]] (Leon), commenting, "For once, the characters are believable because Capcom has hired competent actors to supply their voices. Leon in particular is very well produced".<ref name="ign"/> ''IGN'' and ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' specifically recognized ''Resident Evil 4''{{'}}s character design and voice acting. The increased variety of weapons has been praised by gaming publications such as ''[[GamePro]]''<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/48779/resident-evil-4-weapons-of-mass-destruction-guide/|title=Feature: ''Resident Evil 4'' – Weapons of Mass Destruction Guide|magazine=[[GamePro]]|date=May 10, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221132424/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/48779/resident-evil-4-weapons-of-mass-destruction-guide/|archive-date=December 21, 2008}}</ref> and ''Game Over Online''.<ref name="Review of Resident Evil 4">{{cite web|first=Thomas|last=Wilde|url=http://www.game-over.net/reviews.php?page=gamecubereviews&id=92|title=Review of ''Resident Evil 4''|publisher=Game Over Online Magazine|date=February 14, 2005|access-date=September 6, 2011|archive-date=November 13, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051113070345/http://www.game-over.net/reviews.php?page=gamecubereviews&id=92|url-status=live}}</ref> [[G4 (American TV network)|G4]] television program ''[[Xplay|X-Play]]'' gave it a 5 out of 5, for introducing a new style of gameplay for the series as well as incorporating moments where the player would have to interact with the cut scenes. Not long after, it was awarded as the best game ever reviewed on the show.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Adam |last1=Sessler |first2=Morgan |last2=Webb |title=Review of Resident Evil 4 (GameCube) |date=February 1, 2005 |publisher=[[X-Play]] |url=http://www.g4tv.com/videos/9020/x-play-review-resident-evil-4 |access-date=February 27, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310131106/http://www.g4tv.com/videos/9020/x-play-review-resident-evil-4/ |archive-date=March 10, 2013 }}</ref> The makers of ''Resident Evil 4'' worked on various innovations associated with the use and inventory of weapons.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/568/568644p1.html|title=''Resident Evil 4'': Capcom reveals a ton of new details on weapon upgrades, the new inventory system, controlling Ashley and more|website=IGN|date=November 23, 2004|access-date=September 6, 2011|archive-date=April 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403025901/http://cube.ign.com/articles/568/568644p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Game Over'' stated that players can use the vast array of weapons to "go for headshots now".<ref name="Review of Resident Evil 4"/> ''[[Game Informer]]'' stated that ammunition is more plentiful in ''Resident Evil 4'' than in other games in the series, making it more action-oriented.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Chris |last=Cook|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200501/N05.0110.1105.14613.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080520060756/http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200501/N05.0110.1105.14613.htm|archive-date=May 20, 2008|title=''Resident Evil 4'' Hands-On Impressions And Movies|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|url-status=dead |date=January 10, 2005}}</ref>
The ratings of the PC port, along with the ''Ultimate HD Edition'' release, were not as high as for the other versions. The original PC port was criticized for no [[Computer mouse|mouse]] support and frustrating keyboard controls, low-quality [[Full-motion video|FMV]] [[cutscene]]s, and choppy lightning graphics rendering. Despite these problems, it received generally positive reviews from critics,<ref name="MC_PC"/> including ''IGN'' and ''GameSpot'', which praised the gameplay, character models and environments, and sound design.<ref name="gamespotpc">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/residentevil4/review.html|title=Resident Evil 4 PC review|last=Vanord|first=Kevin|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=May 22, 2007|access-date=August 19, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011061334/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/residentevil4/review.html|archive-date=October 11, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="ignpc">Onyett, Charles (May 25, 2007)."[https://web.archive.org/web/20070528213922/http://pc.ign.com/articles/791/791951p1.html Resident Evil 4 Review (PC)]". IGN. Retrieved on February 5, 2009.</ref> ''[[Mandatory (company)|GameRevolution]]'' referred to the game's ''Ultimate HD Edition'' as "a bare-bones port of a nonetheless spectacular game", noting "minor superficial alterations" similar to the 2007 PC port and asserting that the true "Ultimate Edition" of ''Resident Evil 4'' is the Wii version.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/resident-evil-4-ultimate-hd-edition|title=Resident Evil 4 Ultimate HD Edition Review|website=GameRevolution|url-status=dead|access-date=March 31, 2023|archive-date=September 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919090628/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/resident-evil-4-ultimate-hd-edition}}</ref> Japanese game magazine ''[[Famitsu]]'' reviewed the Wii version, with two editors giving it a perfect 10 score, and the remaining pair giving it a 9, resulting in a score of 38 out of 40. The reviewers felt that the new controls offer something fresh. Multiple reviewers agreed that even those who own the original will find something fun and enjoyable in this version.<ref name="ignfamitsu">{{cite web|url=http://wii.ign.com/articles/790/790232p1.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070523233343/http://wii.ign.com/articles/790/790232p1.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 23, 2007|title=Famitsu Reviews RE4 Wii|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop |website=IGN|date=May 21, 2007|access-date=May 21, 2007}}</ref> British magazine ''[[Nintendo Gamer|NGamer]]'' gave the ''Wii Edition'' a score of 96%,<ref name="MC_Wii"/> slightly lower than the 97% given to the GameCube version. They praised the visuals, controls, and features and commented on the fact that such an "exceptional package" was on sale for a low price; however, when writing about the Wii controls, they said, "if you've played the GC version this won't be as special". ''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]'' gave the Wii version 94%, 3% less than the original due to it simply not having the same impact it did back then.<ref name="ONMwii">[http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/2264/reviewsresident-evil-4-wii-edition-review/ Review: Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition], ''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]'', January 4, 2008. Retrieved on February 5, 2009. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104002544/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/2264/reviewsresident-evil-4-wii-edition-review/ |date=January 4, 2012 }}</ref> In 2009, they went on to place the game 9th on a list of the greatest Nintendo games of all time.<ref name="100-ONM">{{cite web|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/7327/features/100-best-nintendo-games-part-6/ |title=100 Best Nintendo Games – Part Six |work=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |first=Tom |last=East |access-date=September 9, 2022 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110220232113/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/7327/features/100-best-nintendo-games-part-6 |archive-date=February 20, 2011 }}</ref> ''IGN'' praised the Wii version, stating it is the superior edition, but does not push the Wii like it did with GameCube and PS2.<ref name="IGN_Wii"/> ''GameSpot'' praised the new controls of the ''Wii Edition'' but commented on the lack of exclusive Wii features.<ref name="gamespotwii"/> ''[[Hyper (magazine)|Hyper]]''{{'}}s Jonti Davies commended ''Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition'' for its "visual improvements" but criticized it for having "no new content".<ref>{{cite journal|last=Davies|first=Jonti|date=August 2007|title=Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition |journal=[[Hyper (magazine)|Hyper]]|publisher=[[Next Media]]|issue=166|pages=60, 61|issn=1320-7458}}</ref> The PS3 version of ''Resident Evil 4 HD'' received a score of 9.0 from ''[[Destructoid]]'', which called it "a hallmark of excellence".<ref>Jonathan Holmes, [http://www.destructoid.com/review-resident-evil-4-hd-211686.phtml Resident Evil 4 HD] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327174903/http://www.destructoid.com/review-resident-evil-4-hd-211686.phtml |date=March 27, 2016 }}, Destructoid, September 20, 2011</ref> In their October 2013 issue, ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' retroactively awarded it ten out of ten.<ref name="edgeten">{{cite magazine |date=September 18, 2013 |title=The ten amendments: we crown seven games from the last 20 years of Edge with a retrospective 10 |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/the-ten-amendments-we-crown-seven-games-from-the-last-20-years-of-edge-with-a-retrospective-10/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921110632/http://www.edge-online.com/features/the-ten-amendments-we-crown-seven-games-from-the-last-20-years-of-edge-with-a-retrospective-10 |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |access-date=February 22, 2014 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future Publishing]]}}</ref>
==
''Resident Evil 4'' was named [[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year]] by multiple publications, including ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'',<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Edge Awards 2005 |date=January 2006 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |volume=158}}</ref> ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'',<ref>{{cite magazine |title=EGM's 2005 Games of the Year |date=March 2006 |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |page=82 |volume=201 |url=https://archive.org/details/electronicgamingmonthlyvol201march2006600dpi/Electronic%20Gaming%20Monthly%20Vol.%20201%20%28March%202006%29%20%28Searchable%29/page/n93/mode/2up}}</ref> ''[[GameTrailers]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/top-ten-gt-countdown/8750 |title=GameTrailers Game of the Year 2005 |publisher=Gametrailers.com |date=25 July 2006 |access-date=31 July 2012 |archive-date=29 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129223057/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/top-ten-gt-countdown/8750 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''[[Game Informer]]'',<ref name=gameinformer>{{cite magazine|title=Resident Evil 4|magazine=Game Informer|date=March 2005 |page=134}}</ref> ''[[GamePro]]'', ''[[Mandatory (company)|GameRevolution]]'', the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'', and the ''[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]''. The game was also included in lists of the best games of 2005 by various media outlets, including ''[[List of manga magazines published outside Japan|Play]]'', the ''[[Associated Press]]'', [[Universal Press Syndicate]], ''[[The Mercury News]]'', ''[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]]'', ''[[Sound & Vision (magazine)|Sound & Vision]]'', ''[[The News Tribune]]'', the ''[[Hartford Courant]]'', and ''[[The Oregonian]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 31, 2006 |archive-date=2006-02-06 |title=Capcom's Resident Evil 4 achieves Player's Choice status and earns numerous "Game of the Year" Accolades - GameCube News |url=http://gamecube.gamezone.com/news/01_31_06_11_01AM.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060206020242/http://gamecube.gamezone.com/news/01_31_06_11_01AM.htm |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=GameZone |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[GameSpy]] labeled it the GameCube Game of the Year,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://goty.gamespy.com/2005/cube/index14.html |title=GameCube Winners Recap |website=[[GameSpy]] |access-date=2023-04-12 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 30, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060130043147/http://goty.gamespy.com/2005/cube/index14.html }}</ref> the second PlayStation 2 Game of the Year (behind ''[[God of War (2005 video game)|God of War]]'')<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://goty.gamespy.com/2005/ps2/index20.html |title=PlayStation 2 Winners Recap |website=[[GameSpy]] |access-date=2023-04-12 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 6, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060106052242/http://goty.gamespy.com/2005/ps2/index20.html }}</ref> and the second Game of the Year (behind ''[[Civilization IV]]'').<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://goty.gamespy.com/2005/overall/index9.html |title=Resident Evil 4 (GCN) |website=[[GameSpy]] |access-date=2023-04-12 |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 3, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103193353/http://goty.gamespy.com/2005/overall/index9.html }}</ref> ''[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine|PlayStation Magazine]]'' also labeled it the second Game of the Year, in addition to Best Graphics and Most Improved Sequel.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=2005's Best Games - The PSM 10 |date=February 2006 |magazine=[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine|PSM]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |page=36 |volume=107 |url=https://archive.org/details/psm-107-2006/page/n37/mode/2up}}</ref> At the [[GameSpot|''GameSpot''{{'}}s Best of 2005 Awards]], ''Resident Evil 4'' was chosen Game of the Year,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pages/features/bestof2005/index.php?day=6&page=1 |title=GameSpot's Best of 2005 - Game of the Year |publisher=GameSpot |access-date=31 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070105020203/http://www.gamespot.com/pages/features/bestof2005/index.php?day=6&page=1 |archive-date=5 January 2007 }}</ref> Best GameCube Game,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pages/features/bestof2005/index.php?day=5&page=4 |title=GameSpot's Best of 2005 - Platform Awards |publisher=GameSpot |access-date=10 April 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930222500/http://www.gamespot.com/pages/features/bestof2005/index.php?day=5&page=4 |archive-date=30 September 2007 }}</ref> Best Action Adventure Game,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pages/features/bestof2005/index.php?day=4&page=1 |title=GameSpot's Best of 2005 - Genre Awards |publisher=GameSpot |access-date=10 April 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930223201/http://www.gamespot.com/pages/features/bestof2005/index.php?day=4&page=1 |archive-date=30 September 2007 }}</ref> and Most Improved Sequel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pages/features/bestof2005/index.php?day=2&page=22 |title=GameSpot's Best of 2005 - Special Achievement Awards |publisher=GameSpot |access-date=10 April 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112142119/http://www.gamespot.com/pages/features/bestof2005/index.php?day=2&page=22 |archive-date=12 November 2012 }}</ref> It won Game of the Year, Best Action Game, Best Graphics Technology, Best Artistic Design, Best Original Score, and Best Use of Sound in the GameCube division of [[IGN#IGN 'Best of' awards|''IGN''{{'}}s The Best of 2005 Awards]],<ref>{{cite web|title=The Best of 2005 |website=IGN |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2005/cube |access-date=May 28, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517125059/http://bestof.ign.com/2005/cube/ |archive-date=May 17, 2008 }}</ref> where it also won Overall – Best Graphics Technology award,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2005/overall/13.html |title=IGN Overall Best Graphics Technology |website=IGN |access-date=March 1, 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206074538/http://bestof.ign.com/2005/overall/13.html }}</ref> as well as being a runner-up in the Overall – Game of the Year and Overall – Best Action Game categories.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestof.ign.com/2005/overall/25.html |title=IGN Overall Game of the Year 2005 |website=IGN |access-date=March 1, 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206114833/http://bestof.ign.com/2005/overall/25.html |archive-date= 6 December 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://bestof.ign.com/2005/overall/1.html |title=IGN Overall Best Action Game |website=IGN |access-date=March 1, 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131201060736/http://bestof.ign.com/2005/overall/1.html }}</ref> The game was ''[[1Up Network|1UP Awards]]''{{'}} Game of the Year and Best Action Game winner.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/resident-evil-4-nabs-game-of-year-award/ |title='Resident Evil 4' nabs game-of-year award |website=[[CNET]] |access-date=2023-03-17 |archive-date=2022-06-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610235511/https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/resident-evil-4-nabs-game-of-year-award/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It went on to win Game of the Year 2005,<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2006 |archive-date=2006-02-10 |title=GameZone.com - Best Games of 2005 - Games of the Year |url=http://www.gamezone.com/goty/goty2005_oa_win.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060210130622/http://www.gamezone.com/goty/goty2005_oa_win.htm |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=GameZone |url-status=dead}}</ref> Best Horror Game of the Year 2005,<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2006 |archive-date=2006-01-12 |title=GameZone.com - Best Games of 2005 - Games of the Year |url=http://www.gamezone.com/goty/goty2005_sa_hor.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060112170352/http://www.gamezone.com/goty/goty2005_sa_hor.htm |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=GameZone |url-status=dead}}</ref> GameCube Game of the Year 2005,<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2006 |archive-date=2006-01-11 |title=GameZone.com - Best Games of 2005 - Games of the Year |url=http://www.gamezone.com/goty/goty2005_GC_win.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060111072609/http://www.gamezone.com/goty/goty2005_GC_win.htm |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=GameZone |url-status=dead}}</ref> and GameCube Action Game of the Year 2005 awards,<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2006 |archive-date=2006-01-06 |title=GameZone.com - Best Games of 2005 - Games of the Year |url=http://www.gamezone.com/goty/goty2005_gc_act.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060106084730/http://www.gamezone.com/goty/goty2005_gc_act.htm |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=GameZone |url-status=dead}}</ref> and was a runner-up in PlayStation 2 Game of the Year 2005<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2006 |archive-date=2006-02-10 |title=GameZone.com - Best Games of 2005 - Games of the Year |url=http://www.gamezone.com/goty/goty2005_ps2.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060210130729/http://www.gamezone.com/goty/goty2005_ps2.htm |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=GameZone |url-status=dead}}</ref> and PlayStation 2 Action Game of the Year 2005 classifications<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2006 |archive-date=2006-01-11 |title=GameZone.com - Best Games of 2005 - Games of the Year |url=http://www.gamezone.com/goty/goty2005_ps2_act.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060111052931/http://www.gamezone.com/goty/goty2005_ps2_act.htm |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=GameZone |url-status=dead}}</ref> at ''GameZone''{{'}}s Game of the Year Awards. ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' awarded ''Resident Evil 4'' Game of the Year, Best Adventure Game, Game of the Year – GameCube, Best Graphics – GameCube, Best Sound / Voice Acting at its awards show.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=2005 Nintendo Power Awards|magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]|volume=203|pages=52–58|date=May 2006}}</ref> During the ''Nintendojo''{{'}}s Best of 2005 Awards, the game received recognition as the runner-up for Best Gameplay Innovation<ref>{{Cite web |archive-date=2006-05-05 |title=Best of 2005 Awards Part 1 |url=http://www.nintendojo.com/specials/view_item.php?1138783114 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060505030413/http://www.nintendojo.com/specials/view_item.php?1138783114 |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=Nintendojo |url-status=dead}}</ref> and Most Engrossing Game.<ref>{{Cite web |archive-date=2006-05-05 |title=Best of 2005 Awards Part 2 |url=http://www.nintendojo.com/specials/view_item.php?1138922826 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060505030606/http://www.nintendojo.com/specials/view_item.php?1138922826 |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=Nintendojo |url-status=dead}}</ref> Additionally, it emerged victorious in the categories of Best Game, Period.,<ref>{{Cite web |archive-date=2006-05-05 |title=Best of 2005 Awards Part 3: Best, Period |url=http://www.nintendojo.com/specials/view_item.php?1139215027 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060505030506/http://www.nintendojo.com/specials/view_item.php?1139215027 |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=Nintendojo |url-status=dead}}</ref> Best GameCube Visuals, Best GameCube Gameplay, and Best GameCube Overall.<ref>{{Cite web |archive-date=2006-05-05 |title=Best of 2005 Awards Part 3: GC |url=http://www.nintendojo.com/specials/view_item.php?1139215047 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060505030426/http://www.nintendojo.com/specials/view_item.php?1139215047 |access-date=2023-06-08 |website=Nintendojo |url-status=dead}}</ref> At the ''PALGN'' Awards, the game achieved success by securing the titles of Action Game of the Year for 2005 and GameCube Game of the Year for 2005, while also attaining the title of Overall Game of the Year for 2005. In the category of PlayStation 2 Game of the Year for 2005, the game earned the recognition of a runner-up position.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=3631&sid=fa2e03a29c214eba2260cab4c7942fa2 |archive-date=2006-06-24 |title=PALGN's 2005 Staff Game of the Year awards |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060624075550/http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=3631&sid=fa2e03a29c214eba2260cab4c7942fa2 |access-date=2023-06-07 |website=PAL Gaming Network |date=2006-01-10 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
The [[virtual reality]] port of ''Resident Evil 4'' was named VR/AR Game of the Year at [[The Game Awards 2021]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Adam|first=Bankhurst|title=The Game Awards 2021 Winners: The Full List|date=November 2021|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-game-awards-2021-winners-revealed|language=en|access-date=2021-12-10|archive-date=December 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210023936/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-game-awards-2021-winners-revealed|url-status=live|website=IGN}}</ref> and was also named XR Game of the Year at the [[SXSW Gaming Awards]].<ref name="winners 2022">{{cite web |last=Watkins |first=Gary |date=March 12, 2022 |title=2022 SXSW Gaming Awards Winners Announced |url=https://www.sxsw.com/news/2022/2022-sxsw-gaming-awards-winners-announced/ |access-date=April 3, 2022 |work=[[South by Southwest]] |archive-date=March 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314092223/https://www.sxsw.com/news/2022/2022-sxsw-gaming-awards-winners-announced/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the [[New York Game Awards#11th (2022)|11th New York Game Awards]], the game won Best AR/VR Game and Best Remake.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ankers-Range |first=Adele |date=2022-02-02 |title=New York Game Awards 2022 Winners Announced |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/new-york-game-awards-2022-winners-announced |access-date=2023-04-15 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=February 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202203413/https://www.ign.com/articles/new-york-game-awards-2022-winners-announced |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Resident Evil 4 VR'' was nominated for [[D.I.C.E. Award for Immersive Reality Game of the Year|Immersive Reality Game of the Year]] and [[D.I.C.E. Award for Immersive Reality Technical Achievement|Immersive Reality Technical Achievement]] at the [[25th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bankhurst |first1=Adam |title=DICE Awards 2022 Winners: The Full List |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/dice-awards-2022-how-to-watch-all-the-nominees-and-what-to-expect-winners |website=IGN |date=February 25, 2022 |access-date=15 March 2022 |archive-date=February 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225063731/https://www.ign.com/articles/dice-awards-2022-how-to-watch-all-the-nominees-and-what-to-expect-winners |url-status=live }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year !! Award !! Category !! Result !! {{Abbr|Ref(s).|Reference(s)}}
|-
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="4" | 2004
| [[Japan Game Awards#The 8th CESA Game Awards (2003~2004)|CESA Game Awards]]
| Future Award for Excellence
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://awards.cesa.or.jp/2004/english/prizelist/ |title=CESA GAME AWARDS == Awarded Games == |website=[[Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association]] |access-date=2023-03-18 |url-status=live |archive-date=March 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318074543/https://awards.cesa.or.jp/2004/english/prizelist/ }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Game Critics Awards]]
| Best Console Game
| {{Nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2" | <ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2004nominees.html |title=Game Critics Awards |website=[[Game Critics Awards]] |access-date=2020-04-23 |archive-date=2020-02-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217185526/http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2004nominees.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| Best Action/Adventure Game
| {{Nom}}
|-
| [[Golden Joystick Awards#2004|Golden Joystick Awards]]
| Most Wanted Game for 2005
| {{draw|Runner-up}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=Andrew |date=5 November 2004 |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/golden-joystick-awards-announces-2004-winners |title=Golden Joystick Awards Announces 2004 Winners |website=[[Gamasutra]] |access-date=5 November 2005 |archive-date=5 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205195351/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/95479/Golden_Joystick_Awards_Announces_2004_Winners.php |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="7" | 2005
| [[Japan Game Awards#The 9th CESA Game Awards (2004~2005)|CESA Game Awards]]
| Award for Excellence
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://awards.cesa.or.jp/2005/english/game.html |title=9th CESA GAME AWARDS {{!}} Awarded Games |website=[[Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association]] |access-date=2020-04-23 |archive-date=2021-04-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418015617/https://awards.cesa.or.jp/2005/english/game.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="3" | [[Golden Joystick Awards#2005|Golden Joystick Awards]]
| GameCube Game of the Year
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="3" | <ref>{{cite web |first=Mike |last=Anderiesz |date=10 November 2005 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2005/nov/10/games.guardianweeklytechnologysection1 |title=Golden Joystick awards: Winners and losers |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=18 March 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=March 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318074525/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2005/nov/10/games.guardianweeklytechnologysection1 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Tim |last=Surette |date=17 November 2005 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-sticks-it-to-uk-awards-show/1100-6139209/ |title=GTA 'sticks it to UK awards show |publisher=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=18 March 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=March 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318074542/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-sticks-it-to-uk-awards-show/1100-6139209/ }}</ref>
|-
| Editor's Game of the Year
| {{Won}}
|-
| Best Film-Based Game of 2005
| {{Won}}
|-
| rowspan="3" | [[Spike Video Game Awards#2005 Awards|Spike Video Game Awards]]
| Game of the Year
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="3" | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/re4-named-game-of-year-at-spike-awards/1100-6140144/|title=RE4 named Game of Year at Spike Awards|last=Sinclair|first=Brendan|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=November 19, 2005|accessdate=January 28, 2007|archive-date=November 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105054503/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/re4-named-game-of-year-at-spike-awards/1100-6140144/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Action Game of the Year
| {{Nom}}
|-
| Best Graphics
| {{Won}}
|-
| rowspan="6" style="text-align:center;" | 2006
| [[33rd Annie Awards|Annie Awards]]
| [[Annie Award for Best Animated Video Game|Best Animated Video Game]]
| {{Nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/99009/Ultimate_SpiderMan_Gets_Annie_Award_Game_Nod.php |title=Ultimate Spider-Man Gets Annie Award Game Nod |website=[[Game Developer (website)|Game Developer]] |date=February 6, 2006 |access-date=2020-04-23 |archive-date=2021-08-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210824101200/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/99009/Ultimate_SpiderMan_Gets_Annie_Award_Game_Nod.php |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="33rd Annie Awards">{{cite web | url = http://annieawards.org/33rd-annie-awards | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130102053019/http://annieawards.org/33rd-annie-awards | title = Annie Awards :: 33rd Annie Awards | archive-date = January 2, 2013 | accessdate = May 10, 2022}}</ref>
|-
| [[Famitsu scores#Famitsu Awards|''Famitsu'' Awards]]
| Grand Prize
| {{Won}}{{efn|Shared with ''[[Kingdom Hearts II]]''}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2006/04/21/103,1145605197,52094,0,0.html|title="Famitsu Awards 2005"大賞は『キングダム ハーツII』と『バイオハザード4』!!|trans-title="Famitsu Awards 2005" prize "Kingdom Hearts II" and "Resident Evil 4"!|publisher=[[Famitsu]]|access-date=January 28, 2007|language=ja|archive-date=April 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409144813/http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2006/04/21/103,1145605197,52094,0,0.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| [[Game Developers Choice Awards]]
| Visual Arts
| {{Nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web|first=Brendan |last=Sinclair |title=IGDA award nominees announced |date=February 27, 2006 |website=[[GameSpot]] |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/wandaandthecolossus/news.html?sid=6144972&cpage=2 |accessdate=May 28, 2008 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090804185449/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/wandaandthecolossus/news.html?sid=6144972&cpage=2 |archivedate=August 4, 2009 }}</ref><ref name="GDCAAwards-Mar2006">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_6th.html|title=Game Developers Choice Online Awards {{!}} 6th Annual GDCA|website=[[Game Developers Choice Awards]]|accessdate=23 April 2020|archive-date=22 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422193221/https://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_6th.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Thorsen |first=Tor |year=2006 |title=Colossus casts shadow over GDC Awards |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/wandaandthecolossus/news.html?sid=6146480 |website=[[GameSpot]] |accessdate=July 30, 2006 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070911091454/http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/adventure/wandaandthecolossus/news.html?sid=6146480 |archivedate=September 11, 2007 }}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" | [[Golden Joystick Awards]]
| Playstation Game of the Year
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2" | <ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2006/08/golden_joystick_awards_2006_nominees |title=Golden Joystick Awards 2006 Nominees |website=[[Gamer Network|Nintendo Life]] |date=August 6, 2006 |access-date=2020-04-23 |archive-date=2022-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406151153/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2006/08/golden_joystick_awards_2006_nominees |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/uk-golden-joystick-awards-winners-announced |title=UK Golden Joystick Awards Winners Announced |website=[[Game Developer (website)|Game Developer]] |date=October 27, 2006 |access-date=2020-04-23 |archive-date=2013-11-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114154449/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/102407/UK_Golden_Joystick_Awards_Winners_Announced.php |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| [[Golden Joystick Award for Game of the Year|Ultimate Game of 2006]]
| {{Nom}}
|-
| [[32nd Saturn Awards|Saturn Awards]]
| Best Video Game Release: Horror
| {{Won}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="Carless-Feb2006">{{cite web|last=Carless|first=Simon|date=16 February 2006|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/saturn-awards-nominate-sci-fi-fantasy-horror-games|title=Saturn Awards Nominate Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror Games|website=[[Gamasutra]]|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200412222517/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/99152/Saturn_Awards_Nominate_SciFi_Fantasy_Horror_Games.php|archive-date=12 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.awn.com/news/batman-kong-top-saturn-awards |title=Batman, Kong Top Saturn Awards |website=[[Animation World Network]] |access-date=2020-04-23 |archive-date=2022-05-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529173221/https://www.awn.com/news/batman-kong-top-saturn-awards |url-status=live }}</ref>
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The GameCube version sold over 320,000 copies in North America during the first twenty days. The European release sold its entire 200,000 copies during the first month. By December 2005, 3 million copies of the GameCube and PlayStation 2 versions had been shipped worldwide.<ref>{{cite news |title=Press Release 2006 |url=https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/news/html/e060424.html |access-date=13 November 2021 |work=[[Capcom]] |date=April 24, 2006 |archive-date=November 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113173724/https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/news/html/e060424.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/news/html/e060208a.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061208145426/http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/news/html/e060208a.html|archive-date=December 8, 2006|title=The Latest Installment in Capcom's Hit Resident Evil Series "Resident Evil 4" Ships 3 Million!|publisher=[[Capcom]]|access-date=January 28, 2007}}</ref> According to January 17, 2007 sales figures provided by Capcom, the GameCube version of ''Resident Evil 4'' had sold a total of 1.6 million copies worldwide, while the PS2 version had sold over 2 million copies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/data/million.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070621040246/http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/data/million.html |archive-date=June 21, 2007|title=Platinum Titles|publisher=[[Capcom]]|access-date=July 12, 2007}}</ref> As of March 2025, ''Resident Evil 4'' has sold 14.7 million units when combining all versions.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-31 |title=Platinum Titles {{!}}Product Data {{!}} CAPCOM |url=https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/business/million.html |access-date=2023-05-21 |website=www.capcom.co.jp |language=en-US |archive-date=July 14, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080714022921/http://ir.capcom.co.jp/english/data/million.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It holds the record for "Best-Selling Survival Horror Game" in the 2012 [[Guinness_World_Records#Gamer's_edition|''Guinness World Records'' Gamer's Edition]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Reeves|first=Ben|title=Guinness World Records 2012 Gamer's Edition Preview|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/12/30/guinness-world-records-2012-gamer-s-edition-preview.aspx|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|access-date=December 31, 2011|date=December 30, 2011|archive-date=February 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225131323/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/12/30/guinness-world-records-2012-gamer-s-edition-preview.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Legacy ==
''Resident Evil 4'' is considered [[List of video games considered the best#2005|one of the best video games of all time]]. It is included in the reference book ''[[1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die]]'' (2014).<ref>{{Cite web |archive-date=2014-07-13 |title=1001 Video Games to Play Before You Die |url=http://1001beforeyoudie.com/1001_video_games_uk.html |access-date=2023-06-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713145009/http://1001beforeyoudie.com/1001_video_games_uk.html |website=1001 Before You Die |url-status=dead}}</ref> ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' ranked it as number one in their list of the top 25 best GameCube games of all time in 2005<ref name=nintendopower>{{cite magazine|title=Resident Evil 4|magazine=Nintendo Power|date=March 2005 |page=105}}</ref> and also ranked it second on their list of the best games of the 2000s in 2010.<ref>{{cite magazine |title= The Best of the Decade |magazine=Nintendo Power |issue=252 |page=76 |date=March 2010}}</ref> In 2008, ''Resident Evil 4'' was ranked first place in the list of the best video games of all time according to the readers of ''IGN'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://microsites.ign.com/kfc/top99games/10.html|title=Top 99 Games of All Time|access-date=September 11, 2008|website=IGN|archive-date=April 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419001118/http://microsites.ign.com/kfc/top99games/10.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and sixth place in the list of the best PlayStation 2 games of all time according to the ''IGN'' staff.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/14/top-25-ps2-games |title=Top 25 PS2 Games |website=IGN |date=November 14, 2008 |access-date=April 25, 2023 |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123174155/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/11/14/top-25-ps2-games |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2021, ''IGN'' ranked the game as the 40th best game of all time.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-best-100-video-games-of-all-time |title=The Top 100 Video Games of All Time |website=IGN |date=December 31, 2021 |access-date=April 25, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231162533/https://www.ign.com/articles/the-best-100-video-games-of-all-time |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2009, ''Game Informer'' ranked ''Resident Evil 4'' number one on their list of top GameCube games<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2009/09/22/feature-gamecube-top-25-list.aspx|title=GameCube's Top 25 Games|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=December 14, 2012|archive-date=May 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531081309/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2009/09/22/feature-gamecube-top-25-list.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> and number three on their list of top PlayStation 2 games.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2009/09/27/playstation-2-top-25-games.aspx|title=PlayStation 2: The Games That Defined a Generation|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=December 14, 2012|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304102012/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2009/09/27/playstation-2-top-25-games.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2022, ''[[Complex Networks#Complex|Complex]]'' magazine named it the tenth-best PlayStation 2 game of all time.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/the-50-best-ps2-games-ever/resident-evil-4 |title=50 Best PS2 Games of All Time: Top Classic Video Games Ever Made |date=October 3, 2022 |publisher=Complex Media |work=[[Complex.com]] |access-date=April 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221226180337/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/the-50-best-ps2-games-ever/resident-evil-4 |archive-date=December 26, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''GamePro'' ranked it as the second best game for the PS2.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101223173809/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/205783/the-36-best-ps2-games-page-5-of-5 The 36 Best PS2 Games, page 5, Feature Story from GamePro]</ref> In 2010, the readers of ''[[PlayStation Official Magazine – UK|PlayStation Official Magazine]]'' voted it the 10th greatest [[PlayStation]] game.<ref>PlayStation Official Magazine issue 50, [[Future plc|Future Publishing]], October 2010</ref> In 2007, ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' ranked the game at second place in its list of top games of all time, behind only ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time]]'' (1998).<ref>{{cite magazine|title=EDGE'S TOP 100 GAMES OF ALL TIME|url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/edges-top-100-games-all-time?page=10|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|access-date=January 28, 2012|date=July 2, 2007|page=10|archive-date=June 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625074957/http://www.edge-online.com/features/edges-top-100-games-all-time?page=10|url-status=live}}</ref> That same year, ''[[G4 (American TV network)|G4]]'' named it the 21st top video game of all time, calling it "a modern horror masterpiece."<ref>[http://www.g4tv.com/videos/59352/top-100-video-games-of-all-time-21-resident-evil-4/ Top 100 Video Games of All Time #21 – Resident Evil 4 – G4tv.com] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310120740/http://www.g4tv.com/videos/59352/top-100-video-games-of-all-time-21-resident-evil-4/ |date=March 10, 2013 }}</ref> In 2015, it placed 7th on USgamer's The 15 Best Games Since 2000 list.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Williams|first1=Mike|title=The 15 Best Games Since 2000, Number 7: Resident Evil 4|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-15-best-games-since-2000-number-7-resident-evil-4|website=USgamer|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=August 1, 2015|date=July 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801143825/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-15-best-games-since-2000-number-7-resident-evil-4|archive-date=August 1, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In early 2006, in their 200th issue, ''Nintendo Power'' ranked it in second place in their Top 200 Games of all-time list, also behind only ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time''.<ref name=np>{{cite magazine |title=NP TOP 200: Countdown Concludes with the Final 40|issue=200 |magazine=Nintendo Power |date=February 2006 |page=65}}</ref> In 2025, ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' named it the 27th-greatest game.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=June 2025 |title=The 50 Greatest Video Games of All Time |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/rs-gaming-lists/best-video-games-of-all-time-1235215978/ |url-status=live |access-date=2025-04-23 |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]}}</ref>
''Resident Evil 4'' is regarded as one of the most influential games of the [[2000s in video games|2000s]], particularly due to its influence in redefining the [[third-person shooter]] genre<ref name=nationalpost>{{cite web|title=Decade in Review: The most influential video games since Y2K|date=December 30, 2009|first=Daniel|last=Kaszor|work=National Post |___location=Canada |url=http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/theampersand/archive/2009/12/30/370674.aspx|archive-url=https://archive.today/20100609234921/http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/theampersand/archive/2009/12/30/370674.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 9, 2010|access-date=January 24, 2010}}</ref> by introducing offset camera angles that do not obscure action.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dobson|first=Jason|date=March 12, 2007|title=Post-GDC: Cliff Bleszinski Says Iteration Won Gears of War|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/104058/PostGDC_Cliff_Bleszinski_Says_Iteration_Won_Gears_of_War.php|access-date=April 2, 2009|website=[[Gamasutra]]|archive-date=May 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511130006/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/104058/PostGDC_Cliff_Bleszinski_Says_Iteration_Won_Gears_of_War.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> The new gameplay alterations and immersive style appealed to many not previously familiar with the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/toppers/?id=9087|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012001745/http://biz.gamedaily.com/industry/toppers/?id=9087|archive-date=October 12, 2007|title=Capcom's RE4 Reinvigorates the Franchise|last=Brightman|first=James|publisher=GameDaily BIZ|date=March 2, 2005|access-date=January 28, 2007 }}</ref> The over-the-shoulder viewpoint introduced in ''Resident Evil 4'' has later become standard in third-person shooters and action games, including titles ranging from ''[[Gears of War]]'' to ''[[Batman: Arkham Asylum]]'' (2009).<ref name=nationalpost/> It has also become a standard "precision aim" feature for third-person [[action game]]s in general, with examples including ''[[Dead Space]]'', ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'', ''[[Ratchet & Clank]]'', ''[[Fallout (franchise)|Fallout]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/gamings-most-important-evolutions/?page=7|title=Gaming's most important evolutions|date=October 9, 2010|publisher=[[GamesRadar]]|access-date=September 6, 2011|page=7|archive-date=June 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120605160721/http://www.gamesradar.com/gamings-most-important-evolutions/?page=7|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Uncharted]]'', ''[[Mass Effect]]'' and ''[[The Last of Us (video game)|The Last of Us]]''.<ref name="venturebeat">{{cite news |title=10 years later, Resident Evil 4 still influences the industry |url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/01/11/10-years-later-resident-evil-4-is-still-influences-the-industry/ |access-date=29 May 2019 |work=[[VentureBeat]] |date=11 January 2015 |archive-date=May 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530140134/https://venturebeat.com/2015/01/11/10-years-later-resident-evil-4-is-still-influences-the-industry/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2019, ''[[Game Informer]]'' called ''Resident Evil 4'' "the most important third-person shooter ever" and said it "innovated two genres", inspiring developers of both [[survival horror]] and [[shooter game]]s.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Gwaltney |first1=Javy |title=14 Years Later, Resident Evil 4 Remains The Most Important Third-Person Shooter Ever |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/01/22/12-years-later-and-resident-evil-4-remains-the-best-third-person-shooter-ever.aspx |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |access-date=30 May 2019 |date=May 21, 2019 |archive-date=May 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530230239/https://www.gameinformer.com/index.php/b/features/archive/2017/01/22/12-years-later-and-resident-evil-4-remains-the-best-third-person-shooter-ever.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>
''Resident Evil 4'' redefined the survival horror genre by emphasizing reflexes and precision aiming,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/capcoms-re4-reinvigorates-the-franchise/67572/?biz=1 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081007070517/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/capcoms-re4-reinvigorates-the-franchise/67572/?biz=1 | archive-date = October 7, 2008 | title = Capcom's RE4 Reinvigorates the Franchise| author= James Brightman | date = March 2, 2005 | access-date =April 16, 2009 | publisher = [[GameDaily]] }}</ref> thus broadening the gameplay of the series with elements from the wider action game genre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ugo.com/movies/gateway-to-horror-gateway-to-horror-games-resident-evil-4 |title=Gateway to Horror |publisher=[[UGO Networks]] |date=October 17, 2008 |access-date=April 16, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419010925/http://www.ugo.com/movies/gateway-to-horror-gateway-to-horror-games-resident-evil-4 |archive-date=April 19, 2012 }}</ref> However, this also led some reviewers to suggest that the ''Resident Evil'' series had abandoned the survival horror genre,<ref name="extinction">{{cite web | url = http://www.destructoid.com/how-survival-horror-evolved-itself-into-extinction-114022.phtml | title = How survival horror evolved itself into extinction | date = December 8, 2008 | author = Jim Sterling | website = Destructoid | access-date = April 16, 2009 | archive-date = April 11, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160411160506/http://www.destructoid.com/how-survival-horror-evolved-itself-into-extinction-114022.phtml | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/202808/previewsresident-evil-5/ |title=Resident Evil 5 |author=Matthew Pellett |date=December 6, 2008 |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |access-date=April 16, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518082855/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/202808/previewsresident-evil-5/ |archive-date=May 18, 2012 }}</ref> by demolishing the genre conventions that it had established.<ref name="fear101">{{cite web | url = http://retro.ign.com/articles/880/880202p1.html | title = Fear 101: A Beginner's Guide to Survival Horror | website = IGN | author = Jim Sterling | date = June 9, 2008 | access-date = April 17, 2009 | archive-date = March 5, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160305124914/http://retro.ign.com/articles/880/880202p1.html | url-status = live }}</ref> Other major survival horror series followed suit, by developing their combat systems to feature more action, such as ''[[Silent Hill: Homecoming]]''<ref name="extinction"/> and the 2008 version of ''[[Alone in the Dark (2008 video game)|Alone in the Dark]]''.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ataris-phil-harrison-interview | title = Atari's Phil Harrison Interview | author = Ellie Gibson | website = [[Eurogamer]] | date = May 29, 2008 | access-date = April 16, 2009 | archive-date = September 25, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120925221836/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/ataris-phil-harrison-interview | url-status = live }}</ref> These changes represent an overall trend among [[Video game console|console games]] shifting towards visceral action gameplay.<ref name="leigh">{{cite web | url = http://kotaku.com/5056008/does-survival-horror-really-still-exist | title = Does Survival Horror Really Still Exist? | publisher = Kotaku | access-date = April 16, 2009 | date = September 29, 2008 | archive-date = October 9, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121009110556/http://kotaku.com/5056008/does-survival-horror-really-still-exist | url-status = live }}</ref>
While working on ''[[The Last of Us (video game)|The Last of Us]]'', [[Naughty Dog]] took cues from ''Resident Evil 4,'' particularly the tension and action.<ref>{{cite web |last=Prestia |first=Gaetano |url=http://ps3.mmgn.com/News/the-last-of-us-inspired-by-ico-re4 |title=The Last Of Us inspired by Ico, RE4 – PS3 News | MMGN Australia |publisher=Ps3.mmgn.com |access-date=July 16, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610034155/http://ps3.mmgn.com/News/the-last-of-us-inspired-by-ico-re4 |archive-date=June 10, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> ''[[Dead Space]]'' designers Ben Wanat and Wright Bagwell stated that their game was originally intended to be ''[[System Shock 2#Sequel projects|System Shock 3]]'' before the release of ''Resident Evil 4'' inspired them to go back to the drawing board.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/how-resident-evil-4-turned-system-shock-3-into-dead-space/ |title=How Resident Evil 4 led to Visceral making Dead Space—instead of System Shock 3 |website=PC Gamer |date=January 15, 2017 |access-date=January 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118193608/http://www.pcgamer.com/how-resident-evil-4-turned-system-shock-3-into-dead-space/ |archive-date=January 18, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all |author1=Mat Paget }}</ref> ''[[BioShock]]'' (2007) was also influenced by ''Resident Evil 4'', including its approach to the environments, combat, and tools, its game design and tactical elements, its "gameplay fuelled storytelling" and inventory system, and its opening village level in terms of how it "handled the sandbox nature of the combat" and in terms of "the environment."<ref>{{cite web |title=How Resident Evil 4 Influenced BioShock |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/us/games/bioshock/268610/how-resident-evil-4-influenced-bioshock |website=[[Den of Geek]] |access-date=30 May 2019 |date=October 29, 2018 |archive-date=October 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029151906/https://www.denofgeek.com/us/games/bioshock/268610/how-resident-evil-4-influenced-bioshock |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Cory Barlog]] cited ''Resident Evil 4'' as an influence on the ''[[God of War (franchise)|God of War]]'' series, including ''[[God of War II]]'' (2007) and particularly ''[[God of War (2018 video game)|God of War]]'' (2018), which was influenced by ''Resident Evil 4''{{'}}s "combination of poised camera exploration and scavenging".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Makuch |first1=Eddie |title=God of War PS4 Director Explains Why They Changed The Combat And More |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/god-of-war-ps4-director-explains-why-they-changed-/1100-6458259/ |access-date=30 May 2019 |work=[[GameSpot]] |date=26 April 2018 |archive-date=May 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530211324/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/god-of-war-ps4-director-explains-why-they-changed-/1100-6458259/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Uncharted'' director [[Bruce Straley]] called the ''Resident Evil 4'' village sequence the best opening fight in a video game.<ref>{{cite news |title=Uncharted 4 co-director says Resident Evil 4 has the 'best opening fight in a game' |url=https://www.videogamer.com/news/uncharted-4-co-director-says-resident-evil-4-has-the-best-opening-fight-in-a-game/ |access-date=11 February 2022 |work=VideoGamer.com |date=23 January 2019 |archive-date=February 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211193024/https://www.videogamer.com/news/uncharted-4-co-director-says-resident-evil-4-has-the-best-opening-fight-in-a-game/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
''[[Resident Evil Village]]'' (2021) was influenced by ''Resident Evil 4.'' The director said, "If ''Resident Evil 7'' was like a [[reboot]] that inherited the [[DNA]] of the original ''Resident Evil'', then you could say that this time we're doing the same for ''Resident Evil 4''. We've designed the game and its structure with ''Resident Evil 4''{{'}}s essence in mind".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Krabbe |first=Esra |date=2021-04-30 |title=How Resident Evil Village Is a Direct Sequel to Resident Evil 7, but Heavily Inspired by Resident Evil 4 - IGN First |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/how-resident-evil-village-is-a-direct-sequel-to-resident-evil-7-but-heavily-inspired-by-resident-evil-4-ign-first |access-date=2023-02-06 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430140128/https://www.ign.com/articles/how-resident-evil-village-is-a-direct-sequel-to-resident-evil-7-but-heavily-inspired-by-resident-evil-4-ign-first |url-status=live }}</ref>
''[[VentureBeat]]'' credits ''Resident Evil 4'' as an early example of [[High-definition video#HD in video gaming|HD]] [[Remaster#Video games|video game remasters]].<ref name="venturebeat"/> A [[Resident Evil 4 (2023 video game)|remake of ''Resident Evil 4'']] was released on March 24, 2023 on the [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Microsoft Windows]], and the [[Xbox Series X and Series S]].<ref name="RemakeAnnouncement" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Skrebels |first=Joe |date=2022-09-15 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake Is Coming to PS4 as Well as PS5 |work=[[IGN]] |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-4-remake-is-coming-to-ps4-as-well-as-ps5 |accessdate=2022-09-17 |archive-date=September 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220917030133/https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-4-remake-is-coming-to-ps4-as-well-as-ps5 |url-status=live }}</ref> The remake was also announced for the [[iPhone 15 Pro]], to be released between late 2023 to early 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Resident Evil 4 remake is coming to the iPhone 15 Pro |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/12/23870365/resident-evil-4-remake-iphone-15-pro-assassins-creed |website=[[the Verge]] |language=en|date=September 13, 2023 |access-date=September 27, 2023 }}</ref>
In June 2021, the photographer and author Judy Juracek launched legal proceedings against Capcom for allegedly using images from her book ''Surfaces: Visual Research for Artists, Architects, and Designers'' (1996) without her permission to create [[Texture mapping|textures]] for multiple games, including ''Resident Evil 4'' and ''[[Devil May Cry (video game)|Devil May Cry]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |url=https://www.polygon.com/22519568/resident-evil-4-copyright-infringement-lawsuit-capcom |title=Artist says Capcom stole her photos for Resident Evil, Devil May Cry games in lawsuit |work=Polygon |date=2021-06-04 |access-date=2021-06-23 |archive-date=August 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814222613/https://www.polygon.com/22519568/resident-evil-4-copyright-infringement-lawsuit-capcom |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-06-05-artist-alleges-capcom-stole-her-photos-for-the-creation-of-multiple-resident-evil-and-devil-may-cry-games |title=Artist alleges Capcom stole her photos for the creation of multiple Resident Evil and Devil May Cry games |work=EuroGamer |date=2021-06-05 |access-date=2021-06-23 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624204424/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-06-05-artist-alleges-capcom-stole-her-photos-for-the-creation-of-multiple-resident-evil-and-devil-may-cry-games |url-status=live }}</ref> The parties reached an undisclosed settlement outside of court in February 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last=Zak |first=Robert |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/capcom-resolves-lawsuit-over-images-used-in-resident-evil-4/ |title=Capcom 'resolves' lawsuit over images used in Resident Evil 4 |work=PC Gamer |date=2022-02-09 |accessdate=2022-04-08 |archive-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408025103/https://www.pcgamer.com/capcom-resolves-lawsuit-over-images-used-in-resident-evil-4/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Capcom and Juracek have amicably resolved their dispute concerning the alleged use of her photos in Capcom's games. A dismissal was filed on February 7, 2022 with the [[United States District Court for the District of Connecticut]] to end the lawsuit.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ssjr.com/news/st-onge-ip-resolves-dispute-with-capcom/ | title=St Onge IP resolves dispute with Capcom | date=February 7, 2022 }}</ref>
== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}
== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}
== External links ==
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100331142040/http://www.capcom.co.jp:80/bio4/english.html|title=Official website|date=mdy}}
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