resident evil 4 biohazard 4

Story
Resident Evil 4’s story is a glorious mix of campy B-movie charm and pulse-pounding action. It’s not Shakespeare, but it doesn’t need to be—it’s a wild ride that knows exactly what it is and leans into its absurdity with gusto. You play as Leon S. Kennedy, everyone’s favorite rookie-cop-turned-badass, who’s sent on a mission to rescue the U.S. president’s daughter, Ashley Graham, from a mysterious cult in rural Spain. What starts as a straightforward rescue mission quickly spirals into a tale of parasitic plagues, religious zealots, and secret government conspiracies.  

The narrative is packed with over-the-top moments that have become iconic in gaming history. Leon’s one-liners (“Where’s everyone going? Bingo?”), the creepy Ganados chanting “¡Morir es vivir!” (“To die is to live!”), and the sheer ridiculousness of fighting a giant statue of Salazar are all part of the game’s charm. The villains are delightfully unhinged, from the gravel-voiced cult leader Osmund Saddler to the flamboyant, Napoleon-complex-having Ramon Salazar. Even Ashley, who could’ve been a damsel-in-distress cliché, has her moments of agency (though her constant cries for help can grate on your nerves).  

The story’s pacing is excellent, keeping you hooked from the eerie opening village sequence to the explosive finale on a secret island base. It’s a perfect blend of horror, action, and just the right amount of cheese. Resident Evil 4’s story isn’t trying to be deep or philosophical—it’s here to entertain, and it does so with style. Whether you’re laughing at Leon’s quips or sweating through a tense boss fight, the narrative keeps you invested in the chaos from start to finish. It’s a tale that’s as memorable as it is ridiculous, and that’s exactly why we love it.

Graphics
Resident Evil 4’s graphics were groundbreaking in 2005, and even today, they hold up remarkably well, especially in remastered versions. The game’s visual style is a perfect blend of gritty realism and atmospheric horror, creating a world that feels both immersive and unsettling. The environments are richly detailed, from the crumbling, fog-drenched village at the start to the eerie, candlelit halls of Salazar’s castle and the sterile, industrial labs of the final act. Each location oozes personality and tension, making exploration as rewarding as it is terrifying.

The character models are another standout. Leon’s iconic jacket and perfectly coiffed hair (seriously, how does it stay like that?) look great, and the enemies are grotesquely memorable. The Ganados, with their twitchy movements and glowing, parasite-infested eyes, are genuinely creepy, while the bosses—like the towering El Gigante or the grotesque Verdugo—are designed to leave a lasting impression. The remastered versions sharpen textures and improve lighting, making the game look even more stunning without losing the original’s gritty charm.

The game’s use of color and lighting is masterful. The warm, earthy tones of the village contrast sharply with the cold, metallic hues of the later levels, creating a visual progression that mirrors the story’s escalating stakes. The iconic red filter during combat adds a layer of intensity, making every encounter feel like a life-or-death struggle.

While some textures and animations show their age (looking at you, Ashley’s awkward running), the overall visual design is timeless. Resident Evil 4’s graphics don’t just serve the gameplay—they enhance it, pulling you deeper into its world of horror and chaos. It’s a testament to the game’s artistry that, nearly two decades later, it still looks and feels like a modern classic.

Audio
Resident Evil 4’s audio design is a masterclass in building tension and immersion. From the moment you step into that eerie, foggy village, the soundscape pulls you into its world of dread and chaos. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Misao Senbongi and Shusaku Uchiyama, is a perfect blend of haunting melodies and pulse-pounding action themes. The music knows exactly when to creep in with subtle, unsettling tones and when to explode into full-blown orchestral panic during boss fights or horde encounters.  

The sound effects are equally impressive. Every gunshot, knife slash, and explosion feels weighty and impactful, adding to the satisfaction of combat. The guttural growls of the Ganados, the ominous chanting of “¡Morir es vivir!” (“To die is to live!”), and the spine-chilling whispers of the Regenerators all contribute to the game’s oppressive atmosphere. Even the quieter moments are filled with tension—creaking floorboards, distant church bells, and the rustle of leaves keep you on edge, never letting you feel truly safe.  

Voice acting is another highlight, with Paul Mercier delivering a standout performance as Leon S. Kennedy. His dry wit and cheesy one-liners (“Got gum?”) are iconic, adding a layer of charm to the otherwise grim narrative. The supporting cast, from the gravelly-voiced Merchant (“What’re ya buyin’?”) to the flamboyantly sinister Ramon Salazar, all bring their characters to life with memorable flair.  

The only minor nitpick is Ashley’s occasional shrill cries for help, which can grate on your nerves after the hundredth time. But even that fits the game’s campy tone. Resident Evil 4’s audio design isn’t just background noise—it’s a vital part of the experience, pulling you deeper into its world of horror and action. It’s a symphony of fear that still resonates, making every moment unforgettable.

Gameplay
Resident Evil 4’s gameplay is nothing short of revolutionary. The shift to over-the-shoulder combat was a game-changer for the series, and it still holds up as one of the most satisfying third-person shooters ever made. Every shot feels impactful, thanks to the laser-sight aiming and the visceral feedback when bullets hit their mark. The melee system is a stroke of genius—landing a headshot and following up with a roundhouse kick or suplex never gets old.  

The pacing is masterful, seamlessly blending intense action sequences with quieter moments of exploration and puzzle-solving. You’ll go from defending a cabin against waves of Ganados to solving cryptic puzzles in ancient castles, all while managing your inventory like a pro (attache case Tetris, anyone?). The game constantly introduces new mechanics and enemies to keep you on your toes, whether it’s dodging a chainsaw-wielding maniac or fending off regenerating monsters in the lab.  

The only minor gripe is the occasional frustration with tank controls, which can feel clunky by modern standards. But even that adds to the tension, forcing you to think strategically about positioning and movement. Resident Evil 4’s gameplay isn’t just fun—it’s *addictive*. You’ll find yourself replaying chapters just to perfect your strategy or unlock new weapons. It’s a masterclass in game design that still sets the bar for action-horror nearly two decades later.

Dumb Things About the Game

• Leon’s haircut defies gravity (and logic).
• The Boulder Punching Championship™ mini-game.
• Enemies yelling “MORIR ES VIVIR” (“To die is to live”) as you… kill them.
• Ashley’s AI occasionally forgets how to run.
• The Merchant’s cryptic obsession with “STRANGAH.”