My First Gaming Experience With Resident Evil 4

May 17
01:13

2024

Jake Spencer

Jake Spencer

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

My initial foray into the world of Resident Evil 4 was in May 2006. Despite having played the first three games on the original PlayStation, this was the first horror and CG game I ever completed on PlayStation 2. The journey was fraught with challenges, as my character, Leon Scott Kennedy, met his demise 64 times before I finally triumphed.

A New Perspective and Improved Controls

One of the main reasons I persisted with Resident Evil 4,My First Gaming Experience With Resident Evil 4 Articles unlike its predecessors, was the significantly improved controls. The game introduced an over-the-shoulder perspective, making it easier to navigate and aim. This change was a game-changer, providing a more immersive and intuitive experience.

The Storyline: A Hero's Return

The narrative picks up six years after the events of Resident Evil 2. Leon Scott Kennedy, no longer a rookie police officer, is now a government agent working directly under the U.S. President. His mission is to rescue the President's kidnapped daughter, Ashley Graham, from a remote village in Spain called El Pasco.

The Village of El Pasco

What began as a routine mission quickly escalated into a violent confrontation with the villagers, who had become inexplicably aggressive. Leon survives, but his two local police escorts are killed. He soon learns from his helpdesk support, Ingrid Hunnigan, that the villagers are part of a cult known as Los Illuminados, led by Salazar and Osmund Saddler. These villagers were infected with the Las Plagas virus, which killed their former selves and took over their bodies, increasing their aggression and speed.

Weapons and Upgrades

Leon starts the game with just a handgun, 10 bullets, and a combat knife. As the game progresses, players can earn money, meet a merchant, and buy or upgrade to more powerful weapons such as a semi-automatic rifle, machine pistol, mine thrower, and even a rocket launcher. Upon completing the game, players can keep their weapons and unlock new ones for subsequent playthroughs, along with three bonus games.

Allies and Enemies

Leon is not entirely alone in his mission. Besides the merchant, he encounters Ada Wong, whom he met in the second game, and local ex-cop Luis Sera. After rescuing Ashley, he must coordinate with her to overcome enemies and obstacles.

The Stages of the Game

  1. The Village: The first stage involves defeating the village chief, a formidable foe.
  2. The Castle: Leon and Ashley face cult monks, aggressive creatures, deadlier obstacles, and Overlord Salazar.
  3. The Military Base: Located on an isolated island, this stage features rod and crossbow-wielding commandos, gatling gun sub-bosses, and a final showdown with Leon's ex-comrade-turned-traitor, Jack Krauser, and Osmund Saddler.

Critical Acclaim and Legacy

Resident Evil 4 is widely regarded as one of the best games ever made. Its story, music, and action scenes are highly praised, as are the bonus games. According to Metacritic, the game holds a score of 96/100, making it one of the highest-rated games of all time (source).

Interesting Stats

  • Sales Figures: As of 2021, Resident Evil 4 has sold over 11 million copies across various platforms (source).
  • Awards: The game won multiple Game of the Year awards in 2005, including from Game Informer and Spike Video Game Awards (source).

Conclusion

Resident Evil 4 remains a standout title in the gaming world. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, compelling storyline, and memorable characters make it a must-play for any gaming enthusiast. The game's legacy continues to influence modern game design, cementing its place in the annals of video game history.