Looking Back at the Legacy of Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil has always stood out as a series that repeatedly redefined the survival horror genre. The first game laid the foundation that shaped the genre’s core principles. With Resident Evil 4, the gameplay mechanics were rebuilt from the ground up, setting the standard for future titles. Although it faced some initial pushback, Resident Evil 4 ultimately became one of the most defining and influential entries in the series.
Resident Evil 4 was an unusual entry in the series for many reasons. From a gameplay standpoint, it redefined the survival horror genre, becoming the foundation for subsequent entries and remakes. Narratively, it shifted away from the serious tone of its predecessors, embracing a slightly cheesy, over-the-top style. Originally launched on the GameCube, it later received a highly anticipated PlayStation 2 release. Over time, it was re-released on nearly every console—eventually becoming a meme—and even adapted for VR. In 2023, it saw a highly successful remake, further cementing its legacy.
January 11th marks the 20th anniversary of Resident Evil 4 launching on the Nintendo GameCube. This is a reflection of how it not only redefined the series but also horror games. It’s also a look at how it brought a fresh perspective to a series that was long overdue for change.
Before Las Plagas
The development story of Resident Evil 4 is as legendary as the game itself, marked by several stages before arriving at the iconic version we know today. Development began in 1999, following the success of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. Multiple builds and versions were created during this process, each contributing to the evolution of the final game. However, those early iterations weren’t wasted—they eventually grew into their own respected titles.
An early prototype of Resident Evil 4 was developed as a more action-focused entry in the series. While this concept was ultimately scrapped as a Resident Evil game, it evolved into Devil May Cry. It launched in 2001 and it would go on to become a successful franchise in its own right. Another version embraced a gothic horror style, which eventually became Haunting Ground. Other versions that didn’t get their own spin-off but inspired the final game were the “Fog Version” and “Hookman Version”.
Eventually, Shinji Mikami took the director’s chair, overseeing the development of the Resident Evil 4 we know today.
A New Nightmare Begins
While the story is well-known, a recap can help those who are new or are coming back to the game. Several years have passed since the Raccoon City Incident. The United States Government pursued the Umbrella Corporation, seizing its assets and branding many of its leaders as fugitives. Meanwhile, survivors of the Raccoon City disaster are now dedicated to preventing future outbreaks.
Players once again take on the role of Leon S. Kennedy, who has become an agent of the United States government. He is tasked with rescuing Ashley Graham, the President’s daughter after she is abducted by a mysterious cult. Leon is deployed to a village in Spain where the cult is based. Upon his arrival, he discovers that everyone has been infected with a parasitic organism called Las Plagas. The cult has also infected Ashley with the same parasite and aims to use her to infect the President as part of their plan to take over the world.
From a narrative perspective, Resident Evil 4 was truly a product of its time. The pop culture of the 2000s was marked by the birth of social media, the rise of the emo subculture, and a music scene dominated by nu-metal and pop-rock infused with hip-hop influences. This era exuded an edgy desire to redefine “cool,” a characteristic that resonated strongly in the game’s style, tone, and atmosphere. The new Leon embodied that idea with his style, his devil-may-care attitude, and his cheesy one-liners. Meanwhile, you have a B-film style story that was about trying to save the President’s daughter from a zombie cult that wanted to take over the world.
Over Here, Stranger!
Resident Evil 4 redefined how we play horror games for generations and it all started by scraping the traditional setup. Gone were the fixed camera angles and the pre-rendered backgrounds. Instead, players traverse a dynamic nightmare with an over-the-shoulder camera. This gameplay setup would become the foundation for future titles and remakes. While a shock to the first generation of fans, it was a needed change to welcome new fans to the series.
The over-the-shoulder camera perspective in Resident Evil 4 not only became a staple for the series but also inspired a generation of developers. Notable horror titles like Dead Space and Alan Wake drew heavily from its innovations. Beyond the horror genre, developers of the Uncharted and Gears of War series openly acknowledged Resident Evil 4 as a key influence. Even Shinji Mikami revisited the lessons learned from directing the game for future projects, including The Evil Within and Vanquish.
Another radical change was the introduction of the Merchant. Players could now buy and upgrade their weapons. Scraping the concept of having to find your weapons and the required upgrades. This concept was unusual at first but the inclusion of an iconic character helped win fans over.
Resident Evil 4 had its flaws, with Ashley Graham being the most notorious. Poorly written and often portrayed as a helpless burden, Ashley frequently whined and hindered the player, earning her the reputation as the poster child for why gamers dislike escort missions. This criticism inspired developers to create more tolerable side characters and escort missions. Many succeeded by designing characters that avoided these mistakes, proving that such concepts could enhance gameplay rather than detract from it.
Redefining the Genre
Resident Evil 4 first launched on the GameCube, followed by a PlayStation 2 release later that year. Its first PC version arrived in 2007, alongside a release on the Nintendo Wii. In 2009, it launched on the iPhone and the Zeebo console. This was followed by PS3 and Xbox 360 releases in 2011. The game received another PC version, the Ultimate HD Edition, in 2014. Updated versions were later released for the PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. Finally, a VR adaptation was developed for the Meta Quest 2, earning widespread praise from fans and critics alike.
With so many releases, one has to wonder which version of Resident Evil 4 is truly the best. While I’ve ranked them before, the truth is there isn’t a definitive “best” version. The favorite often depends on which one you played the most or which introduced you to the series. Personally, I’d consider the PS2 version the best, while others might argue the GameCube version is superior. Meanwhile, the Wii version has a devoted cult following that defends it as an underappreciated classic. This diversity of opinions speaks volumes about the game’s enduring legacy, introducing multiple generations of gamers to the Resident Evil series across countless platforms.
A New Familiar Nightmare
In 2019, Capcom released the highly anticipated remake of Resident Evil 2 for all major consoles and PC. Its success was quickly followed by the release of Resident Evil 3 in 2020. By then, the question was no longer if Capcom would remake Resident Evil 4, but when. The announcement of the remake was met with enthusiasm from fans. Remaking such a beloved classic was no small feat, and the stakes were particularly high for Resident Evil 4. Despite the challenges, Capcom delivered one of the best games of 2023.
The Resident Evil 4 remake builds upon the successful formula of the Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 remakes by improving gameplay mechanics and enhancing the overall experience. It also establishes a more serious tone, returning to the franchise’s horror roots. Gone are the cheesy one-liners and Leon’s edgy persona, replaced by a hero haunted by the horrors of Raccoon City. The need to shift in tone was a major hurdle, but Capcom successfully navigated it.
It’s also worth noting how the remake improves Ashley Graham’s character and makes the task of protecting her less burdensome. No longer a whiny burden, she is portrayed as a more mature character that is likable. Over the course of the game, her bond with Leon develops organically, and by the end, they are close friends. Her role is more empowering—she knows how to hide and actively collaborates with Leon to escape the nightmare.
20 Years of Terror an Influence
Resident Evil 4 is a game remembered for many reasons. It revitalized a beloved horror series and helped define its gameplay for years to come. The game inspired a generation of developers, not only in the horror genre but in action games as well. Fans across generations fondly remember it for its cheesy tone and over-the-top action. Its legacy will endure, thanks to the remake and potential future re-releases of the original classic.
Resident Evil 4 has thrived for 20 years, and its influence will continue to shape not only the series but the entire gaming industry.
Did you play Resident Evil 4? If so, which versions and which one was your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
8Bit/Digi is an independent news outlet that provides insight into the video game and fandom community of the San Francisco Bay Area.
