Metareview: Resident Evil 4 Wii Edition

by David Hinkle { Jun 19th 2007 at 2:30PM }

Shipping to retail shelves in the U.S. today, Resident Evil 4 hasn't had a shortage of coverage here at Wii Fanboy. We love the franchise and were anxious to see how the already amazing game could benefit from the implementation of gesture-based controls. Not only that, but always having a reticle on-screen seemed like such a simple, yet necessary, improvement. We're glad to say that, according to the critics at least, the newest version of the game is quite good.

GameSpy (100/100) found themselves a perfect game: "The reason that the Wii version is the best is because the new control system makes the gameplay more enjoyable. Using both the Wii remote and the nunchuck, players will be able to perform all of the regular moves and attacks from before, only now they can do them in a more sensitive, accurate and pleasing fashion."

CVG (93/100) thinks the game has been improved: "It has the looks, it has the compelling level design, and it has the scary bits. Check, then: this is Resident Evil 4 all over again, but slightly better."

EGM (87/100) finds the new control scheme to be for the better: "Though they suffer a bit when things get hectic, the Wii-mote-enabled controls generally serve RE4 well: Aiming weapons, swiping your knife, and shaking off face-sucking nasties with real-world moves adds urgency to an already incredibly intense experience." [July 2007, p.82]

EuroGamer (70/100) says the Wiimote controls hurt the game: "It's just a shame that one of the best ever action games has become another casualty of the Wii controller. Indeed, for a controller that was supposed to herald a new dawn of inclusive gaming there are a lot of third-party publishers who have yet to get their heads round it."

Tags: capcom, leon, nintendo, nintendowii, re4, residentevil4, wii

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Aaron @ Jun 19th 2007 2:37PM

Diversity of opinion with regards to Wiimote controls will never cease to amaze me. One man's trash is another man's treasure...

Balam @ Jun 19th 2007 2:43PM

It also supports the GC and classic controllers, so this is the definitive version without a doubt.

pete @ Jun 19th 2007 2:43PM

gamespy 100 out of 100. and look at eurogamer. any re4 wii owners in the house. hows it play??anyone, anyone?? i just beat it on the ps2 a few months ago. played the reg will go back beat it on pro and beat the side missions w/ada or aida i dont know. is it worth or just hook up the ps2 one more time!?

B-Ry @ Jun 19th 2007 2:45PM

Im headin out to buy it later i hope i can find a copy nearby

Squashua @ Jun 19th 2007 3:11PM

I wish I hadn't bought the original RE4 for GameCube now. :(

I never did beat it; can't get past the second time the giant guy shows up.

hvnlysoldr @ Jun 19th 2007 3:19PM

What are ya buying?

pete @ Jun 19th 2007 3:22PM

is it when you choose the door on the left after beating el gigante the first time. you just got to run under his feet get behind him and shoot him till the parasite pops up and when you get to the lock doors use the shot gun or knife to move to the next area theres two doors, and then you just run up and down till hes dead. or go thru teh right door and beat the chicks with the chainsaws!

Ghen @ Jun 19th 2007 3:23PM

Its a wonder that they review games based on how they don't like the wiimote controls.

I played RE4 on both Gamecube and PC when it came out, the Gamecube version was vastly inferior based on poor targeting. I hated it with that style controller so the Wiimote can only be better IMO.

justinmingo1 @ Jun 19th 2007 3:31PM

@ #5: Go through the left door instead. Otherwise do the falling rocks sequence, and headshotting him with the rifle does well.

@ #2 and #5: The Wii version has the additional levels from the PS2 version and only slightly better graphics - aside from the Wii control system it is the same game content as the PS2 version, but improved over the original GameCube version.

i have the 'Cube version, but I'm getting my copy for the Wii mañana. =)

Geoff Gibson @ Jun 19th 2007 3:34PM

Everybody loved the controls except for Eurogamer. . .

Apparently they need to learn how to use the Wii remote or stop reviewing Wii games.

Mr Khan @ Jun 19th 2007 3:45PM

This is the proof; while other Wii games that had scores all over the board may have actually sucked, here is a game lauded as the best survival-horror ever, with a few crippled review scores due to Wii controls

And some people thought Wii fanboys were just in denial about our shitty games :-)

pete @ Jun 19th 2007 3:48PM

i dont know if your talking mess or talking praise mr. kahn>?

Mr Khan @ Jun 19th 2007 4:21PM

I mean that people would say "the critics aren't biased against the Wii remote, all your games just suck"

this is proof against that

Protome @ Jun 19th 2007 4:46PM

Personally, I'm getting this game. The games that get decent scores and only get points removed for the Wii controls have controlled perfectly for me thus far.
Sonic & The Secret Rings for example, the controls in it were spot on for me. They were very reactive and definately added to the game!
I can't wait for this :D

J @ Jun 19th 2007 4:47PM

I bought a Gamecube for the sole purpose of playing this game. I preordered it for the Wii and will probably never preorder a game from Game Crazy ever again.. I called earlier and they told me that the game doesn't release until tomorrow (wed.).

I worked in retail long enough to learn the 2 truths:

1. There are not enough drugs to make the pain go away.

2. It comes out on Tue.

Boo, Game Crazy, Booooo!!

Jonah Falcon @ Jun 19th 2007 4:51PM

GameSpy doesn't do 100/100. That's a 5 star review.

Trashman @ Jun 24th 2007 2:35AM

I never played this for the cube so I am getting it for sure and I need something new for my wii. I pretty much use it for the net cause I am still computer-less. Im using the net right now

Jeffrey @ Jun 19th 2007 6:22PM

The game plays like a dream. The Wii controls make aiming easier but it doesn't simplify the game. I love it. Having played the PS2 version, this version is far more enjoyable.

Drew @ Jun 19th 2007 10:25PM

Too bad that Gamestop and Target AND Fry's didn't get any copies today... When it releases.

Gamestop guy said "They decided to wait another day for last minute presales".

Okay, I'm pretty new to the whole console scene... I own a PS2, but didn't get one until after the redesign/pricedrop... Is this normal?

I'm so pissed off I drove around everywhere and was told it wasn't released today to get some extra -presales-????

What about those of us that just want to buy it?

I'm tempted to wait around for a used copy on ebay down the line.

B-Ry @ Jun 19th 2007 11:06PM

I went to buy it today and i to was told it doesnt release until tomorrow wtf. I sympathize #15 J

Cal @ Jun 20th 2007 2:38AM

Gamespot = 91/100
IGN = 90/100

http://wii.ign.com/articles/797/797837p1.html
http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/residentevil4/review.html?sid=6172762

vidGuy @ Jun 20th 2007 9:58AM

Drew, B-Ry, and others:

In console games there are two dates, release dates and street dates. Most often, you see a release date (these are almost always Tuesdays, just like movies). This is either the day that the game SHIPS to retailers or the day they are expected to receive it. Either way, you can almost bet that no store you visit will have the game available that day.

Now, I'm speaking from experience and from talks with store reps, not from any official document, but that's how it seems to go.

So, TODAY or TOMORROW will be the days to get RE4 at retail and rental shops.

B-Ry @ Jun 20th 2007 10:41AM

Thanks Vidguy im planning on getting it later

Drew @ Jun 20th 2007 10:48AM

VidGuy,

I appreciate your comments, and believe me, the following is not shooting the messenger.

This is just more evidence that the game "industry" is truly screwed up and -still- in its infancy.

DVD's and CD's have "released" on Tues for a long time now, when an ad says "Available on Date X", the title is available on Date X. It may be sold out, and if that's the case, so be it.

Why should games be any different? Why do we, as consumers, allow this blatant false advertising.

The title releases on Date X, not Date X+1.

If they want to release it on Wed, fine. Release it on Wed... Just don't announce you're releasing on Tues.

It's complete and utter BS.

Grey Acumen @ Jun 20th 2007 11:53AM

This game may go in my list of wants, simply because it
sounds like the controls work well. I've generally stayed away from FPSs for the irritating controls.

What about the storyline though?
I haven't followed the Resident Evil saga at all, so am I going to be totally lost if I haven't played the other 3?

pete @ Jun 20th 2007 12:19PM

@25, no you can go in right of the bat and have a great experience without playing the other games. there might be a few things you left out of, like the history between leon and aida but it all comes together pretty well

Robert @ Jun 20th 2007 1:47PM

Playing the game now and it rocks. it use the controller scheme well. takes a little geting used to

timmy @ Jun 20th 2007 5:22PM

Bought the game today and I'm pretty happy with the control scheme. My only complaint is the lack of strafing. I loves my strafing.

That deaf guy @ Jun 20th 2007 10:59PM

Ahoy hoy read this site alot first time commenting, but yea i picked this up today. I've played the GC version and loved it. I agree with #27 the controls do take some getting used to, it was kinda awkward for me and i ended up losing my head in the village. (effing chainsaw guy!)Now i'm handling it like a champ.

psst btw its Ada no "i". *nod*