Resident Evil Tier List, Characters, and Weapons Ranked

Resident Evil Gameplay

"The player controls the protagonist, Leon S. Kennedy, in the game Resident Evil 4, which offers a third-person perspective. Unlike previous games in the series, the gameplay focuses more on action and shootouts rather than survival horror. The camera is positioned behind Leon and provides an over-the-shoulder view when aiming with a weapon or a first-person view when using a sniper rifle. Firearms do not have a crosshair but instead feature a laser sight. Players have more aiming options, such as shooting enemies in the feet to make them stumble or shooting their arms to disarm them. It is also possible to shoot down projectiles thrown by enemies.

The game introduces context-sensitive controls, allowing players to interact with the environment based on the situation. They can kick down ladders, jump out of windows, dodge attacks, and perform finishing moves on weakened enemies. Quick-time events are incorporated into boss fights, requiring players to press buttons indicated on-screen to perform actions and avoid instant-kill attacks.

The main enemies in Resident Evil 4 are violent villagers called Los Ganados. Unlike traditional zombies in the franchise, these villagers are capable of dodging, wielding weapons, and communicating with each other. They may transform into grotesque forms during battles. Other notable enemies include the regenerating "Regeneradors," the troll-like El Gigante, and the gigantic sea creature Del Lago.

The game features an inventory system represented by an attaché case with a grid system. Each item takes up a certain number of spaces, and the case can be upgraded for more space. Weapons, ammunition, and healing items are stored in the case, while key items and treasures have a separate menu. A merchant appears in various locations, allowing players to buy and sell items, upgrade weapons, and purchase first aid sprays. Different weapons have their own advantages and disadvantages.

The PlayStation 2 version of the game includes additional content that later made its way into the PC and Wii releases. This content includes "Separate Ways," a side story focusing on Ada Wong's involvement in the game and her connection to the series' villain Albert Wesker. There is also "Ada's Report," a documentary analyzing Ada's relationship with Wesker. Other unlockable content across all versions includes the minigame "The Mercenaries," the scenario "Assignment Ada," new costumes for Leon and Ashley, new weapons, and a cutscene browser."