Resident Evil 4 is one of the most memorable games, so it has covered almost every gaming console and platform, as discussed here.
Capcom released a masterpiece named Resident Evil 4 almost two decades ago, and it changed the whole experience of how an action-horror survival game is defined. Recently, Leon has returned to the Resident Evil 4 Remake version with low requirements and high thrills. However, the franchise ensured that RE4 was not forgotten over the years by maintaining its presence on almost every gaming platform and console.
Therefore, The CPU Guide brings you insights on every version of Resident Evil 4 ever released, along with their Metacritic score. Over the past 18 years, the game has released 13 versions covering various platforms and consoles. Let’s dive into the storyline by taking things to the very beginning.
1. Resident Evil 4 (2005) for GameCube
Metacritic Rating: 96
Resident Evil 4 was initially released on GameCube in 2005. It was known to be one of the five GameCube exclusive titles which didn’t remain exclusive for too long. With the much-needed camera shift perspective, RE4 made history by delivering a more action-focused experience by ditching the tank controls. The game felt like the “modern” action survival could be improved with new action set pieces and quick time events.
2. Resident Evil 4 (2005) for PlayStation 2
Metacritic Rating: 96
Even when the video game director and producer Shinji Mikami said he would cut his head off if Resident Evil 4 got porter on any console other than GameCube, the rest is history. Capcom didn’t hesitate to respond and ported RE4 on PlayStation 2 the same year it came for the GameCube. The only difference in the PS2 version of RE4 was the multi-way campaign that led to different storylines. You can play as Leon Kennedy or Ada Wong in the PS2 version.
3. Resident Evil 4 (2007) for PC
Metacritic Rating: 76
After a few years, Resident Evil 4 got ported to another platform; this time, it’s the PC. What’s weird about the PC version of RE4 is that it was developed by Sourcenext and published by Ubisoft in North America, Europe, and Australia. The PC version of the game was not very appealing as it lacked a lot of vividness and graphics elements. The game lacked effects, brightness, low-quality sounds, and bad textures during the launch. But nothing a patch or mod can’t fix.
4. Resident Evil 4 (2007) for Wii
Metacritic Rating: 91
The Wii edition of the Resident Evil 4 is known to receive the highest ratings from critics and is thus labeled as the best version of the game. It’s basically due to the game’s optimization with the system and how seamlessly the controls are set with the Wii hardware after setting the motion controls. Such support made gun control smoother during combats in quick-time events. Besides that, the Nintendo was the PS2 version of RE4, which was never experienced on the GameCube.
5. Resident Evil 4 Platinum (2008) for Mobile
Metacritic Rating: 61
It may seem amazing to play Resident Evil 4 on your iOS phone, but let me tell you, the graphics were ugly. It is pretty obvious to expect a horrendous version of the game when there are limited hardware resources to present the game. The mobile version game is more of an arcade-style feeling, with the main storyline divided into smaller stages. Due to challenging controls, these smaller bits of the full RE4 game are hard to bypass.
6. Resident Evil 4 (2010) for iPad
Metacritic Rating: 61
A couple of years later, the era of tablets started, and Resident Evil 4 Platinum made its way to the iPad version for bigger and better screen gameplay. The iPad version of RE4 was essentially the mobile version, and there wasn’t much difference. However, the graphics seemed relatively improved in this newer version with better textures. Still, it didn’t differentiate it from the original 2008 mobile version.
7. Resident Evil 4 HD (2011) for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
Metacritic Rating: 84
The new HD version of Resident Evil 4 came with high-definition graphics and the same old GameCube game version. Essentially the game had its own set of issues on both consoles. The brightness concerns were still on the PS3 version, while the Xbox 360 version suffered from audio problems with muffled sound effects. So, if you have played the previous version of the game for PS2, you wouldn’t be able to tell much difference.
8. Resident Evil 4 Mobile Edition (2013) for Android
Metacritic Rating: 60
We’re returning to the mobile version again, and the hardware is relatively improved this time. The Resident Evil 4 Mobile Edition came to Android devices and is the same game released in 2008. The game was exclusively playable on Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets, and there was nothing innovative with this version regarding graphics or storyline. Very soon, RE4 was delisted from Android as it seemed like a bad business decision.
9. Resident Evil 4 UHD Edition (2014) for PC
Metacritic Rating: 79
The PC master race erupted back in 2014 for having high-end gaming rigs that overtook consoles in every way. Therefore, Capcom decided to take things into its hands by releasing an improved version of Resident Evil 4 for PC. This version supported better resolution and all the PC control options, but at the same time, it was no different from the Xbox 360 version of the game.
10. Resident Evil 4 (2016) for Xbox One and PlayStation 4
Metacritic Rating: 82 (PS4) and 76 (Xbox One)
Like their previous consoles, the Xbox One and PS4 versions of Resident Evil 4 were no different from the PC version. There was no change in the gameplay or storyline of RE4. However, what did make the difference on these newer consoles was the load times. The game was relatively smoother and faster on the new consoles, with minor graphics improvements.
11. Resident Evil 4 Triple Pack Edition (2019) for Nintendo Switch
Metacritic Rating: 80
If you’re on the go, the Nintendo Switch version of Resident Evil 4 will be the perfect option for you to play. The switch version of Resident Evil 4 is the HD remaster, which was based on the Xbox 360 edition of the game. One thing that let Nintendo Switch players down was the lack of Wii motion controls on the Switch version. Moreover, the price point of $29.99 was not justifiable either.
12. Resident Evil 4 VR (2021) for Quest 2
Metacritic Rating: 85
The VR version of survival action horror would give you a heart attack. The Resident Evil 4 VR edition came with many changes, some of which were good, and some were not. The movement mechanics seemed relatively improved, and so did the weapon shift mechanics. With two weapons equipped, you can easily switch them anytime. The only bad thing was the lack of dialogue cut and censored from the game. Still, the VR version of Resident Evil 4 is worth playing.
13. Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023) for PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and 5
Metacritic Rating: 93
Our list’s highest scorer should’ve been the latest and most improved game version, the Resident Evil 4 Remake. As it says in the name, this new game is a completely redefined version as Capcom finally decided to keep up with the latest-gen graphics. This version is everything that the fans wished for, with the classic gameplay and storyline in the newer and improved graphics. The RE4 Remake edition came with exclusive pre-order skins and new ways to make money from gems. Many new changes were implemented in the game, making it even more fun to play. Moreover, the famous Mercenaries Mode has been confirmed for the remake, and it’s yet to be announced.
Final Words
Resident Evil 4 was so famous that it stood as a part of every gaming era and is still building a reputation for the franchise today. It is impressive how Capcom has managed to keep the game on the top charts with the same storyline and characters. A whole generation is dedicated to Resident Evil 4, so it has secured a particular spot in the gaming community.
