what could be done with action games while also keeping the survival horror elements

that kept the game tense all the way through. It was a superb achievement in both game design

and execution. And after its release, countless number of games tried to follow up and breakthrough

off the success of RE4, including Resident Evil 4 itself. The game has been ported to

the Playstation 2, the PC and even given the Wii treatment with motion controls and enhanced

visuals. Well, now it has gone the path of many other games and gotten an HD upgrade

and been released on the PSN and Xbox Live. By now, everyone should know that the game

is just incredible, but is this the version to get or is it worth the second purchase.

The game follows Leon Kennedy, who after Raccoon City was given special training and now works

for the President. Soon after, the President’s daughter is kidnapped and Leon find himself

in rural Spain, investing a local group and continuing to search for Ashley. The story

and action are the exact same as before, with nothing really being done to change them.

Leon still stands still when shooting and the menus are still as frustrating as ever

to navigate. To an outsider the game is clearly starting to feel dated, but a fan wouldn’t

have it any other way. It is fun to go back and play this and see the things that were

at first super innovative, but by now have become industry mainstays for better or for

worse. Like quicktime events. Were cool the first time but by now have become simply a

nuisance.

As for the visuals, well they actually are not HD. These are the same polygons as the

first time it was released, and these are the same character models and textures. Instead

of a true HD upgrade, everything has been enhanced. The color contrast has been improved,

and everything looks a lot smoother. Sure the game does look better but the upgrade

does not make for something you can’t live without. Another disappointing aspect comes

in the way of extras, and by that I mean... there are none. Everything that was on the

PS2 version is here, but nothing more. You get the extra costumes and the Separate Ways

campaign starring Ada but that’s it.

My final verdict is that this is a great version for someone who has never played RE4 before,

but the mild graphics enhancement does not justify a re-purchase, especially at the $20

price tag.