Resident Evil 4, known in Japan as , is a third-person shooter video game and the sixth installment in the Resident Evil series, published and developed by Capcom. It was released in North America on January 11, 2005 for the Nintendo GameCube, and was later released in Japan on January 27, 2005 and in Europe on March 18, 2005. The game was later ported onto the PlayStation 2 in October 2005, and for the PC and Wii in June 2007. Resident Evil 4 has won numerous Game of the Year awards.

Gameplay

The gameplay focuses on fast-paced gunplay, quick controls, and shootouts involving massive crowds of enemies in large open areas. This is a departure from the other games in the series, which focus on exploration and conservation of ammunition. The camera is focused behind Leon, and it zooms in for an over-the-shoulder view when aiming a weapon. The addition of a laser sight adds a new depth to the aiming not present in the other games of the series. The player is able to aim in various directions and easily change their placement at any time. Bullets now affect the enemies specifically where they are shot. Shots to the feet can cause enemies to stumble, while shots to the arms can cause them to drop their weapons.

Another new aspect of Resident Evil 4 is the inclusion of context-sensitive controls. Based on the situation, the player can interact with aspects of their environment: kicking down a ladder, jumping out of a window, or dodging an enemy attack. There are also dynamic cut scenes, in which the player must press buttons indicated on-screen to execute actions such as dodging a falling boulder or wrestling an enemy to stay alive. These are often incorporated into the game's many boss battles, where the player must avoid one-hit kill attacks. The Wii version expanded on this concept slightly by including a quick Wii Remote shake as a possible context sensitive action.

Capcom added new content made specifically for the PlayStation 2, and later added into the PC and Wii releases. The largest addition is Separate Ways, a minigame which revolves around Ada Wong's involvement in Resident Evil 4, and her connection to Albert Wesker, a former member of the STARS, who is now attempting to revive Umbrella. The player can also unlock Ada's Report, a five-part documentary, which analyzes Ada's relationship with Wesker and his role in the plot, new costumes for Leon and Ashley, a new laser weapon, and a Movie Browser.

Enemies

main: List of Resident Evil 4 creatures

Inventory

The inventory system of the game features a grid system, represented by a case, that has each item take up a certain amount of spaces. The case can be upgraded several times, allowing for more space. Weapons, ammunition, and healing items are kept in the case, while key items are kept in a separate menu. Items may be bought from and sold to a wandering merchant that appears in various locations throughout the game. He sells first aid sprays, weapons, allows for weapons to be upgraded, and buys various treasures that Leon finds. The various weapons each have their own advantages and disadvantages. One major goal for the game design was to increase weapon diversity to improve player freedom and gameplay depth.