It’s now time for another Retro Ad Replay! This is the series where we dive back in time to reminisce and celebrate the anniversary of the biggest moments in gaming. If you find yourself wanting more content like this, be sure to visit Mandatory.com.
In our October 25 edition of Retro Ad Replay, we’re taking a look back at Resident Evil 4, which launched exactly 14 years ago on October 25, 2005. It’s perhaps surprising to those who are unfamiliar with the game’s history, but this title initially released as a timed-exclusive for the Nintendo GameCube, with PlayStation 2 owners having to wait nine months before playing it. Resi 4 was later ported and remastered across a vast number of systems, including: PC, Wii, iOS, PS3, Xbox 360, Android, PS4, Xbox One, and the Nintendo Switch. Spanning across a number of console generations, as well as mobile devices, Resident Evil 4 has stood the test of time and remains a compelling play.
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Resident Evil 4 introduced an over-the-shoulder camera that made gameplay more immersive. It was also a lot more action-oriented, while still capturing the horror and tension of past titles. Characters, both good and evil, were developed well. The success of Resi 4 encouraged Capcom to implement over-the-shoulder cameras and heavy action in both Resident Evil 5 and 6.
You can watch the Resident Evil 4 GameCube trailer below:
In GameRevolution’s Resident Evil 4 review, writer Nebojsa Radakovic awarded the original GameCube version a 4.5 out of 5, praising the “more combat-oriented gameplay,” the ability to upgrade weapons, environmental interaction, the visual presentation, and good sound.
What with the sheer number of Resident Evil 4 ports and remasters launching over the past 14 years, it can be difficult to feel the usual nostalgia for a decade-old title. However, it’s hard not to feel sentimental shivers when thinking back to that first infected encounter, the monster on the lake, and the game’s final battle.
