Resident Evil 4

Frequently asked questions

• What is Resident Evil 4 and what can players expect in terms of gameplay?

  

  It is a survival horror third-person shooter video game developed and published by Capcom. It represents a pivot from the traditional survival horror mechanics of earlier titles in the series to an action-oriented approach. Players control U.S. government special agent Leon S. Kennedy, who is on a mission to rescue the President's daughter, Ashley Graham, who has been kidnapped by a mysterious cult. The gameplay combines combat, quick-time events, and puzzle-solving elements. The over-the-shoulder camera perspective was a first for the series, significantly influencing subsequent third-person shooters.
• Who are the main characters?

  

  The main protagonist is Leon S. Kennedy, a skilled and resourceful government agent tasked with the high-stakes mission of rescuing the President's daughter. Ashley Graham is the primary NPC and the President's daughter, whom Leon is sent to rescue. Other characters include Ada Wong, a mysterious spy with her own agenda, and Luis Sera, a former cop with insider knowledge of the antagonistic cult. The main antagonist is Osmund Saddler, the leader of the Los Illuminados cult.
• How does the inventory system work?

  

  Resident Evil 4 features an attached case inventory system, where players can manage a variety of weapons, healing items, and key items. Each item takes up a certain amount of space in a grid-like case, and it’s up to the player to rotate and organize these items efficiently. Players can upgrade the size of their case by purchasing larger cases from the in-game merchant, allowing them to carry more items as they progress through the game.
• What types of enemies will players encounter?

  

  Players will face a variety of enemies, including Ganados, the villagers of the game who are controlled by the parasitic Las Plagas. Other enemies include menacing creatures like the chainsaw-wielding Dr. Salvador, the regenerative Iron Maidens, and Regenerators, and several mutated bosses that Leon must defeat. The game emphasizes diverse combat scenarios, ensuring players remain engaged as they encounter different adversaries requiring unique strategies to overcome.
• What role does upgrading weapons play?

  

  Upgrading weapons is a key aspect of Resident Evil 4, enhancing their firepower, reload speed, capacity, and accuracy. Players can spend the currency collected from defeated enemies and find treasures by upgrading their arsenal at the merchant. These upgrades are essential for keeping pace with the increasingly challenging enemies throughout the game.
• Can players replay Resident Evil 4 after completing the main story?

  

  Yes, it offers significant replayability. After completing the game, players unlock several additional modes, including Professional difficulty, New Game Plus (where players can start a new game with their upgraded weapons and items from a previous playthrough), and side missions like “Separate Ways,” which follows Ada Wong's perspective. There are also unlockable costumes and weapons, which provide incentives to replay the game.
• What is the "Mercenaries" mode?

  

  "The Mercenaries" is an arcade-style mini-game unlocked after completing the main campaign. In this mode, players select from several characters, each with unique weapons and abilities, to score as many points as possible by defeating enemies within a set time limit. High performance can unlock additional characters and stages, presenting a challenging and action-packed experience separate from the main story.
• How important are quick-time events?

  

  Quick-time events (QTEs) are an important part of Resident Evil 4's gameplay. They are sequences where players must press specific buttons rapidly or in time with an on-screen prompt to perform actions like dodging an enemy attack, performing a melee move, or navigating a dangerous scenario. Failure to complete QTEs often results in Leon's death, making them critical for survival.
• What is the significance of the merchant?

  

  The merchant is a key non-playable character in Resident Evil 4 who provides goods and services to assist players on their journey. He appears at various points throughout the game, selling weapons, ammunition, healing items, and upgrades, as well as buying treasures that Leon finds. His iconic phrase, "What are you buying? What are you selling?" has become synonymous with the game, and his presence is vital for equipping players to tackle the dangers ahead.
• Are there different endings players can achieve?

  

  Resident Evil 4 has a single canonical ending that concludes Leon's mission to rescue Ashley. However, the game offers a separate epilogue called "Separate Ways," which adds depth to the story by revealing Ada Wong's activities and perspective throughout the events of the main game. While the main story's ending doesn't change, these additional narrative elements provide a more comprehensive understanding of the game's plot and characters.