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Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition Preview for the Nintendo Wii

Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition Preview for the Nintendo Wii

Resident Evil brings its blood and guts to the Wii

April 24, 2007 – The “fun for the whole family” image of the Wii may be true for many of its games, but gamers up for something different may be interested in Capcom’s latest installment of their zombie survival horror genre. Recently announced, Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition: Wii Edition will be released in Japan on May 31, with a release date in North America to be announced. The game promises to give fans of the classic Resident Evil series a whole new experience with full use of the Wii-mote controls that will make players feel as if they are a part of the game.

Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition screenshot

“RE4 has sold more than three million copies around the world and with the Wii version, we are focusing on improving the interface and being able to interact with the game via the Wii remote,” said Capcom’s Masachika Kawata, who produced the game. “We on the development staff feel that the Wii is perfectly suited for the point-and-shoot style of gameplay that comes with the series.”

Essentially, Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition: Wii Edition is the same as the Resident Evil GCN version with the extras of the PS2 version. Basically what that includes is a 16:9 widescreen mode in 480p from the PS2 version, plus the extra Wong Missions and added costumes. Owners of the GCN version shouldn’t fret though as the Wii Edition promises to offer a completely different gaming experience when you control main character Leon with the Nunchuk and blow the heads off enemies with the Wii-mote.

Basically Leon is controlled with the Nunchuk’s analog stick. Holding down Z makes him run. The Wii remote is used to aim and the A button to shoot. Players will grasp this with ease, accurately blowing the brains out of the walking dead. The accuracy will almost have a PC-like feel as you can pinpoint the exact target you wish to hit. Shaking the Wii-mote at any time enables Leon to automatically draw his knife and start slicing up-and-down. Or if you wish to simply carry the knife without slicing, pressing C on the Nunchuk draws it out. For example, to defeat El Gigante (a disgusting ogre boss) Leon must use his knife to gash at his exposed top, making for a unique Wii experience as you use the remote like a dagger. Also, if you allow a zombie to get too close and he latches on, you will have to shake the Wii-mote to get him off – the screen will prompt you to do so as a one grabs onto Leon to take a bite.

Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition screenshot

The game still forces the player to stop moving in order to shoot, the same as any Resident Evil game, which has become an integral part in the series’ suspense and panic factor. Players may find shooting their target easier in this version, however, with a full circle reticule on the screen as opposed to a laser pointer.

Just getting the coordination down may take some practice, but Capcom promises in no time players will adapt to the game and laugh uncontrollably as they blast the living dead left and right.

What seems to be disappointing about Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition: Wii Edition, aside from the fact that it is just a revamped edition of the RE GCN game, is the lack of extras. There will be no online mode or downloadable extras, which may leave something fun for future Resident Evil games on the Wii. Right now, developers seem to have focused on perfecting the RE experience on the Wii with its game controls and completely unique experience.

Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition screenshot

Only time will tell how players will grasp onto the new controls, and how successful Capcom is in making a completely new Resident Evil experience. But Wii owners who want something different than the unit’s typical “family” oriented games may find RE4: Wii Edition to be a breath of fresh air.

Features:

  • A completely unique Resident Evil experience, taking full advantage of the Wii’s controls.
  • All the extra features of the PS2 version, including bonus costumes and the Wong Missions.
  • Screen Resolution: Up to 480p (Progressive Scan, Widescreen).

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