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Entertainment • Video Game

Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4 is a survival horror video game developed and published by Capcom, originally released in 2005 for the GameCube.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Resident Evil 4 is a survival horror video game developed and published by Capcom, originally released in 2005 for the GameCube. It follows Leon S. Kennedy as he tries to rescue Ashley Graham, the U.S. president’s daughter, from a cult in rural Spain. A remake of the game was released in 2023 for modern platforms.

Gameplay

Resident Evil 4 uses a third-person perspective and combines survival horror with action shooting. It is known for moving away from the fixed-camera style of earlier series entries.

Plot

The story follows Leon S. Kennedy as he investigates a remote region in Spain and attempts to rescue Ashley Graham. He faces hostile enemies influenced by a controlling parasite and encounters recurring characters such as Ada Wong.

Release and platforms

The original game was released in 2005 for GameCube and later ported to other systems. Capcom released a remake in 2023 for current-generation consoles and Windows, with later releases for Apple platforms.

Reception and legacy

Resident Evil 4 is widely regarded as one of the most influential entries in the Resident Evil series. It helped popularize over-the-shoulder third-person gameplay in action games.

Key facts

  • The 2005 game marked a shift in the series toward more dynamic, action-oriented gameplay.
  • Players control Leon S. Kennedy on a mission to rescue Ashley Graham.
  • The game features a cult and parasitic infection as central plot elements.
  • It was first released for the Nintendo GameCube and later appeared on other platforms.
  • A remake titled Resident Evil 4 was released in 2023 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S.
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Canadian context

Resident Evil 4 has been widely available in Canada through Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox, and Windows releases, and it is part of a major Japanese franchise with a large Canadian player base.

Frequently asked questions

What is Resident Evil 4?
It is a survival horror video game by Capcom, originally released in 2005 and later remade in 2023.
Who is the main character?
The player controls Leon S. Kennedy, a U.S. government agent.
What is the story about?
Leon is sent to rescue Ashley Graham, the U.S. president’s daughter, from a cult in rural Spain.
What genre is it?
It is generally described as a survival horror game with third-person shooter gameplay.
Was there a remake?
Yes. Capcom released a remake of Resident Evil 4 in 2023.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resident_Evil_4
    Supports: Original 2005 game, platform, plot, genre, and gameplay shift.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resident_Evil_4_(2023_video_game)
    Supports: 2023 remake, release platforms, and remake status.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resident_Evil
    Supports: Series context and influence on over-the-shoulder third-person gameplay.