Resident Evil 4: Why the Wii Version Still Shines 18 Years Later

Over time, Resident Evil 4 has become incredibly widespread, much like Skyrim. The initial GameCube release has been ported to almost every gaming system imaginable, from the PlayStation 2 to the Nintendo Switch. With the recent remake also available on the newest consoles, and both versions playable in VR, it can be surprisingly difficult to choose how to experience the game.

All of these options are great, but the original Wii version might be the best. Released 18 years ago, Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition brought the game to the popular Nintendo Wii, which quickly became more well-known than the platforms the original Resident Evil 4 was on. While the two versions appear similar, the Wii edition truly shines because of its motion controls.

Wii Motion Controls Made Resident Evil 4 Even Better

Point & Shoot

Even back on the GameCube, Resident Evil 4 felt good to play, a noticeable improvement over Resident Evil 3. The classic tank controls worked well for the early Resident Evil games, but by Resident Evil 3, the series was becoming more action-packed, and those controls were starting to feel restrictive. While slowly maneuvering around zombies in the first Resident Evil was fine, the fast-paced battles with Nemesis in RE3 really needed a more fluid and responsive movement system.

Resident Evil 4 fixed previous issues by making Leon more nimble and adding a camera that made aiming much easier. While I don’t usually enjoy playing shooters with a controller, it works well with RE4’s style of combat, and the precise aiming is a big help. Resident Evil 3 often feels frustrating because you’re battling the controls instead of the enemies. Resident Evil 4 completely changes that, giving Leon tools that let him easily overcome larger and more challenging groups of enemies.

When you switch to the Wii version, the GameCube controls seem clunky in comparison. Unlike many games simply moved to the Wii, Resident Evil 4 feels like it was designed for the system from the start. The fact that Leon can’t move and shoot simultaneously gives the game a feel similar to a rail shooter, and using the Wiimote makes it feel like playing a perfect light gun game.

Easier Controls Don’t Ruin The RE4 Experience

Leon’s Just That Good

One of the best parts of Resident Evil 4 is how well the characters move, and it feels even better when you use the motion controls. Things like disarming enemies or shooting their legs feel incredibly satisfying when you aim and shoot with the Wiimote. And the really dramatic moments – setting off explosives or landing a headshot – are just icing on the cake.

The Wii Edition of Resident Evil 4 doesn’t just use motion controls for guns. You can swing the Wiimote to slash Leon’s knife, making close-combat feel smooth and natural during fights. There are also moments that use the classic Wii quick-time events, requiring fast waggling – they’re a bit goofy, but usually enjoyable.

While these features are beneficial, they do make the Wii version of the game slightly easier overall. Battles can still be challenging, but you’re less likely to feel completely defeated or run out of supplies.

This issue might be more significant in other games, but it doesn’t really hurt the experience of Resident Evil 4. Compared to older Resident Evil titles, this game feels more about being powerful than being scared. Playing as Leon, with all his action moves, is very different from the slower, more cautious gameplay of Chris or Jill in the original game, and running low on supplies doesn’t create the same feeling of dread.

18 Years Later, Resident Evil 4 Is Still Great On The Wii

You Can’t Top Perfection

The virtual reality versions of Resident Evil 4 and its remake offer a similar experience to the Wii version, both relying heavily on motion controls. However, the Wii was much more widely available and easier to use. While VR is still relatively uncommon, the Wii was incredibly popular and many people still have one stored away.

The Resident Evil 4 community is pretty divided on whether the Wii version is the best way to play the game for the first time. Some fans highly recommend it, while others believe you should start with a more difficult version. I think both sides have good points.

Most people, myself included, find this game really enjoyable, and that hasn’t changed in the 18 years since it first came out. I’m having a lot of fun playing it now, even with all the newer games available. While motion controls can sometimes feel like a simple novelty, in a game like Resident Evil 4, they add a lot to the experience.

2025-11-17 02:11