RE4 Mobile retains much of the tension, fear and technological polish of the original even on the Iphone’s 3.5 in. screen. The story of Leon, Ashley and Luis Sera is the same and the graphics are remarkably similar to the PS2 version. For RE4 veterans, it will be a walk down memory lane to enter Leon’s over-the-shoulder laser aiming mode and blast the attacking villagers with the same fantastic body-specific damage as in the console versions. For newcomers, you’re in for a real treat, as this body-specific damage allows you to take your attackers down to one knee by shooting their legs, knock their weapons out of their hands or shoot axes in mid-air. It’s great fun and some of the best shooting action you can find in video games.
The levels are similar but shortened and edited for the Iphone. For example, in the village, while you can still climb onto the roof and kick down ladders and the crazed villagers still climb after you throwing their axes, you’re not able to jump through windows or enter any buildings. While experienced RE fans may decry what’s been left out, this can’t be held against the mobile version as what’s included provides a true Resident Evil experience for the mobile platform that’s condensed out of necessity.
As Leon battles the “Los Illuminados” and their deadly las plagas virus through 12 levels you’re treated to the welcoming arms of the merchant and his trench coat of weapons, upgrades, and tactical vests for purchase before each mission. There’s a mercenary mode that is unlocked after each level that is nicely integrated into the story as all the money you earn in your mercenary killing sprees can be used in the story mode. This also serves to lengthen the game as many of the mercenary levels are different from the story levels.
The controls consist of a virtual d-pad on the left for moving and aiming and buttons on the right to change from movement to shooting mode or the knife. The top left corner is your inventory to change weapons, use healing herbs and access all your jewels, maps and keys. The controls work fine with the only real problem being that it’s extremely hard to aim the scoped rifle. You can easily reload by shaking your device. At times a special button will appear to perform actions like raising ladders, climbing, dodging and breaking free. Once you free Ashley you’ll have another button to give her commands.
The sounds and ominous soundtrack are terrific and add greatly to the tense atmosphere. Like the console version, the color palette in Resident Evil 4 Mobile is dark and muted making it hard to see the screen if you’re playing outdoors or in brightly lit areas. This game is best savored in the dark with a set of earphones.
It’s a testament to the Iphone/Ipod platform and Capcom that this game can even be held up for comparison to it’s high-powered console counterpart. Resident Evil 4 Mobile stands up surprisingly well in such a comparison and provides mobile gamers with a fabulous 5 star helping of one of the finest 3rd person shooters ever made.