Resident Evil 4 review

Resident Evil 4 is the best horror game on the PS2. Capcom's description sends special agent Leon S. Kennedy to a rural village in Europe to rescue the U.S. President's kidnapped daughter, where he faces enemies infested by Las Plagas and mind-controlled villagers tied to the Los Illuminados cult. That move away from slow zombies toward aggressive enemies made it faster and more action-led than earlier entries. Capcom's 2005 version on Steam includes the Separate Ways epilogue and other bonus content released over time, which makes it an easy legal option for PC and emulator players. The PS2 disc itself lists at $49.99 used before sales at DKOldies, one of the higher prices here, and that keeps its value score lower. The game is rated M on the PC re-release. Buy the PS2 disc if you collect the console's versions; otherwise newer editions are easier to find.

Who it is for

Horror fans who want tense over-the-shoulder action and collectors of the PS2 port.

Price

Used PS2 disc from $49.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $49.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Leon S. Kennedy's mission to rescue the President's daughter
• Rural European village setting
• Enemies infested by Las Plagas instead of slow zombies
• Mind-controlled villagers tied to the Los Illuminados cult
• Separate Ways epilogue included in later editions

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: A faster, action-led take on Resident Evil
• Strength: Single-player with no online dependence
• Strength: Capcom still sells the 2005 version on PC
• Weakness: Costs $49.99 used before sales
• Weakness: Rated M on the PC re-release
• Weakness: Easier to find in newer editions than on the PS2 disc

Key facts

• Publisher: Capcom
• Protagonist: Leon S. Kennedy
• Enemies: Las Plagas hosts, Los Illuminados cult
• Extra content: Separate Ways epilogue
• ESRB (PC re-release): Mature

Where it ranks

Resident Evil 4 is No. 8 in our Best PS2 Games of All Time verdict.