Windows PC version of ‘Resident Evil 4: Ultimate HD Edition’ out February

When it was first released for the PC in 2007 under distributor Ubisoft, the original Microsoft Windows port of Resident Evil 4 received unfavorable reviews, thanks to notorious frame issues and bugs. Several modders and savvy PC users tried to fix these concerns by creating modifications, yet Capcom had yet to officially address the problems.

Now it seems those woes can be laid to rest at last. Fans itching to experience some classic survival horror nostalgia will get to do so in glorious High Definition for Windows PC when Capcom re-releases RE4 as  “Resident Evil 4: Ultimate HD Edition” via Steam this coming February.

Hailed as one of the best installments of the franchise, “Resident Evil 4” (also known as “BioHazard 4” in Japan) is the sixth main entry in Capcom’s long running survival horror franchise, and the last one to be overseen by the series’ creator, Shinji Mikami.

Originally released for the Nintendo Gamecube on January 11, 2005, the story takes place six years after the events of “Resident Evil 2,” with players assuming control of former R.P.D officer and Raccoon City Incident survivor, Leon S. Kennedy.

Now a fully trained US government agent, Leon is sent into a rural part of Spain to rescue the President’s daughter Ashley, who’s been kidnapped by a strange cult called Los Illuminados, led by Osmund Saddler. Unfortunately, when a strange virus turns villagers into crazy mind-controlled monsters and infects Leon and Ashley too, it’s a race against time to find a cure and stop Los Illuminados before their plot of world domination comes to fruition.

Following its release on the Gamecube, Resident Evil 4 became a critically acclaimed hit. Despite initial claims by Capcom and Mikami-san that it was an exclusive to the system, the game soon got ported to the Sony Playstation 2 later that year.

While the graphics were inferior in the PS2 version, several exclusive features such as the Ada Wong “Separate Ways” storyline made it an ideal choice at the time.

Other versions soon followed, including an edition for the Nintendo Wii that made use of the system’s Wiimote and motion control features.

Eventually, a High Definition release was made for the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony Playstation 3. These were released digitally and on disc—albeit in Japan only, along with “Resident Evil: Code Veronica HD” as “BioHazard Revival Selection.”

With the new HD release for Steam coming up, fans looking forward to replaying “Resident Evil 4” in HD will not only get the game, but pre-ordering it will give buyers access to some unique bonuses such as a “Digital Archives” and a soundtrack set from the game’s OST.

If there’s definitely a time to re-experience RE4 in its best setting, now is the time to do so.

“Resident Evil 4: Ultimate HD Edition” makes its way into Microsoft Windows PC via Steam on February 28, 2014. — VC, GMA News