Capcom's Resident Evil 4 is one of the highest critically acclaimed titles in the history of gaming, as it provided fans with a fresh take on survival horror while standing as a pivotal title for gaming innovation. After its release in 2004, many other games would follow suit in the fashion of the over-the-shoulder third-person shooter aspect.

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While its innovative aspects are at the forefront of the game's praise, there are also more horrifying and anxiety-inducing moments within this survival horror title many players and fans will be familiar with.

7 Village Chapter 1-1

Village day and night

The opening sequence to Resident Evil 4 is regarded as an iconic moment in gaming, as the player makes their first encounter with the "Ganados" and the frightening chainsaw man known as "Dr. Salvador." What makes this a scary experience for most players is the onslaught of enemies at the very beginning of the game, and the fear of dealing with them alone.

Returning to the village later at night is arguably much more terror-inducing, as Capcom was able to make an integral decision to lower the level of music with enemies hidden in the dark, giving an eerie feel to the atmosphere. It served as a minor taste for what was to come and defined the meaning of not knowing what lies ahead.

6 Cabin Ambush Chapter 2-2

Ganado

Very similar to the village, the "cabin ambush" is another section that puts players in the midst of another enemy onslaught, at an even greater quantity. Capcom's design of this level was integral in capturing the idea of real survival horror, and based on fans' reception, this was successful.

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Considering the closed-in spaces and lack of cover for players to get into, it left many on the edge of their seats trying to ensure their survival. This is one of the many scenarios in which Capcom was able to execute its ideas almost perfectly, keeping players engaged in action while maintaining its scare factor.

5 Two Routes/Bella Sisters Chapter 2-3

Bella Sisters

Another reason Resident Evil 4 kept the adrenaline and anxiety of many players pumping, was its presence of enemies wielding chainsaws aggressively, waiting to decapitate Leon. When choosing between two routes, players will either stumble upon the game's second "El Gigante" or the "Bella Sisters."

Once choosing the left-hand side, players will be met by a mass amount of villagers alongside the two chainsaw women, which sets up a fight or flight situation for the player, especially when playing on the professional difficulty that left fans with the need to act more precisely and efficiently when disposing of enemies.

4 Chief Mendez Boss Fight Chapter 2-3

Leon S. Kennedy vs Chief Mendez

As the first boss battle in this title, the isolation, atmosphere, and enemy design are what make up for such a frightening experience for players here. Capcom's attention to detail with small spaces and a lack of an opportunity to maneuver are the factors that set Resident Evil 4 onto the pedestal it is currently still on in the modern day.

With the fight featuring two stages, the second contains some of the tensest moments of survival, as Mendez rushes at the player in a quick fashion, once again leaving them on the edge of their seat.

3 Ashley's Puzzle Chapter 3-4

Ashley's Puzzle

If there is any section within Resident Evil 4 that defines the genre of survival horror, it is the chapter in which players must find their way out of captivity from the Los Illumindaos' Zealots and Cultists. This is followed by the hunt of the Knights after the completion of the stone tablet puzzle.

The lack of defense and the vulnerability of Ashley Graham is what makes up the scary factor here, as players have no choice but to make a run for it. With the remake on the horizon, players could potentially see this section revisited.

2 Verdugo Chase Chapter 4-1

Verdugo

As the player gets closer to engaging in a boss fight with Salazar, they must first survive the wrath of his right-hand man in the sewers of the "Castle." Fans will be aware that regardless of whether they choose to fight or run, they must engage with the creature to dodge oncoming attacks via quick-time events.

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This is one of if not the most anxiety-inducing sections in the game, as there is a need for players to react quick enough to the buttons displayed on screen to dodge as it is impossible to outrun the Verdugo. It is possible to defeat the enemy, but it will require a good amount of firepower after being frozen in place.

1 Regenerators In Laboratory Chapter 5-1

Regenerator

Many fans will point towards the Island section of the game as the scariest moment, simply due to the presence of the "Regenerators" and "Iron Maidens." Players are hit by surprise when first stumbling upon the lab to discover the thermal scope, and are faced with the first enemy as it awakens.

Those who did not get their hands on the thermal scope or sold this to the merchant would have been faced with a much tougher and more scary task as more ammunition is required to defeat these enemies. From the creepy breathing patterns, the tall figure, and the red eyes with sharp teeth, the Regenerators section is one of the most memorable and terrifying moments for fans of the game.

Resident Evil 4 Remake launches March 24, 2023 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

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