Resident Evil 4 (partially found early builds of GameCube survival horror game sequel; 2001-2005)

This article has been tagged as Needing work due to its poor writing and lack of clarity.

The box art of the final released version of Resident Evil 4.

Status: Partially Found

Resident Evil 4 was the fourth installment of the Resident Evil franchise. It started development in December of 2001 and was published on January 11th, 2005. This Resident Evil title was critically acclaimed and is often regarded as one of the best Resident Evil games of all time, but what many people fail to realize is that this was not the final draft of a game that defines the survival horror genre today.

There are currently two released beta trailers for the survival horror game and tell a different story that is not in the final draft of the game today.

History

This game received probably the most conflicting development cycle of the series, the game was originally slated for the PlayStation 2 in 2001. Capcom went through numerous development cycles and betas in order to get the game out in 2005. The first version of the game became the well-known franchise Devil May Cry for It was stated that the beta was 'too action orientated and thus it was scrapped.

The first beta showed Leon in a metallic structure (later confirmed for the setting to be on an airship). fighting a bizarre fog creature. The few words spoken in the trailer were about the Cradle of the Progenitor Virus, and apparently, the story centered on the assault of our heroes to Umbrella Europe. Moreover, Leon would have probably been infected and possibly wielded odd supernatural powers.

The following year in 2003, Resident Evil 4 was shown again. This version presented had different features and a new emphasis on the supernatural that seemed to bring the game closer to Silent Hill. In this new trailer, Leon (who still had some strange power) was inside a mansion infested with some strange presence, notably a strong creature with a hook (given the name 'Hookman' in one video). An extended video of this beta is featured on Biohazard 4 Secret DVD, where we can also see the Killers Armors still present in the final game on Ashley’s stage.

Although this last beta seemed to be the most promising and polished version yet, Capcom decided to scrap the beta and start over again. The third beta, which according to the programmers featured zombies, was not presented to the public. Finally, the final game was shown at E3 2004. The Resident Evil 4 Unseen Saga didn’t end there, though.

Code Madman: A Fan Recreation

There is currently a playable fan recreation of one of the betas to the game. The download for the game is now defunct and can't be played. The game, strangely titled "Code Madman" is the only supposedly available gameplay is now on the internet.