The Best Fourth Titles in a Video Game Series

The fourth game in a video game series is always interesting. This is because most franchises are built with a trilogy setup in mind. Not to mention that the development cycle usually results in the fourth game appearing on a more powerful system. The fourth game in the series therefore usually marks a new beginning for the franchise. Here are some of the best fourth games in recent years.

Devil May Cry 4 (PC, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360)
^{Publisher: Capcom, Developer: Capcom, Original Release Date: February 5, 2008, ESRB Rating: MA}

After the successful Devil May Cry trilogy on the Playstation 2, Capcom decided to bring the action series into the next level with Devil May Cry 4. Along with the impressive high-definition graphics, the game also starred Nero and his Devil Bringer ability. The fourth game in the Devil May Cry series amplifies the same intense and stylish action from the previous titles.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (Playstation 3)
^{Publisher: Konami, Developer: Kojima Productions, Original Release Date: June 12, 2008, ESRB Rating: MA}

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots marks the last chapter in the long-running saga. To send the series off, Kojima Productions crafted an incredible experience that blends cinematic storytelling with immersive gameplay. The graphics and audio further enhance the excellent game. The fourth Metal Gear Solid is about as good as it gets on the Playstation 3.

Resident Evil 4 (PC, Nintendo Wii, Gamecube, Playstation 2)
^{Publisher: Capcom, Developer: Capcom, Original Release Date: January 11, 2005, ESRB Rating: MA}

Resident Evil 4 completely turned the survivor-horror series upside down. Instead of a static camera angle, the fourth game in the series uses a revolutionary over-the-shoulder vantage point. Furthermore, your character also has plenty of ammunition in addition to other moves to fight off hordes of the undead. While it may not be as scary as past titles, Resident Evil 4 adds more than enough intensity to make up for it.

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 (Playstation 2)
^{Publisher: Atlus, Developer: Atlus, Original Release Date: December 9, 2008, ESRB Rating: MA}

Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 does what a sequel was supposed to do: improve upon its predecessor as much as possible. The fourth title in the series features better pacing and more control over combat than the third game. Add in the already addicting mix of social gameplay with dungeon crawling and you got one of the best role-playing games on the Playstation 2.

Street Fighter IV
^{Publisher: Capcom, Developer: Capcom, Original Release Date: February 17, 2009, ESRB Rating: T}

After the under-performing Street Fighter IV, Capcom went all the way back to Street Fighter II to rediscover the winning formula to a fighting game. The easy-to-perform moves of Street Fighter IV cater to the mainstream audience while the advance gameplay elements appeal to the hardcore gamers. Thanks to this mix, the fourth Street Fighter is the premier high-definition fighting game.