Resident Evil 4 is rightly considered one of the best entries in the survival-horror series by CAPCOM and the classic entry in the series that has aged the best. Despite being released in 2005, the game still plays great to this day, which made CAPCOM’s decision to remake it a little baffling, considering that Resident Evil: Code Veronica is way more in need of a remake.
After experiencing some sections of the Resident Evil 4 remake, however, I can confidently say that remaking the fourth entry in the series was the right call, as the number of improvements to the formula is sure to make the experience way more engaging.
Unlike the Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes, which modernized the formula of the original games, the Resident Evil 4 remake doesn’t bring the same radical changes and feels extremely familiar. Like in the original, Leon can shoot enemy parts, such as their legs, to disorient his foes, and knock them down using a melee attack, using his knife to parry their melee and ranged attacks. When fighting Ganado, the parasite’s body can become exposed, which will increase the enemy’s power and speed, making knife parries even more important.
With the Resident Evil 4 remake featuring a lot of different enemies, players will have to adapt to their unique characteristics, changing their strategies according to the situation. Explosive weapons, for example, can be shot to make short work of the enemies holding them. To make another example, the Garrador in the Castle is strong and quick, but its vision is impaired, so players need to move quietly to avoid alerting them. Even if discovered, however, players still have the chance to mitigate damage by parrying the Garrador’s powerful claw strikes.
Knife parries will be even more important in the fight against Jack Krauser, which now players have to play actively instead of completing a quick-time event. This is an excellent change over the original, as it makes the iconic fight finally feel as involved as it should have been in the original. The ability to register multiple weapons to shortcuts is also a welcome addition that greatly expands combat.
With haunting locations like the Lake and the Castle, the Resident Evil 4 remake didn’t need to touch up exploration that much, but it seems like CAPCOM had a very good idea on how to improve it as well, and it shows. Alongside the puzzles found in the original and environmental hazards such as catapults in the Castle, players can find request notes with requests that will reward players with Spinels. Defeating enemies and thoroughly exploring around will also reward players with Pesetas, which can be used to purchase new weapons and items from the iconic Merchant. From time to time, his stock will change, so players will have to check with him frequently to purchase important items such as different colors and charms for the Attaché Case, which grant a variety of minor effects, such as increased drop rate for ammo, improved healing and so on. Case customization is only available at typewriters, so even their role has expanded beyond simple save points.
While exploring the many haunting locations featured in the Resident Evil 4 remake, Leon will be followed by Ashley, the daughter of former US President Graham he has been sent to rescue from the Los Illuminados cult. The young woman will follow Leon the best she can, and players have some degree of control over how she should follow him with the Tight or Loose commands. During combat sequences, players will need to be aware of where Ashley is and what she is doing, as enemies will be going after her as soon as possible. If she is damaged too much, she will be knocked down and become easy prey for the enemy, and if she is carried off, it will be game over, so keeping an eye on Ashley at all times and using the available commands to keep her safe from harm will be extremely important.
With its incredible atmosphere kept intact and enhanced by the RE Engine and expanded gameplay, the Resident Evil 4 remake is setting out to be a great game for veterans and newcomers alike. How the many changes will hold up remains to be seen, but from what has been shown so far, it definitely looks like CAPCOM has done an amazing job remaking one of its most popular games.
The Resident Evil 4 remake launches on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S on March 24th, 2023, worldwide. Find out more info in our recap article.
