Capcom’s reputation for exceptional remakes, as demonstrated by the high-quality reimagining of Resident Evil 2 in 2019 and Resident Evil 3 in 2020, naturally led to high expectations for their treatment of Resident Evil 4 Remake. However, I wasn’t prepared for the exhilarating rollercoaster of 16 hours filled with unrelenting suspense and adrenaline when I pressed the start button to embark on this 2023 recreation of the iconic 2005 action-horror game. This revitalized version surpasses its predecessor in nearly every aspect. The controls have been modernized to fully leverage the game’s unique dynamic shooting mechanics, while the game’s setting in the eerie Spanish countryside has been made even more foreboding. After 18 years of searching, I’ve finally encountered a video game that rekindles the same sense of euphoria that Resident Evil 4 originally provided.
The original Resident Evil 4 needs little introduction for most, as it stands as a significant installment in Capcom’s renowned survival-horror series. However, for context, it’s worth revisiting the game’s background. Released during a time predating iPhones and when many believed Episode III would conclude the Star Wars saga, Resident Evil 4 represented a groundbreaking action-horror epic. It departed from the series’ traditional fixed-camera perspectives, embracing an over-the-shoulder viewpoint that brought players uncomfortably close to visceral horrors while emphasizing reflexes and precise aiming. Its influence has since reverberated through numerous third-person masterpieces like Gears of War, Dead Space, and The Last of Us. Now, the original game’s genetic material has been extracted, refined, and transplanted into a cutting-edge host, giving birth to a magnificent and terrifying new creation.
Resident Evil 4 Remake Review
Revisiting the original game for the purpose of this review after an extended break, it became abundantly clear that a remake of the game was long overdue. The protagonist, embodied by Leon Kennedy, moves with a distinct awkwardness, akin to someone struggling to maneuver in pants that haven’t fit since their police academy days. Moreover, his actions when drawing a revolver are remarkably stiff, almost as if he’s grappling with an inability to coordinate his hands and feet simultaneously. By contemporary gaming standards, these aspects appear utterly ludicrous and could easily deter potential fans who might never discover the numerous reasons why this game has garnered such widespread acclaim.
Sight for Saw Guys
Thankfully, those bygone days are now a distant memory. This reimagined version of Resident Evil 4 feels entirely in step with 2023 gaming standards, akin to the recently unveiled Metroid Prime Remastered. The inclusion of contemporary conveniences, such as the ability to simultaneously move and aim with the twin-stick controller, eliminates the need to make a harrowing choice between defending oneself against an approaching horde and evading a crossbow bolt. With this newfound agility, players can more effectively exploit the game’s region-specific damage mechanics. This includes actions like shattering an adversary’s kneecaps to set them up for a close-quarters finishing move, detonating sticks of dynamite held by assailants before they can throw them, or simply reveling in the most gruesome headshots.
For those who never experienced the original, nothing here may come as a surprise. However, I can attest that it’s a significant improvement for those of us returning for more. The rough edges of certain interactions have been smoothed out, exemplified by the swift destruction of crates and barrels with a mere button press, eliminating the need for clumsily aligning knife swings. This enhancement expedites the collection of ammo and health pickups during intense encounters. Leon’s combat knife now serves multiple purposes, from parrying enemy attacks to delivering swift finishing blows to staggered foes, or silently dispatching them after a stealthy approach in his new crouching ability. Furthermore, weapon switching is executed instantaneously with a D-pad tap, eliminating the need to navigate the inventory screen repeatedly. It’s almost tempting to blame those baggy jeans for the prior awkwardness.
Resident Evil 4’s DNA was taken, synthesized, and injected into a modern host game to create a terrifying new creature.
Crucially, this overhauled control scheme elevates combat to a more enjoyable and fluid level without lowering the bar for seasoned players, even on the formidable Hardcore difficulty setting. (For those seeking a less demanding experience, ‘Normal’ and ‘Assisted’ modes are available.) However, it’s important to exercise caution when using the knife since it incurs damage with each strike. Overusing it may lead to its demise, requiring repair from a merchant before further attacks can be launched, akin to a miniature Master Sword.
Nevertheless, your adversaries display unpredictable behavior and can quickly outnumber you. Hence, split-second decisions on target prioritization remain imperative. For instance, the hostile villagers have devised new tactics to ensnare you while you’re engaged in combat, such as deploying bear traps. Although Resident Evil 4 equips you with a broader arsenal to ensure Leon’s survival, you must remain vigilant and agile to evade the relentless onslaught of deadly mind-controlling parasites. The addition of checkpoint saves is a welcome feature, obviating the need for laborious backtracking to the last manually operated typewriter save point in case of Leon’s demise. It’s worth noting, though, that purists should be aware the Professional difficulty option disables checkpoint saves.
Resident Evil 4’s Biggest Aspects
One of the standout features of Resident Evil 4 is its dynamic enemy variety, which remains consistent regardless of the chosen difficulty level. Just when you’ve honed your skills in headshot precision, your foes begin donning helmets, compelling you to shift your aim towards their legs. After decimating more kneecaps than a relentless bill collector, they undergo a grotesque transformation, sprouting menacing tendrils from their shoulders, launching another relentless assault. When you’ve finally unraveled the secret to dispatching these nightmarish mutants, you’re blindsided by a lumbering monstrosity capable of regenerating severed limbs, reminiscent of a T-1000 from a Clive Barker horror novel. Resident Evil 4 Remake arms you with a progressively satisfying arsenal, spanning from submachine guns and rocket launchers to potent magnums, ensuring you leave little in reserve after each frenetic confrontation.
Furthermore, I appreciate how quick reflexes and strategic planning enable you to leverage the physicality of your environment to your advantage. Leon is just as susceptible to the chainsaw-wielding Dr. Salvador’s attacks as any nearby foe. Hence, luring him into a charge and directing him into a swarm of his underlings becomes a strategic means to thin the horde. Meanwhile, flaming oil lanterns suspended from the ceiling can be shot down to incinerate a furious mob or incite chaos by burning defenseless creatures like cows, which will then rampage uncontrollably, wreaking havoc on everything in their path. When ammunition is scarce, employing a sizzling chunk of beef becomes both logical and amusing.
Castle Magic
For those unfamiliar with Resident Evil 4 Remake, envision embarking on a rollercoaster that careens off its tracks, hurtling through a sequence of exquisite haunted mansions. As Leon embarks on a mission to a tranquil Spanish village in pursuit of the US President’s kidnapped daughter, Ashley. Initially, the task appears straightforward, but it rapidly escalates into a series of heart-pounding confrontations, from battling colossal sea creatures and towering giants to desperate defenses within barricaded cabins. It includes audacious assaults on a heavily fortified castle, stealthy passages through dimly lit laboratories, and adrenaline-pumping minecart chases, a feature that carried over from the prior two remakes. A significant effort has been invested in refining the game’s formerly problematic latter portion, culminating in a new and improved final boss encounter that truly tested my skills and resources to their limits.
While the upgraded visuals and enhanced enemy AI are notable, they are overshadowed by the spine-tingling new soundtrack. Undeniably, Resident Evil 4’s audio plays a pivotal role in crafting an authentically fear-inducing atmosphere. Each new area introduces me to eerie soundscapes, from the frenzied chants of parasitic peasant farmers to the menacing growls of wolves lurking in the castle’s hedge maze. I couldn’t help but edge closer to the edge of my seat, bracing for every impending encounter with these ominous auditory cues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Resident Evil 4 Remake manages to capture the essence of the original classic while delivering a modernized and enhanced gaming experience. With stunning visuals, refined gameplay mechanics, and an unwavering commitment to maintaining the tension and horror of the original, this remake successfully revitalizes one of the most iconic titles in the Resident Evil series. While paying homage to its roots, Resident Evil 4 Remake is a testament to the enduring appeal of survival horror and a must-play for both series veterans and newcomers.
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