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Resident Evil 4 had a significant impact on the gaming industry since its release in 2005. Even those with only a passing interest in video games are aware of the game’s significance due to its legacy. This game is not only one of the best ever made, but also one of the best entries in shortlist of several masterpieces. Resident Evil 4 unquestionably helped shape the third-person shooter genre as we know it today. Resident Evil 4 remake’s recent release has been nothing short of breathtaking. One of the best games in Capcom’s creation history has likely been developed by the company, who have once again outdone themselves.
Capcom did a fantastic job of creating a remake that retains every benefit of the original game while also forging its own individuality. It strikes a balance between staying faithful and deviating from the path better than any of its predecessors. While there are very few meaningful cuts, several memorable sequences and encounters have been brought over almost exactly as they were in the original game. The general tone and flow of Leon’s rescue mission sticks very closely to how it went in the 2005 game.
The enhancements in the Resident Evil 4 Remake
Capcom has made several meaningful improvements over the original game. While Leon still visits many of the same locations, many of them have been significantly redesigned, almost always for the better. The exploration is more greatly emphasized, and a lot of fat has been trimmed. Even the sequence of certain key events has been remixed, making the game a surprise even for those familiar with the original Resident Evil 4.
Design changes and exploration in the Resident Evil 4 Remake
Capcom has expanded some areas while making significant changes to others, making the game more interesting to explore. Resident Evil 4 Remake helps improve on the original game’s level design, which is a feat in and of itself given how good the original game was. Capcom has made exploration more rewarding than ever before, and the game is full of secrets that players can discover by exploring the nooks and crannies of each location.
The tone of storytelling in the Resident Evil 4 Remake
The original Resident Evil 4 is known for its intentional B-movie charm, its hilariously cartoonish and over-the-top nature. The remake retains the same tone but tempers it with the more grounded style that the series has become known for since Resident Evil 7’s release. The story constantly escalates in over-the-top ways, but it never feels as overly cartoony as the original Resident Evil 4 did. Capcom has taken the original’s over-the-top tone and made it suitable for modern audiences.
The enemy designs and set pieces charge headlong into the realm of the bizarre and outlandish, and Leon rattles off quips and one-liners. The Merchant is still an ever-present enigma, and the story constantly escalates in over-the-top ways.
Capcom has taken the liberty of improving on several aspects of the original game that have aged poorly, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the combat. Resident Evil 4’s combat is still one of the best in the medium, but it’s not perfect- Leon’s stiff movement, his inability to shoot while moving, and the lack of precision aiming are all relics of the past. The remake addresses all of those issues, and then some.
Not only does Leon move much more fluidly now, but he can also shoot while on the move, and aiming has been overhauled to provide much greater accuracy and precision. The result is that combat in the remake feels like a perfect blend of old and new- it retains the tense, methodical pacing and resource management of the original game while bringing in the more modern conveniences that players have come to expect from third-person shooters in 2022.
The visual overhaul in the remake is similarly impressive. The original game was never a slouch in terms of visual design, but it has obviously aged poorly, and certain areas and character models look more than a little rough around the edges now. The remake, on the other hand, is an absolute stunner, with lush environments, detailed character models, and stunning lighting that really brings the game’s world to life. It’s also worth noting that Capcom has taken the opportunity to update the game’s UI and menus, which now look much more modern and polished than the clunky, outdated menus of the original game.
One area where the remake falls a little flat is in its sound design. While the music and sound effects are all excellent, the voice acting is a bit hit-or-miss. Leon and Ada are both perfectly voiced, and the supporting cast is adequate, but a few performances come across as stilted or phoned in. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but it is a slight disappointment given how polished the rest of the game is.
Overall, the Resident Evil 4 remake is a huge success. It manages to capture everything that made the original game great while still making significant improvements in almost every area. It’s a masterclass in how to do a remake right, and it’s easily one of the best games of 2022 so far. Whether you’re a diehard fan of the original or a newcomer to the series, Resident Evil 4 is an absolute must-play.
