Resident Evil 4 Review: A Killer Remake

Ali Hasan March 29, 2023

Resident Evil 4 completely changed the gaming landscape when it was originally released in 2005. Not only did it revolutionize what was at the time one of the most important and beloved franchises but it set a precedent for everything that came after it. Inspiring games like Dead Space, The Last of Us and so many more, Resident Evil 4 left behind a legacy that has remained unmatched nearly 18 years after its original release. Following in the footsteps of its two prior games, Resident Evil 2 and 3, Capcom announced last year the seminal title would be getting the same treatment in the form of a from-the-ground-up remake for modern systems. 

Resident Evil 4 gets pretty much everything right. Building on the solid foundations of the 2005 original to deliver a game that is not only true to the original vision but enhances in a way that does not take away from the atmosphere and tension of the original but only seeks to make it better and more grounded. In many ways Resident Evil 4 is the perfect remake, making changes where necessary but also showing restraint where required. While it won’t leave the same indelible mark as the 2005 original it’ll certainly go down as one of the best remakes of all time.

The Structure Has Been Tweaked To Make The Entire Game More Seamless and Tight

The story of Leon S. Kennedy on a mission to save the president’s daughter is one that needs no introduction. What seems like a fairly straightforward mission quickly turns into a wild ride of grotesque creatures, huge boss battles, and old adversaries. All of this is set against three very distinct areas; the castle, the island, and the village. All three areas are interconnected now, taking place on one very large map. I liked the sense of seamlessness it added to the game. You can essentially go the entire game without a loading screen. The structure of the original was a product of its time and while it worked then, it definitely feels disjointed by today’s standards and outdated in regards to the remakes.

The game also sees a number of structural changes in regard to its campaign, while the overall narrative remains the same, the journey of how you get from point A to B has been tweaked slightly to tighten the pace and to fit in with the seamless world design. I found that the story moved at a much more consistent pace than it did in the original, especially during the latter half of the game, which often was dragged down by an overreliance on set-piece moments.

Characters Feel More Robust and Rounded

One of the biggest changes the remake makes is to its characters. Each and every character now has a much more nuanced portrayal, with Leon’s failures in Raccoon City being a major driving force behind his motivations and intentions, almost looming like a shadow over his arc in this game. He’s more grounded and believable but also retains that atypical action-hero persona that we all loved in the original Resident Evil 4, there is a beautiful balance here that the development team has been able to nail, one I think fans of the original (myself included) will appreciate.

Ashley has received the same treatment with her character being much more than your typical damsel in distress. She now plays an active role in the story, not only saving Leon on more than one occasion but also helping him unlock doors and solve puzzles. There’s this one scene in particular that really stood out to me.

The scene I’m talking about takes place at the end of chapter 7, where the Las Plagas virus momentarily takes her over and she turns on Leon before being separated from him that really struck me not only from a character standpoint but also the implications it has on her and Leon’s relationship which for the most part remained rather stagnant and one dimensional at the end of the original game. At the end of the roughly fifteen-hour playthrough, I just couldn’t help but feel a strong connection to her character, not only through Leon but as a player too.

Several characters also now see expanded story arcs. Luis and Ada in particular see much more screen time this around, with their story almost serving as a secondary narrative to Leon’s mission. It is a shame however that Ada’s campaign, (the “Separate Ways” story) isn’t included in the package, while it teetered along the lines of repetitiveness in the original it adds more depth and context to her character which I would have loved to have seen been given the same treatment as the main story.

Resident Evil 4 Finds a Perfect Balance Between Horror and Action

One of the biggest changes the original Resident Evil 4 made, coming from previous entries was the move away from survival horror to a more action-centric approach. While it certainly is the case here in the remake, the team has gone in and tweaked the formula slightly to bring back the horror element that is present in the remake for games two and three. It isn’t overwhelming, with the remake being an action game through and through but there is certainly more “horror” here than there was in the original.

The art style has been tweaked to accommodate for this change including more densely packed forests and environments, unexpected jump scares, and long dark hallways that you navigate with your flashlight, the biggest example of this and this happens very early on is when Leon approaches the first house, the lead up to that moment has been expanded upon, making you walk through a dark forest during dusk before you investigate the house with your flashlight, as you make disturbing discoveries.

You’ll find changes like this sprinkled throughout the game and I absolutely loved how it added a level of consistency both tonally and mechanically with the two previous remakes and this game. There’s a very delicate balance here, just like it is in the characterization of Leon and I think it works extremely well and, in many ways, rectifies what I believe was the only thing wrong with the original Resident Evil 4.

Also Read: Evolution of Resident Evil

Combat Has Received The Most TLC

Combat is perhaps the one area that needed the most TLC and Capcom does not disappoint. Every system and mechanic has been built from the ground up to provide an experience that is more in line with today’s standards. Guns feel weightier and have an authentic feel to them, whether you’re using a shotgun, a pistol, or a submachine gun.

Everything feels different and unique not only in how they disperse a crowd of enemies but also in their handling, firepower, and other little kinks and nuances. Shooting guns just feels good and satisfying as it did in Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes. Tank controls have been dropped in favor of a freer combat system, allowing Leon to move while he aims and enabling you to slot weapons on a quick cross menu, letting you cycle through your firearms more freely.

This has two implications, firstly combat is a lot more fast-paced now, going hand in hand with the game’s more action-centric approach and secondly because of the added mobility, enemies are now more aggressive, filling up the screen more quickly which adds another layer of intensity to the combat. Enemies now also display very accurate limb damage, with a shotgun fired up close to the arm or leg, completely destroying that limb, but perhaps the biggest change the game makes is the introduction of a stealth system, allowing Leon to crouch and take out enemies silently.

Stealth and Improved Knife Mechanics Bring More Depth to The Combat

While I personally prefer a guns-blazing approach, the occasional stealth did allow me to save precious ammo for bigger encounters and it is there for people who prefer to take the silent approach, using stealth to take down enemies does wear down your knife, which is another area where the game deviates heavily from the original. While in the original, the knife was mainly used to open crates and as a weapon of last resort, in the remake, it has been given an expanded role. It can be used for stealth takedowns, to incapacitate downed enemies, and then finally as a parrying tool.

The parrying mechanic is where the knife shines the most, allowing you to deflect enemy attacks and throws if you get your timing just right, an added level of defense is certainly welcome since the game can overwhelm you at times with the number of enemies on screen at once. But the knife does wear down every time you use it and does eventually break, so you need to be mindful of the frequency you use it, I learned this the hard way on more than one occasion. Thankfully, though the guffawing merchant is never far behind.

Contracts Add a Bit More Meat To The Entire Package

The merchant lets you upgrade and repair your knife and other weapons in addition to letting you buy recipes for grenades, guns, and ammo types. He serves the same function as in the original, with contracts being the new big thing added to the game. contracts almost serve as sidequests, asking Leon to destroy a couple of medallions or exterminating a hard foe in a given location, upon completing contracts you’re awarded spinel which you can trade for exclusive rewards from the merchant.

These rewards range from lasers and stocks for your guns to entirely new weapons and yellow herbs. It adds another layer of progression to the game in addition to the conventional gun upgrades and is a great way to obtain extra rewards. I went straight for the red laser on my handgun, bringing the experience a little closer to the original Resident Evil 4. It is a shame however that you can’t go back to a previous area once you’ve progressed through a certain amount in the story, this leaves all the contracts you may have missed incomplete, which can only be remedied by starting a new game.

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Shooting Ranges Test Your Penchant For Accuracy

Contracts are joined by a new and improved shooting range activity which upon completion at a certain rank net you tokens which you can exchange for charms for your attaché case which grant different perks (like bonus ammo when you craft something) and buffs. Both these systems can work to bring a well-needed break to the oftentimes tension-riddled formula of the game and add can be a fun little distraction to the main objective.

The contracts in the game were a standout feature for me, as they encouraged exploration and added depth to the overall experience. By undertaking these optional quests, I was able to discover hidden items and uncover new areas that I might have otherwise missed. One such contract came my way after completing the initial portion of the game and rescuing Ashley. This contract tasked me with investigating a threat in the village chief’s mansion.

As I explored the mansion grounds, I stumbled upon a trap door that led to the attic. Accessing this area was only possible with Ashley’s help, as she kicked down a ladder to allow me to climb up. It was moments like these that made the remake of the game truly exceptional. Although the concept of optional quests and hidden areas is not new to the genre, the execution in this game was flawless, elevating it above and beyond the original version.

Verdict 

The Resident Evil 4 remake sets the gold standard for video game remakes, seamlessly blending the old and the new in a way that stays true to the original’s essence while catering to the modern audience. The remake’s masterful execution showcases the developers’ remarkable ability to take creative liberties where necessary while exercising restraint when required, resulting in a finely balanced product that retains everything that made the original so special.

Despite its updated visuals, gameplay mechanics, and controls, the remake preserves the distinctive quirks that made Resident Evil 4 a classic, delivering an experience that is both nostalgic and fresh.

Embark on Leon’s nerve-wracking quest to battle the Las Plagas virus in Resident Evil 4, available now on PS5 at Gameutha.com. As Pakistan’s premier gaming marketplace, Gameutha.com features a wide selection of game consoles, accessories, and much more for various gaming platforms. Stay up-to-date with the latest gaming news, reviews, and updates on Gameutha.com – your go-to destination for everything gaming in Pakistan.