Does the Remake hit the same success as the original?

To say Resident Evil 4 is an important game not only for the survival horror genre but for gaming, in general, is an understatement. Becoming the catalyst for the rise of third-party action games such as Gears of War, Dead Space, and the Uncharted series, the influence didn’t stop there. While many will argue that it also marked the shift away from the survival horror roots the series was known for, the game was and still is a phenomenal title. 18 years later, Resident Evil 4 has been remade (not re-released as it has been since 2005) for modern consoles in the same manner as Resident Evil 2 and 3. Much like the prior remakes, not only does the Remake offer the same action-packed gameplay experience but creates one of the tensest horror experiences I’ve played in a long time.

Following the events of Resident Evil 2, RE4R follows a battle-hardened Leon S. Kennedy on a mission to find the President’s missing daughter. As Leon arrives in Spain, things quickly turn south creating a whole new nightmare to survive. For those who’ve played the original game, the game does shake up some of the plots by either changing the timeline when events happen, or the roles of certain characters, and enemies so the game is practically a whole new experience. For those who are experiencing RE4 for the first time, experiencing the cast of characters and their interactions really helps create a unique experience that many can argue hasn’t been replicated in a Resident Evil title since.

Resident Evil 4 was so strongly revered for the gameplay enhancements that it made over its predecessors, and this remake continues that. Even while Resident Evil 2 and 3 of recent years have created near-perfect gameplay experiences, RE4R somehow improved even more. While the core concepts are present from the original, the Remake has added so many new features that it will be difficult to go back. The knife plays an integral role in the Remake for more features than just slashing downed enemies. Parrying with knives is vital for survival against the simplest of enemies to bosses so you’ll need to master this feature early in. Don’t get too comfortable about using the knife though as it does degrade from usage. While this may be a downer for knife lovers, the merchant returns to make sure you’re stocked up on ammo to minimize your reliance on any particular weapon. You can use the merchant the upgrade you weapons, buy any new weapons to get a leg up on the enemies, and purchase crafting supplies to make sure you’ve got everything you can need to survive.

Another large inclusion is the stealth mechanic. Allowing you to sneak past foes, stealth-kill enemies or set up traps with the crossbow, the stealth mechanic can play a large role in how you can take on foes. Personally, I didn’t see myself using the stealth as much as I would have liked, but it is there for those to experiment with.

Playing on Hardcore mode, Resident Evil 4 created one of the most terrifying experiences I’ve had with a survival horror game in years. I consistently had just enough ammo to get by because the game makes sure you aren’t overpowered. Not only did it make me consider how to engage in a scenario, but made me terrified of all enemies I came across; making the bosses even more terrifying than before. If you don’t respect and learn the combat system, you’ll have a difficult time surviving in this remake.

RE4 Remake is a gorgeous game that looks just as good as it sounds. Add in the lack of load screens and the immersion for this remake is on another level. Not only can you see the enemies from further away to prepare for how to take on enemies, but you can hear them also. What makes the presentation even better is the removal of quick time events allowing you to enjoy the cut-scenes instead of worrying about potentially having to enter button combinations to avoid dying.

Resident Evil 4 Remake continues the success that the remakes have garnered thus far, and I hope to see even more remakes after this. With the quality of life improvements, gameplay enhancements, and presentation upgrades, the team working on Resident Evil truly understands what fans are looking for. If you’re new to the Resident Evil franchise, or a long-time fan of the series, Resident Evil 4 Remake is a must-play for everyone!