As a long-time fan of the Resident Evil franchise, I was eagerly anticipating the release of the Resident Evil 4 Remake. Having played the original game multiple times, on every system from the GameCube to the PS2, Wii, HD remasters and even in VR on the Meta Quest 2, I was excited to see how the developers at Capcom would improve upon the already incredible gameplay and storyline. After playing the remake, I can confidently say that it is a game-changer in the survival horror genre. In this review, I will go in-depth on the history of the game, the innovations in gameplay, the performance and graphics, and comparisons with the original.
History of the Game
Resident Evil 4 was originally released in 2005 for the Nintendo GameCube and shortly thereafter for the PlayStation 2. It was a massive success and is regarded as one of the best games in the series. The story follows Leon S. Kennedy, a former police officer for Raccoon City PD, as he travels to a rural village in Spain to rescue the President’s daughter Ashley. Along the way, he encounters hostile villagers infected with a mind-controlling parasite and must fight for his survival.
The original game was praised for its intense action, thrilling storyline, and innovative gameplay mechanics. It was also the first game in the series to feature a behind-the-shoulder camera perspective, which has now become the norm for the franchise outside of the first person Resident Evil 7 and 8. This said Resident Evil 8 Village introduced a third person view last year in an update.
Innovations in Gameplay
The Resident Evil 4 Remake takes everything that was great about the original game and improves upon it. One of the standout features is the updated controls. Whereas the original game still had tank controls, the new game plays very similarly to the Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes. The game now features modernized controls for smoother movement and aiming, making it easier to take down enemies. Unlike the original you can now move and shoot at the same time whereas in the original game you would stand still to aim and shoot. The game also includes a new knife parry mechanic, which allows players to evade enemy attacks and counter with a powerful melee attack.
Another innovation in gameplay is the addition of new enemy types. The original game featured a variety of enemies, but the remake includes a few new types that add to the challenge. This includes broken neck versions of the villagers which reminds me of the crimson head enemies in the Resident Evil 1 remake. The enemies you’ve already downed will come back at you faster and stronger unless you finish them off with a knife attack. One of the most notable additions is an extra encounter with an El Gigante in the castle section of the game. This replaces the statue that would chase you in the original and is a less silly enemy to take on. Taking down this beast requires careful planning and strategy, adding to the intensity of the game.
Performance and Graphics
The Resident Evil 4 Remake boasts stunning graphics and improved performance. The game runs at a smooth 60 frames per second, which makes the action feel more fluid and responsive. The updated graphics also make the game look better than ever before. The lighting and textures have been improved, making the environments more immersive.
The character models have also been updated, with Leon looking better than ever. His facial expressions and animations are more realistic, adding to the emotional impact of the story. The enemies also look more terrifying than ever, with their grotesque designs and gruesome death animations.
Comparisons with the Original
While the Resident Evil 4 Remake is an improvement in almost every way, there are some notable differences between it and the original game. One of the most significant changes is the removal of the infamous “tank controls.” While some fans may miss the clunky movement of the original game, the updated controls make the game feel more modern and accessible.
Another difference is the pacing of the game. The remake features more action and intense setpieces, which may turn off some fans of the slower, more methodical gameplay of the original. However, the updated gameplay mechanics and new enemy types make up for this, providing an intense and rewarding experience.
Conclusion
Overall, the Resident Evil 4 Remake is a game-changer in the survival horror genre. The updated controls, new enemy types, stunning graphics, and improved performance make it a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike. While there are some differences between it and the original, the remake stands on its own as a masterpiece of game design. If you’re a fan of survival horror games or just great games in general, the Resident Evil 4 Remake is a must-play.
If you’re interested in playing the Resident Evil 4 Remake, it’s available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Don’t miss out on one of the best games of the year!
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