Resident Evil 4 Remake - Game Review

Recently, gamers have been able to revisit some of their favourite titles through remakes and retellings, including Dead Space, The Last of Us, and Metroid Prime. Resident Evil has been the series that has received the most remakes and enjoyed a significant amount of attention compared to other game franchises.

Capcom has received widespread praise for their successful modernization of the first three entries in the series in recent years. However, the announcement of a remake of Resident Evil 4 was met with less enthusiasm, mainly because this game is widely considered to be one of the greatest games ever made.

In this review, we delve into the game's engaging gameplay and overall experience to determine if it truly lives up to the hype. Join us as we explore Resident Evil 4 Remake and discover if it's worth the wait.

 

All elements of the traditional game have been revamped to cater to the present generation. This includes modern graphics and controls, as well as a completely reworked plotline that could catch even the most devoted fans of the original game off guard.

Story:

Once again, Resident Evil 4 follows the story of Leon S. Kennedy, a survivor of Raccoon City, who now works for the US government. He is tasked with the mission of rescuing the president's daughter, who has been abducted by a cult hiding in Spain. However, upon arriving in the village, Leon is confronted by aggressive villagers who have been infected with a dangerous parasite called Las Plagas.

Most of the original story remains the same, even down to precise dialogue lines. That’s not to say there aren’t any changes to the game’s overall structure as there are many. Capcom has managed to recreate the game as it exists in your mind's eye, meticulously piecing together every memorable moment, puzzle, and set piece from the original game.

 

Characters:

The original Resident Evil featured increasingly eccentric enemies, with Leon, Ashley, and the supporting cast facing their fears with calm resolve. However, in Resident Evil 4 Remake, Leon keeps his cool demeanour while revealing a kind-hearted side previously seen in Resident Evil 2. Meanwhile, Ashley is realistically frightened by the situation and gradually gains confidence from Leon's courage.

However, despite this, some of the original game's oddity appears to have been lost in the Resident Evil 4 Remake. While characters like Ramon Salazar still exist as grotesque and manipulative villains, we do not spend enough time with them to see any additional depth beyond their one-dimensional nature.

 

Gameplay:

Capcom's developers have discovered a method to modernize the controls, introduce refreshed visuals, and establish an efficient overall gameplay experience.

Focussing on the characters, Leon's movements have been revamped, shedding his tank-like controls and resembling those of the Resident Evil 2 Remake. His movements now have greater weight, creating a more seamless and authentic experience. Additionally, his new crouching stance allows for enhanced stealth and combat tactics.

One of the most significant alterations to Leon's move set in the remake may be the redesigned knife. Fans of Resident Evil 4 are well aware of the knife's importance in conserving ammo and breaking boxes. In the new version, using the knife has become more convenient as it can be utilized to counter enemy assaults and rapidly break free from their hold.

Nevertheless, a new feature in the remake is that players must now be concerned about the knife's durability and maintenance.

Although Capcom's game remake is impressive, there is one notable flaw that stood out, which is the boss fight against Méndez, the mutant priest with an elongated spine. In the original game, Méndez attacked repeatedly from the rafters of a burning slaughterhouse, while in the remake, he throws flaming logs and explosive oil drums at Leon from a distance. He then engages in close-quarters combat by rushing forward and alternating between these positions, in a more confined environment with flames that obstruct Leon's movements when he touches them. Furthermore, Méndez moves quickly, and the objects he throws move just as fast, while Leon has a slightly slower run and no quick dodging abilities.

Méndez is fully remade in this fight, but Leon is not, making the overall boss fight quite frustrating.

 

Side Missions:

In the Resident Evil 4 Remake, players have the opportunity to embark on optional side missions, much like the blue medallion hunt in the original game. These missions offer various challenges that allow players to accumulate money, which can be used to purchase weapons and treasures.

This is a noteworthy enhancement to the game that encourages players to explore the game's intricate environments and invest additional time in their gameplay.

 

Locations:

Each location in the game is a putrid amalgamation of grotesque terror. The player delves into a farm where emaciated animals roam and collapse from starvation, and where every shack is inhabited by hostile villagers ready to pounce at any moment. The canyon section is an extensive network of wooden pathways, the wood brittle and decayed enough to crumble at any instant, sending you plummeting into another precarious situation.

Later come more lavish settings, gothic buildings, the walls lined with Renaissance paintings, the dining tables beautifully laid, each room housing another puzzle or a fresh enemy monster.

 

Conclusion:

In summary, playing the Resident Evil 4 Remake is an absolute necessity. The game is packed with intricate details, from the chilling screams and haunting chants heard in the distance, to the gruesome crime scenes and exquisite vases.

Despite the fresh, modern appearance, Capcom successfully preserves the game's traditional spirit, delivering a thrilling and action-packed adventure featuring battles with terrifying creatures.