TL;DR
Resident Evil 4 (Remake) masterfully updates the 2005 classic, plunging Leon back into a terrifying Spanish village to rescue the president's daughter from a parasite-infected populace. While the core gameplay remains familiar, the controls and mechanics are completely overhauled for modern players, feeling smooth and responsive. Expect a steep learning curve with a challenging default difficulty that demands precision and ammo management. Visually, the remake is stunning, boasting intricate details, unsettling enemy animations, and an immersive audio experience. This reimagining is a must-play, offering a fresh yet faithful take on the beloved survival horror. Dive into the full review to see why it's an essential addition to any gamer's library!
In Resident Evil 4 (Remake), players once again assume the role of Leon, the protagonist first encountered in Resident Evil 2. This time, Leon journeys to a rural village in Spain to rescue the president’s daughter, Ashley. The mission quickly deteriorates when his police escort is ambushed by the village’s inhabitants, who are revealed to be infected with a parasite, rendering them highly resilient and formidable opponents. Consequently, Leon’s objective rapidly transitions from challenging to seemingly insurmountable.
The original Resident Evil debuted in 1996, spawning numerous sequels and film adaptations. Recent cinematic attempts, however, have been met with mixed reception. Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccon City was largely considered a disjointed and disappointing adaptation, and the subsequent Netflix TV series was received even less favorably. Approximately three years ago, I reviewed the remake of Resident Evil 3 , which I found to be an enjoyable experience, despite minor shortcomings.
Resident Evil 4, initially launched in 2005, returns nearly two decades later in a significantly enhanced form. The original release was hampered by somewhat cumbersome game mechanics, particularly in aiming and movement. Precise aiming while moving felt restrictive, frequently leading to frustrating encounters. In contrast, Resident Evil 4 (remake) features completely revamped mechanics, aligning with modern Third-person-shooter conventions. The core gameplay loop largely retains the familiar elements of the original, including typewriter save points, supplemented by an autosave feature on Playstation 5 for more frequent checkpoints.
One notable concern is the game’s challenging difficulty level from the outset. A grace period is absent, demanding immediate adaptation. While the difficulty can be adjusted, the default “normal” setting feels disproportionately demanding, requiring near-perfect execution for progression. Despite the improved mechanics, the sheer number of enemies and scarcity of ammunition necessitate exceptional accuracy for survival.
The visuals have undergone a comprehensive overhaul, showcasing a wealth of intricate details. The enemy animations are remarkably well-executed, contributing to a genuinely unsettling atmosphere as they flank the player from various angles. Furthermore, the enhanced music and sound effects significantly elevate the overall auditory experience. On Playstation 5, Resident Evil 4 (remake) achieves 2160p resolution at 60fps even in Resolution mode, with occasional frame drops during intense sequences. Performance mode maintains a consistent 60fps, but at the cost of reduced fidelity in reflections and other environmental effects. I observed no graphical glitches or flickering in either mode, which is a definite advantage.
In conclusion, Resident Evil 4 (Remake) is a must-play title for both long-time fans and newcomers alike. The narrative remains compelling, the pacing is excellent, and the remake demonstrates clear dedication and attention to detail. The inclusion of subtle alterations to the story provides a fresh experience for even the most dedicated enthusiasts.
Capcom provided a review code for this evaluation. The provision of review materials does not influence our editorial independence.
