Resident Evil 4 (2023) adds to the ever-increasing lineup of remasters and remakes. Now, some may say that a lack of originality and new IPs have driven this trend. However, I don’t entirely agree. Instead, fans drive demand for their much-loved games to get a modern lick of paint. Consequently, when this game was announced, I had high hopes that it would perform extremely well.
Developed and published by Capcom, this is a survival horror title. What’s more, it heavily relies on gunplay and is fast-paced, hectic, and genuinely scary. Moreover, the story is phenomenal, and the characters, enemies, and settings are breathtaking.
Originally released on GameCube in 2005, this addition to the franchise was well-received. However, a change of pace and a lack of zombies confused both journalists and gamers alike. Yet, once you got used to the wholesale changes within the gameplay, you discovered an incredibly rich experience that was well thought out and terrifying to play.
Resident Evil 4 (2023) is great for newcomers and veterans.
Remaking a fantastic game is all well and good. But if you have played it to death, are there any reasons to return? Yes, the graphics will be better, and many issues are likely to be removed. Yet, it is still the same old title, following a well-trodden path. Thankfully, this is where Resident Evil 4 (2023) is different. Capcom has shrouded its plot twists and reimagined the story for everyone, and this was a great move. Why? Well, veteran gamers will have no idea of what changes are afoot, and I’m not going to ruin that for you. Furthermore, newcomers will adore the brutality of the situation, the grim setting, and the excellent cinematic.
Resident Evil 4 (2023) is set 6 years after the horrific events in Raccoon City. The Umbrella Corporation has gone into hiding, and the US Government has severed all ties. Additionally, unsung hero Leon S. Kennedy has been recruited as a highly trained agent for a secret service. Though the ink hasn’t dried on his new contract, this mercenary is sent on his first mission. The President’s daughter has been kidnapped and Leon has been sent in to solve the problem.
As you can guess, this won’t end well for everyone involved. Moreover, things are never as simple as they seem and Leon has his work cut out for him if he wishes to succeed. Yet, with deadly skills at his disposal, and an arsenal of weapons to use, he stands a pretty good chance of surviving a relentless onslaught.
A shift from its predecessors.
Though the third-person perspective remains, Resident Evil 4 (2023) focuses on a closer over the shoulder viewpoint. This excellent choice tightens down your vision and makes even the largest of spaces seem claustrophobic and uncomfortable to navigate. On top of this, the environment is brought to life with windows to leap through, doors to kick down, and crates to smash. Furthermore, Leon is helped by a merchant who is only too happy to take every treasure and coin you have found. Without spoiling it for you, this shop is a game-changer, as new weapons, equipment, and upgrades can be purchased from it.
Another massive change in the series is the lack of zombies. Yep, unlike Resident Evil 1, 2, and 3, Resident Evil 4 (2023) steers clear of the zombie hordes. Now, traditionalists may be disappointed, but the introduction of chanting and demonic villagers was a breath of fresh air. What’s more, the story brilliantly explains their presence through pieces of lore and excellent cinematic. Additionally, the hulking bosses steer away from the cliched past and create a rounded plot that returns to key moments within each chapter.
Fantastic gunplay.
I always fondly remember the 2005 version of this title. What stood out for me was the smooth action and excellent combat. Yes, there was an argument for a better dodge mechanic, but this mattered not. Roll on 17/18 years, and the action is as rewarding now as it ever was. Consequently, it has aged extremely well, and I adored the combat mechanics even more in this remake.
The hectic gunplay and marauding villagers create an uneasy dynamic that is scary as f*%k! Being chased across bridges, through buildings, and past burning pyres never gets old. What’s more, mines, grenades, knives, guns, and much more are at your disposal. Alongside this, there is a new feature to improve your weapons with charms. Sadly, I cannot discuss this further, but it enhances the previous system with some incredible surprises for veteran gamers.
Familiar puzzles and something new.
The Resident Evil franchise is known for its brutality, horror, and puzzles. Thankfully, Resident Evil 4 (2023) has included some excellent new side quests to its vocabulary. Subsequently, you can now “enjoy” the chance to complete Blue Request Missions! These simple on-the-surface tasks ask you to focus on strange jobs. Furthermore, they can be ignored if you wish, but the reward for completing each is well worth the effort.
Disappointingly, though, this remake hasn’t included the familiar and usually enjoyable mechanic of QTEs. Now, I know some of you will let out a sigh of relief, but I think the action would have complemented this approach. Therefore, you don’t get to dodge lunging monsters, avoid moving barrels, or leap from burning buildings at the perfectly timed touch of a button, upsetting, I know.
Resident Evil 4 (2023) is unbelievably good to look at.
Visually, the original still holds its own. Consequently, giving a stunning game a modern polish is always going to generate positive results. With seamless cinematic, incredible locations, and gut-wrenching villagers to witness, this is disgustingly beautiful. Moreover, the animation of your foes is simply wonderful. This is then enhanced when you shoot off a limb or decapitate them with your gun. Alongside this, I adored how the cinematic brilliantly tied in every element like a seamstress sewing together two bloodied bandages. Accordingly, Capcom has created a visual masterpiece that performs brilliantly on the Xbox Series X.
The graphics are supported by incredible audio. With amazing acting, divine music, and heart-stopping sound effects, this is an audiophile’s dream. The horror element of the gameplay is enhanced thanks to the wonderful atmospheric sounds and the groans of every opponent. Subsequently, there are many brown trouser moments caused not by jump scares, but by the feeling of impending doom. On top of this, the boss encounters are brilliantly arranged, and every moment is spectacularly orchestrated. As such, these standout sections are deservedly placed on a pedestal.
Amazing controls.
Capcom has worked hard to create an easy-to-play title that feels and acts like the original. However, they have included a new parry defence which is a game-changer. Once you are familiar with the timing and the buttons, every fight can be manipulated to create a fair tactical outcome. Whether you shoot from a distance, use traps and explosives to your advantage, or sneak around silently, the choice is yours. However, with the parry option at hand, each close-quarter encounter feels more fair and rounded.
Can a remake ooze replay value? Hell yeah, it can! Each chapter comprises a scoring matrix that can be retried and beaten. Alongside this, there are treasures to find, locks to open, and plenty of enemies to kill. Moreover, there is an NG+ mode waiting to be explored as well. You must also consider the upgrade system, charms, and each side quest. Consequently, there is plenty to see and do if you tackle Resident Evil 4 (2023).
Resident Evil 4 (2023) lives up to the hype.
Plenty of remake titles are hyped up within an inch of their lives. Sadly, many of them fail to impress and this market is hit-and-miss. Thankfully, though, Resident Evil 4 (2023) exceeds every promise it makes and delivers so much more. I adored the fresh take on the story, the incredible bosses, the phenomenal environments, and the plethora of new mechanics. Additionally, the characters are great, the cinematic works perfectly, and the inclusion of the parry combat move was perfect. However, my dry cleaning bill is astronomical as this game made me soil myself repeatedly, so thanks for that Capcom! Yet, some soiled underwear is a small price to pay for an incredible experience. Accordingly, though I was petrified, I still recommend that you buy it here! Can you save the President’s daughter? Grab your guns, plan your approach, and stay alive in this incredible horror survival remake.
