This is my first Resident Evil game, so I do not have previous franchise exposure to weigh this against. I have not played the original RE4 so I can't see how it stacks up as a remake. However, what I can tell you is that that doesn't matter and that this is a really fun game to experience. The combat is tense and engaging, as you scramble between furious shots and having to back away to reload or craft ammo and healing items. The characters are very likeable, I love the dynamic between Leon and Ashley and how they grow individually and as a duo stranded on this crazy ass cult island. I will say this is an action game mixed with horror elements rather than a straight horror game. There were a few moments that caught me off-guard but nothing that utterly shook me to my core. I don't see this as a downside because that's the kind of experience it set out to be. As a game of its own volition, it was nothing short of fantastic.