The original Resident Evil 2 had fixed camera angles, blocky low-polygon models, and pre-rendered backgrounds. It's still a fantastic game, but after 20 years and two series reinventions, you can't blame Capcom for revisiting the source material via a fresh pair of eyes with the 2019 version of Resident Evil 2, which incorporated the best elements from the more recent Resident Evil games. The Resident Evil 2 remake, as a result, feels like a completely different ball game from its original work.
But in the case of the 2023 remake of Resident Evil 4, things are mostly the same. The game adopts the more grounded, gritty, and horror-focused tone of the past couple of remakes but maintains the right beats from the original work to show that it's not missing the point. The over-the-shoulder camera stays; there remains a heavy emphasis on careful positioning, precision, and timing in combat; and Leon is still trying his darndest to be an action hero.
But how can I complain? It's tense, action-packed, and visually stunning, and the gameplay loop is immensely satisfying. It also benefits—like the Resident Evil 2 remake—from having a few surprises along the way that deviate from the original work. There's more Luis, more Ashley, unique level segments, stealth mechanics, a Platinum-style parry feature, several new enemy types, and an entire sub-quest system that provides enticing rewards. The famous quick-time events are also fewer in number and significantly more tasteful with their execution. It might not be the "Aha!" moment that Resident Evil 2 was in 2019, but Resident Evil 4 is a stellar reimagining of an already stellar game, and it's absolutely worth your time if you love this series.
But in the case of the 2023 remake of Resident Evil 4, things are mostly the same. The game adopts the more grounded, gritty, and horror-focused tone of the past couple of remakes but maintains the right beats from the original work to show that it's not missing the point. The over-the-shoulder camera stays; there remains a heavy emphasis on careful positioning, precision, and timing in combat; and Leon is still trying his darndest to be an action hero.
But how can I complain? It's tense, action-packed, and visually stunning, and the gameplay loop is immensely satisfying. It also benefits—like the Resident Evil 2 remake—from having a few surprises along the way that deviate from the original work. There's more Luis, more Ashley, unique level segments, stealth mechanics, a Platinum-style parry feature, several new enemy types, and an entire sub-quest system that provides enticing rewards. The famous quick-time events are also fewer in number and significantly more tasteful with their execution. It might not be the "Aha!" moment that Resident Evil 2 was in 2019, but Resident Evil 4 is a stellar reimagining of an already stellar game, and it's absolutely worth your time if you love this series.