Say what you will about the video game industry supposedly running out of ideas and resorting to remaking older games, but it's working. For every remake that feels like a cash cow, some are genuine attempts at correcting the flaws of the original titles and making them more readily available. Case in point, Capcom, and Resident Evil.
Capcom didn't start the survival horror genre but it certainly popularized it. Its efforts, specifically via Resident Evil, greatly contributed to its prevalence today. However, the one title that really revolutionized the genre was the iconic Resident Evil 4.
Released by Capcom in 2005, the game has long been praised as the best entry in the series with its blend of action, horror, and engaging storytelling. It's an all-time classic that should've been left untouched. But, for some reason, Capcom made the jump of revisiting this beloved title. Instead of butchering the iconic title in its attempt to further the series, much like how the basic gist of the Resident Evil franchise is people with good intentions being taken advantage of by greedy corporations, Capcom might have just accomplished what's easily the best remake yet.
For those with fond memories of the original, the Resident Evil 4 remake is more than just a modernized experience or a simple nostalgic trip down memory lane.
What it is is a fantastic reexamination of one of the best games ever made, preserving its legacy while providing a genre-defining experience. Capcom revamped the charm of the original while giving it more life, which makes it a refreshing experience for both fresh faces and veterans of the series.
Similar to the original, the narrative follows Leon Kennedy, years after surviving the infamous viral outbreak in Raccoon City. This time, the once-rookie cop finds himself in a lonely Spanish countryside brought to life with heightened production values. The new visuals, improved textures, detailed character models, and more refined interplay of light and darkness, enhance the game's suspense.
More than just a facelift, the Resident Evil 4 Remake fills in plot holes from the original game and provides character growth where it wasn't before. The more serious tone, with better albeit controversial voice acting, punctuates this. While some believe this detracts from the experience, it undeniably makes the narrative more realistic. Furthermore, characters like Ashley and Luis feel more well-rounded and useful in the remake, making it more immersive.
The remake's changes to Resident Evil 4 don't just stop at the narrative and production. The remake makes the gameplay a lot better as well. Using its experience from previous attempts (and mistakes), Capcom has learned, tweaked, and refined the mechanics, making the shooting and combat feel much more intuitive and smoother compared to the original's tanky controls. The said refinements pair nicely with some much-needed quality-of-life improvements like the improved weapon swapping system, a new knife-parrying move, and, perhaps more importantly, the heavily reduced reliance on quick-time events.
Even Leon's tried-and-true briefcase got an upgrade. This time, it can hold and organize items. It even comes with different variants with unique perks like increased ammo drops, among others.
As a bonus, the series' signature typewriter doubles as an inventory management tool this time around.
Finally, the reviled escort missions have become a strength. Historically, this pain point felt more like a chore and a crux of an otherwise flawless game. This time around, they're more tolerable if enjoyable. Ashley's aforementioned improvements, including the ability to act independently, make the experience more dynamic.
Capcom threw a bone at the more challenge-seeking Resident Evil fans, of which they are plenty. Hardcore players can opt for a harder mode with a more rigorous experience. But, if you aim to take it easy, Capcom's lower difficulties come with helpful features like aim assist and health regeneration as well.
With additional post-launch content and the promise of more expansions down the line, the Resident Evil 4 Remake checks all of the right boxes.
If this is how remakes are handled, we'd all live in a better place. Capcom didn't recreate the groundbreaking feel that the original had for its time, but it did provide a more polished experience that caters to both new players and delights series veterans.
In an age where remakes are either worse than the original or stuck in development hell, Capcom's recent accomplishment isn't just noteworthy - it's well-deserving of an award.
To risk remaking a game that many felt like didn't need to be improved and to walk away with an arguably better product is much easier said than done. The remake stands tall as an exemplary title that solidifies its potential to spice up the race for the GOTY award this year that's currently being led by The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
