Resident Evil 4 Remake is a stunning new version of the classic game that combines the best elements of the original game with fresh ideas and modern gameplay.
The game follows the adventures of Leon Kennedy, a former rookie cop who has now become a spec-ops super soldier, as he searches for the US president’s kidnapped daughter in a remote village somewhere in Europe.
From the moment Leon enters the dark and cold overgrown woodland path, you know you’re in for a horror experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Although the game retains the narrative, characters, and major locations of the original, the structure and gameplay have been subtly remixed.
The combat system is expressive, tactical, and tough, with a stripped-down melee system that allows for crucial ammo hoarding while still making your character feel powerful.
The game is a perfect melding of old and new Resident Evil, with reminiscence and raw challenge combined into a gripping and immersive experience.
The locations in the game are expertly designed, with every location a rotting smorgasbord of gelatinous horror. From the emaciated animals wandering about and dropping dead from hunger in the farm to the vast maze of wooden walkways in the canyon area, the game’s environmental signposts are some of the best ever encountered.
The major boss battles are foreshadowed, and the world teaches you how to look for important rooms or crucial loot hoards.
One of the few modern additions to the game is the inclusion of little sub-tasks, which have you killing rats and shooting at hidden targets to earn spinels that can be used to purchase exclusive items from the trader.
While these shopping list deviations may add bloat to open-world games, they feel unnecessary in Resident Evil 4 Remake, blowing the tension and taking you out of character.
However, the game still encourages player curiosity and exploration, which work in tandem with the narrative rather than against it.
The game’s story is a grandiose mix of hostage rescue drama and occult horror story, with each beat of the script a puzzle piece that you get to joyfully uncover and play with.
The game is alive with intimate detail, from the sounds of distant screams and chants to the sight of a grizzly murder scene or a beautiful vase.
It is resplendent, delicious, and decadent, like an incredibly rich banquet served amid the detritus of some horrible battle.
Overall, Resident Evil 4 Remake is a beautiful, tense, camp, gory summation of everything that is so good about Resident Evil.
The game is a must-play for fans of the series and a great entry point for newcomers. Whether you find yourself in a rose garden or torture dungeon, Resident Evil 4 Remake is an experience that somehow feels tight and controlled yet also at times unscripted and emergent.
It contains the game design knowledge of the whole series, from the awkward shuffling tension of the first game through to the engrossing (and often just gross) first-person horror of Resident Evil 7.
The game will be released on March 24th on PS4/5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC, and it’s definitely worth the investment.