Resident Evil 4 began as a landmark for the GameCube and briefly lived under Capcom’s five-game exclusivity pact. Although the promise of five exclusive titles for the cubic console didn’t fully come to fruition, four games did debut under that agreement, and Resident Evil 4 stands out as the standout entry of the horror saga. Released in 2005, it redefined the series by abandoning fixed camera angles and placing the action over the shoulder of the protagonist. This shift marked a major leap, enabling free aiming, more dynamic exploration, and the ability to encounter a greater number of foes on screen.
In truth, Resident Evil 4 became the installment that steered the franchise toward action while still preserving the series’ core sense of dread. Capcom’s bold move to reframe survival horror into a more focused action experience paid off. Years later, the classic remains one of the most memorable pillars of gaming history. Today, the remake revisits the core ideas, updating the story and reinforcing the eerie, oppressive atmosphere that defines the series, all while delivering memorable action moments.
A stranger in the Spanish countryside
Six years after the Raccoon City incident, Leon S. Kennedy is no longer a rookie officer from Resident Evil 2. He is a secret agent on a mission to rescue Ashley Graham, the daughter of the U.S. president. Isolated in a remote Spanish town, Leon faces smarter and deadlier foes than the classic zombies, and not everything is as it seems. The locals are under the influence of a mind-controlling parasite called Las Plagas, turning paranoia into immediate peril.
True to the Resident Evil mold, players will confront waves of hostile enemies and terrifying mutated creatures amid unsettling environments and a chilling soundscape. The remake heightens the sense of terror through refined lighting, precise enemy placement, and smarter AI. It also introduces new gameplay refinements: Leon can now strike with a wider range of blade-like defenses, block some attacks, and finish off grounded enemies with greater speed. Sneak attacks return, letting players eliminate threats quietly and thinner the crowd as movement options expand.
Another notable change in the remake is how objects in the environment respond to player actions. The game emphasizes exploration in wider playgrounds where players can discover items to sell to the Peddler, a mysterious dealer who upgrades weapons and offers essential gear. Correct use of the Peddler is critical to progress. Pesetas remain the currency of choice, and players will find gunpowder to combine into ammunition.
same game? Not exactly…
With a new-generation technical setup and a darker, more oppressive atmosphere, the remake intensifies shadows and reflections to heighten the sense of foreboding. Enemies are redesigned for current hardware using the RE Engine, with fresh character modeling for Leon, Ada, Luis Sera, and Ashley. Iconic locations from the original return in refurbished, highly detailed form, including Salazar’s castle and the famous opening sequence in the National Police SUV.
The return to one of gaming history’s greatest titles is ultimately a celebration of both fidelity and reinvention. While the remake preserves the spirit, it adds innovations across the board. Enemies resemble their 18-year-old counterparts, yet parasitic infections have evolved to feel more aggressive, and villagers mutate more visibly. The battle system is redesigned to balance the old with the new, delivering a fresh but faithful experience that many players will find deeply satisfying.
Combat remains intense but accessible, and the modern twist brings a tighter, more polished feel. Even seasoned fans will appreciate the modern pacing, refined controls, and the way the game holds up as a modern survival-horror experience. The remake remains a classic in a new era—elevated, cohesive, and intensely cinematic.
Slight differences in tone and some plot details
Compared to the original, the remake expands the variety of combat options and emphasizes new mechanics like dodging and stealth. The blade mechanics feel quicker, but overusing them can sap effectiveness. A return of the shredding system adds a layer of realism to how enemies react to damage. Other additions include a chest for ammo storage, a quick-access equipment menu, a new objective system, and a more streamlined approach to secondary tasks.
Leon appears more serious, with a design that reflects his growth over years of experience. The pacing also tightens with subtle changes to how the campaign reports progress. The Peddler replaces some reward structures, offering bonuses and gear that influence how players approach the game. All these adjustments inject a fresh sense of purpose into a title rebuilt to meet modern standards.
The importance of managing resources well
Resident Evil 4 relies on tension-building sequences, and the remake demonstrates that the core challenge remains intact. While there are new elements, the game respects several original systems, notably the ongoing need to manage inventory and health items. It is through careful resource management that players survive toward the endgame. The visuals are striking, with high-fidelity textures and real-time lighting that tracks Leon’s flashlight, enhancing the sense of immersion. The game’s attention to detail — from the faithful pesetas to the rugged clothing of the infected — reinforces the atmosphere and the stakes.
results
Some games become timeless, and Resident Evil 4 is among them. The remake preserves the essence of the original while presenting a modern, immersive setting and a redesigned storyline. It delivers vivid graphics and tense moments that keep players on edge, with a balance of action and horror that satisfies longtime fans and newcomers alike. The remake elevates the iconic chapter to a level that resonates with contemporary audiences, cementing its place in the franchise as a high-water mark for survival horror.
resident evil 4
- Genre: Horror
- Release Date: 03/24/2023
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
- Developer: Capcom
- Producer: Capcom
- multiplayer: No
- Language: English
- Audio: English
- PEGI: +18
- Price: consult