Welcome back, everyone! Today we're going to review the latest Capcom remake, Resident Evil 4. Before we begin, be sure to check out our video game selection for the latest pre-orders at great prices!
The remake of what is possibly one of the most iconic Resident Evil games has had its grips on the horror community for about a week now, and it’s safe to say this release has made its mark. The Resident Evil 4 Remake retains the nostalgia of the original release, whilst modernising many of it’s controls to make gameplay smoother and overall more fun to play. The feeling of tension looms over your shoulders as you make your way through the sinister Spanish countryside in search of the President’s Daughter, and around every corner is a new horror to take Leon by the throat. But what makes this remake so darn good?
It’s pretty obvious that Resident Evil 4 has received quite the facelift since 2005, with new ambiance and lighting giving the game a whole new level of horror when creeping through each area - especially if you have HDR enabled. Gone are the grey, washed out colours that once were, this game is now rich in tones. Your darker areas are intensely dark, but yet you feel just as unsafe in a room filled with lit candles. Capcom have truly captured the feeling of unease with this huge revamp.
The thing that made the original game so intense was the switch from fixed camera angles to an over-the-shoulder view where you were face to face with the Ganados who are trying to tear Leon limb from limb. This is something that translates seamlessly into the remake with better graphics and more intense combat. It really pushes you to be more precise with how you approach situations, and gives this eerie feeling that someone is standing behind you at all times.
Speaking of combat there have been significant advancements into the way you fight the victims of Las Plagas, or the Plaga Parasite, since 2005. The biggest change and possibly the most beneficial is the Combat Knife. You can now wield this blade freely to prepare for any incoming attacks - which introduces the parry feature. Leon now has the ability to protect himself from the swing of an axe or being skewered by a pitchfork. The Combat Knife also has a durability feature, so there’s still that chance you’ll become defenceless if you aren’t paying attention. One of my favourite new features is a stealth mechanic, you can now take down enemies from behind silently - so long as you aren’t spotted - to clear your path without a scuffle. But don’t worry, you can still suplex those pesky villagers into next week.
Another huge change is the President’s Daughter herself. Once a relatively irritating side character, Ashley comes into her own with the remake and is less detrimental to your overall survival. You can command her to keep close or give you some space when combat gets heavy. But be warned, no longer is she going to hide in the bins for you. She will get grabbed, and you will have to save her. There’s still an essence of classic Ashley.
Overall, the controls both in and out of combat just feels so much more fluid. Whilst they can feel a little slower than your usual shooters, it doesn’t take long to get in the swing of aiming and traversing the expansive map. One thing worth mentioning is that, it is very easy to get yourself backed into a corner with nowhere to go, but that just pushes you to be even more observant of your environment. It feels so much easier to avoid bear traps left behind or create distance between you and your attacker. These smoother controls make the whole experience incredibly pleasant - despite the circumstances of Leon’s situation.
There are also the classic throwbacks to the original release with cutscenes and dialogue. The classic church scene at the very start, the Merchant’s gravelly voice when buying and selling, and the introduction of the terrifying Regenerators! Though a lot of fans were disappointed that we didn’t get the iconic “No way, Bro!” scene between Leon and Salazar, there’s still plenty to offer fans of the game.
If you’re really wanting to stretch out your playtime, you can do many of the new optional side-quests and collectible-hunts. Earn Spinel to trade in at the Merchant’s by breaking charms and taking out specific enemies in many locations. You can pick up treasure maps which will help you in your treasure hunts and overall earn you more pestas to spend. It’s a win-win! Not only that, but you can take on challenges to unlock a selection of new goodies, from weapons to accessories for both Leon and Ashley! If you’re wanting to really feel like you’re walking the runway, you can also pick up Attache Case charms - but don’t be fooled, these novelty clip-ons have passive bonuses that help you out in the long run.
In conclusion, the Resident Evil 4 Remake has truly made its mark once again. Much like its predecessor, RESI4 is perfect for those who want to turn down the lights and get their hearts racing with a classic horror game. Capcom have done a fantastic job of re-imagining this iconic game to the fullest potential to make Resident Evil 4 a true masterpiece.
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