Capcom has been releasing remakes of the Resident Evil franchise with great success, revitalizing classic action-horror games for newcomers and fans alike. Among these, Resident Evil 4 stands out as a pinnacle of the franchise, combining its trademark over-the-top characters, world design, and puzzles with some genuinely amazing game design and sequences that make the game both fun and challenging. With its release in 2005, Resident Evil 4 evolved the franchise and turned it into a successful, third-person, horror-action hybrid. The remake on the RE Engine has only improved the game, adding new features and enhancing the visual and audio quality of the game.

Resident Evil 4 takes the player back to Spain, where they play as Leon S. Kennedy, searching for the President’s kidnapped daughter in a village overrun by mind-controlled zealots and horrifically mutated creatures caused by the T-Virus. As with previous games in the franchise, the world is not shy about being somewhat goofy and Resident Evil 4 takes that to a new level, with over-the-top enemies, larger-than-life characters, and comically absurd situations. However, the game’s design is both fun and engaging, with plenty of side quests, treasure hunts, and other activities to keep players hooked on the action.

The remake enhances gameplay by introducing new features, such as a knife system that allows for a more dynamic gameplay and real-time, reactive battle sequences. Stealth plays a larger role as players creep up on their foes, silently taking one or two down with their knives, slightly reducing the overall threat before things inevitably turn into an all-out war. The knife durability system and parry system add more depth to combat, though the knife parry could use some work.

The game also introduces escort missions that run smoother than the original game, with Ashley being considerably less of a burden. Though not a well-rounded character, Ashley’s incompetence adds a nostalgic charm to the game. The remake retains the game’s best elements while toning down its worst.

Overall, the remake of Resident Evil 4 is a massive success, with few criticisms that pale in comparison to its achievements. The game retains the fun and challenging gameplay of the original while improving the visual and audio quality of the game. It’s a must-play for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. Capcom’s remakes have breathed new life into classic horror games, and Resident Evil 4 is a testament to their success.