Resident Evil 4 is one of the most iconic and influential games in the survival horror genre. It was released in 2005 and changed the series forever with its over-the-shoulder perspective, action-packed gameplay, and memorable characters.
Now, after 18 years, Capcom has finally released a remake of this classic game in March 2023 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S, with iOS, iPadOS, and macOS versions coming later in December 2023.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Resident Evil 4 remake. We will cover:
- What is Resident Evil 4 remake and what is its story?
- What are the new features and changes in Resident Evil 4 remake?
- What are the reviews and sales of Resident Evil 4 remake?
- What are the latest updates and DLCs for Resident Evil 4 remake?
- What is the future of Resident Evil remakes?
Let’s get started!
What is Resident Evil 4 Remake and What is Its Story?
Resident Evil 4 remake is not a simple remaster of the original game. It is a reimagining of the 2005 game’s storyline, to “achieve state-of-the-art quality for a survival horror suitable for 2023, while preserving the essence of the original game.”
The game follows the US agent Leon S. Kennedy, who is sent to a rural area in Spain to rescue Ashley Graham, the daughter of the United States president. She has been kidnapped by the mysterious Los Illuminados cult, who plan to use her for a sinister purpose.
Along the way, Leon will face hordes of infected villagers, monstrous creatures, and a mysterious man in a trench coat. He will also meet some allies, such as the local police officer Luis Sera, the researcher Ada Wong, and the enigmatic Merchant.
The game features redesigned visuals, designed to create a tenser atmosphere, along with new character designs and backgrounds. It also offers six control schemes, including one styled after the original game.
What are the New Features and Changes in Resident Evil 4 Remake?
Resident Evil 4 remake has several new features and changes that aim to enhance the gameplay experience and bring it up to date with modern standards. Some of the notable ones are:
- A crafting system that enables the player to create items and ammunition using collected resources. This adds a layer of strategy and resource management to the game.
- A parrying mechanic that allows Leon to block, counterattack, and kill downed enemies with his knife. This adds a layer of skill and risk reward to the combat.
- A durability meter for Leon’s knife that requires the player to speak to the Merchant to get it repaired or increase its durability. This adds a layer of realism and challenge to the game.
- A new side quest system that the Merchant provides, which can be completed during the main story. These side quests offer rewards such as money, items, weapons, and upgrades. They also add more variety and replay value to the game.
- PSVR2 content is in development, though no further details have been shared yet. This could offer a more immersive and terrifying way to experience the game.
What are the Reviews and Sales of Resident Evil 4 Remake?
Resident Evil 4 remake has received critical acclaim from critics and fans alike, who praised its faithful adaptation of the original game, its improved graphics and gameplay, and its new additions and tweaks. It has been nominated for the Golden Joystick Award for Ultimate Game of the Year and The Game Award for Game of the Year.
The game has also been a commercial success, selling four million units in its first two weeks, making it one of the fastest-selling Resident Evil games. By July 2023, the game had sold over five million units.
The table below shows the comparison of the review scores and sales of the Resident Evil 4 remake and the original Resident Evil 4.
Table
| Game | Metacritic Score | User Score | Sales (in millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Evil 4 (2005) | 96 | 9.1 | 10.4 |
| Resident Evil 4 Remake (2023) | 98 | 9.5 | 5.0 (as of July 2023) |
What are the Latest Updates and DLCs for Resident Evil 4 Remake?
Capcom has been releasing regular updates and DLCs for the Resident Evil 4 remake, adding more content and fixing bugs. Some of the latest updates and DLCs are:
- Version 1.10 (September 20, 2023): This update added the extra game mode “Separate Ways”, which lets the player play as Ada Wong in a separate story that fills in the gaps of the main story. It also added new trophies and made miscellaneous bug fixes.
- Separate Ways DLC (September 20, 2023): This DLC is paid content that can be purchased separately or as part of the Season Pass. It features five chapters of gameplay, new weapons, costumes, and enemies, and a new difficulty mode called “Professional”.
- Version 1.05 (April 24, 2023): This update fixed an issue where certain key items become unobtainable, preventing the player from progressing through the main story. It also fixed an issue causing players to warp through walls when using the scope in certain areas and made other miscellaneous bug fixes.
- The Mercenaries DLC (April 7, 2023): This DLC is free content that added a new extra game mode called “The Mercenaries”, which is a score-based mode where the player has to defeat as many enemies as possible within the time limit. It features eight stages, eight characters, and various weapons and skills.
What is the Future of Resident Evil Remakes?
Capcom has confirmed that they have plans to continue the trend of remaking Resident Evil games, after the success of the Resident Evil 2, 3, and 4 remakes. However, they have not announced which Resident Evil game is next in line for the remake treatment. Some fans have speculated that it could be Resident Evil 5, Zero, or Code Veronica.
Capcom has also hinted at an unannounced major title for 2024, which is not a Resident Evil remake, according to an insider. This could be a new entry in the series, a spin-off, or a completely new IP.
Conclusion
Resident Evil 4 remake is a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike. It is a masterful reimagining of one of the best games ever made, with stunning visuals, thrilling gameplay, and a captivating story. It also offers a lot of additional content and updates that keep the game fresh and exciting. If you have not played it yet, you should give it a try. You will not regret it.
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