Resident Evil 4
" Immersive action-adventure with smooth combat and replay value but some altered iconic scenes "
Resident Evil 4 Review
Resident Evil 4 Remake is widely celebrated as a near-perfect reimagining of the classic 2005 game, preserving the core essence while enhancing graphics, gameplay, and narrative depth. Players praise the polished combat mechanics, including the new parry system and refined aiming, which make encounters dynamic and engaging. The atmospheric environments—from eerie villages to castles and islands—are beautifully rendered, contributing to a tense, immersive survival horror experience. The story remains faithful but benefits from fleshed-out characters like Ashley and Luis, who now have more meaningful roles, and a more natural tone in dialogue. Although some iconic scenes were altered or removed, the overall pacing and structure feel smoother and more logical. The game offers substantial replay value through modes like Mercenaries and Separate Ways DLC. While some longtime fans note changes from the original, newcomers and veterans alike find the remake a thrilling, well-balanced blend of action and horror that stands as one of Capcom's best remakes to date.
Highlights
The most praised aspects include the game's tight and thrilling gameplay mechanics, especially the smooth over-the-shoulder aiming and satisfying parry system. Graphics receive high acclaim for their stunning detail and atmospheric lighting that intensify the horror ambiance. The storyline is engaging, with improved character development for Ashley, Luis, and Leon, and well-written dialogue that balances tension and levity. Additionally, the game’s pacing and level design are appreciated for maintaining excitement without dragging. The inclusion of extra content like Mercenaries mode and Separate Ways DLC adds considerable replay value, making the experience rich and rewarding for both new players and series veterans.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on certain gameplay and design choices that some players found less satisfying. A few mention the altered or removed scenes from the original game, which some fans felt diminished the experience. The aiming system and artificial difficulty spikes in higher modes were noted as frustrating by some. Inventory management limitations and repetitive combat loops were also points of contention. A minority of players experienced technical issues like crashes or frame drops, particularly in demanding areas like the village during rain. Additionally, some felt the remake lacked the intense horror feel of earlier Resident Evil titles, leaning more towards action. Voice acting and character models for certain characters like Leon received mixed responses.
Pros
- • Combat mechanics are smooth and include a satisfying parry system enhancing gameplay depth.
- • Stunning graphics and atmospheric lighting create an immersive and tense horror environment.
- • Storyline is engaging with well-developed characters and balanced dialogue tone.
- • Level design and pacing maintain excitement without becoming repetitive or dragging.
- • Extra modes like Mercenaries and Separate Ways add significant replay value.
- • Improved AI and enemy aggression keep players on their toes throughout the game.
- • The remake respects the original while modernizing controls and gameplay effectively.
Cons
- • Some iconic original scenes were altered or removed, disappointing longtime fans.
- • Higher difficulty modes have artificial difficulty spikes frustrating some players.
- • Inventory management is limited, forcing players to discard or use items frequently.
- • Combat loop can feel repetitive, especially in certain sections like the island.
- • Minor technical issues reported, including crashes and frame drops in specific areas.
- • Voice acting and character models for some characters received mixed feedback.
- • The horror atmosphere is less intense compared to earlier Resident Evil games.
Rating Criteria
Survival is just the beginning. Six years have passed since the biological disaster in Raccoon City. Leon S. Kennedy, one of the survivors, tracks the president's kidnapped daughter to a secluded European village, where there is something terribly wrong with the locals.
