It’s considered one of the best installments in the series (and even the best with RE1, in our opinion), so its return in 2023 was highly anticipated. Especially after the two previous remakes of the series with undeniable qualities. Resident Evil 4 is therefore making a comeback on next-gen consoles. Here’s our verdict, as Mercenaries mode has just been released to players through a free update. Test conducted using the Sony PS5 version of the software.
Resident Evil 4: More Than Just a Remake!
If the fashion is for remakes and remasters, a trend that sometimes angers gamers, some publishers are doing better than others in this area. And Capcom is clearly one of the good students. A few weeks after the release of Dead Space Remake (EA), another survival horror myth returns. Originally released as a temporary exclusivity on Gamecube, Resident Evil 4 won over press and gamers at the time. And for good reason, it was the first work to leave the corridors in 2D to offer revolutionary 3D gameplay for the series at the time.
With this new version, the editor invites us to revisit an ultra-familiar terrain, updated and enriched with many things. Right from the start we are captivated by the “new generation” cinematic sequences and some visual details as soon as we plunge into the adventure. Like the vegetation parting as Chris walks by as he weaves his way through the forest, dooming his police escort. From the most beautiful effect! Graphically, the developers have also done a good job here, so that certain environments almost look like new sets. Less fog effects, more clarity, giving the impression of developing in an open world. Although of course this is not the case. We were particularly impressed by the lake and its surroundings. Good work!
In addition, the scenario and the role of certain characters have been extensively revised and corrected. The story gains in clarity, but also in credibility. With profiles/characters of secondary belligerents that are better exploited and give them a more unique personality, even endearing. All without ever adulterating the original. The balance seems perfect.
The RE4 remake offers a more chilled atmosphere than ever…
In addition, Capcom developers have been working hard on the atmosphere, the overall atmosphere, darker, scarier, and more in line with current standards. Thus, after the excellent Resident Evil 8, we have the feeling that the publisher has used its recent experience with this last opus to make RE4 Remake more “powerful” in terms of intensity and suspense. Because this improved version is clearly scarier and more stressful than ever, but also bloodier. Of course, the new generation graphics contribute a lot, but so do the lighting effects, because the dark has never been so scary.
In addition, the sound aspect has also been revised, giving the player little rest as downtime is rare. And while zombie and other creature attacks may not last long, the sound effects suggest that anything can happen at any time. You will often be tempted to glance left, right, or behind you just to anticipate a possible attack. Wonderfully scary!
What about yesterday’s gameplay, a little archaic?
However, to bring out a good remake after such a long time, a review of the gameplay facet is essential, even crucial. And Capcom understood that well. In addition to this shooting function while walking – which was impossible in the original – the assignment of weapons and objects has become more intuitive. So much so that it is now possible to assign 8 weapons/objects/projectiles! Something that helps make the adventure flow more smoothly without breaking the rhythm, especially during massive attacks or boss clashes. Also note the briefcase’s improved capacity, which offers more freedom (fewer dilemmas) when breaking the bank with the salesperson.
Also of note is the improved melee handling, with the ability to take down enemies with the press of a button. However, sometimes the running time can put you in a bad spot. So avoid it if you are surrounded by a horde. On the other hand, adding infiltration actions is a good idea since it’s possible to decimate isolated zombies without rounding up their entire family. On the other hand, it offers a small dose of subtlety that is not uninteresting.
Ada is not there, but the president’s daughter has improved
Some of the puzzles have been redesigned and new side quests appear. Without being exciting, they allow you to dig up items and treasure and sell them to the merchant, thus affording more weapons and equipment. Or to upgrade his weapons. On the other hand, fans are already regretting the absence of Ada, forgotten from Adventure and Mercenary modes. But a priori, according to rumors, an update could fix this bug soon.
On the other hand, the President’s daughter is always there. And combined actions to climb or reach a certain place. But while these phases were sometimes annoying due to the person’s lack of energy, Capcom simplified things and made the actions easy to perform. It is therefore easy to ask him to hide, stand back, follow you and even help him up. In this way, the combat phases are no longer torture, the beauty is in our hands. Even if it is always necessary to be on guard to avoid his kidnapping.
A long adventure and great replay value
In addition to life, the investment is definitely worth it. In the very easy mode, it will take you about twenty hours to overcome it without stopping. Except that in the remake, like the original, there’s something to linger over. Secondary missions, bonuses to find, ultimate difficulty to unlock, additional outfits to discover, replayability is almost a given in Resident Evil 4 Remake.
Order Resident Evil 4 Remake on Amazon
Add to that the always very fun mercenary mode and its four playable characters in three different levels (including the village!), with a likely forthcoming update to get two more; and we have a very complete software there.
Discover the mercenary mode in the village:
Test published on 04/17/2023 at 12:58 p.m