Resident Evil 4 review roundup: a near-perfect remake

Revealed all the way back in June 2022, Resident Evil 4 follows the same formula Capcom used for the remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 Nemesis... Overhauling the graphics and gameplay mechanics while still staying true to the spirit of the original, but with a few subversions and twists here and there.

Development was reportedly challenging compared to Resident Evil 2 and Nemesis, largely due to the popularity of the original, with many gamers stating it’s one of the greatest games ever. Producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi stated this love and passion for the game did make him "nervous when it came to working on the remake".

One week ago, Capcom spoiled us with the ‘Chainsaw Demo’ letting players crouch-walk, sprint, and shout their way through the first chilling 20 minutes of the game, with many praising the new mobility and combat mechanics, as well as the intense horror vibe.

Following our review with a 16-hour playthrough on Standard difficulty and a run-through on NewGame+ in professional, we knew it deserved the excellent score of 8/10, believing it captures the magic of the original while surprising and punishing confident returning players who feel they know the game inside and out… Everything from the visuals, sound design, gameplay loop, and more have benefitted from the remake treatment. The horror also seems to be dialed up, with environments and enemy types feeling more threatening than ever, making those extra ammo packs and healing items feel even more rewarding.

Eurogamer shares our opinion, praising the game for displaying “the original game’s strengths” while introducing its “own innovations” to keep familiar and new fans happy. Similarly, Gamespot gave the remake a whopping 10/10, stating that Capcom have successfully preserved the legacy of “one of the greatest games of all time.” IGN followed suit with a score of 10/10- Masterpiece, celebrating its story and gameplay intensity while keeping a healthy dose of the fun and campiness the original is fondly remembered for.