“Resident Evil 4 preserves the essence of the original game, while introducing modernized gameplay, a reimagined storyline, and vividly detailed graphics to make this the latest survival horror game where life and death, terror and catharsis intersect“

It’s been a very long time since completing a game, that I immediately wanted to jump back in and experience it all over again. I’d say I haven’t felt that way since the end of the Wii or PS3’s lifecycle. Resident Evil 4 is considered by many to be one of the greatest games, if not the greatest, of all time. Expectations for the remake were high as ever – it had to match the feel of the original, or else it would fail in comparison. In the end, Capcom managed to go above and beyond.

RE4 Remake takes the original and improves it in every way possible. Whether you’re a returning fan or experiencing RE4 for the first time, this is the definitive version. It’s a perfect example of how to remain faithful to the source material but make improvements in just the right places. It’s the same story with the same characters, yet everyone gets their chance to shine in new ways.

Gameplay wise RE4 Remake feels, well, effing fantastic. Controlling Leon incorporates the movement from the 2 and 3 Remakes while adding crouching, knife parries, and the ability to perform stealth kills. Enemy variety contains a few new additions this time, all more threatening than the last. Every boss fight keeps you on your toes. The sound and visuals from landing shots are your foes is so satisfying. The merchant challenges and shooting range are fun side quests to explore as they allow you receive exclusive upgrades to your weapons or ammo that you cannot purchase by default.

If there is one area of the game I had to criticize, it would be the voice acting. Leon, Ashley, and almost all the villains sound great. Luis and Krauser are fine but unfortunately do not match the original VA’s. Ada Wong’s, in my opinion, was not done well. Not a criticism to the actress that portrayed her (as many people went and did on social media immediately), but rather to Capcom for believing that was the right voice. I’m unsure why the actress who portrayed her in RE2 Remake did not return. The Merchant, however, knocked it out the park and outdid the original.

There is a New Game+ feature. Pair that with exploration and multiple ways to progress through the story, and you have so much replayability here. Mercenaries is extremely solid and addicting, although it only has three stages. I’m hoping more are added, alongside additional story mode chapters.

As I mentioned in the beginning of this post, it’s been a long time since completing a game, that I immediately wanted to jump back in and experience it all over again. There are too many games coming up soon, and I don’t have time to replay RE4 Remake right now, but I am so excited to down the road whenever I get the chance.