Best Games of 2023: 4th Place – Resident Evil 4 Remake / ITech content

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Capcom is actively working on remakes of key parts of the Resident Evil series. After the successful release of updated versions of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, it became clear that the company intends to continue this trend. The release of the Resident Evil 4 remake confirmed Capcom's commitment to updating and reimagining classic games in the series for a new generation of players. This not only attracts new fans but also delivers a nostalgic experience for existing fans. The Japanese company Capcom strives to bring all modern Resident Evil games to a consistent gameplay standard. This means creating exciting first- or third-person action games with an emphasis on survival horror elements. The original versions of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 deviated significantly from this standard, forcing the developers to completely rethink their concepts for the remakes. However, the question of how much the updated version of Resident Evil 4 will differ from the original remains. The original game laid the foundation for many of Capcom's modern development approaches, so it's important to understand what changes will be made to preserve the spirit of the original while meeting the demands of modern gamers.

Since the remake's release in March 2023, it has become clear that the differences from the original version are far greater than fans expected. These changes not only improve gameplay but also introduce fresh elements that make an already high-quality game even more engaging. The remake introduces new mechanics, improved graphics, and updated audio, creating a more immersive experience for players overall.

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Creating a remake of Resident Evil 4 is a challenging task, as updating this iconic game requires not only a technical approach but also a deep understanding of its impact on the industry. The original version, released in 2005, didn't just redefine the series and the survival horror genre—it had a significant impact on the entire gaming market, the effects of which are still felt today. Developers like the creators of BioShock and game designer Cliff Bleszinski openly admit to drawing inspiration from this iconic Capcom work. Furthermore, the space horror Dead Space, which also made our list of the best games of the year, was conceived as "Resident Evil 4 in space." A remake must preserve the spirit of the original while offering modern graphics and mechanics to attract both long-time fans and new players.

Creating a remake of Resident Evil 4 involves not only updating an iconic game but also improving on its already successful mechanics while preserving the elements that have inspired other developers and served as a standard in game design for years. While development could have attempted to innovate within the genre, the primary challenge is to maintain the original's integrity and uniqueness.

It's worth noting that the game industry's revolution was not replicated. Since 2005, the industry has undergone significant changes, and game design has evolved significantly. Creating truly innovative solutions today is a complex task. Nevertheless, it was possible to successfully improve the existing mechanics and concepts that have proven themselves.

First of all, it is worth noting the deeper development Plot and narrative. The core storyline remains unchanged: special agent Leon Kennedy arrives in a remote European village in search of the US President's kidnapped daughter and encounters a dangerous cult and its followers, locals whose minds have been enslaved by the Las Plagas parasite. However, the details of Leon's adventure have become significantly more intense, making the plot more cohesive and adding numerous events and gameplay moments absent from the original version. This deeper character development and improved dynamics of interaction with the environment help create a more engaging and tense gameplay experience, which in turn attracts both long-time fans and new players.

The first changes in the remake include everything related to Luis Serra, one of the most enigmatic characters in the original game. In the updated version, he receives significantly more attention, allowing for a deeper exploration of his character through additional cutscenes. Luis has become Leon's full-fledged partner on several missions. New episodes have also been added to the game, including an exploration of a vast area around a lake inhabited by the giant salamander Del Lago. In the original, the lake was present, but interaction with it was limited to a battle with the monster. Now, this is an extended gameplay section in which the protagonist can solve various puzzles, find numerous treasures, and freely navigate a boat across the lake, as well as repeatedly encounter enemies. These changes significantly enrich the gameplay and make it more engaging for players.

In this context, it is worth noting that characters, including villains, have received significantly more screen time, which contributes to a deeper perception of the story surrounding Las Plagas. While it's still a Resident Evil story, it's important to remember that the atmosphere the game creates has become more serious and compelling. Now players can immerse themselves in a world where the events taking place are perceived not as a circus, but as a real threat, which enhances the overall impression of the gameplay.

The characters and their stories have become more complex, as has the gameplay structure. The core idea of ​​the original game was to shift the emphasis from confined-space horror to dynamic action, while maintaining the character's vulnerability and a sense of threat from enemies. In the first three games, this was achieved with a fixed camera and complex controls. In the fourth game, Capcom changed the approach, placing the camera over the protagonist's shoulder and allowing him to attack enemies with his feet. However, in this case, the player was restricted from moving while shooting, and classic survival horror restrictions were introduced, such as a lack of ammunition and first aid kits. This created a unique blend of action and tension, making the game even more exciting.

It would be illogical to restrict the character's movement in a remake, especially considering the successful updates of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, which achieved a sense of character vulnerability without such restrictions. In the new version, Leon Kennedy demonstrates incredible agility in combat and makes extensive use of close-quarters combat. This creates a necessary balance for the survival horror genre, which is now achieved through an increased number of enemies in each combat scene. The monsters are now more numerous, allowing them to pose a real threat through sheer numbers.In the Resident Evil 4 remake, Leon demonstrates not only agility but also a new mechanic for parrying enemy attacks with a knife. This feature was absent from the original game, although the knife was present and used to destroy crates and finish off defeated enemies. In the updated version, by pressing the appropriate button at the right time, the player can parry almost any attack, including chainsaw attacks. However, it should be noted that knives are consumable, which ensures gameplay balance. Despite such innovations, Resident Evil 4 remains true to the foundations of the survival horror genre, offering players an exciting and tense experience.

The updated version of Resident Evil 4 is not just a good remake, but a true reworking of the iconic game that set the standard for the genre. This game manages to preserve the original spirit while offering modern graphical and gameplay enhancements. Capcom has handled this task brilliantly, demonstrating a high level of quality, which gives hope for successful remakes of games like Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6. A new approach to updating classics not only attracts old fans, but also introduces a new generation of players to the unique world of Resident Evil.

Although there has been no announcement yet, there is little doubt that the Japanese company will take up their development.