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In 2005, Capcom unleashed Resident Evil 4, revolutionizing the gaming world. It discarded the fixed cameras and clunky aiming of its predecessors, ushering in a new era of over-the-shoulder gunplay. However, after eighteen years, this classic survival horror game was showing its age. Thankfully, the wait is over, and Resident Evil 4 Remake is here. So, grab your shotgun and combat knife, and prepare to confront the horrors once again.
For those who missed it the first time, Resident Evil 4 follows the story of Leon Kennedy, the iconic protagonist, who survived the Racoon City incident and is now a government agent. He's on a mission to rescue the president's daughter in rural Spain. Upon his arrival, he discovers a village overrun by the sinister Los Iluminados cult members, infected with a menacing parasite. They are determined to eliminate Leon and exploit the kidnapped Ashley for their nefarious schemes.
Although not technically zombies, the village residents resemble the iconic horror monsters the series is known for. Their singular goal is to kill Leon, requiring players to act swiftly. The over-the-shoulder shooting remains satisfying, but the combat system has evolved significantly from its original incarnation.
The most significant improvements are in melee combat. While you can still stun enemies with headshots and follow up with a kick, the combat knife has undergone substantial enhancements. It can now parry incoming attacks, finish off tougher foes on the ground, and even enable stealth kills. However, players must manage its durability or collect multiple blades to take full advantage of these new abilities.
In addition to knives, a wide range of weapons can be collected and upgraded to combat the cult's horrors. Classic firearms like pistols, shotguns, and rifles return, allowing players to customize and evolve their preferred arsenal. Adapting your weapon selection is crucial, whether sniping villagers with crossbows from a distance or holding off crowds with an Uzi.
Surviving the semi-undead, especially those harboring mutant parasites, is a formidable challenge. Resident Evil 4 Remake boasts an impressive variety of enemies, from farmers wielding axes to tentacle-infested suits of armor. While some foes are outlandish and humorous, others are genuinely horrifying, sure to induce screams upon their first encounter.
To succeed against the pervasive evil, players must maintain a well-stocked inventory. The iconic merchant makes a return, offering his services with a new voice and deeper character development. Several key characters, including Ashley, have undergone significant changes, adding depth and narrative elements to the remake.
The merchant's role extends beyond weapon sales and upgrades. He provides players with quests, such as hunting blue medallions and collecting specific items like chicken eggs. Completing these tasks rewards players with Spinels, which can be exchanged for various items in his store. The game features engaging side quests that often require backtracking and solving tricky situations.
Taking advantage of the new gameplay features is crucial, especially on higher difficulty levels. Players can purchase and earn different-colored inventory cases that influence item drop rates and acquire charming trinkets for crafting bonuses and other helpful buffs. Surviving the relentless waves of cult members in the game is a true test of skill and resource management. Compared to the GameCube classic, the number of enemies has dramatically increased, thanks in part to the parry mechanic, making these sequences challenging and enjoyable.
What truly sets Resident Evil 4 Remake apart is its constant tension. Players navigate high-octane sequences against new enemies and massive bosses, only to face dozens of basic foes surrounded by traps moments later. Standard difficulty strikes a good balance, providing enough resources to manage challenges while offering plenty of ways to meet a grisly end. Moments of respite come in the form of campy and delightful cutscenes, featuring Leon's one-liners and the game's signature humor. The game's narrative captures the essence of the series without overwhelming players with excessive lore about various viruses.
Playing Resident Evil 4 Remake on the PS5 is a captivating experience. Lightning-fast load times, stunning visuals with impressive weather effects and lighting, and the utilization of DualSense features, including haptics, create a deeply immersive experience. The controller rumbling as you navigate a motorboat across water and the tactile feedback when reloading a pistol enhance the gameplay.
One aspect that kept fans engaged in the original Resident Evil 4 was the wealth of post-game content. While the remake includes a new game plus at launch, players must wait for a post-launch update to access the Mercenaries mode and its arcade-style fun. With over 17 hours of content in the initial playthrough, multiple difficulty options, challenges, and collectibles to discover, players won't feel shortchanged.
If one were to search for something to criticize in Resident Evil 4 Remake, there are a few underwhelming sections, such as the catapult segment in the castle. It involves dodging frustrating fireballs and may pose a challenge to some players. However, this is a minor part of the game and can become more enjoyable with prior knowledge.
In summary, Resident Evil 4 Remake has taken one of the series' best games and made it significantly better. While a tighter control scheme and updated visuals were all fans hoped for, Capcom went above and beyond by introducing new mechanics, enhancing boss battles, and expanding character development and storytelling. Resident Evil 4 Remake stands as an exemplary video game remake and a strong contender for Game of the Year in both 2005 and 2023.
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