Resident Evil 4 (2023)

The problem with finding your perfect game is that you compare everything that comes after to it. For me, Resident Evil 2 Remake is the perfect game, and I feel like I've been looking for that feeling of complete immersion in a constructed space ever since I rolled credits on it. That strategy-like management of storage and ammo, the necessity to map out every room, every corner, noting down shortcuts just in case you find yourself in a bad spot—which you will, over and over. The Metroidvania-like approach to puzzle design that demands you revisit every space and imprint it in your memory. Flawless game design, top to bottom, built around a single idea: “every choice (every bullet, every pickup, every step) matters.”

This is not that. In fact, this is very intentionally the opposite of that, with Capcom providing you with an abundance of choice that makes every encounter an explosive, high-budget B-movie set piece, with witty one-liners, hero poses, and everything. It’s Cameron’s Aliens action sequel to Scott’s horror allegory. And there’s a lot to applaud here: these spaces are beautiful, these fights engaging, Leon is just so incredibly cool—it’s all here, and it’s made by masters of the craft at the top of their game, not resting on their laurels but redefining the genre with every choice they make. Thing is, I really liked Ridley Scott’s Alien, and Part 2 is just doing something else entirely. I’m just saddened by how little of this I found appealing in any way.

This RE entry successfully modernizes the classic survival horror experience while keeping the essence of the original intact. The gameplay feels smoother and more responsive, with improved aiming, refined controls, and smarter enemy AI that heightens tension throughout the game. Exploration and combat are better balanced, making both action and horror sequences more engaging. It is impressive how they managed to modernize this and bring a lot of QOL improvements, since the original title was almost perfect when it comes to this, this remake essentially did the exact same thing it's original did back then.

Visually, the game is impressive, enhanced lighting, detailed textures, and atmospheric environments create a sense of dread and immersion that amplifies the horror experience. The remake also introduces new or reworked areas and story elements, adding depth without straying too far from the iconic moments that fans remember. And fortunately this time, this game didn't cut any content at all, which was a big complain people had for the Remake of Nemesis. It is quite the opposite this time around, we got new content to enjoy.

Additionally, some optional missions and side content can feel repetitive or less engaging, and a few changes to characters and cutscenes may divide longtime fans. Escort sequences with Ashley, while improved, can still be frustrating in certain combat situations. Overall, this game is a faithful and polished reimagining that blends nostalgia with modern gameplay improvements. It’s highly recommended for both newcomers and fans of the original, offering a tense, atmospheric, and action-packed survival horror experience. This is truly one of the best remakes in gaming history, along with RE2R, this is a must-play for fans of survival horror and the RE franchise.

RE4 is one of my all-time favorite games. I have been hesitant to try the remake because I honestly didn't think it needed one.

After playing the remake, I'm still not convinced it was needed, but it at least enhanced and changed some of the encounters in interesting ways.

Remake takes away the tank controls and adds more speed to the enemies, as well as multistaged attacks from enemies, a block system, and a more robust dodge. These changes are fine, but im not certain they improve the game, so much as just subtly change it.

I really liked the way some of the boss fights changed, removing the massive static bosses, the tendrils attacking, and swapping them for horrific moving monstrosities, traps, and other more unique styles of encounters.

The game adds a crafting system which gives some great ability to the player to pick which ammo they will stock up on. I also liked the changed to the shooting mini game, making it more robust, harder, but giving more varied rewards.

Overall, I think this is a good game.

It keeps the great setting of RE4, while expanding here and there, and doesn't lose the campy vibes of the original. This game is harder than the original, with enemies having a lot more varied attack patterns.

The cool bosses from the original are here, with better encounters and more ways to approach the fights.

I don't think I like it quite as much as the original, but that is probably nostalgia more than reason.

If you like Resident Evil and especially Resident Evil 4 you owe this game a try.

I started this game mostly as a response to how much I enjoyed the Remake of Dead Space. But while Dead Space felt, in some ways, like horror with action, RE4 was definitely more of a action with horror thing.

Which, mind you, doesn't make it a bad game at all, but it does make less than what I had hoped. Still, I can't say I didn't enjoy playing it. The segment I enjoyed the most was definitely the one with Ashley and the Armaduras, as it recreated many of the vibes I had been looking for, and reminded me of games like Amnesia and the tension present in DS.

All in all a good game, specially if you are a long-time fan of RE, which I am not (at least not yet)

1. Less enemies on screen compared to the OG version
2. Way less ammo and forces you to keep crafting gunpowder for bullets
3. Verdugo boss fight is removed
4. Escort missions are still annoying
5. Cutscenes are better polished
6. No more QTEs YAY!
7. That final speedboat ride at the end was pure exhilaration

Even though it's more action than horror, it's still enjoyable. And there are certain sections where the environments instill genuine fear and unexpected anxiety will creep in.

8.5/10

Spooktober game #4 complete!

And that's all the RE remakes (so far) in a weekend! Even though obviously I've played this game recently, it was still really fun to revisit after the other REmakes. This was on Hardcore NG. That's the last of my replays for the month so just new (to me) games from here on out!

Here’s my review/rant about Separate Ways and Resident Evil 4 2023 as a whole. Before I start I want to make it clear that this DLC is fun, polished and worth playing.

Why is this paid DLC? It should have been part of the package at launch just like the Mercenaries mode and all the content for it. At least Capcom didn’t charge that much for it I guess. It seems very deliberate to me. Staggering the release of the games content helps keep the game relevant, gets everyone talking about the game again and helps sales. It also gave them an opportunity to slip in those little microtransactions that are ‘pay to make the game easier’ on top of the day one stuff that was already there. I guess the next step will be to release the Game of the Year or Gold Edition. Now that this content is only available digitally Separate Ways and the Mercenaries mode will potentially disappear at some point. Unless it’s on the actual disc of the next edition released; does that mean I have to buy this again if I always want access to it? It all seems pretty gross for a full priced, single player game, which should be completely enjoyable without an internet connection. I’m guessing by the reaction that we’re all just numb to this now. I can’t talk too much though; I paid for it and played it too.

Why did a bunch of the cut moments/set pieces/bosses of the main campaign end up here? (Still plenty of stuff missing) They took things from the main campaign, which weakened that experience, and put it in Ada’s campaign to strengthen it. Awful decision, why not, I don’t know this might sound crazy, make new, amazing, memorable moments just for Ada, which her character definitely deserves.

Speaking of Ada, what did they do to her? Ada was once a cool, scene stealing character, despite not seeing that much of her. Leon can spend all day jumping out windows and suplexing dudes with a smirk on his face and a great line up his sleeve but as soon as Ada enters he is no longer the biggest badass on screen. Ada always came across as one of the smarter Resident Evil characters (maybe that’s not saying much but it’s meant to be a compliment). Maybe she couldn’t win a straight up fight against Leon but she’s always two steps ahead. This new Ada is just fine; she’s okay, kind of cool but a big step down.

Lily Gao can’t pull off this character. I can’t believe I need to mention it but this is no reason to harass her or say anything derogatory about her as a person and that shit is not okay. Let’s keep the criticisms to the work. It isn’t even her fault. She didn’t cast herself, she didn’t make most of the voice direction decisions, and she didn’t write this story or dialogue. It’s disappointing but not awful.

Where’s Krauser? Where’s the ship? Why is Wesker here in person? This game is meant to be linear but it feels super linear and scripted too. I think this comes down to many small areas being unnecessary blocked off, Ada using her grapple gun to get around and it seems built to encourage more stealth (why?). Why am I tracking footprints? - just what I wanted in Resident Evil 4. The Black Robe is a bit lame, even if parts concerning him are a nod to older versions of RE4 we never got. He comes across as padding and the final fight with him is underwhelming. The dull, pointless, run time padding Merchant missions and the goofy yellow paint make their triumphant return, yay!

Alright let’s talk about the good because there’s still plenty to like here. You get to play as Ada and her grapple gun is fun, even if you don’t have any freedom in how or where it’s used. Luis gets more screen time, which is great to see and I think I heard some returning music. There are more documents to find and more lore gets added. As you play through there are constant nods to what is going with Leon’s campaign at that time and there’s also some nods to other Resident Evil games. It’s fun enough, replayable and looks and works just as good as the main game.

Even though it is more fleshed out, it’s still such a missed opportunity. This was a chance to make Separate Ways something way better and more substantial.

This DLC has just further cemented how disappointing the whole Resident Evil 4 re-imagining is. Don’t get me wrong it is undeniably fun, polished and worth playing. I would still buy it again although if I had the chance I might have waited for a ‘complete edition.’ However this new Resident Evil 4 is a great example of what’s wrong with current AAA gaming. It is so damn safe and will forever live in the enormous shadow cast by the original too. Capcom did not want to take the risk of doing a remake or re-imagining that kept the original games controls, gameplay, tone, sense of fun and style. They also did not want to take the risk of creating a bold, fresh new take on Resident Evil 4. They gave us something safe, comfortable, and enjoyable enough without really being special and it looks like the majority stood up and cheered; calling it a masterpiece and a 10/10. It makes me sad but hopefully after some time has passed people will come back and re-evaluate this game. I’m in a torn place right now because this is enjoyable, fun and replayable. It does give these characters a different way to shine and there’s stuff here that I like. But I cannot shake this deep disappointment I feel and I don’t see myself revisiting this.

I’m really concerned about the future. Capcom has provided a perfect lesson here on how to take a GOAT and turn it into 7/10 game with microtransactions and get praised for it. AAA games are already pretty much, with some exceptions, just 6 or 7 out of 10 games with high production values, that’s if they aren’t broken, buggy and/or riddled with microtransactions. What if the Silent Hill 2 remake comes out and it’s a neutered, inferior version of that game and the majority loves it. What if we see a wave of re-imaginings that are just better looking but rounded down, blander versions of classics and people praise it. The lack of respect or understanding I see for older games, gameplay and design is really starting to bother me. I’m sorry but video games, game design, mechanics and style has not been getting better year after year. In fact I’d say it’s stagnated or even gotten worse in a lot of ways.

The best thing about Resident Evil 2023 is it further highlights just how good the original is. The fact that a changed, neutered, toned down version Resident Evil 4 is still this fun just shows how damn strong the original is. Maybe I should just shut up, lie down and be grateful for what we got because this could have turned out a lot worse - my condolences to all the really big Resident Evil 3 fans out there.

I don’t know maybe I’ve just become old and have started yelling ‘things were better in my day.’

7.8/10 for the whole Resident Evil 4 2023 re-imagining package.

(I played the PS4 edition)

I have never played the original re4 okay? it came out 2 years after I was born, I never grew up with it, but after playing re2 (also the remake) I really wanted to get it and continue Leon's story. I'd seen lots of good things about it and so I bought it right away and honestly, I loved every second. I loved all of Leon's stupid dad jokes, Ashley being annoying as fuck, I loved all the enemies (even the ones that scared the shit out of me), I loved the story I loved the environments, I loved literally everything! sure it has flaws, but stfu I'm obsessed. it's so good !!

Full Group Discussion Podcast:

My Final Thoughts:

Resident Evil 4 Remake - what a game.

I just love the feeling of this game being so nostalgic, yet, it feels like a breath of fresh air. A new taste and new spin on something that is so familiar. It’s like enjoying one of your favorite childhood snacks you had as a kid, and then re-visiting and trying the snack 18 years later.

The pacing of the game is great, you don’t get stuck in a single area for too long, the enemies in each area have their own unique quirk that make approaching combat a bit trickier as you progress - freakin Zealots and their robes, I swear I kept shooting them in between their legs lol - good stuff.

And there’s a nice variety of weapons and upgrades to pick from, something to look forward to with the completion of each new chapter. And the re-telling and re-imagining of the story, the characters, Ashley, everything was top notch and a lot of tender love and care was given - except to Ada Wong’s English voice over…I don’t know about that one, oh and they should have kept her iconic red dress.

I can honestly say, without a shadow of a doubt, that Resident Evil 4 Remake is the best remake of a game I have ever played - mostly because it's the only remake I have ever played lol.

With that said, I am giving Resident Evil 4 Remake a 3 out of 10, just slightly better than Sports Story, nah I’m joking, I am giving Resident Evil 4 Remake: Date the President’s Daughter Edition, a 9 out of 10.

The game really makes you feel like you want to eat at Las Plagas.

El antiguo Resident Evil 4 se presentó como un excelente juego de acción y esa es la línea que sigue su remake, que sigue a la vez los pasos de los anteriores remake de RE en jugabilidad y gráficos. En este sentido, RE4 Remake se ha postulado quizá como el mejor de los 3 hasta ahora con la mejor acción y ambientación. Para mi gusto, sigue flaqueando en lo mismo que los otros dos, pese a que sus objetivos parecen claros en todo momento, la historia sigue siendo difusa y poco interesante eventualmente. Seguimos necesitando tramas fuertes y presentes, esa serie-B que tanto gusta en RE, pero con suficiente desarrollo.

La línea de remakes ha resultado todo un acierto para revivir títulos clásicos, el motor y el diseño de niveles permiten una acción muy atractiva y agobiante como exije el género, pero se está evidenciando que RE nunca tuvo historias profundas y en los remakes todo queda aún más reducido, haciendo que cualquier excusa para pegar tiros sea válida. Menos mal que la parte de pegar tiros es jodidamente divertida.

RE 4 remake got the original REmake treatment. Faithful, kept everything great about the original, while expanding (and in this case fixing) many things. It is an absolute blast, and works both as a dark horror game and a cheesy action game.

One thing that really stood out : the pacing. I was not a big fan of RE 8. I loved Castle Dimetrescu and House Beniviento, but everything just felt so disjointed. The last third of the game was horrible in my opinion, and felt like a totally separate game tacked on. In this, it manages to weave in similarly varied types of gameplay, but it feels so cohesive and perfectly paced throughout. You go from truly terrifying dark horror to really fun combat to exploration and puzzles, and it gallops along like this the whole time.

The big thing this remake fixed - the island. I would just skip it in the original, because it lost the ambience and just became mindless. I had a great time in the remake. It didn't devolve into some Call of Duty game (well, besides a couple areas). It had actualy horror, beautiful set pieces, fun stealth, etc.

The game looks gorgeous, nails the ambience of the original (while darkening it significantly), and it is HUGE. This totally made up for the RE 3 remake's content cutting. This is easily in my top... 3? 4? I'm not sure yet. But I loved it.

Beat this for the third time. New Game Plus along with the Infinite Rocket Launcher, I beat it in 5 hours. Less than 15 saves. S rank.

Next up is a fresh save file on professional, beating the game within 5.5 hours and using less than 15 saves. I think this is where I officially give up. I may not even attempt this hell.

The original Resident Evil 4 is the greatest horror game I've ever played. It was also the first horror game I've ever played. The remake was the first time I've played the original game before, and I have a mixed reaction. It's not as good as the original, and it sticks pretty close to it in a way that makes me think there's no reason to play this instead of the original. There's a part of me that could be harsh and give it a 3 star or lower review because of this. It does manage to recapture most of what Resident Evil 4 was though, and it ends up being a great game because of this. When it deviates from that though, it bounces between pleasant surprise and disappointment. The strongest inclusion was the new knife actions, and even that is held back by frustrating knife durability. Some of the boss changes are cool while others just feel dull or awkward. There's more story, but it's not better. They try to ground these characters and give them more of an arc, but I don't think they go far enough to make much of an impact. Leon, Ashley, and Luis come off well mostly here with Ashley and Luis getting beefed up roles, but Ada was the most disappointing part. She's so forgettable in the remake after being the coolest motherfucker I've ever seen in a video game in the original. The game does look fantastic and ups the gore in some gnarly ways. As a horror fan, I can appreciate that at least.

With the addition of stealth and limited resources, the game ends up feeling a bit like Shinji Mikami's last Survival Horror game The Evil Within. There's even a combat encounter that feels ripped straight from that game. Sadly, this game doesn't commit to stealth as it was rarely an option, and I only felt the limitations on my resources in the final few chapters on Hardcore mode. I think The Evil Within ends up being the better game too.