Resident Evil 4 Review

Time spent with the game: 90 hours over 8 playthroughs (7 on PS5, 1 on PC)

Previous experience with the franchise: Resident Evil 2 + 3 Remake, Resident Evil 5 + 6

Who is it for:

Survival horror fans, slow shooter enthusiasts, those who enjoy challenging games (especially on higher difficulties), and anyone who has ever laid hands on a Resident Evil game

Who should avoid this game:

Fast-paced shooter enthusiasts and those uninterested in horror games.

Sadly, I never got the chance to play the original Resident Evil 4, but I've only heard positive things about it. I was unsure if the remake would live up to the immense hype surrounding it.

However, I can confidently say that the remake exceeded my expectations. After completing the campaign for the first time, it quickly became one of my all-time favorite games. Since Resident Evil games are meant to be replayed, my appreciation for it grew with each subsequent playthrough. At the time of writing this review, I've already played through it eight times.

Shorter games need that special something to keep you entertained even after multiple playthroughs. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what it is, but this game definitely has it. Visually, it's stunning, with intense and gory fights. Limbs flying and heads exploding are not uncommon sights.

I won't delve into spoilers, as I believe the excitement and thrill of playing the game are more important than the story. Capcom has delivered a game that requires careful planning, precise execution, and resource management. You never know what awaits in the next encounter, where you'll find supplies, or the location of the next safe room. This game excels in capturing that gameplay loop.

What to expect:

Resident Evil 4 Remake is a third-person action game with survival and horror elements. While it may not be as terrifying as the Outlast series or recent Resident Evil titles, it still manages to include well-placed jump scares. The focus is on third-person combat, exploring semi-open maps with survival elements and puzzles. You'll also have the opportunity to complete side quests along the way.

The story may not be groundbreaking, but that's not the main focus. The game truly shines in its thrilling gameplay.

The good:

• A faithful remake of the original game

• Many quality-of-life improvements

• Satisfying gameplay (shooting feels better on PC than PS5)

• High replay value

• New content, including side quests, puzzles, and weapons

• Detailed and captivating level design

• Stunning graphics

The bad:

I haven't played the original Resident Evil 4, so I can't speak from personal experience. However, I've heard that some content was cut from the original game. Nonetheless, new content has been added to compensate. That's all I have to say on this matter.

The ugly:

There isn't much to mention here, except for the optional benefits provided by the deluxe edition. It includes additional outfits (purely cosmetic) and a special treasure map that grants extra treasures, allowing faster gear upgrades. While this may make the game slightly easier, since it's a single-player experience, it's not a significant issue. In my opinion, it's best to play without these extras, as they're not necessary.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend the latest entry in the Resident Evil series. I truly hope that if you're reading this, you give it a try.

I very highly recommend Resident Evil 4 Remake