Things The Resident Evil 4 Remake Has To Get Right
The remake of "Resident Evil 4" is currently slated for release on March 23, 2023, and fans are excited. The remake is not only of one of the best "Resident Evil" games in the series' history, but potentially one of the best video games of all time. This new edition looks to provide both longtime fans of the franchise a way to once again experience the iconic title in a new light and also give the game a huge facelift in order to appeal to the modern gamer that might've missed out on the experience the first time. Needless to say, there's a lot of hype behind it.
But with this hype comes expectations. Of course, there are several ways for Capcom to improve upon the original "Resident Evil 4." However, it's equally important to make sure the game is improved, not just from a gameplay perspective, but from a narrative one as well. After all, this is not just any video game remake — this is a remake of one of the most iconic games of the 2000s era. Given the lackluster critical reception of the "Resident Evil 3" remake just a few years ago, there are several things that the "Resident Evil 4" remake must get right in order to avoid a similar, if not worse, fiasco.
Balancing out the tone
Since the release of the original "Resident Evil 4," it wouldn't be a stretch to say that the series has experienced somewhat of an identity crisis. Despite the series having its roots planted firmly within the survival horror genre it practically invented, the controversial "Resident Evil 5" was a stark departure from previous games in the series due to its gameplay placing an emphasis on action as opposed to eliciting scares. Its follow-up, "Resident Evil 6," was also criticized for similar reasons. Capcom later returned to its horror roots with the release of "Resident Evil 7: Biohzard" and would later find a decent balance in its direct sequel "Resident Evil Village."
In order for the remake of "Resident Evil 4" to work, it must strike a balance between engaging action and a frightening atmosphere. "Village" seemed to do a decent job and if the powers-that-be at Capcom wish to preserve the integrity of "4," this method could work out best with audiences. Recent reports suggest that the remake will be more horror-focused, which should bode well for longtime fans (via Gamespot). Should the action be equally as engaging and well fleshed out, then the remake should deliver in spades.
Don't remove the camp
As weird as it might sound, "Resident Evil 4" wasn't only notable for its clever use of horror and story elements. The game has also become known for its hilariously campy dialogue, consisting of hilariously cringy lines like "sorry, bad traffic," and even some interesting bits of innuendo between Leon and Ashley. While it might sound cheesy on the surface, this element is a fan favorite part of "Resident Evil 4" and comes with a certain kind of charm. Because of the impressive and moody visuals provided by Unreal Engine 5 that will be present in the remake of "Resident Evil 4," some gamers fear that this aesthetic change could destroy that kind of campy charm the game, and the series as a whole, has been synonymous with since its inception.
Granted, when shifting towards a hyper-realistic art style, it can definitely have an effect on lessening the fun that comes with wooden dialogue and quippy one-liners. Of course, everyone is still relatively in the dark when it comes to evaluating what the "Resident Evil 4" remake will look like — only minutes of gameplay have been released to this point. Should Capcom wish to not anger the original fanbase, it would serve the company well to make sure that the remake doesn't stray too far from what made it great in the first place.
Cleverly connect with the story in Village
During the trailer for the "Resident Evil 4" remake, some fans picked up on a small detail which could possibly connect the storyline in both "Resident Evil 7: Biohazard" and "Resident Evil Village." This detail is a brief shot of a blood-soaked crest that resembles the symbol used by the Four Houses — an alliance between four noble families and Morther Miranda — in "Village."
A connection to past "RE" titles can be found towards the end of "Village" itself when Mother Miranda and Oswald E. Spencer — one of the founders of the Umbrella Corporation — are shown to have been in communication prior to the series' established timeline. Given that Capcom has already announced that there will be slight revisions to the narrative in "Resident Evil 4," it's very possible that there could be additional details that connect "RE 4" and the newer games. Should Capcom wish to have that reveal at the end of "Village" hold actual weight, it could serve the "Resident Evil 4" remake well to establish tangible connections between itself and the saga of Ethan Winters.