Capcom recently announced a March 24, 2023 release date for the remake of Resident Evil 4. The game has also been confirmed to be a reimagining, with many elements altered to fit a modern style of gameplay and storytelling. Resident Evil 2 also experienced a similar redesign, and the latest entry will do well by adapting similar elements.
Resident Evil 2’s remake became a huge critical success thanks to the various ways it overhauled the original game. These range from Leon S. Kennedy’s dynamic with Ada Wong, the presence of enemies such as Mr. X, and the level design of Raccoon City. Leon’s next adventure in rural Spain against the Las Plagas parasite has high expectations, but it can meet those expectations by following certain tried-and-tested details.
This is one of the changes Resident Evil 4 should make from the original game, as the lack of a pursuing antagonist can have the effect of making players feels too safe. Resident Evil 2 had Mr. X stalk Leon and Claire throughout the game, which forced fans to tap into their survival instincts.
Resident Evil 4 has even scarier enemies due to the more dangerous virus strain, opening up the potential for an intimidating creature along the lines of Mr. X. With the expansive environment that Resident Evil 4 offers, having a monster like Mr. X follow players around will be a particularly adrenaline-pumping experience.
Although most fans agree that Ashley is the worst sidekick in the Resident Evil series, changes can be made in the remake to turn her into a secondary protagonist. After all, Ashley was held separately, leaving enough room for certain sequences to be dedicated to her as part of the playthrough.
Ada Wong is another great candidate for an additional protagonist for players to control, which can be similar to Claire’s role in Resident Evil 2. The game boosted its replay value by presenting two main characters, along with separate sequences with Sherry Birkin and Ada. Resident Evil 4 should feature a similar gameplay style so that fans can get their money’s worth.
It was interesting to see a funnier Leon Kennedy in Resident Evil 4, which carried a campy atmosphere and a very bright filter. The remake is meant to be scarier and this point can be established by adapting Resident Evil 2’s style of presenting enemies in dark environments.
The game had various levels like the sewers where monsters and zombies jumped Leon and Claire without warning. These kinds of suddenly scary sequences will do wonders in amping up the horror feel of Resident Evil 4, along with keeping players sharp on their feet for a possible attack.
Leon and Claire had similar controls in Resident Evil 2 but subtle differences made their campaigns different. One of the aspects was the variation in their weapons, with Claire carrying smaller firearms to accommodate her smaller frame while Leon held the guns that had extra firepower.
Resident Evil 4 should have different weapons for Leon and Ada, as the latter isn’t an agent like the main character. Ada will be better suited with firearms that tie into her status as a spy. Resident Evil 2 gave Ada more technological gadgets to use, which can be expanded upon in Resident Evil 4’s remake - Leon’s weapons can still be of the powerful variety.
Resident Evil 2 is primarily a horror game with the general atmosphere reflecting this theme. However, the title didn’t shy away from embracing action-heavy material, mainly during boss fights where Leon and Claire made use of hard-hitting weaponry against the likes of William Birkin and Mr. X.
Resident Evil 4’s remake may incline toward the horror genre, but it has a greater potential for being an action experience. The game should take a page out of Resident Evil 2’s book by dedicating sequences purely to fast-paced bullet-heavy gameplay. This will enable players to feel empowered after spending other parts looking for ways to survive.
Resident Evil 2 made references to Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, with the former’s tied to the original Resident Evil while Jill’s had to do with the fact that Resident Evil 3’s events were running concurrently. Resident Evil 4 can carry forward this element by adding Easter eggs alluding to the other protagonists.
Resident Evil media has established that Chris, Claire, and Jill were all busy with their own missions during Resident Evil 4’s events and the remake can leave references for Leon to find. These Easter eggs will remind players of the larger universe and that Albert Wesker is pulling the strings from behind the scenes.
Resident Evil 2 has an interesting level design, as missions are separated based on environments like the police station, sewers, and Umbrella labs. The areas are made interesting through various puzzles that need to be solved, with the protagonists finding clues to open up new places for them to access,
Resident Evil 4 will become a far more immersive experience should it incorporate this level design, especially since the remake will feel like a whole new game for those who have played the original. Places like Ramon Salazar’s castle and the village will have greater depth should the title allow players to explore every avenue of these environments.
Ada is generally considered among the best female protagonists in horror games, mainly because she’s so difficult to predict. She’s never been a true hero but hasn’t become a villain either due to her feelings for Leon. Resident Evil 2’s remake altered their relationship from the original to be fully romantic, as Ada was shown kissing Leon.
Resident Evil 4’s remake should ideally follow this altered canon and expand upon their romantic dynamic. The original entry didn’t do much else apart from teasing their attraction, but the remake has the opportunity to make them something of a battle couple who experience a relationship upgrade.