Video Game Review: Resident Evil 4 Remake

It’s spooky season so I figured it was time to give the Resident Evil 4 remake a play. I first played Resident Evil 4 way back at uni on my housemate’s GameCube. It was a fantastic game that took the series in a bold, new, action-packed direction. Fast forward to now, and Capcom’s Resident Evil 4 Remake has brought this classic into the modern era with some seriously impressive updates. I’ll say it straight: this remake is everything fans could’ve hoped for. It’s not just a shiny new coat of paint—this is the game we remember, but reimagined in ways that make it even better.

Story & Setting

If you remember the story, it’s mostly the same: Leon S. Kennedy, everyone’s favourite ex-rookie cop, is sent to a rural village in Spain to rescue the U.S. President’s daughter, Ashley, from a creepy cult. But it’s been given more depth this time around. Leon feels a bit more seasoned, Ashley has way more personality, and interactions with familiar faces like Ada Wong and Luis are actually meaningful now. This remake leans into a darker, more atmospheric style, and it makes the story and the characters way more engaging.

Gameplay & Mechanics

Here’s where Capcom has really nailed it. The gameplay has been modernised but still keeps that frantic survival-horror feel. The aiming feels more precise, and they’ve added a parry system so you can fend off attacks with your knife. It’s a small addition, but it genuinely changes up how you approach combat—especially since enemies are smarter and more aggressive than they were back in the day. Resource management is still a big deal; ammo and health are just scarce enough to keep you on edge, and the inventory’s Tetris-style organisation is still here, with some quality-of-life updates that make it easier to use.

The game’s pacing is absolutely spot-on. They’ve kept all the classic moments that fans remember while slipping in a few new twists to keep things fresh. The enemies are more reactive, which makes every encounter feel more intense. Boss fights feel just as epic, but with a bit more depth and polish than we remember.

Visuals & Sound

The game is gorgeous. Capcom’s RE Engine brings everything to life in a way that feels respectful of the original but so much more detailed. The village, the castle, and all those dingy, atmospheric locations feel richer and more immersive than ever. The lighting and weather effects alone make this feel like a proper horror experience.

Sound-wise, it’s everything you’d want. The creepy ambient sounds keep you on your toes, and the voice acting is top-notch. Leon’s still got his cheesy one-liners, but there’s a grittier, more serious tone to everything that fits the modern horror vibe perfectly.

Replayability

For anyone who loves multiple playthroughs, there’s plenty of reason to come back. They’ve packed in side missions, extra collectibles, and higher difficulty modes that will keep even hardcore fans busy. Plus, you can unlock loads of costumes, weapons, and extras that give you a reason to dive back in.

Final Verdict

Capcom has done it again. Resident Evil 4 Remake takes what made the original brilliant and amps it up in every way. It’s intense, polished, and just an all-around blast to play. Whether you’re an old fan or a newcomer, this game is an absolute must.

Score: 9.5/10