Review "Resident Evil RE:4" released today! A modern reimagining of the original released in 2005!

On March 24, 2023, "Resident Evil RE:4" was released as a title for PS5/PS4/Xbox Series X|S/Steam. This title is a remake of the 18-year-old "Resident Evil 4," but features a story, action, and other overall elements that have been reimagined as a modern production. In this article, we will review information on this title, which is about to be released.

Based on the 2005 survival horror "Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4", on which "Resident Evil RE:4" is based, is an action game released for the Gamecube in 2005. It is the sixth in the series of numbered equivalents of "Resident Evil" and features Leon S. Kennedy as the protagonist, who has grown up after the events of "Resident Evil 2".

In addition, there were a number of new attempts, such as the "behind-the-scenes view," in which the viewpoint is projected over the shoulder, and flashy action combined with physical techniques. As a new "Resident Evil" that differed from the "Resident Evil 0" and before, the GameCube version of this game sold 1.6 million copies* worldwide. It was later ported to many other platforms, including PS2, Wii, and PC, with overall sales of more than 10 million units*.

(*According to Akiba Research Institute)

The game system, which incorporates an over-the-shoulder perspective and aggressive action, has been carried over to later titles in the series, such as "Resident Evil 5" and "Resident Evil 6. In this sense, "Resident Evil 4" is a particularly important title in the "Resident Evil" series.

Leon travels to a deserted European village to save the president's daughter.

The story takes place six years after the unprecedented disaster that struck Raccoon City in "Resident Evil RE:2". Leon S. Kennedy, a rookie cop at the time, was discovered by the president's direct agent and grew up through a series of assignments. Then Ashley Graham, the president's daughter, disappears. Leon heads alone to a deserted European village on a mission to search for and rescue her, but he is attacked by a group of insane villagers.

This time, his enemies are Ganado, once-human creatures who, unlike zombies, remain only slightly intelligent. Unlike zombies, these creatures retain a modicum of intelligence and can move in groups or carry out orders they receive.

The use of shadows has been enhanced to create a more horrifying atmosphere than in the original film.

In this film, characters who appeared in "Resident Evil RE:2," such as Leon and Ada, have been changed to give a sense of their drama after the Raccoon Incident. On the other hand, the characters from "Resident Evil RE:2" have been reconstructed to make them more compelling as a modern game. In the trailer, we can see Ashley, Lewis, Krauser, Salazar, and Sadler remade.

In addition, it is important to note that the storyline has also been reimagined in this film. In the trailers that have been released so far, we can see several developments that were not seen in the original, including a scene in which Ashley, whose eyes seem to have mutated, holds up a gun. Those who experience the story of "Resident Evil 4" for the first time will enjoy this film, and those who know the original will be surprised at how many parts of the game have been rearranged.

Shooting, knives, body art, and aggressive attacking actions

The behind-the-scenes view from the original game allows the player to look over Leon's shoulder and freely aim his gun. The opponent's reaction changes depending on which part of the body, such as the head, arm, or leg, is shot. While the enemy is flinching, the player can regain his position by moving out of range, or, conversely, by moving in closer, he can use physical techniques such as "melee" on the opponent.

The knife can be used for melee attacks, and in addition to the slashing and thrusting actions of the original, actions such as "parry" to parry an opponent's attack, topple a fallen enemy, stealth kills, and emergency dodging have been added. In the "Resident Evil" series, it is also important to manage the ammunition you have on hand, so it is important to use other means besides shooting to avoid running out of ammunition when the time comes.

In the original work, the body art after flinching an opponent with a knife was a handy and powerful combo that could be used without using any ammunition or items, and was an important technique for advanced players. However, while the knife's uses have become more versatile in this work, it is also important to note that it can no longer be used inexhaustibly because of its added durability. In a situation where a fight is inevitable, do you use a gun or a knife to get through? It is up to the player's strategy to decide how to react and how to conserve the resources.

Organizing items using attaché cases and trading with merchants

Captured from the demo version currently being distributed.

The most distinctive features of the system are the use of attaché cases to organize items, trading with arms dealers, and crafting various items using materials.

Attache cases are used to store weapons, ammunition, and other items obtained along the way. Space in the case is limited, so organization is essential to store as many items as possible. It is also important to take advantage of the fact that items can be oriented vertically or horizontally to find your own efficient way of storing them.

Trading with arms merchants allows you to purchase weapons and ammunition, as well as modify the weapons you have. Merchants have shops in various locations? They are like supply centers for players. However, it is important to keep in mind that the use of merchants is not unlimited, as it costs money to buy various items. Broken knives can be repaired here, and the durability itself can be modified to make it more durable.

Crafting is a function that allows you to create different items by combining specific items. As long as you have the right materials, you can craft a variety of items, from handgun bullets to herbs for recovery.

While the original game also had the ability to mix herbs for recovery, the ability to craft a variety of ammunition, including handgun bullets, is a new element in "Resident Evil RE:4" as long as you have a recipe and the right materials. While the ability to make your own ammunition is encouraging, you must also carry the materials for crafting in an attaché case. The importance of item management is even stronger than in the original version, as there are more things to manage.

Not only have the story, action, and systems been modernized, but the "Resident Evil" series' "resource management" has also been made more enjoyable than in the original, with the implementation of knife durability values and the management of materials needed to craft bullets. The trial version of the game is currently available on various consoles. A demo version is currently available for each console, so if you haven't played it yet, please give it a try.