Resident Evil 4 (2023) Review (XSX)
Have to say, I am digging these RE:makes. Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 both had me enjoying my time in front of the TV. Especially as I never really got into them back in the day when first released. Resident Evil 4 on the other hand was my first real foray into the world of Resident Evil. Why did number four grab me? Two words. Wii Edition. That’s right, in 2007 Resident Evil 4 was released for the Wii and was quickly touted as the definitive edition of the game. Jump on the bandwagon I did.
So finally here we are in 2023 with a Resident Evil remake I have some knowledge of.
Look! A Typewriter!
As with pretty much every Resident Evil game number four also has a heavy story driven narrative. So I will be as SPOILER FREE as possible through this review.
Resident Evil 4 has you in the boots of Leon S. Kennedy, a government agent assigned the mission of finding and rescuing the Presidents daughter Ashley. Leon’s search has him end up in a isolated area of Spain populated by a cult who worship Los Illuminados. Cults on their own are generally bad news but here in the depths of the Spanish countryside there is something even more sinister going on. Obviously this is a setting away from the bright lights of Raccoon City and the Umbrella Corporation. Or is it?
Tank You Very Much.
One of the big changes on original release for Resident Evil 4 was the move away from those nasty ‘Tank’ controls. Implementing an over the shoulder third person control system was a revelation back then. But more of a standard method these days. With both the previous remakes also implementing this style of control I have found them to fit in the age of modern gaming so much better. Thankfully these controls work well as the inhabitants of this sleepy little area can move pretty bloody fast at times, even with a massive chainsaw.
Visually, I really like the style. It has continuity with the previous two remakes and just looks solid. Some things fall a bit short but nothing bad. Lets face it, how realistic can you make the unrealistic?
Merchant Of Menace?
At least one kind soul is out to aid you on your mission. And boy, can he pack up and move shop fast! A wandering merchant manages to set up shop in several locations to help you out. All at a cost , of course. The ability to buy new weapons and upgrade existing ones is a lifesaver. And being able to offload unwanted items and valuables makes this a bit easier on the wallet. You still also have the ability to craft many items on the go, if you have the right components.
Searching every drawer and barrel is still a thing. Unfortunately for all you completionists out there, Resident Evil 4 is one of those games that will close off areas as you progress. Meaning if you miss something, there is no going back.
Closing Comments.
The Resident Evil franchise is gaming royalty. You know, Mario, Sonic, Tomb Raider, Resident Evil, etc. They are games, that flaws and all, defined gaming as we know it today. That over the shoulder third person control scheme? Would Dead Space and The Last Of Us been as cool in first person? Good games lead to great games. What is awesome is seeing these ‘good’ games remade so newer gamers can see, enjoy, and appreciate them as ‘great’ games.
Even more awesome is seeing my history of Resident Evil reviews here on Koru Cottage.
