With the remake’s release now looming large on the horizon and based on what has been put on display, fans can only assume that there are many more surprises in this title that are left to uncover, due to the multiple stages and locations at hand. The biggest reveals at Capcom’s Resident Evil showcase have eased many fans’ concerns and helped to further ramp up enthusiasm for the long-awaited remake.
5 Combat Changes
To say that this is a surprise is a bit of an understatement. This was a complete shock to many fans and those familiar with the original Resident Evil 4. Not only can Leon now parry enemy attacks with the knife which now contains a durability meter, but players can also block and parry incoming attacks from the chainsaw man known as Dr. Salvador.
Whilst some will assume that this is more of a negative in the aspect of the remake’s attempt to provide more of a horror feel compared to action, this is a necessity. Capcom’s change in controls with Leon now having the ability to move and aim, suggests enemies will be even more intense and dangerous, so parrying attacks will compensate for this.
4 Enemy Designs
Those who remember the credits of Resident Evil 4 (which gave players a concept of Sadler’s domination of rural Spain) will have instantly recognized the change of the first Ganado. As the credits roll, one of the images on display is that of a Ganado as its head is tilted sideways with Las Plagas tentacles seemingly taking control.
Many would have expected the Ganados to be maintained in their design and in the aftermath of the virus taking over. However, it appears as though Capcom looks to surprise fans by adding both new and unused designs to the remake.
3 Dog’s Death
When talking of a change in tone and atmosphere, this stood as one of the biggest surprises for many in the showcase. Saving the dog from the bear trap is one of the main things that follow after the player’s first encounter with a Ganado. Doing so will enable the saved dog to help Leon in his battle with the El Gigante later on.
This time around, however, the dog is dead, which stands as a massive statement in Capcom’s shift toward a darker story than most are familiar with. it helps to enforce the message that Leon is completely alone and at the deep end of isolation.
2 Stealth Gameplay
What may turn out to be controversial throughout the remake is the apparent addition of stealth gameplay. This was clear when Leon was navigating the first cabin, where the player crouches whilst a Ganado is searching around. Based on those who have had access to early previews of the game, it appears as though opportunities to get stealth kills are high.
Whether this will be active throughout the game and its multiple locations is unclear, but its presence is almost certainly felt here. This could potentially be detrimental to the most famous sections such as the village ambush if it turns out that every enemy can be quietly eliminated. Knowing that this may be an active feature, most players will more than likely opt for the usual gung-ho and action-styled combat.
1 Ashley Under Control
Toward the end of the original after learning that both Ashley and Leon were infected with the Las Plagas virus, Sadler is eventually able to take full command of Ashley’s body. Despite this, Leon was still able to see his mission to a successful end. With the facilities already in the area, they were both able to extract the virus from their bodies, at the risk of death. Not only does this introduce the question of how this will play out in the remake, but it also has the potential of changing how gameplay sections with this character will unfold. If she is to be kidnaped on more occasions only for her to be rescued by Leon yet again, it would be a little less believable due to the grounded and realistic tone Capcom is aiming for.
This time around, it appears as though there is a larger focus on the virus taking over Ashley’s body, potentially having a pivotal role in how the story will wrap up. Doing so could result in one of the most shocking twists and endings in the event that Ashley does not make it and the ending here won’t be as happy ever after as the original. Considering the darker theme and tone, it isn’t out of the question for Capcom to throw a spanner in the works and make the task at hand far more difficult. This is also very dependent on how much the writers decide to stay true to the original and what they are willing to change and adjust.
Resident Evil 4 Remake is scheduled for release on March 24, 2023.
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