With a brand-spanking new version of Resident Evil 4 right around the corner, we simply can’t wait to see what the remake holds in store for new and existing fans alike. With new gameplay details and a free demo available to download as you’re reading this, we thought we would dive in and highlight 5 things you should know before playing this remake of Resident Evil 4.
1. Knife Parries
It sounds like a weird point to start off with, but knife combat in the original Resident Evil 4 felt a little stale, barely allowing for a suitable last line of defense when we all inevitably ran out of ammo. While the knife remains that trusty blade for close encounters and sticky situations, Leon can now use the knife to parry melee attacks with well-timed button presses. As a result, the knife now feels like an alternative, rather than a last resort, which is sure to bring out the gamers looking to complete the ultimate challenge, with the knife even allowing you to take on the dreaded Chainsaw Man without the need for firearms.
2. No More QTEs (Quick Time Events)
Quick Time Events have arguably died down in recent years, and it seems as though developer Capcom has followed suit. While QTEs were prevalent in the original, encounters will now play out within the confines of the combat mechanics, allowing for a more natural flow and a heightened sense of challenge. While many fans will remember the infamous QTE knife fight between Leon and Jack Krauser, we’ll now have to rely on well-timed evasions and parries. We can only hope that those cinematic qualities do translate to this remake in some way.
3. The Garrador Fight
Yet another iconic encounter is set to return, with Leon once again facing the Garrador, which can only track down its victims via sound. This time around, Leon will have to navigate very familiar corridors, but now with added obstacles like hanging chains, which rattle when touched, alerting the Garrador. to your location. New gameplay footage of this encounter also highlighted new stealth gameplay, where Leon can sneak up behind enemies for a lethal attack.
4. Case Customisation
Many fans of the original would have become accustomed to constantly rearranging their gear to create space in their case. Resident Evil 4 Remake has decided to stay true to this formula but has now added a number of customisable options to change the appearance of the case itself. While both smaller and larger cases will be available to unlock, it’s simply nice to see that even the staples of the franchise are receiving at least a fresh coat of paint.
5. Ashley Graham
As central as Ashley Graham was to the plot of the original Resident Evil 4, she rarely made things easy on Leon. Health bar management and wonky AI are now a thing of the past, with Ashley now needing to be revived when incapacitated. Commands have also been simplified, with Leon now able to simply instruct her to either stay put or stay close, making escorting her a much more satisfying task that aims to prioritise the action and gameplay.
The Resident Evil 4 Remake will launch on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC via Steam, and Xbox Series X/S on March 24, 2023, with added support for PS VR2. Stay tuned for our upcoming review.
