The Original Resident Evil 4 is Still a Timeless Classic

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For close to two decades now, Resident Evil 4 has consistently impressed players with its top-notch shooting mechanics and Ashley’s repeated cries of “Leon” whenever she gets taken captive. Many continue to extol it as one of the best games ever produced, and rightly so.

Some enthusiasts may argue that Capcom’s latest remake makes the original Resident Evil 4 obsolete, but this isn’t accurate. While the remake boasts numerous contemporary enhancements, the original Resident Evil 4 remains a timeless masterpiece, making it essential for everyone to experience it.

Yes, even those who beat the remake. They’re completely different games.

Even though this newer version leans more towards action, what makes it exceptional is that it retains the traditional Resident Evil characteristics. For instance, Leon can’t fire while moving, forcing players to plan their actions carefully when dealing with hordes of enemies. Additionally, managing inventory remains crucial, as there are numerous items to gather and a limited capacity for storage.

As a seasoned gamer, I’ve gotta say, it’s refreshing to find a game that still retains the essence of Resident Evil, but with a twist. The fusion of terror-filled horror and rapid-fire action gameplay is unlike anything I’ve played before. Gone are the days of painstakingly waiting for doors to open; now, Leon can boot ’em open and start blasting enemies on the spot! He’s also got some nifty tricks up his sleeve, like knocking down ladders that baddies are scaling and barricading windows with shelves to keep them at bay. It’s a whole new ball game, and I can’t wait to see what else this game has in store for me.

As a fan, I can say that Leon has the ability to deliver a roundhouse kick reminiscent of Chuck Norris after landing a headshot, and it’s always an exhilarating feeling when that happens. Moreover, in certain situations, he can even perform a suplex move, which is equally satisfying. It’s easy to understand why DOOM 2016 incorporated a similar groggy enemy system; these takedowns simply feel fantastic.

Back then, Resident Evil 4 was among the pioneers to depart from conventional zombie adversaries. Initially, these villagers appear sluggish, but as time passes, they become proficient in using weapons, ascending ladders, congregating into mobs, and even dodging some of your bullets. Although it doesn’t offer the same level of challenge as Soulslike games, battling them requires constant vigilance since defeat can come swiftly if you’re not careful.

Overcoming adversaries may be tough, but the payoff of defeating them is definitely rewarding. These opponents can sometimes shower you with gold and ammunition, much like enemies in the game Final Fight, which allows Leon to purchase weapons or healing items from the famous vendor. Just like the earlier Resident Evil games, this adds a touch of arcade-style excitement that’s enjoyable and gratifying, though it might not be entirely accurate to real life.

To put it simply, acquiring several headshots using a shotgun followed by gathering gold pieces is an extraordinary level of success that not many games can offer.

Without a doubt, the remake of Resident Evil 4 retains many aspects from the original game, along with additional features. One such feature is the ability to move while firing your weapon. The knife parry now provides an exhilarating experience. The visuals, enhanced by the RE Engine, are particularly stunning, especially when it comes to Ashley’s portrayal. However, the emphasis on a more somber narrative detracts slightly from the original’s endearing appeal.

Numerous enthusiasts have voiced their thoughts previously, but the initial game boasts a B-movie style action narrative, which is advantageous. From the imposing colossal henchman to the enigmatic femme fatale assisting, and even the storyline twist of rescuing the president’s daughter, everything about this game reeks of campy horror.

In the Resident Evil 4 remake, some alterations to the story are appreciated, but others fall short of the mark. It’s delightful to see Louis portrayed positively in this updated version, but eliminating quirks like the statue that pursues Leon seems uncalled for. Furthermore, confirming that Leon and Ada Wong have had no interaction since Resident Evil 2 is underwhelming, given that the original game hinted at a prior encounter between them during another mission. This development feels particularly disappointing.

In the future, it’s possible that Capcom might draw a misguided conclusion from Resident Evil 4‘s emphasis on action-oriented gameplay. While Resident Evil 5 manages to pull it off, thanks to its cooperative mode and retaining some of its arcade-style elements, the series started to lose its identity in the sixth installment. It became more akin to Gears of War with zombies, despite maintaining its visual and gameplay quality.

In essence, both Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village needed to reacquaint themselves with the horror aspects found in earlier games, while still preserving an enjoyable action dynamic. Village takes inspiration from the fourth game, even incorporating nods to its merchant character, but its emphasis on diversity sets it apart.

Fortunately, despite the upcoming remake, enthusiasts can still effortlessly obtain the classic version of Resident Evil 4 on contemporary gaming platforms. Personally, I’m enjoying it on the Nintendo Switch, and its performance is exceptional with a steady 60 FPS. It’s worth noting that Capcom has re-released this game more frequently than Skyrim, which speaks volumes about their trust in the quality of this action horror shooter they crafted.

If you’ve never experienced the original ‘Resident Evil 4’, give it a try right away. And if you’ve already taken on this classic game, chances are you’re playing it again for enjoyment.

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2025-04-30 13:42