Resident Evil 4 (2023 video game)#Downloadable content
{{Short description|Video game remake}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Resident Evil 4
| image = Resident Evil 4 remake cover art.jpg
| developer = Capcom
| publisher = Capcom
| director = {{Unbulleted list|Yasuhiro Anpo|Kazunori Kadoi}}
| producer = Yoshiaki Hirabayashi
| designer = Hidehiro Goda
| programmer = Masatoshi Fukazawa
| artist = Hirofumi Nakaoka
| writer = Matthew Costello
| composer = {{Unbulleted list|Kota Suzuki|Nozomi Ohmoto|Misao Senbogi}}
| series = Resident Evil
| engine = RE Engine
| platforms = {{Unbulleted list|PlayStation 4|PlayStation 5|Windows|Xbox Series X/S|iOS|iPadOS|macOS}}
| released = {{Unbulleted list|PS4, PS5, Win, XSX/S|March 24, 2023|PlayStation VR2|December 8, 2023|iOS, iPadOS, macOS|December 20, 2023}}
| genre = Survival horror{{cite web|url=https://www.residentevil.com/re4/en-us/|title=Resident Evil 4 Official Site|publisher=Capcom|language=en|date=2022-06-02|access-date=2022-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602223418/https://www.residentevil.com/re4/en-us/|archive-date=2022-06-02|url-status=live}}
| modes = Single-player
}}
Resident Evil 4{{efn|Known in Japan as {{nihongo|Biohazard RE:4|バイオハザード RE:4|Baiohazādo RE:4|lead=yes}} and commonly referred to as Resident Evil 4 Remake}} is a 2023 survival horror game developed and published by Capcom. A remake of the 2005 game Resident Evil 4, it was released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on March 24, 2023. Versions for iOS,{{efn|Compatible exclusively with iPhone 15 Pro}} and macOS were released on December 20, 2023.
Players control the US agent Leon S. Kennedy, who must save Ashley Graham, the daughter of the US president, from a mysterious cult in rural Spain. The remake has an updated plot, new visuals, characters, cast, and modernized gameplay, in line with Resident Evil Village (2021) and other Resident Evil remakes.
The team expanded Ashley's characterization and relationship with Leon, and used Capcom's RE Engine. Two pieces of downloadable content were released: the minigame Mercenaries, in which players battle waves of enemies, and the side story Separate Ways, in which players control the agent Ada Wong.
Resident Evil 4 received acclaim and was nominated for the Golden Joystick Award for Ultimate Game of the Year and The Game Award for Game of the Year. It had sold over 10 million copies by April 2025, making it the fastest-selling Resident Evil game.
Gameplay
Resident Evil 4 is a remake of the 2005 game Resident Evil 4. It features "over-the-shoulder" third-person shooter gameplay similar to the original, while drawing other design aspects from the remakes of Resident Evil 2 (2019) and Resident Evil 3 (2020).{{Cite web |last=Keegan |first=October |date=January 31, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake: New Details; New Enemies, Gameplay |url=https://www.relyonhorror.com/latest-news/resident-evil-4-remake-new-details-new-enemies-gameplay/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201115647/https://www.relyonhorror.com/latest-news/resident-evil-4-remake-new-details-new-enemies-gameplay/ |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |access-date=February 1, 2023 |website=Rely on Horror}} Resident Evil 4 features redesigned visuals, designed to create a tenser atmosphere, along with new character designs and backgrounds.{{Cite magazine |last=Hester |first=Blake |date=13 June 2022 |title=Here's Your First Look At Resident Evil 4 Remake Gameplay |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/capcom-showcase/2022/06/13/heres-your-first-look-at-resident-evil-4-remake-gameplay |url-status=live |magazine=Game Informer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613225749/https://www.gameinformer.com/capcom-showcase/2022/06/13/heres-your-first-look-at-resident-evil-4-remake-gameplay |archive-date=June 13, 2022 |access-date=20 June 2022 |quote=We then see our first look at gameplay, and to be clear, visually, it looks great. The footage is set during the very beginning of the game, when Leon arrives outside the village in the forest. Compared to the original game, the forest is far darker and scarier. 'We want to nail the feeling of loneliness and fear of not knowing what lies ahead, even more so than the original,' Hirabayashi said during the presentation. 'Of course, there will also be thrilling battles.'}}{{Cite web |last=Greenbaum |first=Aaron |date=14 June 2022 |title=How Resident Evil 4 Remake's Scarier Visuals Hurt the Original's Campy Charm |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/resident-evil-4-remake-scary-graphics-comparison-original-campy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614205548/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/resident-evil-4-remake-scary-graphics-comparison-original-campy/ |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |access-date=20 June 2022 |website=Den of Geek |quote=The game will keep the over-the-shoulder perspective of those other remakes (fitting since the original RE4 popularized that perspective) but it will seemingly reinvent large chunks of the original RE4's atmosphere and visual style. Unlike the original game, the remake's opening scene of Leon S. Kennedy walking around a dilapidated town isn't mood-lit by a setting sun but rather by thick fog. The tone is undoubtedly more in line with the recent Resident Evil titles.}} It offers six control schemes, including one styled after the original game.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHWRPlDMLoc |title=80 Rapid-Fire Questions About Resident Evil 4 Remake |date=February 15, 2023 |last=Van Aken |first=Alex |publisher=Game Informer |access-date=February 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216004210/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHWRPlDMLoc&t=783s |archive-date=February 16, 2023 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}} Occasionally the player must solve puzzles to reach certain areas.{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=2023-03-17 |title=The Resident Evil 4 remake pulls off the same great trick |url=https://www.polygon.com/reviews/23643823/resident-evil-4-remake-review-capcom-ps5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325145800/https://www.polygon.com/reviews/23643823/resident-evil-4-remake-review-capcom-ps5 |archive-date=March 25, 2023 |access-date=2023-03-25 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}} In some sequences, Leon must protect the president's daughter, Ashley. She uses a simpler health system than in the original, and can be instructed to stay close or far.
As in the original game, the player organizes their inventory with an attaché case. New to the remake, a crafting system enables the player to create items and ammunition using collected resources. The Merchant returns, allowing the player to buy, upgrade, and trade items while providing new side quests that can be completed during the main story.{{Cite web |last=Zwiezen |first=Zack |date=2022-10-21 |title=All The Changes We Spotted In The New Resident Evil 4 Remake Trailers |url=https://kotaku.com/resident-evil-4-remake-leon-ps5-xbox-gamestop-preorder-1849684821 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021002021/https://kotaku.com/resident-evil-4-remake-leon-ps5-xbox-gamestop-preorder-1849684821 |archive-date=October 21, 2022 |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=Kotaku |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Lyles |first=Taylor |date=January 31, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake is Removing Quick-Time Events and Adding Sidequests |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-4-remake-is-removing-quick-time-events-and-adding-sidequests |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131230741/https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-4-remake-is-removing-quick-time-events-and-adding-sidequests |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |access-date=February 1, 2023 |website=IGN}} Similarly to the original, the focus of combat is shooting enemies and reloading. However, Leon can now move and use weapons at the same time, allowing him to evade attacks while firing and reload while on the move. Leon can use melee attacks to injure enemies and push them away.{{Citation |title=Leon Does a Suplex in Resident Evil 4 Remake | date=March 10, 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY5ww5_cBpU |access-date=2023-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325031440/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY5ww5_cBpU |url-status=live |language=en |archive-date=March 25, 2023}}{{Citation |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake All Melee Animations | date=March 11, 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mzXocO__3U |access-date=2023-03-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325031439/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mzXocO__3U&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live |language=en |archive-date=March 25, 2023}} A new parrying mechanic allows him to block, counterattack, and kill downed enemies with his knife.{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=2022-10-20 |title=Capcom's Resident Evil 4 remake looks scary good in new footage |url=https://www.polygon.com/23415431/resident-evil-4-remake-trailer-release-date-ada-ashley-salazar |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020234208/https://www.polygon.com/23415431/resident-evil-4-remake-trailer-release-date-ada-ashley-salazar |archive-date=October 20, 2022 |access-date=2022-10-21 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}} Unlike the original, Leon's knife has a durability meter; if broken, the player will have to speak to the Merchant to get it repaired or increase its durability.{{Citation |title=Remake Differences and New Features |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/resident-evil-4-remake/Remake_Differences_and_New_Features |work=IGN |date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=2023-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401054306/https://www.ign.com/wikis/resident-evil-4-remake/Remake_Differences_and_New_Features |url-status=live |language=en |archive-date=April 1, 2023}} Leon can carry multiple types of knives with various attributes.{{Citation |title=Knives |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/resident-evil-4-remake/Knives |work=IGN |date=March 26, 2023 |access-date=2023-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401052754/https://www.ign.com/wikis/resident-evil-4-remake/Knives |url-status=live |language=en |archive-date=April 1, 2023}}{{Cite web |last=Colbert |first=Isaiah |date=February 1, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake Removes Ashley's Health Bar, Adds Side-Quests |url=https://kotaku.com/resident-evil-4-remake-re4-ashley-qte-knife-durability-1850062148 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202000645/https://kotaku.com/resident-evil-4-remake-re4-ashley-qte-knife-durability-1850062148 |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |access-date=February 2, 2023 |website=Kotaku}}
The gameplay remains largely the same in the Separate Ways DLC, with the addition of a grappling hook mechanic, that allows Ada to reach previously inaccessible locations and perform melee attacks on enemies from a distance. Attaching a specific charm allows Ada to use her grappling hook to rip shields away from certain enemies. Additionally, Ada possesses an Internal Retinal Enquiry System (I.R.I.S) that allows her to see clues invisible to the naked eye, aiding her in her mission.
Plot
Following the destruction of Raccoon City in 1998,{{efn|As depicted in Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3}} Leon S. Kennedy (Nick Apostolides / Toshiyuki Morikawa) participates in a special programme and undergoes training with Major Jack Krauser (Mike Kovac / Kengo Tsuji) after agreeing to become an agent for the United States government. Six years later, in 2004, Leon is sent by the president to rescue his kidnapped daughter, Ashley Graham (Genevieve Buechner / Akari Kito), from a village in rural Spain with the remote assistance of Ingrid Hunnigan (Raylene Harewood / Yu Sugimoto). Soon after arriving, Leon finds his escorts brutally murdered by the villagers, who are being controlled by the parasite Las Plagas and have pledged themselves to the Los Illuminados cult. Searching for Ashley, Leon meets Luis Serra (André Peña / Kenjiro Tsuda), a scientist on the run from the cult whom Ingrid confirms once worked for the Umbrella Corporation. Leon and Luis are captured by the village head, Chief Bitores Méndez (Jon Bryant / Takeshi Oda), who injects Leon with a Plaga parasite. After escaping captivity, the pair separate.
Leon learns that Ashley is being kept inside the village's old church and rescues her. She has also been infected with a Plaga. They are pursued by Méndez and a horde of villagers until Leon kills him inside an abandoned warehouse. With their rescue helicopter delayed by inclement weather, the pair retreat to a castle to seek shelter but Lord Ramón Salazar's (Marcio Moreno / Chō) forces capture Ashley. Leon briefly re-encounters Ada Wong (Lily Gao / Junko Minagawa) following their last encounter in Raccoon City. Leon battles his way throughout the castle before reuniting with Luis underground, who provides suppressants for the Plagas and reveals he wants to atone for his actions while working as an Umbrella researcher and for Los Illuminados. The pair use mining tunnels to reach the surface, but Luis is fatally stabbed by Krauser, who engages Leon in combat until Luis forces him to retreat. Before he dies, Luis gives Leon the key to his personal lab so the latter can cure himself and Ashley. Upon returning to the castle, Leon battles and kills Salazar before receiving Ada's help in pursuing Krauser, who has taken Ashley to an island facility.
Fighting through the island, Leon reunites with Ashley, but they encounter Osmund Saddler (Christopher Jane / Hōchū Ōtsuka), Los Illuminados' leader who intends to send the infected Ashley back to the United States to infect her father so he can take over the world. Saddler uses their Plagas to control Ashley and incapacitate Leon, separating them again. While moving through the facility, Leon discovers Krauser kidnapped Ashley and brought her to the village out of resentment against the United States government for their handling of "Operation Javier", a mission he narrowly survived two years prior that resulted in his entire unit being killed.{{efn|As depicted in Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles}} Desiring power, Krauser uses a Plaga to mutate himself and fight Leon, who reluctantly kills him. Leon reunites with Ashley again but Saddler returns and attempts to kill Leon until Ada intervenes, allowing Leon to take Ashley to Luis's lab and remove their parasites. While searching for a means of escape, Leon rescues Ada from Saddler before joining forces with her to kill him, who drops a vial of Plaga amber. Ada takes the vial and leaves in a helicopter while Leon and Ashley escape the exploding island on a jet ski.
= ''Separate Ways'' =
Prior to Leon's arrival, Ada frees Luis from Salazar's dungeon so he can procure a vial of Plaga amber he had hidden for her, but gets infected with a unique Plaga by one of Salazar's enforcers, Pesanta. While attempting to rendezvous with Luis and evading Pesanta, Ada covertly assists Leon in his fight against Los Illuminados. As her infection worsens, Ada's increasingly impatient boss, Albert Wesker (Craig Burnatowski / Jouji Nakata), periodically checks in on her. She eventually reunites with Luis, who realizes she is infected and convinces her to collect ingredients for a suppressant to slow her, Leon, and Ashley's infections. Complicating matters, Ada's condition worsens further in the amber's presence, forcing the pair to separate once more until her suppressant takes hold. While Luis helps Leon and Ashley, Ada kills Pesanta, which causes her to vomit her parasite. After killing it, she tries to find Luis again, only to learn Krauser killed him for the amber.
Ada helps Leon reach Los Illuminados' island facility before secretly placing a tracker on him and breaking off to find Krauser. She witnesses him give the amber to Saddler before Wesker provides a device to help her bypass the facility's security. Upon learning Wesker also intends to detonate the island, regardless of Ashley's survival, Ada uses Luis's files to sabotage the bombs before using Leon's tracker to locate Saddler. She rescues Leon and Ashley and defeats Saddler, but he catches her off-guard and captures her. Leon eventually rescues Ada, who joins him in killing Saddler before retrieving the amber. As she leaves, she contacts Wesker to inquire about his intentions for the amber. When he promises a new dawn will break at the cost of billions of casualties, a disgusted Ada forces her pilot to change course.
Wesker learns of Ada's betrayal and that the island is still intact due to the bombs not detonating correctly. Having obtained Krauser's body, an undeterred Wesker proclaims the "age of man" will soon end.
Development
Capcom brought the development in-house in early 2021, led by the Division 1 team, with many staff members who worked on the 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2 returning for Resident Evil 4.{{Cite web |last=Colantonio |first=Giovanni |date=2022-06-03 |title=Everything we know about the Resident Evil 4 remake |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/resident-evil-4-remake-release-date-trailer-gameplay-news/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603205816/https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/resident-evil-4-remake-release-date-trailer-gameplay-news/ |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |access-date=2022-06-05 |website=Digital Trends |language=en}} Producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi said he found the idea of remaking Resident Evil 4 challenging as a result of its popularity. Kazunori Kadoi and Yasuhiro Anpo, who worked on the Resident Evil 2 remake, were selected as directors. Kadoi supervised gameplay elements, most notably how to use Leon's knife and its durability after encounters with enemies. Capcom minimized the use of quick time events in comparison to the original game.{{Cite web |last=Bailey |first=Kat |date=October 20, 2022 |title=Resident Evil 4 Producer on How the Remake Will Tackle QTEs, Inventory Management, and the Sequels |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-4-remake-interview-capcom |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020231558/https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-4-remake-interview-capcom |archive-date=October 20, 2022 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=IGN}} The development team was split into three groups that worked on three areas: the village, the castle and the island.{{Cite web |last=Keegan |first=October |date=January 3, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake: Island Confirmed, 'Character Drama' Developed More |url=https://www.relyonhorror.com/latest-news/resident-evil-4-remake-island-confirmed-character-drama-developed-more/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103222220/https://www.relyonhorror.com/latest-news/resident-evil-4-remake-island-confirmed-character-drama-developed-more/ |archive-date=January 3, 2023 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=Rely on Horror}}
The team aimed to expand Ashley's characterization and relationship and make the story more horror-focused. The visuals were developed to improve the idea of horror. The game was developed using the RE Engine. While the Japanese voice actors for Leon and Ada in the Resident Evil 2 remake returned to reprise their roles,{{Cite web |last=Tolentino |first=Josh |date=2023-02-24 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake Japanese Voice Actors Revealed |url=https://www.siliconera.com/resident-evil-4-remake-japanese-voice-actors-revealed/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227193936/https://www.siliconera.com/resident-evil-4-remake-japanese-voice-actors-revealed/ |archive-date=February 27, 2023 |access-date=2023-03-17 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US}} Nick Apostolides returned from Resident Evil 2 remake to voice Leon. The English-language voice of Ada was recast to Lily Gao (who previously portrayed the character in the 2021 film Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City), replacing Jolene Andersen.{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Dalton |date=2023-04-02 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake Ada Wong Voice Actor is Being Harassed |url=https://gamerant.com/resident-evil-4-remake-ada-wong-voice-actor-lily-gao-instagram-posts/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402122552/https://gamerant.com/resident-evil-4-remake-ada-wong-voice-actor-lily-gao-instagram-posts/ |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |access-date=2023-04-02 |website=Game Rant |language=en}} Gao deleted her Instagram posts after she was harassed online, later responding to critics with: "My Ada is a survivor. She is unpredictable, resilient, and absolutely not a stereotype."{{cite news|first=Harri|last=Chan|url=https://www.polygon.com/23679586/resident-evil-4-re4-remake-ada-wong-stereotypes|title=Resident Evil{{'}}s Ada Wong Goes Head-to-head with Sexpionage Stereotypes|website=Polygon|date=April 20, 2023|access-date=May 9, 2023|archive-date=May 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230519230358/https://www.polygon.com/23679586/resident-evil-4-re4-remake-ada-wong-stereotypes|url-status=live}} D.C. Douglas, the long time voice of Wesker, did not return; he was instead portrayed by Craig Burnatowski. As with previous Resident Evil remakes, an additional cast provided likenesses, 3D modeling and performance capture.{{Cite web |last=Zotomayor |first=Carlos |date=October 26, 2022 |title=All The Big Character Design Changes In The Resident Evil 4 Remake |url=https://gamerant.com/resident-evil-4-remake-character-design-changes-leon-kennedy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026181346/https://gamerant.com/resident-evil-4-remake-character-design-changes-leon-kennedy/ |archive-date=October 26, 2022 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=Game Rant}} The Dutch model Ella Freya provided the face model for Ashley,{{cite web |last=Moyse |first=Chris |date=June 7, 2022 |title=Model identifies self as the face of Resident Evil 4 Remake's Ashley Graham |url=https://www.destructoid.com/resident-evil-4-remake-ashley-graham-ella-freya-capcom/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608074118/https://www.destructoid.com/resident-evil-4-remake-ashley-graham-ella-freya-capcom/amp/ |archive-date=8 June 2022 |access-date=5 June 2021 |website=Destructoid}} while Genevieve Buechner provided her voice.{{cite web|last=Green|first=Jack|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/resident-evil-4-remake-voice-actors-9336|title=Resident Evil 4 remake voice actors list, cast and who voices each character|website=Eurogamer|date=March 24, 2023|access-date=March 28, 2023|archive-date=May 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509100729/https://www.eurogamer.net/resident-evil-4-remake-voice-actors-9336|url-status=live}}
The team modernized the gameplay to be in line with Resident Evil Village (2021) and the remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3. To assist in aiming, the original game used a laser sight on each weapons; this was replaced with a reticule. To appease fans preferring the laser, Capcom included it as an attachment early on.Game Informer issue #353, p. 30. As with Resident Evil 2, the knife has limited durability and becomes worn with use, but can be modified.Game Informer issue #353, p. 31. A new addition is the bolt thrower, a crossbow which can be used to stealthily kill enemies.Game Informer issue #353, p. 34. The Ganados were reworked as more dangerous, forcing the player to use the environment against them, such as igniting flammable objects or barricading doors and windows.Game Informer issue #353, p. 32. Changes to the environment are saved in the game, so return visits to the area will acknowledge the moved or destroyed objects.Game Informer issue #353, p. 33. When grabbed by an enemy, the player can press buttons or use the knife to escape.Game Informer issue #353, pp. 30–31. As the Ganados' signature move is for their Plaga parasites to erupt from their bodies, work was done to incorporate this into gameplay, with them dropping to the floor and convulsing instead of them immediately erupting; this action forces the player to ignore nearby enemies and prioritise killing the downed Ganado, putting themselves at risk.Game Informer issue #353, pp. 32–33.
The team aimed to expand Ashley's characterization and relationship with Leon.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-4-remake-interview-capcom|last=Bailey|first=Kat|title=Resident Evil 4 Producer on How the Remake Will Tackle QTEs, Inventory Management, and the Sequels|website=IGN|date=October 21, 2022|access-date=January 8, 2023|archive-date=October 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020231558/https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-4-remake-interview-capcom|url-status=live}} In contrast to the original, Ashley cannot be left alone and will always follow Leon, though she can be told to stay close or maintain distance. Yasuhiro Ampo, co-director of the remake, explained the change: "As a character, we wanted to have her by your side so she left an impression, and as a game, having her hide while you went and fought in the original was fun in some ways. But having a character like Ashley and then having her basically disappear for a while felt like a waste. We wanted to avoid that in the remake."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive-feature/2023/02/02/why-capcom-changed-ashley-in-resident-evil-4|last=Stewart|first=Markus|title=Why Capcom Changed Ashley In Resident Evil 4|magazine=Game Informer|date=February 2, 2023|access-date=February 4, 2023|archive-date=February 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203180055/https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive-feature/2023/02/02/why-capcom-changed-ashley-in-resident-evil-4|url-status=live}} Ashley's health bar was also removed; however, she will get downed after taking too many blows, and Leon must revive her to continue. She can also be picked up and carried away by enemies, and if carried too far away from Leon without being saved, the game ends.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/resident-evil-4-remake-removes-ashleys-health-bar-and-adds-knife-durability|last=Nightingale|first=Ed|title=Resident Evil 4 Remake removes Ashley's health bar and adds knife durability|website=Eurogamer|date=February 1, 2023|access-date=February 4, 2023|archive-date=March 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230302063244/https://www.eurogamer.net/resident-evil-4-remake-removes-ashleys-health-bar-and-adds-knife-durability|url-status=live}} Her outfit and overall design were altered to look and act more like a true partner than a damsel in distress.{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/resident-evil-4-remake-demo-release-date-ps5-capcom-1850220963|last=Bardhan|first=Ashley|title=9 Of The Internet's Burning Resident Evil 4 Remake Questions, Answered|website=Kotaku|date=March 13, 2023|access-date=March 25, 2023|archive-date=April 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405200708/https://kotaku.com/resident-evil-4-remake-demo-release-date-ps5-capcom-1850220963|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Nicolás Argüello |first=Diego |date=March 24, 2023 |title=What's different between the Resident Evil 4 remake and the original? |url=https://www.polygon.com/resident-evil-4-remake-guides/23649050/differences-changes-original |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329175401/https://www.polygon.com/resident-evil-4-remake-guides/23649050/differences-changes-original |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |access-date=March 29, 2023 |website=Polygon}} To maintain the challenge, Ashley's health bar has been removed and can no longer be boosted with the use of yellow herbs. When Ashley takes severe damage, she falls and must be revived to avoid a game over, a similar idea used in Resident Evil 6. Like the original game, Ashley can be sent out at times, with the player being able to lead her through holes to unlock doors. Unlike the original game, Ashley can descend a ladder on her own, rather than force the player to assist her.
While conducting their replays of the 2005 game for ideas, the developers took notice of the Blue Medallion mini-quest in the village, which was not replicated elsewhere in the game. New mini-quests were added to the village, with Leon being rewarded for finding certain items and hunting target enemies to the Merchant.Game Informer issue #353, p. 35.
Release and marketing
File:5520 NWFB 82X 20-03-2023.jpg
The first teaser trailer was released as a part of the PlayStation State of Play presentation on June 3, 2022.{{Cite web |last=Gratton |first=Kyle |date=2022-06-02 |title=Everything Revealed At PlayStation State Of Play (June 2022) |url=https://screenrant.com/playstation-state-play-june-2022-every-reveal-games/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603013752/https://screenrant.com/playstation-state-play-june-2022-every-reveal-games/ |archive-date=June 3, 2022 |access-date=2022-06-05 |website=Screen Rant |language=en-US}} It was released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on March 24, 2023, with upcoming support on PS VR2.{{Cite web |last=Tolentino |first=Josh |date=June 2, 2022 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake Out March 2023, Will Support PS VR2 |url=https://www.siliconera.com/resident-evil-4-remake-out-march-2023-will-support-ps-vr2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602222952/https://www.siliconera.com/resident-evil-4-remake-out-march-2023-will-support-ps-vr2/ |archive-date=June 2, 2022 |access-date=June 10, 2022 |website=Siliconera}} A version for macOS and iOS on select iPad, Mac and iPhone models was released on December 20, 2023.{{cite web |last1=Baxter |first1=Daryl |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake comes to iPhone 15 Pro, Mac, and iPad later this year |url=https://www.imore.com/ios/ios-17/resident-evil-4-remake-comes-to-iphone-15-pro-before-mac |website=iMore |access-date=13 September 2023 |date=13 September 2023 |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915005456/https://www.imore.com/ios/ios-17/resident-evil-4-remake-comes-to-iphone-15-pro-before-mac |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2023-11-07 |title=Resident Evil 4 Game Remake Launches for Mac, iPhone, iPad on December 20 |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2023-11-07/resident-evil-4-game-remake-launches-for-mac-iphone-ipad-on-december-20/.204211 |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=Anime News Network |language=en}}
A second trailer and additional gameplay were shown during a showcase in October 2022. Preorders include Leon's briefcase and Leon's handgun ammo as charms.{{Cite web |title=Resident Evil 4 Official Website |url=https://www.residentevil.com/re4/en-asia/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602235718/https://www.residentevil.com/re4/en-asia/ |archive-date=June 2, 2022 |access-date=January 8, 2022 |website=Capcom}} A third trailer debuted as a part of PlayStation's State of Play on February 23, 2023.{{Citation |title=Resident Evil 4 - 3rd Trailer {{!}} PS5 & PS4 Games | date=February 23, 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwxMrAy4z-s |access-date=2023-03-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307225427/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwxMrAy4z-s |url-status=live |language=en |archive-date=March 7, 2023}} After the rain effects in preview footage drew criticism, Yoshiaki said Capcom would release a patch on the day of the game's release to modify it.{{Cite web |last=Plant |first=Logan |date=2023-03-08 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake's Infamous Rain Will Be Fixed With Day One Patch |url=https://sea.ign.com/resident-evil-4-remake/196318/news/resident-evil-4-remakes-infamous-rain-will-be-fixed-with-day-one-patch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309115005/https://sea.ign.com/resident-evil-4-remake/196318/news/resident-evil-4-remakes-infamous-rain-will-be-fixed-with-day-one-patch |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=IGN Southeast Asia |language=en-sg}}
A playable demo was announced during a Capcom Spotlight livestream on March 9, 2023, and released immediately afterwards for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S.{{Cite web |last=Zwiezen |first=Zack |date=2023-03-09 |title=Capcom Just Dropped A Resident Evil 4 Remake Demo |url=https://kotaku.com/capcom-resident-evil-4-remake-demo-release-date-re4-1850210001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310122842/https://kotaku.com/capcom-resident-evil-4-remake-demo-release-date-re4-1850210001 |archive-date=March 10, 2023 |access-date=2023-03-10 |website=Kotaku |language=en}} On March 20, 2023, Capcom released a television commercial in Japan that parodies the anime series World Masterpiece Theater.{{Cite web |last=Tolentino |first=Josh |date=2023-03-20 |title=Resident Evil 4 Anime Promo Parodies Classic Series |url=https://www.siliconera.com/resident-evil-4-anime-promo-parodies-classic-series/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321121419/https://www.siliconera.com/resident-evil-4-anime-promo-parodies-classic-series/ |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |access-date=2023-03-25 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US}} A collector's edition was made available for the console versions, featuring extras such as a Leon figurine, a hardcover artbook, a village map poster, and a digital soundtrack.{{Cite web |last=Mckenna |first=Josh |date=2023-03-24 |title=Here's where to buy the Resident Evil 4 remake |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/heres-where-to-buy-the-resident-evil-4-remake |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403043442/https://www.eurogamer.net/heres-where-to-buy-the-resident-evil-4-remake |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=Eurogamer |language=en}} Lily Gao, who provided the voice of Ada Wong, was harassed on social media by players who were unhappy with her performance.{{Cite web |last=Blake |first=Vikki |date=April 2, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake actor deactivates Instagram comments after receiving thousands of critical messages |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/resident-evil-4-remake-actor-deactivates-instagram-comments-after-receiving-thousands-of-critical-messages |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403151557/https://www.eurogamer.net/resident-evil-4-remake-actor-deactivates-instagram-comments-after-receiving-thousands-of-critical-messages |archive-date=April 3, 2023 |access-date=3 April 2023 |website=Eurogamer}}
= Downloadable content =
On April 7, 2023, Mercenaries, a minigame from the original game in which players must kill as many enemies as possible in a time limit, was released as a free DLC.{{Cite web |last=Yaden |first=Joseph |date=7 April 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4's Free Mercenaries DLC Is Available Now |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/resident-evil-4-free-mercenaries-dlc-is-available-now/1100-6513064/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407232319/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/resident-evil-4-free-mercenaries-dlc-is-available-now/1100-6513064/ |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |access-date=2023-04-07 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}} On the same day, Capcom added microtransactions to allow players to pay extra to upgrade weapons faster.{{Cite web |last=Scullion |first=Chris |date=2023-04-07 |title=Resident Evil 4 remake has added microtransactions to upgrade weapons quicker |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/resident-evil-4-remake-has-added-microtransactions-to-upgrade-weapons-quicker/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407160229/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/resident-evil-4-remake-has-added-microtransactions-to-upgrade-weapons-quicker/ |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |access-date=2023-04-07 |website=Video Games Chronicle |language=en-GB}}
On September 14, 2023, during a PlayStation State of Play presentation, Separate Ways, a side story from the original game featuring Ada Wong, Luis, and Albert Wesker was announced as paid DLC along with a title update for The Mercenaries.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-21 |title=Sony Reveals Resident Evil 4 VR Mode Release Date, Separate Ways DLC |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-09-14/sony-reveals-resident-evil-4-vr-mode-release-date-separate-ways-dlc/.202387 |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=Anime News Network |language=en |archive-date=September 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915015852/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-09-14/sony-reveals-resident-evil-4-vr-mode-release-date-separate-ways-dlc/.202387 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2023-09-19 |title=New Resident Evil 4 Remake Separate Ways DLC Trailer Teases Wesker |url=https://www.siliconera.com/new-resident-evil-4-remake-separate-ways-dlc-trailer-teases-wesker/ |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US |archive-date=September 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919150311/https://www.siliconera.com/new-resident-evil-4-remake-separate-ways-dlc-trailer-teases-wesker/ |url-status=live }} Both were released on September 21, 2023.{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=Ule |date=2023-09-14 |title=Resident Evil 4 Separate Ways DLC Releases on September 21 |url=https://primagames.com/news/resident-evil-4-separate-ways-dlc-releases-on-september-21 |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=Prima Games |language=en-US |archive-date=September 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230914213602/https://primagames.com/news/resident-evil-4-separate-ways-dlc-releases-on-september-21 |url-status=live }} Capcom featured Separate Ways during Tokyo Game Show 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-09-15 |title=Capcom Will Feature Resident Evil 4 Separate Ways DLC at TGS 2023 |url=https://www.siliconera.com/capcom-will-feature-resident-evil-4-separate-ways-dlc-at-tgs-2023/ |access-date=2023-09-21 |website=Siliconera |language=en-US |archive-date=September 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918014952/https://www.siliconera.com/capcom-will-feature-resident-evil-4-separate-ways-dlc-at-tgs-2023/ |url-status=live }}
Reception
= Critical reception =
{{Video game reviews
| MC = (PC) 91/100{{Cite web |title=Resident Evil 4 for PC Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/resident-evil-4/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317080434/https://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/resident-evil-4 |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=Metacritic}}
(PS5) 93/100{{Cite web |title=Resident Evil 4 for PlayStation 5 Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/resident-evil-4/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317080611/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-5/resident-evil-4 |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=Metacritic}}
(XSXS) 91/100{{Cite web |title=Resident Evil 4 for Xbox Series X Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/resident-evil-4/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317115256/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-series-x/resident-evil-4 |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=Metacritic}}
| Destruct = 7.5/10{{Cite web |last=Handley |first=Zoey |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Review: Resident Evil 4 (2023) |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-resident-evil-4-2023/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317073813/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-resident-evil-4-2023/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=Destructoid}}
| EZA = 10/10{{Cite web |last=Huber |first=Michael |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Review: Resident Evil 4 (2023) |url=https://easyallies.com/#!/review/resident-evil-4-2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20201205020310/https://easyallies.com/%23!/review/paper-mario-the-origami-king#!/review/resident-evil-4-2023 |archive-date=December 5, 2020 |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=Easy Allies}}
| Fam = 9/9/10/9{{efn|Each of the four reviewers in Famitsu scored the game on a ten point scale}}{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=March 29, 2023 |title=Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1791 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/03/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1791 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401090438/https://www.gematsu.com/2023/03/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1791 |archive-date=April 1, 2023 |access-date=April 1, 2023 |publisher=Gematsu}}
| GI = 9.5/10{{Cite magazine |last=Hester |first=Blake |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 (Remake) Review - Refinement, Not Reinvention |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/resident-evil-4-remake/refinement-not-reinvention |url-status=live |magazine=Game Informer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317104817/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/resident-evil-4-remake/refinement-not-reinvention |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 17, 2023}}
| GameRev = 9/10{{Cite web |last=Ashworth |first=Mack |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake Review |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/937060-resident-evil-4-remake-review-pc-ps5-ps4-xbox-series-x-s-one-worth-buying-2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317072209/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/937060-resident-evil-4-remake-review-pc-ps5-ps4-xbox-series-x-s-one-worth-buying-2023 |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=Game Revolution}}
| GSpot = 10/10{{Cite web |last=Indovina |first=Kurt |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake Review - Stranga, Stranga, Now That's A Remake |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/resident-evil-4-remake-review-stranga-stranga-now-thats-a-remake/1900-6418047/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317090920/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/resident-evil-4-remake-review-stranga-stranga-now-thats-a-remake/1900-6418047/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=GameSpot}}
| GRadar = 4.5/5{{Cite web |last=Hurley |first=Leon |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake review: 'A spectacularly pretty game loaded with atmosphere' |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/resident-evil-4-remake-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317095056/https://www.gamesradar.com/resident-evil-4-remake-review/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=GamesRadar+}}
| GB = 5/5{{Cite web |last=Ryckert |first=Dan |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 (2023) Review |url=https://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/resident-evil-4-2023-review/1900-803/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317084531/https://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/resident-evil-4-2023-review/1900-803/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=Giant Bomb}}
| IGN = 10/10{{Cite web |last=Ogilvie |first=Tristan |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-4-remake-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317075038/https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-4-remake-review |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=IGN}}
| NME = 5/5{{Cite web |last=Lane |first=Rick |date=March 17, 2023 |title='Resident Evil 4 Remake' review: bingo |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/game-reviews/resident-evil-4-remake-review-3415324 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317105620/https://www.nme.com/reviews/game-reviews/resident-evil-4-remake-review-3415324 |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=NME}}
| PCGUS = 80/100{{Cite web |last=Stanton |first=Rich |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake review |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/resident-evil-4-remake-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421135923/https://www.pcgamer.com/resident-evil-4-remake-review/ |archive-date=April 21, 2023 |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=PC Gamer}}
| PCGN = 8/10{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Ed |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake review – bingo |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/resident-evil-4-remake/review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317103823/https://www.pcgamesn.com/resident-evil-4-remake/review |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=PCGamesN}}
| PCM = 5/5{{Cite web |last=Cuevas |first=Zackery |date=March 21, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 (Remake) - Review |url=https://uk.pcmag.com/pc-games/146025/resident-evil-4-remake |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321172931/https://uk.pcmag.com/pc-games/146025/resident-evil-4-remake |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=PCMag}}
| PSQ = 10/10{{Cite web |last=Croft |first=Liam |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 Review (PS5) |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/resident-evil-4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317073723/https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/resident-evil-4 |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=Push Square}}
| SN = 10/10{{Cite web |last=Denzer |first=TJ |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 review: I'll buy it at a high price |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/134595/resident-evil-4-remake-review-score |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317100623/https://www.shacknews.com/article/134595/resident-evil-4-remake-review-score |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=Shacknews}}
| TELE = 5/5{{Cite web |last=Hoggins |first=Tom |date=March 21, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 review - a lavish remake of a horror classic that is still to be bettered |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/features/resident-evil-4-remake-ps5-xbox-series-review-lavish-remake/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321172927/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/features/resident-evil-4-remake-ps5-xbox-series-review-lavish-remake/ |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |access-date=March 21, 2023 |website=The Daily Telegraph}}
| TG = 5/5{{Cite web |last=Stuart |first=Keith |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake review – beautiful, tense, camp, gory: all that's best about the series |url=https://www.theguardian.com/games/2023/mar/17/resident-evil-4-remake-review-beautiful-tense-camp-gory-all-thats-best-about-the-series |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317080817/https://www.theguardian.com/games/2023/mar/17/resident-evil-4-remake-review-beautiful-tense-camp-gory-all-thats-best-about-the-series |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=The Guardian}}
| VGC = 5/5{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Andy |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Review: Resident Evil 4 is a faithful restoration of an all-time classic |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/review/review-resident-evil-4-is-a-faithful-restoration-of-an-all-time-classic/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317150733/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/review/review-resident-evil-4-is-a-faithful-restoration-of-an-all-time-classic/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=Video Games Chronicle}}
| VG247 = 5/5{{Cite web |last=Raynor |first=Kelsey |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake review: A bolder, Leon-hearted version of a classic, refined in every way |url=https://www.vg247.com/resident-evil-4-remake |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317100649/https://www.vg247.com/resident-evil-4-remake |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=VG247}}
}}
Resident Evil 4 received "universal acclaim" from critics, according to review aggregator website Metacritic. The website states that it "modernizes the graphics, controls, and story while retaining much of what made the original a survival horror classic."{{Cite web |title=Best Video Games of 2023 So Far (at Midyear): Resident Evil 4 remake (PS5) |url=https://www.metacritic.com/pictures/best-games-of-2023-at-midyear/18 |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=Metacritic |archive-date=July 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704184202/https://www.metacritic.com/pictures/best-games-of-2023-at-midyear/18 |url-status=dead }} 98% of 193 critic reviews recommend the game on OpenCritic.
Several critics gave it a perfect score with focus on how Capcom improved the original Resident Evil 4; VG247 praised the improved the gameplay mechanics from the original, mainly due to the new handling of weapons and the escort missions with Ashley. For Destructoid, Zoey Handley criticized the remake for not improving on some of the weaker aspects of the original, writing "it's just as atonal as it was originally" and that "the best section of the game is when you first enter the village, and it never reaches that height again".{{Cite web |last=Handley |first=Zoey |date=March 24, 2023 |title=Review: Resident Evil 4 (2023) |url=https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-resident-evil-4-2023/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317142950/https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-resident-evil-4-2023/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=2023-04-02 |website=Destructoid |language=en-US}} The Guardian also gave it a perfect score, addressing several improvements such as the camera and the handling of weapons the player can give Leon by interacting with the merchant. Among other improvements, Shack News praised the handling of the boss Krauser as Capcom removed all the quick time events the player had to execute in to make Leon survive his first encounter with him and instead the first fight relies on players becoming capable to fight with a knife. The Daily Telegraph praised the redesign of the Regenerators enemies who come across as scarier creatures than in the original while balancing the original's pacing of fights with puzzles. PCMag enjoyed how Capcom not only improved the combat in both the original Resident Evil 4 and the remake, but also added more horror elements that would appeal to most gamers. GamesRadar+ said that the combat still had some problems and that most bosses were easy to defeat.
When it comes to the presentation, GamesRadar+ in general found the visuals to be impressive thanks to the RE Engine. VG247 praised the more mature narrative the remakes provided while toning down the action focus in favor of more classic horror scenes. They noted Capcom heavily improved the gameplay mechanics from the original, mainly due to the new handling of weapons and the escort missions with Ashley, Writing for IGN, Tristan Ogilvie praised the updates to the gameplay and story, writing that "at every step of the journey there are enhancements, both big and small".{{Cite web |last=Ogilvie |first=Tristan |date=2023-03-17 |title=Resident Evil 4 Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-4-remake-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317142954/https://www.ign.com/articles/resident-evil-4-remake-review |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=2023-04-02 |website=IGN |language=en}} GameSpot{{'}}s Kurt Indovina lauded the improved characterizations of Leon, Ashley, and the Merchant, writing that Leon now "acts like a human being".{{Cite web |last=Indovina |first=Kurt |date=March 17, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake Review - Stranga, Stranga, Now That's A Remake |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/resident-evil-4-remake-review-stranga-stranga-now-thats-a-remake/1900-6418047/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317142953/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/resident-evil-4-remake-review-stranga-stranga-now-thats-a-remake/1900-6418047/ |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |access-date=2023-04-02 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}} GameRevolution said that not only Ashley's characterization was improved due to being the weakest point from the original, but the remake's narrative allows to properly develop her bond with the protagonist. Game Informer claimed that while the narrative remains intact, Capcom made changes to the characters, the execution made all characters more likable with Ashley's redesign helping to reduce her original sexualization. Among other characters, Push Square enjoyed the designs of the Ganados who also feel creepier. Giant Bomb found Leon's characterization intact as he keeps making jokes when fighting while performing ridiculously overpowered techniques. The director of the original Resident Evil 4, Shinji Mikami, said on Twitter that he had enjoyed the remake very much.{{Cite news |last=Yaden |first=Joseph |title=Shinji Mikami Finished The Resident Evil 4 Remake, And He Had Some Thoughts |work=GameSpot |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/shinji-mikami-finished-the-resident-evil-4-remake-and-he-had-some-thoughts/1100-6513333/ |access-date=May 24, 2023 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418141327/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/shinji-mikami-finished-the-resident-evil-4-remake-and-he-had-some-thoughts/1100-6513333/ |url-status=live }}
==''Separate Ways''==
{{Video game reviews
| title = Separate Ways reception
| MC = (PC) 89/100{{Cite web |title=Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways critic reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/resident-evil-4-separate-ways/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=Metacritic |language=en}}
(PS5) 88/100{{Cite web |title=Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/resident-evil-4-separate-ways/ |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=Metacritic}}
(XSX) 89/100{{Cite web |title=Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways critic reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/resident-evil-4-separate-ways/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-series-x |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=Metacritic |language=en}}
| PSQ = 8/10{{Cite web |last=Croft |first=Liam |date=2023-09-25 |title=Review: Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways (PS5) - Ada Wong Fronts More Sublime RE Action |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/resident-evil-4-separate-ways |access-date=2023-09-25 |website=Push Square |language=en-GB}}
}}
The Separate Ways DLC received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, according to Metacritic. 96% of 57 critic reviews recommend the expansion on review aggregator website OpenCritic.
= Sales =
Resident Evil 4 sold more than 3 million copies in its first two days.{{Cite web |last=Nightingale |first=Ed |date=March 29, 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake has already sold over 3m copies |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/resident-evil-4-remake-has-already-sold-over-3m-copies |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329124546/https://www.eurogamer.net/resident-evil-4-remake-has-already-sold-over-3m-copies |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |access-date=29 March 2023 |website=Eurogamer}} It sold 4 million copies in the first two weeks, making it one of the fastest-selling Resident Evil games.{{Cite web |last=Yaden |first=Joseph |date=7 April 2023 |title=Resident Evil 4 surpasses 4 million copies sold in two weeks |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/resident-evil-4-surpasses-4-million-copies-sold-in-two-weeks/1100-6513061/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407152809/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/resident-evil-4-surpasses-4-million-copies-sold-in-two-weeks/1100-6513061/ |archive-date=April 7, 2023 |access-date=2023-04-07 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}} By July 2023, it had sold over 5 million copies.{{Cite web |title=Resident Evil 4 Sales Top 5 Million Units! – Sales driven by critical acclaim of the game as well as free additional content – {{!}} Press Release {{!}} CAPCOM |url=https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/news/html/e230720.html |access-date=2023-07-20 |website=www.capcom.co.jp |language=en-US |archive-date=July 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230720145705/https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/news/html/e230720.html |url-status=live }} By December, it had sold 6.48 million copies, making it the fastest-selling Resident Evil game.{{Cite web |last=Square |first=Push |date=2024-01-31 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake Sells 6.48 Million Units to Become the Series' Fastest-Selling Game |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/01/resident-evil-4-remake-sells-6-48-million-units-to-become-the-series-fastest-selling-game |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=Push Square |language=en-GB}} By March 2024, it had sold 7 million copies.{{Cite web |last=Square |first=Push |date=2024-03-13 |title=Resident Evil 4's Remake Tops 7 Million Sales Milestone |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/03/resident-evil-4s-remake-tops-7-million-sales-milestone |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=Push Square |language=en-GB}} By October, it had sold over 8 million copies.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-16 |title=Resident Evil 4 remake sales top eight million |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/10/resident-evil-4-remake-sales-top-eight-million |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}} By December, it had sold over 9 million copies.{{Cite web |last=Square |first=Push |date=2025-01-06 |title=Resident Evil 4 Remake Sales at Nine Million, Series' Fastest-Selling Game |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2025/01/resident-evil-4-remake-sales-at-nine-million-series-fastest-selling-game |access-date=2025-01-06 |website=Push Square |language=en-GB}} In Japan, it was the best-selling retail game in its first week, selling 89,662 copies on PlayStation 5 and 85,371 on PlayStation 4.{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=March 30, 2023 |title=Famitsu Sales: 3/20/23 – 3/26/23 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/03/famitsu-sales-3-20-23-3-26-23 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330130737/https://www.gematsu.com/2023/03/famitsu-sales-3-20-23-3-26-23 |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=Gematsu}} By April 2025, it had sold 10 million copies.{{Cite tweet |user=dev1_official |number=1915685807085805921 |title=各タイトルで全世界のプレイヤー数が以下の人数を突破いたしました。バイオシリーズを楽しんでいただき誠にありがとうございます！These games have surpassed the following number of players. To all RE fans, thank you! #RE7 15M #RE2 15M #RE3 10M #REVillage 11M #RE4 10M}}
=Accolades=
{{clear}}
Notes
{{Notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Official website|https://www.residentevil.com/re4/en-asia/}}
{{Resident Evil series}}
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