The decision between waiting for the Resident Evil 4 remake or playing through its original, 2005 incarnation first is a tough one. On the one hand, Resident Evil 4's remake has lots of potential. Besides the obvious graphical updates, the release promises some major gameplay changes, and the demo looks and plays great. The remake seems like an all-around faithful adaptation, but may include some surprises for repeat players.
On the other hand, the original Resident Evil 4 is a timeless classic. Even if its tank controls, quick time events, and graphics haven't aged exceptionally well, RE4 provides an engaging, atmospheric experience even today. RE4’s gameplay and story are due for changes, but both are excellent in their own right. It's gone down in history as one of the most popular and influential horror games of all time. Thanks to its enduring legacy, RE4 is available - and inexpensive - on just about every modern platform imaginable, including in VR. It's so iconic that RE4 might not even need a remake - although Capcom is doing its best to make the remake look worthwhile.
RE4 Remake's Graphical & Gameplay Updates Make It Worth The Wait
Timeless as Resident Evil 4 is, the changes made to its gameplay, graphics, and story make RE4's remake worth waiting on. Besides graphical updates, RE4 remake will also dial back some of the more controversial or outdated elements of its gameplay. QTEs will be fewer and farther between; companion Ashley Graham will see change in RE4's remake, losing her HP bar, although she can still be downed; tank controls will be replaced by a more modern, free movement system. While not all the changes to the RE4 remake's gameplay and graphics have been well received (the overbearing rain effects and pointless knife durability have recieved scrutiny prior to release), it seems like the RE4 remake will look and play better than the original overall.
RE4 Remake Will Have New Content & An Updated Story
In addition to its updated gameplay and graphics, Resident Evil 4's remake will include additional content when compared to the original. It'll include a variety of side quests, most of which will target specific enemies. The RE4 remake will also change the original's story, aiming for a darker tone - hopefully without sacrificing any of the campy goofiness that made the original entertaining. The remake will also give Resident Evil 4 side character Luis Serra a larger role in the story; trailers show him appearing in parts of the game where, in the original, he wasn't present. Plus, it'll include a few new enemy types for players to run afoul of. Completionists especially won't want to miss all the new content in Resident Evil 4's remake.
The Resident Evil 4 remake comes out on March 24, 2023, and it's likely worth waiting to play the remake instead of hastily starting the original. The original RE4 is still available on all modern platforms, and will likely remain so when the remake drops - perhaps even at a discount. The 2005 version will still be there, so first-time players might as well wait for the Resident Evil 4 remake's release - and then play the original after if the mood strikes.
Source: PlayStation/YouTube
