Things The Resident Evil 4 Remake Should Change From The Original

It's been a busy and exciting time period for fans of the "Resident Evil" franchise. Not only will fans be treated to a story-based DLC expansion for "Resident Evil Village," but Capcom also recently announced that the very popular "Resident Evil 4" will be receiving a remake years after its original release. With the remake scheduled to arrive on March 24, 2023, a trailer and a small amount of gameplay footage have been released, giving players some clues as to how the game will be implementing changes from its original version.

For many, "Resident Evil 4" is a masterpiece and ranks among the best games the series has to offer. However, even a masterpiece isn't without its flaws. While many would happily accept the classic "Resident Evil 4" for what it is and enjoy it as a benchmark in the series and gaming as a whole, there are certain areas where the game can improve, especially given the technology video game developers have access to in this current era. But what changes are most needed and how can they be implemented?

One of the central objectives of "Resident Evil 4" is to save Ashley Graham, the U.S. President's daughter. For much of the original "Resident Evil 4" game, Leon is tasked with escorting Ashley through the game's progressive stages and protecting her from external threats. While this type of gameplay isn't uncommon, these sections were by far the most tedious and annoying parts of the original game due to Ashley's poor AI, and should definitely be reworked in the upcoming remake.

As noted by Peter Hunt Szpytek of GameRant, the escort sections with Ashley can absolutely be made to feel less like a chore by giving her combat abilities as opposed to her just being a helpless bystander in most situations. "The story of 'Resident Evil 4' is all about Leon saving Ashley, so her vulnerability shouldn't change, but maybe instead of being grabbed the moment an enemy reaches her, she has the ability to potentially knock them off and escape," Szpytek said. "She could also go the route of Elizabeth from 'Bioshock Infinite' and find things like ammo and health for Leon during combat."

Quick-time events (QTEs) will either add to the experience for some or detract from it for others. Given the current discourse surrounding them, it's safe to say that they're one of the stupid things games need to stop doing. There are few reasons for QTEs to still exist, considering the capabilities of modern technology, but in the mid-2000s, they were virtually ubiquitous. "Resident Evil 4" was no exception.

Despite most gamers describing the game as a masterpiece, the implementation of quick-time events in "Resident Evil 4" could've very well derailed an otherwise exceptional game. While it's already known that the remake will be making some changes to appeal to a more modern gaming audience, it's unknown whether or not QTEs will still be a part of the deal. For the sake of the final product, it's probably best for Capcom to do its best to get rid of them entirely and replace them with more immersive gameplay sections that can serve the same purpose.

2005 might feel like yesterday for some, but in terms of video game development, it's practically an eternity. A game like "Resident Evil 4" is a perfect example of this. Though considered a masterpiece at the time, its combat is really dated in comparison to more recent games, and lacked core features that are expected by gamers in 2022, such as the ability to move while shooting. On Reddit, one gamer who was late to the "Resident Evil 4" party expressed frustration at the controls, more specifically pertaining to aiming and aim sensitivity. Unfortunately, this isn't an uncommon complaint.

Should Capcom expect the "Resident Evil 4" remake to resonate with a new audience, a drastic overhaul when it comes to combat will be desperately needed. The current standard for games like "Resident Evil 4" isn't just being able to accurately hit enemies, but a huge emphasis is put on mobility while doing it. Should the team be able to rectify and successfully modernize this system, then the game should reach the same levels of success as it did in the mid-2000s.

Early on in the original "Resident Evil 4," Leon stumbles upon a dog who has been ensnared in a bear trap. Players are given the choice of whether or not to save the dog or simply go about their business without interfering. However, should players be altruistic and free the pup from the brutal trap, it's a decision that could very well change the complexion of the game down the line, as the dog will later assist you during a boss battle.

These kind of game-altering decisions are always a welcome surprise, as it encourages players to further interact with the in-game world that developers spent a lot of time building. Adding more rewarding (or punishing) choices like this into the "Resident Evil 4" remake could make a huge difference in changing the complexion of the entire gameplay experience without needing to completely reimagine it. Maybe another village dweller in distress who joins up with Leon later could be a nice touch. Or maybe even a devious grifter who will pull a fast one on you. Meaningful choices that immerse the player are always positive additions to a game, especially for a game like "Resident Evil 4" that teased players with the possibility.