Resident Evil 4 remake differences: 17 changes from the original

Resident Evil 4The remake of this modern classic is just the latest. The original was ported dozens of times over its long 18-year lifespan. This iteration, however, aims to keep the essence of the original while giving the game a fresh look similar to Capcom’s. Resident Evil 2.

Even though the original is not available in all later versions, it still works well. But if you’ve always wondered what a modern take on Leon S. Kennedy’s trip would be like, the Resident Evil 4Remake is the answer to that question. There are plenty of changes in varying scales, though, so if you’re wondering whether your favorite aspect made the cut or everything new that the remake offers, this list will dispel all doubts.

Yellow is now for broken objects and points-of-interest

In the original, breakable objects — from crates to barrels — were all signalized by a higher contrast. You could easily see what items and money you could get by using your knife. By replacing the sharp contrast with yellow markings, the objects look almost like they are painted over, the remake expands on this idea. It can be used to cover points of interest like structures that need to be destroyed in order to build a bridge, or to allow you to traverse a section.

However, the reasoning is simple. You will notice a higher level of fidelity in all things around you, in-game. Therefore it is very useful to use a bright and distinctive color to highlight items in the backgrounds. The exception is the vase replacements for barrels and crates found in the castle. They don’t have a yellow mark on them, but they’re still fairly recognizable all the same.

There are many horror elements.

It Resident Evil 4Remake is a very action-oriented game. However, remake is a game that favors darker environments. Leon has to use his flashlight frequently and must avoid familiar enemies.

One scene in particular, which I won’t spoil, represents this new horror influence heavily. If you’re not used to the genre, well, there is no way of avoiding it as it’s part of the main story. Make sure you are ready. How to survive the terror of the Dead Space Remake This guideline can be very helpful.

Now, auto-save can be a reality

This is great news. You’ll no longer be sent back to the last typewriter you’ve used each time. The original version had limited saving features for certain areas. However, the new model has a dedicated auto-save feature. It’s definitely a welcomed addition, especially in places with large enemy groups or even boss encounters. That said, some difficulty options, such as Professional mode, get rid of the option completely — in case you want an experience more akin to the original in this regard.

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You will meet new adversaries

If you already have all classic enemies’ patterns memorized, I have some good news. You have a few new enemies to confront in the RE4Remake, with a man looking like a minotaur holding a sledgehammer.

There are others who I won’t spoil for you, but in case you’re hesitant about the idea, it’s worth mentioning that they all feel quite grounded with the rest of the enemies. None look like they belong to a completely different game, and they’re consistently fun to fight against.

Merchants are more friendly

A merchant can be very talkative when it comes to the Resident Evil 4He will make a mockery of your purchase or express gratitude. His voice is quite different, too, which may or may not be a shame if you’re an avid fan of the original. Yet, most of his iconic lines remain present, and the new ones are a good fit with his attitude — taking into consideration that we don’t really know much about the character, that is.

There’s a gacha-style rewards system in the shooting range

Keep in mind the original shooting range game Resident Evil 4? Well, it’s back in full swing with quite a few changes behind it. You’re now taking down pirate cardboards and avoiding sailors as opposed to villagers, there are specific challenges to tackle, and the rewards vary quite a bit.

Instead of cashing in rewards for cash, you’ll now receive different token types based on your performance in each challenge. After you’ve gotten at least three of them, you can interact with a dispenser machine that drops charms for your attache case. In essence, these are buffs that become active once you’ve equipped the charm (you can have up to three). For example, you may get extra healing from green herbs and 15% more chance to craft a particular weapon type.

It is redundant to say, but in-game purchases are not available. It is an optional mode that can be used, however it provides a pleasant distraction. As a few extra tips, I recommend you pay the shooting range a visit while you’re accompanied by either Ashley or Luis. And also, if you have Spinels laying around, you can trade them for tokens in the merchant’s shop.

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Leon can now parry and rule.

A substantial and interesting change in the use of Leon’s knife is that he can now parry attacks with it. This action can be useful for many purposes and can make it quite enjoyable to pull during battle. Not only can parrying save you from fatal attacks such as the chainsaw but also it repels crossbow bolts, dynamite and many other things.

Keep an eye on the bottom right corner of the screen, where you’ll see a knife icon appear whenever the action is possible. While it might take some time and practice before you are able to use the knife in all possible situations, there are many.

Figurines from Clockwork Castellan are available.

In case you ever wondered how a Ramón Salazar figurine would look, it is now a collectible present in the remake. There are 16 of them scattered throughout the game’s chapters, and finding them all will reward you with a new knife. In essence, they’re akin to the Mr. Racoon collectibles in the Resident Evil 2 remake.

The Water Hall isn’t as bad now

If you weren’t a fan of the Water Hall section in the castle, you’re not alone. The remake doesn’t replace the original sequence but it makes the entire thing much friendlier. The corridors Ashley needs to traverse on her own while you provide cover at a distance are much closer to Leon, and you won’t need to rely almost solely on your sniper rifle to keep her free from harm.

The QTEs are gone.

Capcom was very vocal about the removal of quick-time events from their website. Resident Evil 4 Remake, and keep its promise. To some degree. To prevent fatal attacks, you will still have to parry. There are also sections in which mashing or pressing a button may be the only choice. But at the very least, you won’t have to worry about trying to guess which QTE combinations you’d get before a cutscene played out.

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There are far fewer comments that make sexist remarks.

In the original film, Ashley Graham received some very offensive and sexist remarks. Thankfully, these are gone in the remake. Luis prefers to keep these jokes to his own, and Leon is much less flirty with Ingrid Hunnigan. Ashley is a more likable person than I expected. I was already very fond of Ashley’s company when I reached the credits. You may be disappointed by the manner she was treated in her original film. The remake could surprise you.

There is stealth, but it’s easy to ignore

Don’t worry, there are no stealth-exclusive sections where you’ll get a game over for being detected or anything like that. The game does encourage you to use the new Crouch mechanic to execute your enemies from behind, but you have the option of just blasting.

Side missions were you ever asked for?

The merchant, introduced as requests, has some additional tasks for Leon. The original version allowed you to shoot Blue Medallions for reward, but there are additional objectives. They’re implemented in a way that you can either know what to do before entering an area, or you’ll be encouraged to backtrack to certain points of a region to tackle them. Sometimes you’ll need to fetch an item, or fight a tougher version of an enemy you’ve come across in the past.

Requests are by far the best way to get your hands on Spinels, which you can then trade in the merchant’s shop for items that aren’t part of the regular list.

Ashley has different action commands

Ashley can’t be asked to go hide in dumpsters anymore (though they are still an option). There are now two commands you can use. One of them has her stick right behind Leon’s back at all times, which is useful for quick escapes, while the other has Ashley seek cover to stay away from enemies.

As you might expect, neither is exactly flawless, and it will always depend on the situation you’re in, as well as the enemies you’re about to confront. That said, it’s quite practical after you’ve spent some time with Ashley.

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While you are shooting, it is possible to still move

Original Resident Evil 4 can be played just fine on modern consoles, but if there’s one aspect that may feel dated, it’s the way Leon aims his weapons. The camera can be moved, but Leon cannot. This takes some time to get used to, as it hasn’t been the norm in third-person shooters for years now. However, the remake allows you to move free.

There’s a weapons wheel, too

You don’t have to open your inventory all the time (unless you really want to!The new weapons wheel makes it easier. There are eight slots total that correspond to the D Pad, plus one additional slot for each direction. You can also have weapons here but no grenades or health items.

Leon is now much more efficient at looting

Each time that you reach for an item in the original, the screen displays what you have just received. This wasn’t a problem per se, but it did interrupt whatever you were doing over and over. Now, every time you grab something, you’ll see a message on the top right corner indicating what it is and the amount.