Resident Evil 4 Separate Ways DLC Review – Go Your Own Way

Capcom released Resident Evil 4 remake earlier this year, and despite missing some of the original’s most memorable moments, it was a deserved critical hit. It’s a fantastic, updated reimaging of Leon’s original horrific adventure through an approximation of rural Spain. The remake Separate Ways puts players in the role of Ada Wong, and examines the 2005 expansion originally added to Resident Evil 4 on the PlayStation 2. It allows the player to experience Resident Evil 4 from a fresh perspective. The DLC also fills in narrative holes, reveals more information about Ada and Wesker as well offers some new gameplay. It serves primarily as a good reminder that Resident Evil 4 is an excellent video game.

Separate Ways is largely identical to the original game. Ada uses similar weapons to Leon, carries a comparable attaché case, and is, presumably, the merchant’s only other customer. However, she does carry a grappling-hook. Alongside looking cool in cutscenes, it also lets Ada reach certain vantage points and positions Leon can’t. It doubles as both a new, fun way to move around and explains why she’s able to move through the adventure in only about six hours when, theoretically, she has the same starting and finishing line as Leon.

Its combat capabilities are the best feature of this grappling hook. Ada has the ability to perform melee attacks from afar on fallen enemies and, with an optional upgrade, can also pull away shields. The grappling hook doesn’t change Resident Evil 4’s excellent combat dramatically, but flying through the air to kick an enemy as opposed to simply walking up to them is undeniably cooler.

The other exciting advantage of Separate Ways is it adds a few sequences from the original game that didn’t make it into the remake. The giant Salazar statue chase is sadly still missing, but without spoilers, seeing the few parts that didn’t make the cut the first time finally make an appearance is thrilling. If you’re a fan of the original game and were disappointed that not every moment was recreated, Separate Ways will make you especially happy.

Separate Ways offers the best opportunity to revisit Resident Evil 4 in summary format. The game has some new additions like Ada working and interacting with Albert Wesker. This was only hinted at in the main title. It’s fun to learn more about the relationship between Ada and Albert Wesker, especially for Resident Evil veterans. I enjoyed getting more time with Luis who has improved since his first characterization. Separate Ways isn’t wholly unique, however. Ada has many of the same combat scenarios as Leon, and while getting to see memorable moments from a new perspective is fun, it doesn’t reexamine the story or action in an impactful way. The DLC functions as a fun extension of the main game but isn’t one to play in lieu of the primary adventure. Any excuse to play Resident Evil 4 Remake is something I’m eager to do.

Separate Ways is the first DLC of Resident Evil 4 Remake.