Because theResident Evil 4remake is based on a sequel, it should naturally improve upon its predecessors. The game has more bombastic set pieces andthrows dozens of Los Iluminados enemies at players, so it stands to reason that it should also feature tighter, more responsive controls. Capcom did so, creating a fantastic remake for one of the most-lauded video games ever made.
However, theResident Evil 4remake’s success is a double-edged sword, particularly when it comes to how players view priorResident Evilgames. TheResident Evil 2and3remakes are fine games in their own right, but the improved controls ofResident Evil 4leave them in the dust. Leon Kennedy controls far better than Claire Redfield, Jill Valentine, Carlos Oliveira, and even his past self, so much so that their skills pale in comparison.
RELATED:Resident Evil 4 Remake Drops the Ball On Its Boat Controls
Leon’s Transformation From Cop to Government Agent Makes Him More Capable
Leon Kennedy hasn’t been idle during the six years betweenthe events of Raccoon Cityand his mission to rescue Ashley Graham. He has been hard at work as a government agent; first completing a rigorous training regimen followed by many dangerous missions. As such, his skills have far surpassed anything he could have learned at the Raccoon City Police Department.
Leon can now hold as many weapons as will fit in his attache case. He can also improve his weapons further thanks tothe Merchant, who offers him new weapons and upgradesin exchange for Pesetas and Spinels. Players who have an affinity for specific weapons can invest their resources into creating a build for Leon that is all their own. Regardless of the tool, he can quickly zero in on specific body parts and take them out with pinpoint accuracy - an essential skill against some of the nastier members of the Los Iluminados. Should enemies bring in ranged weapons of their own, Leon can parry them with a well-timed block.
When enemies get too close, Leon pulls out his knives, slashing and stabbing enemies with to stun them before knocking foes down with a wide variety of kicks, punches, and grabs. A downed or unaware foe becomes easy prey for knives, as Leon can quickly or stealthily take them out without others noticing. If there are too many enemies, Leon can dodge, parry, and even run away from their attacks. With all these options in his arsenal,Leon is more than capable of saving Ashley Grahamand making it back home in time for bingo.
The Resident Evil 4 Remake’s Controls Shift the Franchise’s Tone
Because Leon can do so much in theResident Evil 4remake, the game feels more arcadey than scary at times. Despite being more capable than the franchise’s zombies the Los Iluminados seem far too slow. The sheer number of enemies also doesn’t seem as scary since their combat encounters take place in wide-open areas instead of the cramped spaces found in theResident Evil 2andResident Evil 3remakes.
Players might find themselves treating the Los Iluminados like moving targets rather than actual enemies - something that ishinted at inResident Evil 4’s Shooting Range. Should theResident Evil 4remake version of Leon find himself back in Raccoon City, he could seemingly decimate the entire zombie population before the U.S. government has a chance to bomb the place. This is unfortunate for players who may wish to go back to those simpler times.
RELATED:Resident Evil 4 Remake: 10 Ways To Save Ammo
Past Resident Evil Protagonists Feel Clunky Compared to The New Leon
Puttingthe protagonists of theResident Evil 2andResident Evil 3remakesintoResident Evil 4would be a death sentence. Claire, Jill, Carlos, and a younger Leon move far too slowly, taking a much longer time to lock onto enemies and pull off lethal headshots - doubly important considering the zombies in their games can take multiple headshots before dying. They can also only hold up to four weapons at a time, and don’t have the luxury of dealing with a friendly merchant. Instead, players have to contend with the stock power of their weapons and attachments found hidden throughout the city.
Close combat in these games is more cumbersome, as players have to pull out their knives separately to open crates and finish off enemies. Being grappled is also a bigger problem in the remakes ofResident Evil 2andResident Evil 3, as it requires the sacrifice ofimportant resources like grenades and knife durabilityto escape. In the case of theResident Evil 3remake, both Jill and Carlos cannot avoid the damage that results from being grabbed by an enemy, as completing the associated quick-time event still results in an attack.
While the more methodical controls fit within the context of their respective games, it can be hard forResident Evil 4remake players to go back to Raccoon City. Enemies are far fewer and have less variety, and the overall methods of dealing with them feel dated. Those who want a more survival-horror experience as opposed to theResident Evil 4remake’s more action-oriented approach will still loveResident Evil 2andResident Evil 3, but it will be hard to go back forCapcom’s next entry in theResident Evilfranchise.
TheResident Evil 4remake is now available on PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
MORE:Why It’s Time for Capcom To Bring Back Jill Valentine in Resident Evil 9
