In 2005, Capcom went on to help once again redefine the survival horror genre with Resident Evil 4. This game solidified the Resident Evil franchise as legendary and inspired many copycats. It almost feels too good to be improved upon, which contributes to the current discussion.
Rumors are flying that Capcom is planning to update this title with a remake. The popularity and reception of Resident Evil 2 and 3, as well as Resident Evil 7, has brought this on. Should they go ahead with it, or is this one not even worth touching? Check out our reasons for why this move makes sense, and also why Resident Evil 4 should be left alone.
10 Why It's Needed - To Put The Spotlight Back On The Umbrella Corporation
For Resident Evil 2 and 3, you are put right in the middle of the corruption of Racoon City and the Umbrella Corporation. They haven't done right by their people, and Leon (in Resident Evil 2) and Jill (Resident Evil 3) are there to get to the bottom of what's going on.
Resident Evil 4Â rips you right out of the narrative to save the President's daughter. This switch can feel disjointed, and a remake could cleverly bring the corrupt corporation back into the story.
9 Why It Isn't Needed - We Aren't That Far Removed
When you look at the original RE2 and RE3, the gameplay, as well as the graphics, haven't held up well. While this may be part of their charm, it also makes an update make more sense.
For RE4, even though the graphics aren't as sharp as today's, it still relatively holds up. The characters are easy to make out, and the settings aren't terrible. It also just received a 2016 HD remaster. Does this game really need the polish?
8 Why It Is Needed - The Original Was A Departure From Survival Horror
Yes, there are parts in the game that are startling and downright creepy. But whether it was the fact that fixed camera angles were gone or the horde of parasite-infested visitors, this RE4 game moved forward on what started with RE3—a greater reliance on the action-oriented play and mowing down enemies.
Much of the survival horror was gone from this title. A remake could better blend these two elements together and make it scary once again.
7 Why It Isn't Needed - Brand Fatigue
Brand fatigue is what it sounds like. It is when you have seen a brand's messaging or product so much that you become tired of that company.
Well, Capcom could be in danger with this if they are not careful. In the last four years, we have seen a new Resident Evil game, two remakes, and rumors of another new title. The RE2 remake felt special because RE7 was a comeback. Another remake could feel like overkill.
6 Why It's Needed - Ashley's Role
With God of War's reboot, gamers finally saw an exciting way to include a more vulnerable character as a competent sidekick.
Back when RE4's released, additional characters that needed to be occasionally saved were annoying and a downright drain on enjoyment. An update could see developers do more with Ashley while making her more of a teammate and less of a burden.
5 Why It Isn't Needed - Nostalgia Fades
Let's just be real here. While the RE2 and RE3 remakes are well-done and are an improvement on the originals, one of the reasons they are highly regarded does have to do with nostalgia. The feeling you get when you play a game from long ago can make you have strong feelings for it.
However, as many other franchises have discovered, you cannot just depend on this feeling. RE2 and RE3 remakes made sense from a functional standpoint, but RE4 may not be necessary beyond feelings of nostalgia.
4 Why It's Needed - The People Who Are Involved
Well, if you are going to have a remake, you want it to be by people who know what they are doing. The word on the street is that the development team, M-Two, is taking on RE4.
This team contributed to the development of RE3 and is made up of developers that have worked for Capcom in the past. Meanwhile, Shinji Mikami, the director of the original game, has been reported to give his blessing on this title. If Mikami is comfortable with who is at the helm, then it must mean they have some great ideas.
3 Why It Isn't Needed - RE3's Performance
While the jury is still out about how the public at large has perceived RE3, in Europe, RE3's launch sales were a third of RE2. RE3 received a lot of critical acclaim and positive reviews.
However, it looks like this game franchise could be a victim of attrition and "falling interest." It's the same reason why the movie sequel always seems not to do as well. If the numbers are low for RE3, the chances are high that the same will happen to an RE4 remake.
2 Why It's Needed - 2005's AI Verus 2020's AI
The parasite-infected villagers in the 2005 title had some robust AI, even for 2005. However, think about all the advancements we have made regarding AI in the last 15 years.
When you look at what was possible with Mr. X and Nemesis, it is pretty cool to think about how stellar the AI would be in a new RE4 game that also heavily depends on sinister and relatively intelligent enemies.
1 Why It Isn't Needed - Taking Away RE8's Shine
If the rumors are true, we could be seeing an RE8 game—and follow-up to RE7—in 2021. This is earlier than what was initially predicted or discussed. Considering that the new consoles are set to hit next year as well, if RE4 was to come out for those systems as well, then it could take attention away from Capcom's newest Resident Evil stories.
While the retreads are nice, Capcom's future depends on how well they can innovate new ideas. The last thing they want is to battle themselves and lose the war entirely.