Resident Evil’s modern remakes give Capcom an opportunity to reimagine older titles like Resident Evil 4 with updated fidelity. There are certain changes that must be made in these interpretations based on character models and narrative beats that are more considerate of the present day. Likewise, gameplay may not hold up well nearly 20 years later and must be reconsidered.
Thankfully, Capcom has gone through Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 to understand what makes a remake worthwhile, and fans are hopeful that Resident Evil 4 can live up to its original. Resident Evil 4 is likely the game that would be affected the most by omissions or changes, so it is interesting to see how closely the remake’s character models mirror those from the original game.
Leon S. Kennedy
Leon will look familiar if fans have played the Resident Evil 2 remake. In a way, the Resident Evil 4 remake is a sequel to 2 if these modern remakes are intended to have their own canon. Thus, it makes sense that Leon’s character model would be similar to that entry - though he does look more muscular in shots with his arms exposed.
In terms of how this new Leon compares to the original Resident Evil 4’s Leon, there are plenty of similarities like his iconic sheepskin leather bomber jacket being reprised. However, he seems to wear a more casual shirt underneath rather than the original’s more tactical-looking shirt.
Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham’s updated character model is more conventionally attractive than her original counterpart, perhaps in an attempt to make her look older than she appeared prior. Ashley is 20 years old, but arguably looked younger in the original. Ashley also now has a blazer jacket that she wears over her turtleneck and tights under her skirt as part of an updated wardrobe.
Ada Wong
Like Leon, Ada Wong’s model is an updated iteration of how the character looked in the Resident Evil 2 remake. It will be interesting to see how large Ada’s role is in Resident Evil 4 compared to the original, such as whether her playable Separate Ways DLC will be available post-launch or embedded in the base game’s narrative. There has not been much shown about Ada in the remake yet, but one big change has already been made: Ada’s red dress and high heels have been swapped out, with her now wearing a turtleneck sweater.
Luis Sera
Some fans are unsure how to feel about Luis’ updated character model, but it does have some similarities with the original. Luis’ embroidered vest and white dress shirt are reprised, though it looks like the modern character model will also have an embroidered leather jacket. The original Luis’ hair was longer, straighter, and center-parted, while the remake’s Luis seems to have a little more curl.
The new Luis also has more facial hair than the original, who only had stubble along his chin and jaw. These details make it sound like Luis looks drastically different, but they are ultimately small features that many fans might not register, and he is still recognizable regardless.
Ramon Salazar
Salazar’s modern character model is easily the most starkly different in comparison to the original game’s models. The original’s Salazar looked youthful, while the remake’s looks elderly. Salazar is given a large powdered wig, and fans have been quick to compare his new weathered features to The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’s Bilbo Baggins, particularly as he yells at Frodo after not having possessed the ring in so long.
There are other characters to compare, though they have not been shown in detail long enough for a lot of information to be drawn. If a recent rumor is true, it will be exciting to see what a modern character model will look like for Resident Evil antagonist Albert Wesker.
Resident Evil 4 is scheduled to release on March 24 for PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.