With the Resident Evil 4 Remake very close to its release for fans to enjoy, Capcom has lifted more of the lid on what the title will have to offer. From new melee animations with Leon, changes to Ashley's companion gameplay, and more surprises from what most veterans of the title are familiar with, there are many things for fans to be excited about.
Given the huge advancement in graphical fidelity and gameplay features with the RE Engine compared to the original game in 2005, Capcom has been able to reinvent and upgrade the enemy AI. Considering that the footage shown showcased only a short portion of the game with some of the Ganados and an entirely new enemy type, fans should anticipate a plethora of surprises when it comes down to the game's release.
5 Consecutive/Multiple Attacks
One of the biggest surprises and major changes to the enemies' AI as showcased in new gameplay segments is the Ganado's capability to form chained attacks. This is very much unlike the original game, as it was often one attack followed up by a short period that allowed players to regather themselves and get back on the front foot. In the cabin fight alongside Luis Sera, one of the Ganado appears to be swinging constantly at the player with no breaks in between.
If this is to be a consistent trait among the game's enemies, especially the overwhelming number of Ganados ready to attack Leon, then it will almost certainly make the experience far more difficult than it previously was. Consecutive attacks from enemies, if not positioned correctly, could do an extensive amount of damage, leading to a game over. This is also quite fitting, with Capcom's change of allowing players to move while aiming, so this is an adequate addition to keep players alert and on the edge of their seats.
4 Chainsaw Man Mercenaries Type (Original Game)
Those who are familiar with the original game's 'Mercenaries' mode, will be aware of the 'Super Salvador,' which is an upgraded and far more aggressive version of the main game's chainsaw man. Rather than walk at enemies in an attempt to decapitate Leon, this chainsaw man swings the weapon endlessly while running toward the player. While the Resident Evil 4 Remake may not have the same physical appearance in terms of height and intimidating presence, it appears as though the relentless swinging animation has been placed in the base game's Dr. Salvador.
From what fans have seen, it would suggest that this chainsaw man will be far more vicious and aggressive than ever, and he seems a lot more desperate to put an end to the player's journey. Since there is no confirmation of Mercenaries returning this time around, there is still a chance for another version of 'Super Salvador,' or an enhanced version, to appear beside what has already been revealed.
3 Faster Movement
The aforementioned change to the controls of allowing players to make movements while aiming has seemingly been accompanied by enemies also moving in to attack at a faster pace. In the original, considering the lack of mobility in combat, enemies would often run at a further distance at the player, but then suddenly slow down once close enough to attack. From the released footage, enemies no longer charge and stop, but rather attack with full force and in numbers.
This could possibly mean that higher difficulties, such as Professional (if still present), will be on a completely different brutal scale compared to the original. Players will not only have to think twice about always going in for melee attacks after stuns, but also ensure all corners and blind spots are covered from any incoming attacks.
2 Constant Chanting
While the original definitely had its fair share of enemies shouting insults at Leon and some communication with one another, on this occasion, it appears to be far more common and much more menacing. Not only are some of the original and classic voice lines from the Ganados still present, but there is also constant chanting of what seems to be something related to Osmund Saddler and cult activities. This is also present in the story trailer, which gives fans a sneak peek at some of the Zealot and cultist enemies performing a ritual with an unidentified female.
As the game's atmosphere has been revamped to a terrifying state to truly capture the horror of the Las Plagas, this is a very suitable addition to the enemies' behavior as it will serve its purpose of players getting the sense of abnormalities within the Village.
1 Restraining Companions (Luis Sera)
One of the unanswered questions from the released footage is whether Leon's companion during the cabin fight, Luis Sera, is capable of dying and causing a game over for players. While Luis could be seen shrugging enemies off in the original title, the remake has changed this as it is suggested that players must help him once grabbed by a Ganado.
Just as enemies can now hold Leon in order for the chainsaw man to take him out, this could also repeat itself during the cabin fight, which includes the new enemy type. If this turns out to be as many think it will be, it will be another layer of difficulty, especially if there are now new sections that include Luis as a companion.
Resident Evil 4 Remake releases March 24th on PlayStation, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.