Because the Resident Evil 4 remake is based on a sequel, it should naturally improve upon its predecessors. The game has more bombastic set pieces and throws 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, the Resident Evil 4 remake's success is a double-edged sword, particularly when it comes to how players view prior Resident Evil games. The Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes are fine games in their own right, but the improved controls of Resident Evil 4 leave 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.
Leon's Transformation From Cop to Government Agent Makes Him More Capable
Leon Kennedy hasn't been idle during the six years between the events of Raccoon City and 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 to the Merchant, who offers him new weapons and upgrades in 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 Graham and 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 the Resident Evil 4 remake, 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 the Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 remakes.
Players might find themselves treating the Los Iluminados like moving targets rather than actual enemies - something that is hinted at in Resident Evil 4's Shooting Range. Should the Resident Evil 4 remake 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.
Past Resident Evil Protagonists Feel Clunky Compared to The New Leon
Putting the protagonists of the Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 remakes into Resident Evil 4 would 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 of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, as it requires the sacrifice of important resources like grenades and knife durability to escape. In the case of the Resident Evil 3 remake, 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 for Resident Evil 4 remake 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 the Resident Evil 4 remake's more action-oriented approach will still love Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, but it will be hard to go back for Capcom's next entry in the Resident Evil franchise.
The Resident Evil 4 remake is now available on PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.