This review contains spoilers
Things I definitely preferred in each version:
Re4 (2005)
- I like the campy tone more. They didn't take the dumb story too seriously
- While you can't move and shoot, aiming and running on their own feel snappier and more satisfying
- Leon, Ada, and basically all of the antagonists are more fun and memorable
- better pacing, no extra fluff in the main story and levels
- it came out first... unlike the first 3 games I really wasn't gunning for a remake of this game so I got a bias in that department
- some of the cut content from the remake like the fire room are cool
Re4 (2023)
- the character of both Ashley and Luis are handled better
- better music, with the option to use original
- graphics and controls are technically better. both crouching and knife parry are welcome additions
- side modes like mercenaries and separate ways are expanded and definitely better
Neutral
- re4 remake added side quests. technically more content and isn't forced, but the quality of the side quests are generic MMO tier
- re4 remake is harder (I played on hardcore too) and throws more enemies and smarter AI at you to accommodate for your ability to move and shoot. It can be more rewarding and thrilling, but a lot of the times I was really frustrated. Also had to use a controller, my mouse sensitivity sucked...
- Quick time events are removed. They could be annoying in the original but they had their place. At least they replaced most of those scenes with real gameplay like the first Krauser encounter
- story is still dumb and takes itself more seriously. I said I prefer the goofier tone of the original. However, the story in this version is technically more developed and makes more sense than the original
Overall
I was put off early on, and I'd still definitely say that I prefer the og a bit more. That game is impossible to recapture. However, by the time I actually finished this game, I was really satisfied, and deemed this remake to be another high quality entry to the franchise. It is great in its own right, and without my bias and experiences with the original, I'm sure I'd be less averse to singing more praise. I'd still suggest newcomers to play the original first. If they are new to the franchise, the original or re2r are better to start with imo
Re4 (2005)
- I like the campy tone more. They didn't take the dumb story too seriously
- While you can't move and shoot, aiming and running on their own feel snappier and more satisfying
- Leon, Ada, and basically all of the antagonists are more fun and memorable
- better pacing, no extra fluff in the main story and levels
- it came out first... unlike the first 3 games I really wasn't gunning for a remake of this game so I got a bias in that department
- some of the cut content from the remake like the fire room are cool
Re4 (2023)
- the character of both Ashley and Luis are handled better
- better music, with the option to use original
- graphics and controls are technically better. both crouching and knife parry are welcome additions
- side modes like mercenaries and separate ways are expanded and definitely better
Neutral
- re4 remake added side quests. technically more content and isn't forced, but the quality of the side quests are generic MMO tier
- re4 remake is harder (I played on hardcore too) and throws more enemies and smarter AI at you to accommodate for your ability to move and shoot. It can be more rewarding and thrilling, but a lot of the times I was really frustrated. Also had to use a controller, my mouse sensitivity sucked...
- Quick time events are removed. They could be annoying in the original but they had their place. At least they replaced most of those scenes with real gameplay like the first Krauser encounter
- story is still dumb and takes itself more seriously. I said I prefer the goofier tone of the original. However, the story in this version is technically more developed and makes more sense than the original
Overall
I was put off early on, and I'd still definitely say that I prefer the og a bit more. That game is impossible to recapture. However, by the time I actually finished this game, I was really satisfied, and deemed this remake to be another high quality entry to the franchise. It is great in its own right, and without my bias and experiences with the original, I'm sure I'd be less averse to singing more praise. I'd still suggest newcomers to play the original first. If they are new to the franchise, the original or re2r are better to start with imo