Video Game Review: Resident Evil 4 (2023) - Xbox One

Resident Evil 4 is the remake of the original 2005 title by the same name. Resident Evil 4 is considered a great game because of its gripping storyline, innovative gameplay, and immersive survival horror atmosphere. From the introduction of the over-the-shoulder camera view to the introduction of quick time events, Resident Evil 4's gameplay is a huge leap forward from its predecessors in the series. 

The game can be praised for its high level of polish and attention to detail, as well as its excellent voice acting and soundtrack. The game's popularity has been sustained by its ability to keep players engaged and constantly on the edge of their seat, even years after its initial release.

Resident Evil 4 features a variety of characters, each with their own unique personalities and backgrounds. The main protagonist is Leon S. Kennedy, a former police officer who appears in several Resident Evil games. In Resident Evil 4, Leon is tasked with rescuing the President's daughter, Ashley Graham, who has been kidnapped by a cult known as "Los Illuminados."  Along the way, Leon encounters other memorable characters, such as Ada Wong, a mysterious woman who seems to have her own agenda, and Luis Sera, a former scientist who helps Leon in his mission. 

The game also features various villains, such as Osmund Saddler, the leader of Los Illuminados, and multiple versions of the monster plagas. Each character has their own motivations and personality, which helps to create an engaging and immersive storyline.

The soundtrack of Resident Evil 4 was composed by Misao Senbongi and Shusaku Uchiyama. The music of the game was created to complement the tense and action-packed gameplay the title offers. The game's score features a mix of orchestral and electronic music, and a variety of soundscapes that range from eerie and atmospheric to tense and action-packed. 

The main theme of the game, "Wesker", is a menacing electronic composition that sets the tone for the dark and supernatural elements of Resident Evil 4.  Other tracks in the soundtrack include "Ganado I", which features driving percussion and fast-paced strings that help to create a sense of chaos and urgency in heated combat situations. "Regenerador" is another standout track that uses haunting soundscapes and eerie sound effects to great effect, helping to build tension and a sense of dread as players face one of the game's most challenging enemies.  

The soundtrack of Resident Evil 4 is an excellent complement to the gameplay, helping to immerse players in the game's world and atmosphere. The variety of themes and compositions help to keep the music fresh and engaging throughout the entire experience.

The remastered versions of Resident Evil 4 generally feature updated controls and mechanics compared to the original release. Many of these changes are focused on improving the playability and accessibility of the game for modern audiences.

Firstly, the controls have been updated to be more intuitive and responsive. For example, the PC version of Resident Evil 4 allows for the use of keyboard and mouse controls, which offer greater precision and speed than using a controller. Meanwhile, the console versions have received a control scheme that is more streamlined and consistent with modern games, allowing players to move and shoot more easily than before.

The game's mechanics have also received some changes and updates. Some of the re-releases include quality-of-life improvements such as faster loading times and more checkpoints, making the game less punishing in parts where the difficulty was deemed problematic.

Additionally, some versions have added the option to skip specific cutscenes or adjust the difficulty on the fly.

In terms of graphics, the remastered versions also feature updated visuals compared to the original, offering higher resolutions and improved textures for a more detailed, polished look. This helps to make the game even more immersive, particularly when played on a modern high-definition display. All-in-all, the remastered controls and mechanics of Resident Evil 4 aim to make the game more accessible and enjoyable for modern audiences, while still retaining the unique and challenging gameplay that the series is known for.

The graphical quality of Resident Evil 4 was certainly considered impressive for its time and was praised by many critics and players alike. The use of pre-rendered backgrounds and real-time 3D elements allowed for highly detailed environments and characters. The excellent use of lighting and shadows helped to create a tense and eerie atmosphere that is still effective today. 

The game's animations were also well-done, which added to the overall cinematic feel of the game. In recent years, the game has been remastered for various platforms, often providing updated graphics with modern rendering techniques, higher resolutions, and improved textures. This has helped to keep the game looking great and enjoyable to play even years after its initial release.

The re-released versions of Resident Evil 4 generally retain the same gameplay as the original, with some minor changes and updates. The core mechanics - third person shooting, inventory management, and puzzles - remain largely the same. However, some of the re-releases include updates and quality-of-life improvements, such as better controls, performance tweaks, and resolution optimizations.

For example, the PC version of Resident Evil 4 includes support for high-resolution displays, increased frame rates, and improved textures. Meanwhile, the PS4 and Xbox One versions feature updated visuals, including better lighting and shadows, more detailed textures, and improved character models.

One new feature included in some of the re-releases is the "Separate Ways" campaign, which is a side story that features Ada Wong in five new chapters that parallel the events of the main story. Additionally, some versions also include the "Mercenaries" game mode, which tasks players with defeating as many enemies as possible within a set time limit.

Overall, while the core gameplay remains mostly unchanged between releases, the re-releases of Resident Evil 4 include a range of new and updated features that enhance the experience and provide new ways to enjoy the classic title.

SCORE: 10 out of 10