Although it’s widely regarded as one of the best and most influential games ever made, the original Resident Evil 4 is just shy of its second decade and its age really shows. While a number of efforts have been made to bring it up to date (including an effective VR adaptation in 2021), it’s long been a difficult game to recommend to new players. Until now, thanks to this complete remake, built using the RE Engine first designed for Resident Evil 7.

^{Leon's knife can now be used to parry attacks which were fatal in the original}

Set in rural Spain, players take control of Leon Kennedy on a mission to rescue the daughter of the US president. But the assignment goes rapidly south thanks to the effects of a deadly parasite that has infected the local population, turning formerly peaceful villagers into psychotic ‘Ganados’. From the very start, Resident Evil 4 is an intensely stressful experience. An early fight features hoards of fast-moving enemies who surround Leon from all angles; it’s a brutal baptism which demands experimentation and adaptation to survive.

The game’s AI director rations health and ammo in such a way that players never feel like they have enough resources for the fight ahead. The resultant state of dread rarely lets up over the game’s 15-hour campaign but its meticulous balance mitigates frustration. As well as a serious graphical overhaul, some of the plot has been tightened up and the cheesy dialogue has been rewritten and is performed by new actors. Resident Evil 4 has never looked or sounded so good, and for new and returning players alike, this is now the definitive way to play.

Resident Evil 4 is out now on PS4, PS5, PC and Xbox Series X/S.