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Sum-Up

In-depth analysis further down.
Read my original RE4 Review here if you want to make a deeper comparison.


🟩 Pros
🟥 Cons



- Massively reworked and overhauled gameplay / combat mechanics that bring RE4 up to modern times. Everything and anything is harder, better, faster, stronger.
- Obnoxious insta-death QTEs have been completely removed from cutscenes, while in gameplay they’re replaced by a fairer counter / parry system.
- Superb, darker atmosphere that not only improves upon the original, but delivers a much more mature script and characters; almost all of the “B-movie cheese” and idiotic puns were scrapped.
- Difficulty has been comparatively stepped up, with enemies hitting harder and being more unpredictable. The new “Hardcore” setting, available from the start, will please veterans. “Professional” still unlocks after the credits.
- Generous side-content and all-new areas were added throughout the campaign; they improve total playtime with meaningful, interesting tasks.


- Post-game chapters (Assignment Ada, Separate Ways) are no longer present. Mercenaries will come in a later update.
- A few select sections have been redesigned in a way that is more frustrating / gimmicky compared to the original.





🟨 Bugs & Issues
🔧 Specs



- Nothing to report.


- 3900X
- 2080Ti
- 32GB RAM
- SSD
- 1440p





Content & Replay Value:
It took me around 28 hours to complete RE4R, taking extra time to explore areas accurately, bactrack for loot and complete all side-content I could find on Hardcore (Hard) difficulty. The content is linear, and even with the presence of NG+ mode alongside a harder difficulty (Professional) there isn’t any real reason to replay, except achievements.


Is it worth buying?
The price of 60€ is in line with AAA standards and expected. For this content quality and amount, I can definitely recommend buying without a discount; it’s worth every cent.


Verdict: Masterpiece
Rating Chart Here
It’s never easy to improve upon something already great, but Capcom managed to do so brilliantly. The best version of RE4 that could possibly exist, even without the optional modes.


Follow our Curator page, Summit Reviews, to see more high-quality reviews regularly.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2953881029

In-Depth

Setting & Writing
Special agent Leon Kennedy, after the infamous events of Raccoon City years prior, is recruited by the US Secret Service to rescue Ashley Graham, the president’s daughter, suddenly abducted while on a trip across rural Spain. Set entirely in European nowhere, RE4R follows Leon’s bizarre adventures against the relentless group of cultists Los Illuminados.
Compared to the original, the atmosphere is markedly more dark and gritty, with almost all areas receiving extensive overhauls to better convey this tonal shift: more gore, darkness and decay all around. Minimal UI further adds to the immersion feeling, while the top-notch graphics, effects and audio complete the experience. If you were a fan of the cheesy lines that made RE4 famous (or infamous…), most of them were scrapped in favor of more adequate and mature dialogues that don’t make Leon sound like a total dumbass, or most villains like comical, exaggerated caricatures. Numerous lore files and recording further compound the lore side of things for those interested. This is how RE4 should have been from the start.
Exploration & Secrets
The three main locations (village, castle and island) are open for exploration and backtracking, however you’ll need key items or story progression to unlock consecutive areas, meaning that at first you’ll be mostly on a linear path. Breakable and interactable containers are scattered across, containing items vital for your survival such as ammunition, healing, utilities, currency and sometimes greater treasures to resell to the trader, once unlocked. While you won’t need to backtrack in most cases, doing so will prove worthwhile, as many treasures, side missions and secret areas may only be accessed with means gained later on, or after specific events.
Speaking of hidden locations, some of them may only be accessible for a limited time or under specific circumstances; backtracking doesn’t mean you are free to get anything, anytime, so being careful the first time around is always the best option. These items will make the difference between being underpowered or up-to-par, especially at higher difficulties. Be prepared for a good amount of logic-based puzzles as well, none of which is particularly hard, but a nice diversion from the usual killing.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2951767788
Combat System & Bosses
The modernization process brought two major innovations; firstly, forget QTEs, as they’re now replaced by a parry and counter system using precise timing and single-press prompts to stagger enemies or break free of melee. Your knife has durability however, and needs to be repaired at the merchant when it breaks. This handy tool also doubles as a stealth implement, as you’ll be able to sneak behind enemies and instantly kill them, even Elite ones, but that won’t be easy to pull off given their vision range and no stealth mode helper features.
For the rest, combat plays out in a TPS fashion that rewards accuracy and resource conservation as any good survival horror should. Using environmental hazards like explosive barrels or traps, staggering enemies to follow up with melee counters, and smart usage of explosives against large groups are all fundamental to not run out of everything. On Hardcore and Professional, even the puniest foe can dispatch you in a few hits, and all enemies have erratic movement patterns that can be hard to predict. The new gunplay feel and modern aiming system make gunfights great however, miles better than in the original.
Boss fights generally have two phases, and also feature hidden mechanics that can make your life easier if exploited correctly. They feel like actual challenges, and are generally much harder than in the original (on Hardcore, at least).
Progression & Crafting
You’ll be able to combine gems with treasures to increase their value, then sell everything to the iconic Mysterious Merchant. This will enable buying weapon upgrades, including a unique one for each gun, supplies (but not ammo), consumables and of course, new murder tools. The trader features an all-new series of optional quests awarding Spinels, another currency used to buy unique upgrades and gadgets not obtainable otherwise. Leon himself can only be upgraded via Yellow Herbs, increasing his Max HP, while most of the progression is actually gear-based. Crafting allows the classic combination of herbs, plus using gunpowder to produce a variety of grenades and ammunition… provided that you got the recipe. The economy feels balanced, and doesn’t make you overpowered on the higher difficulties.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2953881014
Side Activities & Quests
The iconic shooting range, pitting you in weapon marksmanship challenges to gain Tokens, in turn used to obtain Charms that give passive bonuses when attached to your item case. Obtaining “S” in all challenges won’t be easy. Side quests entail finding specific items, killing optional bosses, or destroying Medallions in some areas. Some of them are quite obscure, other more straightforward.