One Year Later, Resident Evil 4 Remake's Viral Success…

2023 saw the release of the long-anticipated Resident Evil 4 Remake, a ground-up reimagining of the series’ most legendary entry. The title faced the seemingly impossible task of improving on the classic experience, which had transformed the survival horror genre upon its release in 2005. However, the Resident Evil 4 Remake delivered on all fronts, garnering universal critical and commercial acclaim, as it modernized the original title's groundbreaking balance of horror and B-movie action. One year later, Resident Evil 4 Remake's viral success continues to spread, while new modes and incredible sales numbers help the title carve out a legacy all its own.

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By Isaiah A Williams

RE4 Remake's Various Updates Improved Upon Perfection

When Resident Evil 4 Remake was released, it included the base story mode, leaving fans somewhat disappointed. Over the original title’s decades-long legacy of re-releases and additions, various new modes have been released to positive reception. With each subsequent release, these modes became an essential piece of the package, making their absence felt in the remake’s original release. However, Capcom had plans few could have anticipated, as months following the launch of Resident Evil 4 Remake saw fully re-imagined versions of these modes released, each more impressive than the last.

Resident Evil 4 Remake’s Mercenaries mode was the first to release, in April 2023, delivering a fun and flashy time trial mode for fans to compete in. However, the real surprises arrived in Q4 of 2023, when a fully revamped edition of the Ada Wong campaign, Separate Ways, was released in September, followed by the completely remade Resident Evil 4 Remake VR Mode for PSVR2 in December. Both of these DLCs managed to not only capture their original counterparts' greatest strengths but also continued the remake’s incredible accomplishment of improving upon perfection. Going into 2024, Resident Evil 4 Remake was more than just the total package, it was one of modern gaming’s most stunning achievements.

RE4 Remake Has Achieved Global Saturation

Given its remarkable critical and commercial reception, and the quality of its DLC releases, Resident Evil 4 Remake has achieved unprecedented success. 2023 saw the title become the fastest-selling entry in the entire Resident Evil franchise. One year following its release, its legacy continues to grow, as the release of Resident Evil 4 Remake Gold Edition collects the title’s full experience for even more players to enjoy. Additionally, Capcom recently announced that Resident Evil 4 Remake achieved an incredible milestone, with over seven million sales cementing the title’s impressive legacy in a year of commercial juggernauts.

Resident Evil 4 Remake has redefined the modern gaming landscape, particularly its approach to remakes, just as the original did in 2005. With Capcom’s confirmation that the title is in its final version, all eyes move towards the series’ future. Following the success of RE4 Remake, fans are hoping that its excellence will carry forward into reimaginings of the series’ more maligned entries. Rumors suggest that Resident Evil 5 will be the next in the remake series, and, thanks to Resident Evil 4 Remake, the landscape couldn’t be better for it to prove the original’s doubters wrong.

Resident Evil 4

9 /10

Released: March 24, 2023

ESRB: M for Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
Developer(s): Capcom
Publisher(s): Capcom
Franchise: Resident Evil
Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Genre(s): Survival Horror
How Long To Beat: 16 Hours
Metascore: 93
PS Plus Availability: N/A