Resident Evil 4

The majority of critics praised the story of Resident Evil 4 as a compelling and well-executed narrative that balances horror, action, and character development. Many highlighted its faithful yet refined approach to the original plot, noting that the remake retains the core mission of Leon Kennedy rescuing Ashley Graham from a sinister cult in rural Spain while enhancing elements like pacing, logic, and emotional depth. For instance, IGN France commended the "more mature character portrayals" and improved narrative flow, while GameStar emphasized the "more elaborate dialogues" and additional documents that enriched the world-building. Gaming Age and LevelUp appreciated the fresh yet familiar experience, with the latter pointing to "narrative continuity" and Ashley’s evolution beyond a "damsel in distress." The Mako Reactor and GameSpot celebrated the "fantastically-paced" and "tightly paced" storytelling, which kept players engaged with a mix of tension and memorable moments. Critics like Inverse and Impulsegamer also noted the expansion of the series’ universe, framing the story as a bold step beyond Raccoon City’s confines. These reviews collectively underscore the remake’s success in modernizing the original’s B-movie charm while maintaining its iconic structure. However, a smaller subset of critics expressed reservations about the story’s execution, pointing to inconsistencies or missed opportunities. DualShockers criticized the plot as "self-serious" and lacking "engaging characters," arguing that narrative changes felt "inconsistent" and failed to capture the original’s charm. Merlin'in Kazanı and Destructoid similarly described the story as "one of the weakest in the series" and "meandering," respectively, with the latter noting a mix of "familiar and absurd elements" that diluted focus. PSX Extreme and Movies Games and Tech felt the alterations to key story points and character interactions "disappointed fans" or left the narrative "mediocre" and unchanging. Ragequit.gr and GameWatcher pointed to a "corny narrative" and a "less uneven" experience, suggesting the remake’s serious tone sometimes overshadowed the original’s campy humor. These critiques, while less frequent, highlight concerns about the story’s emotional resonance and the impact of changes on its legacy. Despite these mixed opinions, the overall consensus among critics leans strongly toward appreciation for the Resident Evil 4 remake’s narrative. While a few voices noted flaws in character engagement or pacing, the majority praised its enhancements, such as deeper character relationships, improved horror elements, and a more cohesive structure. Jeuxvideo.com and GameMAG emphasized the "refined" and "more serious" tone, while The Enemy and WellPlayed highlighted the "human" and "dynamic" interactions between Leon and Ashley. Even PCGamesN acknowledged the story’s "strong thrust and momentum," and Guardian celebrated its "grandiose mix of hostage rescue drama and occult horror." The narrative’s ability to balance nostalgia with modernization, as noted by But Why Tho? and Malditos Nerds, resonated with both longtime fans and newcomers. While not universally flawless, the story’s strengths—its tension, character growth, and faithful yet updated approach—dominated the critical reception, cementing its status as a standout entry in the series.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Resident Evil 4 as a significant evolution of the original, highlighting its modernized mechanics and enhanced engagement. Many reviewers celebrated the introduction of fluid combat systems, such as the ability to move and shoot simultaneously, which added a dynamic edge to the third-person action. PSX Extreme and GamesHub noted improvements like stealth takedowns, knife durability, and revised boss fights, while IGN Japan and GameSkinny emphasized the inclusion of crafting elements and side quests that deepened the experience. The parry mechanic, described as "innovative" by GamesRadar+ and "refreshing" by VG247, was frequently lauded for making enemies more formidable and combat more strategic. Additionally, the game’s focus on survival horror and resource management, as highlighted by Cultured Vultures and Games.cz, was seen as a successful blend of tension and accessibility. Critics like The Jimquisition and GamingBolt also noted that the core mechanics of the original were preserved, with modern controls and improved enemy interactions making the experience feel both familiar and revitalized. However, several critics pointed out specific flaws that detracted from the gameplay. DualShockers and Stevivor criticized the aiming system on controllers as "frustrating" and "stiff," with some mechanics like parrying and dodging feeling overly reliant on quick-time events. Siliconera and Gamereactor Spain mentioned inconsistencies in the parry system and limitations that hindered player creativity, while The Jimquisition and Riot Pixels expressed frustration with the escort mechanics involving Ashley, which they found repetitive or clunky. Gameblog.fr and Jeuxvideo.com noted that simplified puzzles and congested combat areas occasionally disrupted the flow, and Digital Trends observed that the action-oriented shift slightly diminished the horror atmosphere. Despite these critiques, many acknowledged that these issues were minor compared to the game’s overall strengths, with Vgames and XGN emphasizing that the removal of QTEs and smoother controls largely offset such concerns. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the gameplay of Resident Evil 4 being hailed as a standout achievement in the series. While some reviewers like DualShockers and Stevivor raised valid concerns about control responsiveness and design choices, the majority—such as PSX Extreme, GamesHub, and GameSpot—agreed that the modernized mechanics, improved pacing, and fresh take on survival horror made it a compelling experience. The balance of action and tension, as noted by Oyungezer and Carole Quintaine, and the emphasis on strategic combat with tools like the knife and crafting system, as praised by Cultured Vultures and GameSkinny, were seen as major wins. Even critics who pointed out flaws acknowledged the game’s broader success, with VG247 and GGRecon calling it a "refreshing" and "engaging" update. The general sentiment was that Resident Evil 4 successfully modernized its core gameplay while retaining the essence that made it a classic, making it a must-play for both newcomers and fans.

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Resident Evil 4 as a significant leap forward, with many highlighting its stunning visuals, atmospheric depth, and technical improvements. Reviewers like GameWatcher and Game Revolution noted the "visually stunning" presentation and "impressive" graphical overhaul, while Windows Central lauded the "stunning" ray tracing and meticulous environmental design. IGN and IGN France emphasized the game’s "stunning visuals" and "visually stunning experience," crediting the RE Engine for bringing environments and enemies to life with menacing detail. Cultured Vultures and The Games Machine praised the "jaw-dropping visuals" and "extensive visual overhaul," respectively, with Slant Magazine highlighting the gothic atmosphere and "graphical upgrade" that enhanced the game’s dread. The remake’s ability to modernize iconic settings while maintaining a dark, immersive horror tone was a recurring highlight, as noted by Game Informer and Gamer.no, who called the visuals "stunning" and "darker and more immersive than the original." However, some critics pointed to technical and design limitations. AusGamers argued that the game "doesn’t showcase the engine’s capabilities as well as previous titles," while DualShockers criticized "cluttered" areas and "unfinished" sections that confused interactable objects. GameWatcher mentioned minor hiccups like the rain effect, and XGN noted that the graphics "do not fully reach current-gen standards," remaining closer to PS4/Xbox One levels. Cubed3 described the art style as "fuzzy," and PLAY! Zine criticized "stiff" character animations, particularly for Leon. Twinfinite and JeuxActu pointed to rough edges in character models and uneven enemy detailing, while Softpedia noted "less detailed textures" and minor bugs. TheXboxHub also observed a "muddier color palette" compared to the original, though it praised the effective use of light and shadow. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority celebrating Resident Evil 4 as a visually impressive remake. While some noted minor technical flaws or areas where the RE Engine’s potential wasn’t fully realized, the overwhelming praise for its atmospheric design, detailed environments, and horror-enhancing visuals underscored its success. GameSpot and GameGrin highlighted the "stunning visuals" and "smooth performance," while Digital Chumps called the graphics "out of this world gorgeous." Even critics with reservations, like BaziCenter and XGN, acknowledged the game’s "high-quality character designs" and "modernized" aesthetic. The blend of nostalgia and modernization, coupled with the RE Engine’s capabilities, positioned Resident Evil 4 as a standout title in the franchise, with its visual design widely regarded as a major strength.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of Resident Evil 4 as a significant strength of the game, with many highlighting its immersive and atmospheric qualities. Reviewers such as Inverse, SomosXbox, Xbox Achievements, Merlin'in Kazanı, TrueGaming, GameSpot, GamingTrend, Games.cz, New Game Network, KeenGamer, Ragequit.gr, Jeuxvideo.com, Mondoxbox, Push Square, GAMINGbible, Movies Games and Tech, IGN Spain, and Meristation all emphasized how the audio elements effectively enhance the horror and tension of the gameplay. The revamped soundtrack, with its dramatic and emotionally resonant compositions, was a particular highlight, as noted by Siliconera and IGN. Additionally, the use of 3D audio and DualSense features was lauded for adding depth and immersion, with GamingTrend and Atomix pointing out how these advancements make the experience more engaging and realistic. However, not all opinions were uniformly positive. Some critics, like ComicBook and GAMES.CH, noted inconsistencies in voice acting, with certain characters such as Ada and the Merchant falling short of expectations, which affected immersion. DualShockers criticized the muted weapon sound effects, finding them less impactful than desired, while GameGrin expressed disappointment that the new version didn't retain much of the original game's soundtrack. Gamereactor Finland mentioned that the music has not aged as well, and Checkpoint Gaming pointed out some audio balancing issues with the DualSense controller. Despite these critiques, they were relatively few compared to the overall positive reception, and many of these concerns were minor or specific to certain aspects of the audio. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the sound design and music of Resident Evil 4 are highly effective and contribute significantly to the game's immersive and atmospheric experience. While there were some criticisms regarding voice acting and specific audio elements, the majority of reviews highlighted the improvements and the way the audio enhances the horror and tension of the gameplay. Inverse and SomosXbox both praised the sound design for its ability to create a more engaging and immersive experience, while GameSpot and GamingBolt emphasized how the audio elements make encounters feel more impactful. The general sentiment reflects a strong appreciation for the audio direction, with many reviewers considering it one of the game's standout features.

The voice acting in Resident Evil 4 receives widespread praise for its overall quality and improvements over the original. Critics like GamesBeat, Meristation, and CGMagazine highlight that characters such as Leon and Ashley are delivered with greater depth and nuance, enhancing their emotional weight and narrative engagement. Gamer.no and GAMINGbible commend the "significant upgrade" in dialogue flow and believability, while PlaySense and GameByte note that Leon and Ashley’s interactions feel more natural and compelling. The Spanish localization is particularly lauded by Vandal and TrueGaming, adding authenticity and immersion, especially for villagers. Digitally Downloaded and IGN Spain also appreciate the "high-quality" performances, with some critics emphasizing that the remake retains the original’s charm while modernizing its delivery. Xbox Achievements and Attack of the Fanboy specifically praise Leon’s voice actor for balancing humor and seriousness, and Twinfinite and Impulsegamer highlight the enhanced character development and believability in interactions. However, several critics point to specific shortcomings, particularly with certain characters. DualShockers and Stevivor criticize the voice acting as "lackluster" or "disinterested," arguing that it fails to capture the original’s charm. PCGamesN and Xbox Tavern note that Ashley’s dialogue feels patronizing and that the Merchant’s performance is underwhelming, with the latter described as "a poor impression" by Xbox Tavern. XboxAddict and GamesBeat express mixed feelings about Ada Wong’s portrayal, with the new actress lacking the "intended sultriness" and chemistry. Siliconera and AusGamers mention that some characters feel less vibrant compared to the original, while ComicBook and Siliconera note that the casting change for Ada is "disappointing." Player 2 and IGN also critique the Merchant’s re-recorded lines as a minor drawback, with IGN specifically calling it a "minor drawback" in an otherwise excellent remake. These criticisms often center on a perceived loss of personality or over-seriousness in tone, which some feel clashes with the game’s original style. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans positive, with many acknowledging the voice acting as a key strength despite its flaws. While Digitally Downloaded and Eurogamer Germany note that the performances are "conservative" or "close to the original," others like Noisy Pixel and PC Invasion praise the modernized portrayals of Leon and Ada, which add depth without detracting from the experience. Xbox Achievements and Games.cz highlight Leon’s strong performance, and Malditos Nerds and Gamer Escape mention that the caricatured treatment of characters aligns with the game’s tone. However, the Merchant’s voice remains a contentious point, with Xbox Tavern and IGN pointing out its lack of charm, and Metro GameCentral and Finger Guns noting it as a "highlight" or "enjoyable" addition. Overall, the voice acting is seen as a major improvement for most characters, though some feel specific roles—like Ashley and Ada—fall short of the original’s legacy, creating a nuanced reception that balances praise with targeted critiques.

The technical performance of Resident Evil 4 across platforms generally receives praise for its stability and optimization, though with some platform-specific nuances. On the Xbox Series X, critics like XboxEra and MGG highlight minimal frame rate drops and strong performance, while Pure Xbox and Gamereactor Finland note smooth gameplay and quick load times. For the PS5, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive: GamesBeat, Jeuxvideo.com, and GameSpot emphasize stable frame rates, smooth animations, and optimized loading times, with MeuPlayStation and God is a Geek praising the 60 FPS performance and fast load times. On PC, GameGrin and PCMag commend the game’s ability to run smoothly at high settings without stuttering, while Hooked Gamers and Vgames acknowledge minor issues like keyboard controls and Denuvo DRM hiccups. Overall, the technical foundation of the remake is robust, with most platforms delivering a polished experience. However, technical shortcomings are more pronounced on certain platforms. The Xbox Series X faces criticism for graphical glitches, such as texture pop-in and animation fluidity issues (XboxEra, AusGamers), as well as control problems like analog stick dead zones (XboxEra, TheXboxHub). On the PS5, while most reviews are favorable, Push Square and Siliconera note texture pop-in and camera glitches, while Meristation and Softpedia highlight performance dips in ray-traced graphics. The PC version, though well-optimized, struggles with keyboard navigation (Hooked Gamers) and occasional crashes (New Game Network). Additionally, DualShockers criticizes the PS5’s performance mode on lower-end hardware and controller aiming issues, while Gaming Nexus mentions a pending patch for visual fixes. These issues, while not crippling, reveal areas where the game’s technical execution could be refined. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus among critics is that Resident Evil 4 delivers a technically strong experience across platforms, with most issues being minor or fixable. The Xbox Series X and PS5 versions are praised for their stability, with Gamereactor Spain and Jeuxvideo.com acknowledging that bugs are largely addressable. The PC version, while not without flaws, is lauded for its performance at high settings (GameGrin, PCMag). Critics like Gaming Nexus and Gamersky emphasize that the game’s technical shortcomings are overshadowed by its immersive design and modernized visuals. While platform-specific quirks exist, the majority of reviews—such as those from GamesBeat, IGN, and Attack of the Fanboy—highlight a polished, stable experience that meets modern standards, reinforcing the remake’s technical success as a new-generation title.

The majority of critics praised the replay value of Resident Evil 4 as being quite strong, with many highlighting features such as New Game Plus, side quests, and collectibles that encourage multiple playthroughs. For instance, IGN noted the inclusion of New Game Plus and future updates, while Gamer.nl and COGconnected pointed to optional objectives and rewards that add depth. Xbox Achievements and TrueAchievements emphasized the game’s massive replay value, with achievements and challenges driving players to return. Gamer.no expressed excitement for multiple runs, and GameSpot and Twinfinite both called the remake highly replayable, citing new goals and difficulty levels. Additionally, PC Gamer and GameGrin acknowledged that while the game is enjoyable, it may not match the original in terms of replayability, but still found it to be substantial. Xbox Tavern and The Games Machine praised the side missions and upgrades, reinforcing the idea that the game offers enough content to warrant revisiting. However, some critics pointed out limitations that could detract from the overall replay value. DualShockers was notably negative, stating that the game lacks fun for significant portions and feels tedious, making replaying difficult to justify. GamesHub and Oyungezer mentioned that the iconic Mercenaries mode was missing at launch, which some felt was a key factor in replayability. BaziCenter and GameWatcher noted that while side missions and weapon upgrades add depth, they can feel forced or require significant investment, reducing the appeal for some players. Gamer.no and IGN Adria acknowledged that while the game is replayable, it doesn’t offer the same level of extra content as the original, such as the "Separate Ways" mode. Eurogamer Germany also pointed out that the game’s linearity could limit replay potential, despite its enhanced mechanics. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among the majority of reviewers was that Resident Evil 4 has very good replay value, with many citing New Game Plus, side content, and exploration as key factors. Xbox Achievements and TrueAchievements highlighted the potential for DLC and post-launch additions like Mercenaries, which could further enhance replayability. GAMINGbible and Comicbook.com both emphasized that the game encourages multiple playthroughs through various modes and challenges. While some felt the game fell short of the original in terms of post-story content, the general sentiment was that the remake offers enough incentives—such as upgrades, collectibles, and alternate difficulty settings—to keep players engaged. The combination of these elements, along with the game’s improved mechanics and fresh experience for veterans, contributed to a strong and positive assessment of its replay value across the board.