Capcom shared new Resident Evil 4 remake footage and, after getting a hands-off, early look at it, it seems to showcase how Leon S. Kennedy and Ashley Graham’s experiences will and won’t change in this new take on the game. Taken from various moments throughout the game, it shows Leon exploring near the lake in chapter 4, then venturing into Ramon Salazar’s castle and dealing with some familiar foes while accompanied by Ashley. While a lot of it features largely expected encounters and gameplay elements, there were also a few changes to see how Resident Evil 4 remake might adjust some encounters to flesh them out.
The parts of the Resident Evil 4 remake I was able to witness showed Leon in chapter 4, exploring near a lake. His early encounters with the Ganado showed how they can get more hazardous as you deal damage, due to the parasite becoming exposed. Leon is, as always, able to attack with his gun or his knife to counter them. Aiming at different parts can result in more tactical approaches, due to possibly taking advantage of their weapons or catching them off guard. It all seemed quite familiar, though obviously more elaborate and detailed than in the original game. And, as always, you can modify your weapons to change their capabilities and assist in these encounters.
Exploring and facing Ganado wasn’t the only thing Leon was up to. Even at this early point, additional activities were shown off. For example, Leon saw a request for a Gold Chicken Egg. To complete it, he’d need to sell one at the Merchant. Doing so would get him Spinel. I also didn’t expect him to get a chance to spruce up his Attache Case. While this is a cosmetic affair, it’s practical too. For example, in the footage I saw, choosing a black case would cause a large increased drop rate for handgun ammunition. There was also a rare Chicken charm Leon could equip in the left, right, or center charm slot. Doing so would add 100% health recovery when eggs would be involved. This essentially added a small chicken keychain to the bottom.
From there, it was possible to see Leon surviving the castle while also ensuring Ashley stayed safe. The key is to stay close together and keep her alive. Leon could use his traditional weapons, as usual, as well as work with the armaments in the castle like shooting familiar red barrels to deal damage to a group. Though, once you get deeper in, it is possible to take advantage of things like the cannons to use them against them. Leon could direct Ashley to come closer or back up with commands, in order to attempt to shield her from attacks. However, enemies will target her, just as they did in the original game. But while the segment I saw involved primarily directing her to come closer or keep her distance, it also showed that as in the original, Ashley can also still assist Leon with getting around by unlocking a door in the Resident Evil 4 remake.
The footage also showed how some of Leon and Ashley’s encounters with familiar faces will go in Resident Evil 4 remake. In particular, they encounter Ramon, a Garrador, and Jack Krauser. While the first two won’t be all that dissimilar, the encounter with Krauser marks a new take on the experience. This is because it doesn’t just involve dealing with QTEs. The latest reveal involved a proper boss fight with the two wielding knives in what is basically a duel while they discuss Operation Javier. Yes, QTEs did come up as part of it, but it seemed like there is more to it this time around.
Jack Krauser returns in Resident Evil 4 remake on March 24.
Leon's new knife skills add depth and intensity to their iconic clash 🗡️ pic.twitter.com/705tBIUffa
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) March 2, 2023
With the latest Resident Evil 4 remake gameplay footage, it seems like this is a case of putting Leon and Ashley through the same experiences while perhaps taking advantage of new opportunities. The Krauser encounter seems to build on what happened before, though there appeared to be nods to the QTE roots in the actions. Meanwhile, heading along the lake and surviving the castle too seemed more familiar than not. It seems like a building experience.
The Resident Evil 4 remake will come to the PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC on March 24, 2023. A VR mode is being developed.
