The Resident Evil 4 remake release date is nearly upon us, so, here’s everything you need to know about this classic horror reimagined.
Originally released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2005, Resident Evil 4 certainly rivals The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim when it comes to endless ports. However, this time we’re getting a full remake built from the ground up and fans couldn’t be more hyped for its release next month.
Resident Evil 4 remake release date
The Resident Evil 4 remake release date is 24th of March 2023. It will release for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S as well as PS4. Sadly, it is not scheduled to be released for Xbox One. What’s more, a PSVR2 port of the remake is in development and will be released at a later date.
What’s the story?
Following the events of Resident Evil 2, Leon S. Kennedy is no longer an officer for the Racoon Police Department. Instead, he is now a U.S. agent assigned to protect President Graham of the United States.
However, Leon is tasked to rescue the president’s daughter Ashley, after she was kidnapped by a mysterious cult known as Los Illuminados. Furthermore, Leon’s investigation leads him to a remote Spanish village, a harbinger of sinister cult rituals and ungodly terrors.
What are the PC system requirements?
Minimum (60fps/1080p, “Prioritise Performance”)
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 1200 or Intel Core i5-7500
- RAM: 8 GB RAM
- GPU: AMD Radeon RX 560 with 4GB VRAM or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti (AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 for Ray-Tracing)
Recommended (60fps/1080p)
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or Intel Core i7 8700
- RAM: 16 GB RAM
- GPU: AMD Radeon RX 5700 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 (AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 for Ray-Tracing)
What’s new in the Resident Evil 4 remake?
The remake is powered by Capcom’s in-house RE Engine, the same software that powered the Resident Evil 2 and RE3 remakes, as well as Resident Evil 7 and Resident Evil Village. So you know that the remake will look better than ever.
While the remake will adopt the over-the-shoulder camera perspective seen in the original, the remake will have some new gameplay additions up its sleeve.
For starters, it will not only feature more modernised controls, but it will also give the player the choice of six optional control schemes. Moreover, one of which is based on the 2005 original.
Inventory Tetris makes a return!
Also making its return from the original game is the attaché case inventory system, which was almost like a mini-game of Tetris as players managed to carry as much stock as possible.
However, players will now be able to quickly swap weapons. In the original game, players would have to pause the action to enter the attaché case screen to select a weapon of their choosing. So now players will be able to select weapons on the fly aiding player immersion.
Throughout the history of Resident Evil, the knife has been a vital tool, especially when it comes to saving ammo. However, players will now be able to parry certain attacks with the knife, including chainsaw attacks from Dr Salvador and the Bella Sisters (not WWE). Furthermore, as with the RE2 remake, knives will have a durability mechanic.
One other change that fans of the original game might appreciate, is that the developers at Capcom have confirmed that it will reduce the amount of QTEs in the upcoming remake. Happy days!
Of course, any Resident Evil 4 game wouldn’t be complete without our beloved Merchant. He will once more offer Leon new weapons, items and upgrades. However, our Merchant has evolved with the remake. Not only will he allow you to trade items, but he will also offer you side-quests to partake alongside the main story.
Will the Resident Evil 4 remake have new areas?
The short answer to that question is, yes, the Resident Evil 4 remake will have new areas. However, at this time, Capcom has kept those details close to its chest and for good reason. In the modern age of the internet, I always feel too much is revealed too soon. So it will be nice to discover surprises on our own.
That being said, judging by previously released trailers, not only does it seem that Ashley Graham will have her own playable sections again, but we might get into her story in more detail.
The trailers have shown Ashley running away from something. Could this mean that we’ll get to play out what happened to Ashley that led to her kidnap at the hands of the Los Illuminados? Only time will tell.
What’s available for the Resident Evil 4 remake release date?
Other than grabbing a copy of the standard edition, fans will be able to pick up a Deluxe or Collector’s Edition. Well, not so much the Collector’s Edition, because that sold out quicker than a hiccup.
The Resident Evil 4 Deluxe Edition includes:
- Leon and Ashley costumes (Casual and Romantic)
- Leon costume and filter (Hero)
- Leon costume and filter (Villain)
- Leon accessory (Sporty Sunglasses)
- Deluxe Weapons: Sentinel Nine and Skull Shaker
- Original version soundtrack swap
- Treasure Map: Expansion
- Steelbook case (physical version)
The Resident Evil 4 Collector’s Edition includes:
- Leon S. Kennedy figurine wearing his iconic bomber jacket and wielding a shotgun
- A copy of the game
- Steelbook case
- Map of the game
- An Extra DLC Pack
- Deluxe Edition digital content
- An artbook
- Poster
- Digital soundtrack
- Collector’s Box in the style of the in-game Inventory Case
Resident Evil 4 also has a pre-order bonus for everyone, which includes:
- Attaché Case: Gold and Special Charm: Handgun Ammo (everyone)
- Attaché Case: Classic and Special Charm: Green Herb (Collectors and Deluxe Edition)
So that concludes the need-to-know details for the upcoming RE4 remake. That being said, as one final reminder, the Resident Evil 4 remake release date is March 24th, 2023 with a PSVR2 version to follow at a later date.
Finally, let us know if you’ll be ‘buyin’ the Resident Evil 4 remake across our social media channels.
While you’re here, be sure to check out our video of the week. 10 of the scariest horror games of all time are shown off. What is your favourite horror game?
Featured Image Credit: Capcom