Resident Evil 4

When the Resident Evil 4 remake was announced, I confess I was skeptical. The 2005 original is a landmark for me, and any attempt to tinker with that formula could have gone wrong. But after a few hours playing on the Xbox Series S, my distrust turned into fascination.

Capcom achieved something rare: modernizing the experience without losing the essence that made the game a classic. The dark atmosphere of the Spanish village, the disturbing enemies, and the constant tension are still there, but with a polish that seems to respect the past while embracing the present.

It's not just a fancy remaster. It's a reconstruction that rethinks every moment, adjusts the narrative, and deepens the characters without mischaracterizing them. And the best part: it all maintains the rhythm that has always been the series' trademark.

Resident Evil 4 Review

Gameplay and Controls

The first thing that got me was the fluidity of the controls. Leon now moves and shoots with the precision of a modern action game, but still requires care with every bullet and positioning. That dance between dodging, headshot, and kick is still addictive, only more responsive. I really liked the ability to use the knife to parry blows; it adds a tactical layer that made me rethink old habits. The weapon and upgrade progression is also more organic, without that feeling of excessive farming.

Graphics and Performance on Xbox Series S

Visually, the game is a show in itself. The textures, volumetric lighting, and particle effects turn every scene into something almost cinematic. On the Xbox Series S, performance mode holds 60 fps most of the time, with rare and brief dips in very crowded areas. Quality mode prioritizes resolution, but for the frantic action of RE4, I preferred fluidity. I missed a more aggressive ray tracing on the Series S, but the final result is still impressive for an entry-level console.

Points That Didn't Convince Me

To be honest, some sections of the game felt dragged out. The island part, for example, loses some of the initial tension and resorts to endless hordes of generic enemies. I also thought the enemy AI, though improved, still slips up; every now and then a Ganado stands still staring at a wall. Nothing that ruins the immersion, but it breaks the mood a bit in more serious moments.

Immersion and Sound

The art direction and sound design deserve praise. Every step on wooden floors, every grunt from the infected, and the dry sound of gunshots create a suffocating atmosphere. The Portuguese dubbing is competent, but I confess I prefer the original English voices to maintain the actors' original intent. Still, it's a good choice for those who opt for localization.

Is It Worth It?

In my opinion, yes, definitely. Resident Evil 4 Remake is one of the most complete experiences I've had in recent years. It delivers high-quality action, genuine scares, and a sense of constant evolution. I recommend it both for those who never played the original and for veterans who want to revisit this story with a fresh perspective. If you like games that balance tension and explosion, you won't regret it.