Resident Evil 2 and 4 Remakes: A Daunting Development Journey

Yasuhiro Anpo, the director behind the acclaimed remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4, shared insights into the decision-making process that led to the revival of the 1998 classic. Anpo noted, "We realized: people really want this to happen." This realization prompted producer Hirabayashi to decisively state, "Alright, we'll do it," setting the stage for the project.

Initially, the team contemplated beginning with Resident Evil 4. However, after thorough discussions, they recognized that RE4 was already highly acclaimed and nearly perfect in its original form. The risk of altering such a beloved game was significant, leading the team to pivot towards the older Resident Evil 2, which they felt required a more substantial update. To ensure they met fan expectations, the developers also delved into fan projects, gaining valuable insights into what the community desired from a modernized version.

Despite Capcom's internal deliberations, the fanbase expressed mixed feelings even after the successful releases of the Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 remakes, and the announcement of the Resident Evil 4 remake. Many argued that Resident Evil 4, unlike its predecessors, did not require as much of an overhaul. The original Resident Evil 2 and 3, released in the 1990s for the PlayStation, featured outdated mechanics such as fixed camera angles and cumbersome controls. In contrast, Resident Evil 4, launched in 2005, had already revolutionized the survival horror genre. Despite these concerns, the Resident Evil 4 remake successfully maintained the essence of the original while enhancing gameplay and narrative elements.

The commercial triumph and overwhelmingly positive reviews of the remakes validated Capcom's approach. These successes demonstrated that even a game considered nearly untouchable could be respectfully reimagined, blending reverence for the original with innovative creativity.