Resident Evil 4 is a remake of the original Resident Evil 4 released in 2005. Reawakened for 2023, Resident Evil 4 preserves the essence of the original while using Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine to deliver modernized gameplay, a reimagined storyline, and vividly detailed graphics.

Resident Evil 4 revolutionized the Resident Evil franchise with its new third-person-camera game-style that combined action, shooting, and resource management elements, subsequently setting the standard for future Resident Evil titles. This new perspective brought players into the action and horrors encountered by protagonist Leon S. Kennedy during his daring rescue mission.

Resident Evil 4 joins Leon S. Kennedy six years after his hellish experiences in the biological disaster of Raccoon City. His unmatched resolve caused him to be recruited as an agent reporting directly to the president of the United States. With the experience of multiple missions on his back, Leon is dispatched to rescue the president’s recently kidnapped daughter. Leon tracks her to a secluded European village, however after making first contact he discovers a fervor beyond reason grips the local populace.

During today’s Resident Evil Showcase, producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi debuted the first long look at the Resident Evil 4 Remake with an extended gameplay segment for the opening minutes of the adventure, plus a new story trailer foreshadowing what surprises lie in wait for new players and returning fans.

The footage of Leon S. Kennedy’s harrowing first encounter with the Ganados highlights how the development team is introducing modern design techniques and state-of-the-art graphics to both faithfully recreate and add depth to the original game’s vision. This first look at combat showed only some of the new ways Ganados attack, chase, and outflank Leon with staggering speed and ferocity. In order to walk the razor thin line between survival and a grim fate, Leon’s arsenal of weapons and close combat maneuvers now include the ability to parry enemy attacks and deliver finishing blows with his knife.

Hirabayashi-san also provided a first look at how Resident Evil 4 is recreating fan favorite characters and game mechanics, with an emphasis on providing more meaningful player choice. The Merchant makes his triumphant return with some good gear to sell Leon, including handy items and weapon upgrades. He also offers more exclusive rewards for any strangers willing to gather rare gems and exchange them for other items. Viewers also received their first look at Leon’s trusty attaché case, and how it places an emphasis on intelligent resource management while enabling players to synthesize healing items and ammunition. More illustrations of how the Resident Evil 4 team is passionately reviving a classic with Capcom’s RE Engine to preserve the core experience while introducing modern ideas will be shared at a later date.

In addition to announcing preorders for Resident Evil 4 starting today, the Resident Evil Showcase also revealed that a “Deluxe Edition” and “Collector’s Edition” will be available when the game launches for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam on March 24, 2023.

The “Deluxe Edition” includes additional in-game content, including costumes, weapons, a treasure map, and more. Meanwhile, the physical-box-only “Collector’s Edition” features everything from the “Deluxe Edition”, as well as a Leon figure, physical map, art book, and more.

Those who pre-order the Standard Edition will receive in-game rewards, including the “Attaché Case: Gold” and “Special Charm: Handgun Ammo,” while pre-orders of the Deluxe or Collector’s editions also include the “Attaché Case: Classic” and “Special Charm: Green Herb” items. These customization items offer specific in-game abilities when equipped.

Now, this reimagined tale of survival in the face of overwhelming terror returns to deliver a visually stunning modern gaming experience that is true to the promise of the original release. Many team members from the production of 2019’s top-selling and critically acclaimed Resident Evil 2 also make their return to delve deeper into the essence of Resident Evil 4.

Fans and newcomers alike can revel in both the new and familiar, as RE Engine heightens the original’s creative direction to tell a story that is darker and even more unsettling.

Resident Evil 4 is coming to PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam) on March 24, 2023.