For those who didn't play the original Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways DLC, it was an addition to the PS2 version of Resident Evil 4, and it showed the story from the perspective of Ada Wong. The new DLC version of the game follows the same basic concept. Set at the same time as RE4, it focuses on Ada and her encounters as she seeks to collect a valuable Plagas sample on behalf of Albert Wesker. This means she'll be in very different situations from Leon, and you'll likely get to see sides of characters that you didn't when they were interacting with everyone's favorite boy scout.

The basic core gameplay is largely the same. Probably the most obvious difference from Leon is Ada's use of a grappling hook, which has been integrated into every part of the game. By default, Ada can use the hook to latch onto specific areas in the environment. It looks like damaged roofs or objects are the primary thing she can swing to. Within the confines of the demo, we saw Ada venturing through some of the same areas Leon did, such as the catapult trap in the castle. While they were the same areas, Ada's grapple allowed her to approach things in different ways, such as instantly traveling from ground to rooftop or by going along high paths that Leon couldn't access. While it isn't clear, it also seems like she may be quieter than Leon, as we see her running up and stealth-killing several foes who I think would have been alerted by Leon's footsteps.

The grappling hook is also a major part of Ada's gameplay style. From what we've seen, Ada has access to roughly the same attributes as Leon. She can parry and block, dodge attacks, and perform melee attacks on stunned foes. The grappling hook allows her to perform those melee attacks on enemies from a distance by zooming toward them at the touch of a button. While it isn't entirely clear from the demo, it looks like Ada's melee attacks from a distance are a touch weaker than those done up close.

While Ada is traversing a lot of the same space, it's pretty clear things are going to be remixed significantly. The gameplay footage we saw ends with a fight against El Gigante, but it looks notably different. The arena you fight him in has a number of different rooftops that Ada can grapple to, and El Gigante attacks by trying to knock Ada from her safe perch. Rather than getting help from a certain furry friend, Ada must deal with El Gigante and a bunch of Ganado enemies. It looks like Separate Ways is intended to rachet up the challenge. Perhaps most intriguing is a hint about Ada fighting the Verdugo, as we're shown a brief shot of a familiar hooded figure watching from a distance.

Likewise, it looks like most of the same side content will be available. We're shown Ada getting a mission from the Merchant via the same blue notes that Leon did, and with Spinels as a reward, strongly hinting Ada will have her own selection of missions and prizes from everyone's favorite trench coat-wearing gun seller. Overall, it looks like it's going to be more content on the same level as the main campaign, and there will be surprises in store.

All you need to say about Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways DLC is that it is more of Resident Evil 4, with new moves, new fights, and new ways to experience old areas. It should roughly follow the pattern of the original PS2 version, but there are likely to be a number of twists and surprises in store for longtime fans of the franchise. Thankfully, we won't have to wait long to see as Separate Ways hits on Sept. 21, 2023, which is in just a few days!