Resident Evil 4 PS5 Review: Is This Capcom’s Finest Horror Remake?

Tim Campbell

Resident Evil 4

We recently had the opportunity to play the new Resident Evil 4 for PS5, and we are thrilled to report that it exceeds our expectations. This remake takes the elements that made the original game a classic and updates them for 2025 with stunning visuals and improved gameplay. The game runs exceptionally well on the PS5, featuring realistic lighting and shadows that create a genuinely terrifying atmosphere. While exploring the eerie European village setting, we found ourselves jumping at every sound.

Resident Evil 4 PS5 game cover

Capcom has kept the heart of the story but added more depth. Leon’s knife skills are much improved, letting us parry attacks and finish off enemies with precise moves. This came in handy when faced with hordes of the infected Ganados villagers.

The famous attaché case is back and better than ever. We spent hours organizing our gear and crafting ammo. The Weapon Merchant also returns with more options for upgrading guns and trading gems.

Bottom Line

After spending many hours with RE4 on PS5, we think it’s worth every penny for horror fans and action gamers alike.

The improved graphics, modernized gameplay, and faithful recreation of the classic make this a must-buy.

Check out Resident Evil 4 for PS5 on Amazon and experience this amazing remake for yourself!

Reviving a Classic for the Modern Age: Resident Evil 4 on PS5

The horror genre just got a major upgrade. We’ve spent countless hours exploring the reimagined Spanish village in RE4 on PS5, and the experience is nothing short of spectacular. This remake takes everything that made the 2005 original a masterpiece and enhances it with today’s technology.

The visuals are breathtaking. Running in 4K with the RE Engine, the atmosphere feels genuinely unsettling with realistic shadows and lighting that create true tension. We noticed the combat feels more fluid, with Leon’s new knife skills adding a strategic layer to surviving the Ganado hordes.

What impressed us most was how Capcom preserved the core experience while modernizing it. The attaché case management system returns with welcome upgrades, including crafting options. The Merchant still offers his iconic “What are ya buyin’?” but with enhanced customization options.

The controls feel responsive and intuitive on the DualSense controller. While staying true to its roots, this remake adds narrative depth that wasn’t possible in 2005. For both newcomers and veterans, this is the definitive way to experience Leon’s mission to rescue the President’s daughter.

Reawaken a Classic

Gaming nostalgia hit us hard when we fired up RE4 on the PS5. This remake preserves everything we loved about the original while adding stunning visual upgrades. The RE Engine brings Leon’s nightmare to life with realistic shadows, atmospheric lighting, and texture details that weren’t possible in 2005.

We noticed immediate improvements to the gameplay. The knife mechanics feel more responsive, allowing us to parry attacks that would have been unavoidable in the original. The controls feel modern without losing that classic tension that made us fall in love with the game years ago.

The European village setting looks incredible now. Walking through fog-filled forests and crumbling buildings creates a sense of dread the original hinted at but couldn’t fully realize. Even familiar areas feel fresh with enhanced lighting and environmental details.

What impressed us most was how Capcom maintained the soul of RE4 while fixing its rough edges. The voice acting and character models have been updated, but the campy dialogue we loved remains intact.

Modernized Gameplay

The controls feel incredibly smooth on the new RE4. We noticed right away how the team behind the 2019 Resident Evil 2 remake brought their expertise to this version. Movement is more fluid, and aiming feels precise with the PS5 controller.

Combat has been completely refreshed while keeping what made the original great. We love how Leon can now move while aiming and use his knife to parry attacks. This adds a new layer of strategy when facing groups of Ganados.

The puzzles have been tweaked to feel fresh even for longtime fans. We found ourselves exploring every corner of the village, looking for items to help Leon and Ashley survive. The balance between action and puzzle-solving feels just right.

The crafting system is a welcome addition that wasn’t in the original game. Being able to make ammo on the fly has saved us in tight situations more than once.

AI is much smarter too. Enemies work together and use the environment against you in ways they never did before.

Overwhelming Hordes

The intense combat in RE4 remake keeps you constantly on edge. When facing the Ganados villagers, we found ourselves surrounded by more enemies than ever before. The game throws wave after wave of infected foes that attack in smarter, more coordinated ways than in the original version.

We were impressed by how the enemies now use different tactics to corner Leon. Some will climb through windows while others break down doors. The variety of attack patterns means you can’t just rely on one strategy. Sometimes we’d be preparing to take out a distant enemy only to be grabbed from behind by another.

The upgraded RE Engine makes these encounters even more nerve-wracking. Blood splatters realistically, and enemies react to each shot with gruesome detail. When a group of villagers wielding pitchforks and axes charges at you through the fog, the tension is palpable. The PS5’s haptic feedback adds another layer as you feel each desperate shot through the controller.

Sophisticated Visuals

The graphics in RE4 blew us away. Playing on PS5, we noticed every detail – from the eerie village shadows to the horrific textures on enemy faces. The RE Engine truly delivers stunning 4K visuals that make the horror feel uncomfortably real.

We were particularly impressed by the lighting effects. When exploring dark cabins with only a flashlight, the beam cuts through darkness creating tense moments where threats might lurk just beyond view. Blood spatters and environmental destruction look more realistic than ever.

Weather effects add another layer of immersion. Rain drips convincingly off Leon’s jacket, and fog creates a sense of dread when navigating the countryside. The castle areas showcase incredible architectural detail with realistic stone textures and candlelight that casts dynamic shadows.

Character models show remarkable improvements too. Leon and Ashley’s expressions convey emotion with subtlety, while the Ganados villagers look disturbingly lifelike. These visual upgrades make this remake feel fresh while honoring what made the original so memorable.

Attaché’d at the Hip

The iconic attaché case makes a triumphant return in RE4, and it’s better than ever. We spent hours organizing our inventory in this upgraded feature, which now includes crafting capabilities. While playing, we found ourselves constantly checking the case to make perfectly arranged weapon layouts and manage resources.

Beyond just expanded storage, the case offers new customization options we really enjoyed. Changing colors and adding charms gave us a way to personalize our gameplay experience. These small touches might seem minor, but they added a welcome layer of personalization during tense moments.

We particularly appreciated how the case system balances strategy with convenience. Having to decide what to keep and what to discard created meaningful choices throughout our playthrough. The ability to craft ammunition directly from the case saved us in several tight situations when enemies swarmed from all directions.

Pros and Cons

After spending several days with this reimagined survival horror classic, we’ve gathered our thoughts on what works and what doesn’t. The remake brings significant updates while maintaining the essence that made the original so beloved.

Pros

  • Stunning visuals – The RE Engine delivers breathtaking graphics with realistic lighting and shadows that create a genuinely creepy atmosphere
  • Modernized combat – The expanded knife mechanics add a fresh layer of strategy, allowing for parries and stealth kills
  • Improved inventory system – The attaché case now includes crafting options and fun customization features
  • Thoughtful updates – The merchant system has been enhanced with more trading options and weapon upgrades
  • Faithful yet fresh – Core story elements remain intact while adding new narrative depth impossible in the original

Cons

  • Still challenging for newcomers – Despite improvements, the difficulty curve might be steep for those unfamiliar with the series
  • Some repetitive enemy encounters – While the Ganados are more diverse, certain fights can feel similar
  • Escort sections – Though improved, protecting Ashley can occasionally interrupt the flow of gameplay
  • Less revolutionary than the original – By nature of being a remake, it doesn’t break new ground like its predecessor did

We found the balance between nostalgia and modern gameplay impressive. The enhanced graphics and smoother controls make this version of RE4 the definitive way to experience Leon’s nightmare mission, even for those who played the original multiple times.

Customer Reviews

The gaming community has spoken, and the verdict is overwhelmingly positive for the RE4 remake. With an impressive 4.8-star rating, players are clearly loving this reimagined classic. We played through the entire campaign and found that most users praise the stunning PS5 graphics, which bring Leon’s nightmare to life in breathtaking detail.

Many reviewers mentioned they returned to the game after playing older versions on Wii or other platforms, noting this is definitely the “ultimate version” they needed. The modernized gameplay mechanics make controlling Leon feel natural and responsive. Several players commented on how the remake respects the original while adding meaningful improvements.

Some users specifically highlighted the multiple graphic modes, with the fidelity mode targeting 60fps. We found only a few mixed comments, but even those acknowledged the game’s overall quality. International players also left positive feedback, showing RE4’s global appeal.

Conclusion

After weeks of playing Resident Evil 4 on the PS5, we’re convinced this remake is worth every penny. The game strikes an excellent balance between honoring the original and adding modern improvements. The updated controls feel smooth, and the enhanced graphics bring Leon’s nightmare to life in stunning detail. While some purists might miss certain elements from the 2005 version, we found the changes refreshing and thoughtful.

The game isn’t perfect – some boss fights still feel frustrating, and a few areas drag slightly. However, these minor issues don’t take away from what is ultimately an outstanding remake. For about 15-20 hours of main gameplay (plus extras), RE4 offers good value.

If you’re a horror fan with a PS5, this should be in your collection. Both newcomers and series veterans will find plenty to enjoy in this polished, thrilling experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many gamers have been asking how the PS5 version of RE4 compares to earlier releases. After spending countless hours playing this remake, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions to help you decide if this updated classic deserves a spot in your game library.

What enhancements have been made for Resident Evil 4 on PS5 compared to previous versions?

The PS5 version of RE4 offers several significant improvements over previous versions. The most noticeable upgrade is the graphics, which now run at 4K resolution with ray-tracing capabilities. The game maintains a smooth 60 FPS in Performance Mode, though this drops slightly in Fidelity Mode where visual quality is maximized.

The PS5’s SSD also virtually eliminates loading times, making transitions between areas seamless. Another major enhancement is the DualSense controller integration, which adds immersive haptic feedback when firing weapons or encountering enemies. The adaptive triggers provide different resistance levels depending on which weapon you’re using.

Audio has been completely revamped with 3D spatial sound, making it easier to locate enemies by their footsteps or growls before they attack.

How does the Resident Evil 4 remake compare to the original in terms of gameplay and graphics?

The RE4 remake maintains the core of what made the original great while modernizing every aspect. Graphically, there’s no comparison—the RE Engine delivers photorealistic environments, detailed character models, and dramatically improved lighting that creates a genuinely unsettling atmosphere.

Gameplay has been refined with more fluid controls. Leon can now move while aiming and has new knife parry mechanics that add a fresh defensive option. The inventory management system with the iconic attaché case returns but with crafting capabilities and customization options.

Some story elements and areas have been expanded or reworked to provide more depth. The village feels more cohesive, and character motivations are better explained.

What are critics saying about Resident Evil 4 on the PS5?

Critics have overwhelmingly praised the PS5 version of RE4, with most reviews scoring it between 9/10 and 10/10. Reviewers consistently highlight the remarkable balance between honoring the original while implementing modern improvements.

Many critics note that the remake succeeds where others have failed by enhancing what worked in the original without losing its essence. The combat receives particular praise for being tense and satisfying, with the new knife parry system adding strategic depth.

Several reviews mention that the pacing is excellently maintained throughout the roughly 15-20 hour campaign, with the village, castle, and island sections each offering distinct experiences that flow together naturally.

Are there any exclusive features in the PS5 version of Resident Evil 4?

The PS5 version includes several platform-specific features that enhance the experience:

  • DualSense integration: Adaptive triggers provide unique feedback for each weapon
  • Haptic feedback: Feel every gunshot, knife slash, and enemy grab through the controller
  • Activity Cards: Jump directly to different game modes or track trophy progress
  • 3D Audio: Enhanced spatial audio through the Tempest 3D AudioTech
  • Faster loading: Nearly instantaneous loading thanks to the SSD

While not completely exclusive, the PS5 version also offers the best visual performance with two graphics modes: Performance (prioritizing framerate) and Fidelity (emphasizing visual quality with ray-tracing).

How has the Resident Evil 4 remake been received by the gaming community?

The gaming community has embraced the RE4 remake with exceptional enthusiasm. Fan reactions mirror the critical acclaim, with many longtime fans appreciating how faithfully the remake captures the spirit of the original while adding meaningful improvements.

Community discussions often highlight how the remake respects the campy elements that made the original charming while still delivering genuine tension and horror. Players particularly enjoy the expanded character development and additional context for the village and its inhabitants.

The community has also praised Capcom’s commitment to post-launch support, with free updates adding features like photo mode and the Mercenaries mode that extends replay value considerably.

What is the difference in player experience between Resident Evil 4 on PS5 and previous platforms?

Playing RE4 on PS5 delivers a noticeably superior experience compared to previous platforms. Load times are virtually non-existent, creating a more immersive experience without the interruption of loading screens that broke tension in older versions.

The DualSense controller integration transforms how combat feels—each weapon has a unique resistance pattern on the triggers, making shotguns, pistols, and rifles distinctly different to fire. When your knife clashes with an enemy weapon during a parry, the haptic feedback creates a convincing sensation of impact.

Visually, the higher resolution and frame rate make spotting enemies in dark environments easier, while the enhanced audio design helps players detect threats from all directions. Together, these improvements create a more responsive, immersive, and accessible experience than was possible on previous platforms.