Resident Evil 4 Remake VR Review

Gaming | Resident Evil 4 Remake VR: A Deep Dive into Horror in Virtual Reality

Introduction

If you’re a fan of the horror genre, chances are you’ve encountered Resident Evil 4 in one form or another over the years. Whether you’ve delved into its various re-releases or enjoyed the stellar remake, the game has etched its place in gaming history. Now, with the addition of a PlayStation VR 2-exclusive VR mode for Resident Evil 4 Remake, the question arises: is it worth revisiting this horror classic from a new perspective? Spoiler alert: Yes, it is indeed worth the spine-chilling journey.

The Essence of Resident Evil 4 Remake

Resident Evil 4 Remake, even without the VR experience, stands as a testament to the evolution of the survival horror genre. With its gripping narrative, diverse action scenes, and relentless intensity, it delivers an experience that captivates both veterans and newcomers. The game introduces numerous improvements over the original, from quality-of-life enhancements to revamped boss fight mechanics. However, the transition to VR brings a fresh layer of horror and immersion, offering a unique way to engage with this iconic title.

Virtual Horror: The VR Mode

Familiar Horrors in a New Perspective

Everything you love about Resident Evil 4 Remake translates seamlessly into its VR Mode. From facing pitchfork-wielding mobs to navigating through unsettling landscapes, the VR experience amplifies the horror and immersion. Staring down the barrel of familiar weapons and interacting with the President’s daughter in a life-sized form adds an extra layer of intensity. The haptic feedback on controllers and headsets enhances the tactile experience, making weapon firing and nearby explosions more palpable.

First-Person Challenges

Resident Evil 4 Remake, designed originally as a third-person game, encounters challenges when adapted to a first-person VR format. Clunky controls and frequent shifts to third-person during ladder climbs or enemy encounters remind players that the game’s roots trace back 17 years. While this doesn’t fully hinder the experience, it’s a reminder that the game’s VR adaptation has its imperfections.

Interactivity Quirks

Unlike VR modes for Resident Evil Biohazard and Village, which were tailored for first-person play, Resident Evil 4’s VR mode feels less interactive. Interactions that could be immersive, such as clicking an elevator button or sliding open a latch, are reduced to button prompts. The limitations become apparent in cutscenes, which, like the game’s original design, are in third-person. This results in a disconnection from the VR world, akin to watching a story unfold on a giant screen in the Sunken Place.

The Resident Evil VR Formula: A Mixed Bag

VR-Friendly Combat

Despite these quirks, the Resident Evil VR formula remains strong in most aspects. Grabbing weapons from your virtual belt, evading menacing foes, and executing stealth takedowns maintain the series’ signature tension. First-person iron sights add precision to aiming, offering a fresh take on combat. Various comfort options are available for those prone to motion sickness, such as tunneling and snap turning, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Combat Quirks

Combat in VR introduces some wonkiness. Accidentally throwing a grenade instead of grabbing a knife or struggling with weapon scopes’ automatic detection are minor inconveniences. However, these quirks become manageable with familiarity, contributing to the overall learning curve. The payoff of feeling like a zombie-slaying superhero compensates for these initial challenges.

Visual and Auditory Delights

Resident Evil 4 on the PSVR 2 stands out as one of the best-looking VR games, leveraging the impressive specs of the PlayStation 5. The visual upgrade becomes particularly evident when compared to the non-remake VR version, which pales in comparison. The audio design, already fantastic in the base game, reaches new heights in VR. The ability to hear zombies chanting in the next room and the roars of giant bosses intensify the immersive experience. The combination of stunning visuals and enhanced audio makes Resident Evil 4 in VR a feast for the senses.

Conclusion: A Novelty Worth Exploring

While Resident Evil 4 Remake VR may not have been initially conceived for a first-person VR experience, it successfully captures the essence of the original game. Despite occasional quirks and limitations in interactivity, the thrill of facing familiar horrors in virtual reality is undeniable. The learning curve for combat nuances is a small price to pay for the satisfaction of becoming a zombie-slaying hero. With top-tier visuals and immersive audio, the VR adaptation offers a unique and captivating way to experience the horrors of Resident Evil 4. Strap on your headset and dive into the world of survival horror like never before!