Yasuhiro Anpo, the director behind the remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4, shared insights into the decision-making process that led to the creation of these updated versions. Anpo noted that the idea for reviving Resident Evil 2 came about after recognizing the overwhelming enthusiasm from fans eager to restore the legacy of the beloved 1998 classic. As he stated, "We realized: people really want this to happen." This sentiment was echoed by producer Hirabayashi, who promptly responded with a decisive, "Alright, we'll do it."
Initially, the team considered beginning with Resident Evil 4. However, after thorough discussion, they recognized that the game was already revered for its near-perfection. Any modifications risked altering its essence, making it a less favorable choice for revision. Consequently, the developers turned their attention to the earlier installment, Resident Evil 2, which clearly required significant modernization. To better align with player expectations, the team also reviewed fan projects to grasp what enthusiasts desired most.
Even beyond Capcom, skepticism persisted. Despite the successful releases of two remakes and the announcement of a third, fans continued to voice concerns, particularly regarding Resident Evil 4. They argued that the game, unlike its predecessors, didn’t necessitate an overhaul to the same extent.
Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, launched in the 1990s for the original PlayStation, featured dated elements such as fixed camera angles and cumbersome controls. In stark contrast, Resident Evil 4 introduced groundbreaking innovations in 2005, reshaping the survival horror genre. Despite initial reservations, the remake successfully preserved the original’s core identity while enhancing gameplay mechanics and storytelling.
The commercial triumph and critical acclaim confirmed Capcom’s strategic acumen. It demonstrated that even games previously seen as untouchable could be reimagined with reverence for their roots and a forward-thinking approach.
