Resident Evil 4, the popular survival horror game originally released in 2005, is being hyped up once again after YouTuber Jean-Luc Seipke makes the argument that it is one of the most highly replayable single-player games out there. His video essay titled “You’re Missing Out If You Only Play Resident Evil 4 Once” dives deep into the game’s unlockables, challenges, and higher difficulties that make it worth diving back into after the first playthrough.
Why Resident Evil 4 is Highly Replayable
According to Jean-Luc, Resident Evil 4 is highly replayable because of how much the game offers beyond the first playthrough. The game’s Mercenaries mode alone offers hours of replayability, with different characters and unlockable weapons that change up the gameplay experience each time. The game also offers different types of challenges, including speed runs and no damage runs, that incentivize players to return and try to best their previous attempts.
The Value of Higher Difficulties
One aspect of Resident Evil 4 that Jean-Luc thinks is often overlooked is the value of playing the game on higher difficulties. The game’s Professional mode, for example, is significantly harder than the default difficulty, with enemies dealing more damage and having more health. This added difficulty forces players to approach combat differently and use different strategies, creating a fresh experience even for veteran players.
Unlockables and Incentivizing Exploration
Unlockables are another aspect of Resident Evil 4 that make it a highly replayable game. From new weapons and costumes to alternate game modes, there are plenty of rewards for players who are willing to put in the time to explore every nook and cranny of the game. Jean-Luc argues that the game is designed in such a way that it incentivizes players to explore, with hidden items and rewards scattered throughout the game’s environments.
The Case for a Resident Evil 4 Remake
With the success of the Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes, there has been speculation about a Resident Evil 4 remake. Jean-Luc believes that a remake of Resident Evil 4 would be a great opportunity to introduce the game to a new generation of players and to improve on some of the mechanics that haven’t aged as well. He also thinks that the game’s replayability would be even more compelling with modern graphics and improved gameplay mechanics.
What Fans Want in a Remake
There are a few things that Resident Evil 4 fans would like to see in a remake, according to Jean-Luc. One is the inclusion of content that was cut from the original game, such as the Hook Man enemy that was removed during development. Another is the addition of new content, such as expanded Mercenaries modes or new weapons to unlock. Finally, fans would like to see the game’s mechanics updated to feel more modern, such as a smoother aiming system and more intuitive controls.
Conclusion
Overall, Jean-Luc makes a compelling case for Resident Evil 4’s replayability. While some might argue that replayability is not the most important metric for a game, it’s clear that Resident Evil 4 has a lot to offer fans who are willing to dive back in after the first playthrough. With rumors of a remake swirling around, it will be interesting to see how Capcom approaches updating the game for a new generation of players.
