STACK #221 March 2023

GAMING FEATURE

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RESIDENT EGGIES!

When asked for any insider tips for the Resident Evil 4 remake, Mr Hirabayashi was cagey, but did tell us, “I think you can also find some Easter eggs in this work that were in the original.”

One of the greatest ever survival horror gaming experiences, Capcom’s Resident Evil 4 returns in remade form this month.We had the honour of asking the game’s producer, Mr.Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, about the project. Words Amy Flower

In this remake, we have added several actions that were not in the original, including the knife action, to strengthen the main feature. The story is being reimagined somewhat, can you please give us an idea as to what extent, and maybe a tease of what fans should expect? The outline of the story has not changed from the original. However, in order to aim for a narrative game experience that is often seen in modern games, we are consciously rebuilding the story so that the character's feelings can be conveyed to the players in certain places. I hope you can see how it has changed in the gameplay. Can you please tell us more about the new optional control schemes that you’re implementing? Multiple patterns of controller button setups are available. Not only

Resident Evil 4 isn’t just renowned as a great Resident Evil game, but one of the best video games that’s ever been made. Does remaking it, and the weight of fan expectation, put any extra pressure on you? It is certain that the original RE4 is loved by many people and brings lots of memories, so we were under pressure. Through Resident Evil 2 , we learned how to brush up each key piece and let our gamers experience these elements in reconstructing the original that is loved by many people. The remake of RE4 is also a very difficult mission, but the team has been working hard and making use of the experiences to deliver a work that will satisfy you. What advantages have working with the RE Engine on this remake allowed you?

We imagine that the new-generation graphical and sound abilities you’re working with have opened up opportunities for introducing even more atmosphere. How do you go about upgrading such elements of the game for current consoles, while maintaining the game’s original feel? I think there are different approaches to upgrades in title remakes. This title delves into the distinctive concept of each area that appears in the original using technology from current platforms and know-how to reconstruct them. As a more concrete example, the area at the beginning of the game is a sequence that expresses ‘fear’ and ‘eerie’. To express them, we have partially reconstructed the time axis and story structure. By rearranging and reconstructing not only the visuals, but also the sound production or technical elements and letting them intertwine with each other, we have made it easier to convey those concepts. What are you most hoping that players will gain from their experience with your Resident Evil 4 remake? I think that each person has a different reason for playing this title. No matter what the reason for choosing this title, I would tell them sincerely, ‘I hope you enjoy it’. We develop

Capcom’s original Devil May Cry evolved from an initially unsuccessful attempt at developing Resident Evil 4 . DYK?

Since Resident Evil 7 , which was the first RE Engine title, we have been developing a series of titles with this engine, so we have gained some development experience. Of course, the continued evolving of RE Engine itself allows more faithful creation of the ideas from creators.

are there patterns similar to the operation of the recent RE series, but there are also patterns designed for those who are accustomed to the operation of the original RE4 .

the title with an aim of letting many people enjoy it. We imagine how every user (including ourselves) who played the original will unravel their love and memories onto their faces when they try this remake title.

With the opportunity to revisit Resident Evil 4 , have you made any significant changes to any of the gameplay or mechanics? I think that the main feature of the original is that you can enjoy a wide range of strategies.

• Resident Evil 4 is out on Mar 24

42 MARCH 2023

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