Resident Evil 4 Remake Has New Resident Evil 2 Connections
Much like how the portly Duke of Resident Evil Village gave the nod to the Merchant from Resident Evil 4, we know everything is connected. While the Resident Evil games have taken a leaf out of Assassin's Creed's book by reinventing themselves with every entry since RE4, it sounds like the upcoming remake will be going back to Raccoon City.
Apart from the fact the 2005 GameCube release of Resident Evil 4 contained fan-favourites Leon S. Kennedy and Ada Wong, there wasn't a lot to connect it to earlier entries. Ever since we nuked the hell out of Racoon City in Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, there hasn't been much of a chance to go back to the OG locale... until now.
How Will Resident Evil 4 Connect To Resident Evil 2?
Apart from an atmospheric teaser from its official reveal earlier this year, Capcom has kept the RE4 virus largely contained. That all changed with October's Resident Evil showcase, which gave us a looks at the Village DLC, Re:Verse, and the ambitious Resident Evil 4 remake. Executive Producer Shinji Mikami was on hand to explain what's new here, and while the core of RE4 is still there with the likes of Ramon Salazar, it's clear this is more of a reimagining than a straight-up remake.
Speaking to GameSpot, Producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi confirmed one of the changes and said that there will be more ties to Resident Evil 4. Apparently, Leon will make references to the Raccoon City incident, while elements of PTSD means the game might "take him back to the actual incident itself." Although Hirabayashi didn't confirm what this involves, we could have a traumatic flashback where you once again get to roam the hallowed halls of the RPD?
Back in 2020's remake of Resident Evil 3: Nemesis, you were able to briefly visit the RPD (unlike in 1999's original). You'll pass it earlier in the game when playing as Jill, but when later playing as Carlos, you'll be able to explore the main hallway and East wing. Considering it was blown to kingdom come in RE3, it's won't be as easy this time around.
Will Resident Evil 4 Have More Franchise Connections?
With the Resident Evil 4 remake clearly mixing things up, it's possible there will be new winks to the wider world. Like the previously mentioned connection between the Merchant and Duke, could we see more of Village's rogues? A Lady Dimitrescu cameo seems unlikely, but with these gothic horrors being the most alike in aesthetic, we hope there's more connective tissue.
Back in RE2, Leon was just a rookie cop trying to survive a zombie outbreak, whereas he's a brooding survivor by the time we get to RE4. It will be interesting to see whether Capcom connects the dots. With a new opening, a crafting mechanic, and promises to update some of the game's outdated themes, Resident Evil 4 promises to follow its the footsteps of its remake predecessors and be more than just a cash-grab rehash. Perhaps Konami and Bloober Team should take note with Silent Hill 2.