Resident Evil 4 Separate Ways DLC Review: Thank the S.T.A.R.S, it's Ada

The Resident Evil 4 Separate Ways DLC marks a return to beloved set pieces, bosses and characters from the Resident Evil 4 remake.

In the DLC you play as enigmatic spy for hire, Ada Wong, sent on a mission to retrieve the Amber, an important artefact with a hold over the Los Iluminados cult.

There are spooky shenanigans and dry one-liners galore and you step into the high-heeled stilettos of this iconic character.

With seven chapters to play through and four to five hours of game time depending on how thorough you are, expect more of the same action-packed horror that you know and loved from the original.

Ada's the word

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Although a remake of the original DLC of the same name, Resident Evil Separate Ways adds much more content and additional intrigue to the characters.

You play as the permanently nonchalant Ada, on a job to deliver the Amber, the powerful source of the Las Plagas virus to Wesker.

The DLC runs parallel to the original game, and Ada's adventure often intersects with events that occurred around Leon, leading to satisfying easter eggs and aha! moments.

Playing as Ada is smooth and feels as professional as she is. Equipped with Ada's signature Hookshot Gun, capable of shooting out grappling hooks, you'll spend time in the DLC being propelled across rooftops, and making timely appearances or disappearances within the main story threads of Leon's campaign.

The Hookshot Gun is also involved in some of Ada's finishing moves, she will quite literally use it to launch herself at enemies and deliver a devastating blow. If you invest in certain charms, she can also utilise it against those pesky shield-wearing Ganados, ripping the protection from them and leaving them open for some super spy kicks.

Ada rides a line of cool efficiency and barely concealed mirth as she regards Leon as a puppy of sorts, useful for keeping enemies off her back as she gets to work.

As protagonists go, she's more of an anti-hero and you're constantly guessing whose side she's on, something that helps separate her from Leon's do-goodery and makes her even more iconic.

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Familiar spaces

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As Ada, you'll visit every major map and see the missing areas of the main game. This essentially fills in the gaps where playing as Leon, other characters dropped in and out of the story.

Seeing the other side of phone calls and various points where Leon is unwittingly being watched is humorous at times, if slightly creepy for our unaware hero.

As with the main game, the only issue of pacing occurs naturally towards the end on the island map. Here all sleuthing goes out the window and it devolves into Ada either running or facing wave after waves of enemies, despite it going against her otherwise stealthy style.

Thankfully, for much of Separate Ways' runtime, you'll be gathering intel and tracking Leon's movements, often watching from the shadows.

Although you'll be revisiting areas from the main game, the DLC plays on your expectations and memory, changing certain environmental designs due to (we presume) Leon bumbling his way through during earlier events of the main game.

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Familiar faces

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Familiar faces in the form of NPCs and bosses make an appearance and the combat is as fluid as ever. If you enjoyed the Resident Evil 4 Remake, it's essentially more of the same.

There are fewer puzzles in the DLC which may disappoint some, but there are plenty of side contracts to get stuck into for the Merchant if you feel like exploring.

The graphics, set pieces and ambience are as impeccable as we've come to expect from Resident Evil Remakes now. Often toeing the line between action and horror, the DLC leans more towards the latter, possibly due to Ada's efficiency and general badass nature.

Even though Leon retains the title of suplex champion, Ada can deliver a pretty impressive jump-kick to rival any S.T.A.R.S member.

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The Verdict

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The Resident Evil 4 Separate Ways DLC is a polished piece of fan service that delivers the promise of the original DLC, and more.

The cross-over between events is exceptionally satisfying as you get to peek behind the curtain beyond Leon's experiences with Las Plagas.

At just £7.99/$9.99 you get around five hours of additional gameplay and some enjoyable easter eggs to boot. It's more of the same, but we've got no complaints about that when the Resident Evil 4 Remake remains so good.

4.5/5

Reviewed on PS5. Review code provided by the publisher.