21 Years Later, is the Resident Evil Game With 96 on Metacritic Still the Best Game in the Series?

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As a huge fan, I think it’s safe to say Resident Evil is probably the most popular horror series ever made in gaming, and it definitely has a ton of amazing titles. Okay, it’s had a few misses – I’m looking at you, Umbrella Corps and Operation Raccoon City – but seriously, seven games have scored over 90 on Metacritic! The RE2 remake, the original Resident Evil and its remake, and the original RE3 all hit 91. The new Resident Evil 4 remake is incredible too, scoring a 93, right behind Code: Veronica at 92, which is the remake everyone’s begging for next. But the king? The original Resident Evil 4 from 2005, with a whopping 96! And honestly, it’s totally easy to see why everyone loves it so much.

Man, the original Resident Evil 4 was just a masterpiece. When it came out, the over-the-shoulder camera angle totally changed the game, and honestly, a ton of other games copied it. What really stuck with me was how it balanced the action and the horror so well – that’s something the Resident Evil series doesn’t always get right. Usually, those games start out terrifying, but then turn into pure action fests. RE4 kept that creepy feeling going throughout the whole game, which was amazing. Plus, everything just felt good – the quick-time events, how enemies reacted, and the graphics were seriously impressive for the time. And Leon? He was at his absolute best, a really cool and relatable character.

Although Resident Evil 4 deserves its high score considering its influence and how innovative it was at the time, some argue it’s no longer the strongest title in the Resident Evil series.

The original Resident Evil 2 received a score of 89 on Metacritic. RE7 and Village have scores of 86 and 84, respectively.

How Resident Evil 4 Has Topped Itself With Its 2023 Remake

The 2023 remake of Resident Evil 4 is arguably superior to the original, and while it’s technically a remake, the improvements are substantial. Beyond dramatically enhanced graphics, the remake features better performances, a refined combat system with a parry mechanic, and the convenience of auto-saves. The beloved merchant is even more engaging, now with a rewarding shooting gallery, and the frustrating water section has been significantly improved. New side quests and numerous other changes make this remake feel like a completely fresh and more immersive experience. The RE4 remake offers a wealth of enhancements overall.

  • Crouching improves Leon’s stealth capabilities.
  • Conversations with Agent Hunnigan don’t pull players out of gameplay.
  • Customizable attache cases.
  • New enemies to battle.
  • More collectibles to find.
  • Characters like Luis are more fleshed out.

The remake of Resident Evil 4 arguably surpasses the original, largely by fixing two major complaints players had with the beloved 2005 game. First, it features updated controls for modern third-person shooters. While the original RE4 was groundbreaking for its camera, it still used clunky “tank controls” that made movement awkward. The remake eliminates this, making shooting and moving feel much smoother. The second major improvement is a complete rework of Ashley Graham. The remake removes the problematic and sexist dialogue from the original and gives her a more relatable personality. She now follows instructions better and even assists in a combat sequence. Players can even briefly play as her during a frightening scene, further enhancing RE4’s skillful combination of action and horror.

For Pure Horror, Resident Evil 7 and RE2 Remake Take the Cake

Okay, so the Resident Evil 4 remake is amazing – honestly, it feels like the best Resident Evil game if you want a good mix of action and scares. But if you’re really just after pure horror, I think Resident Evil 7 might be even better. It was a big change going to first-person, and playing as Ethan Winters, who’s basically just a normal guy thrown into a nightmare, was brilliant. It made the game genuinely terrifying in a way Resident Evil hadn’t been for ages, especially after RE6 went so over-the-top with action. Having a scared protagonist, instead of someone like Chris Redfield who’s always ready for a fight, made me feel way more immersed. And the Baker family? Seriously creepy! They’re a huge step up from villains like Wesker, who were kinda cheesy. If you miss the classic Resident Evil scares – the jump scares, the spooky atmosphere – RE7 is probably the one you’ll remember as the best.

While Resident Evil Village, the sequel to RE7, features a genuinely frightening segment in House Beneviento, the game leans more heavily into action and doesn’t deliver scares consistently.

If you’re looking for a truly scary experience, the remake of Resident Evil 2 is a great choice. The relentless pursuit of Mr. X as you explore the police station creates constant tension and can throw you off your game, forcing tough decisions about when to use your limited ammo to stun him. It feels like a classic Resident Evil game, with its fixed camera angles and the return of popular characters Claire Redfield and Leon Kennedy – and playing as both of them gives you a reason to play through it again. Like the Resident Evil 4 remake, it features updated controls, graphics, and gameplay, making it a much more polished experience than the original RE4.

Look, Resident Evil 4 is a legend, and it totally changed the game when it came out – that high Metascore is deserved considering what else was around back then. But honestly, I think some of the newer Resident Evil games have actually gotten better. I’m really curious to see how the upcoming Resident Evil Requiem holds up, but it sounds like they’re aiming for that same mix of scary and action that made RE4 so awesome. Even though it might not be the best Resident Evil game anymore, RE4 is still the most critically loved, so it makes sense Capcom is using it as a model for Requiem.

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2026-02-09 19:06