"Resident Evil 2 and 4 Remakes: A Daunting Development Journey"

Yasuhiro Anpo, the director behind the acclaimed remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4, shared insights into the decision-making process that led to the revival of the beloved 1998 classic. Anpo recounted the pivotal moment, stating, "We realized: people really want this to happen." This realization prompted producer Hirabayashi to decisively declare, "Alright, we'll do it," setting the stage for the project.

Initially, the team debated whether to begin with Resident Evil 4. However, they recognized that the game, released in 2005, was already nearly perfect and highly praised. Altering it posed significant risks. Consequently, the focus shifted to the earlier title, which desperately needed modernization. To align the remake closely with fan expectations, the developers delved into fan projects, gaining valuable insights into what the community desired.

Yet, the decision to remake these classics was met with skepticism not only within Capcom but also among the fanbase. Following the releases of the remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, and the announcement of the Resident Evil 4 remake, many fans argued that the latter, unlike its predecessors, did not require an update to the same extent.

Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, originally launched in the 1990s on the PlayStation, featured outdated elements such as fixed camera angles and cumbersome controls. In contrast, Resident Evil 4, released in 2005, revolutionized the survival horror genre. Despite initial reservations, the remake of Resident Evil 4 successfully retained the essence of the original while enhancing the gameplay and narrative.

The commercial triumphs and glowing reviews of these remakes validated Capcom's strategy. They demonstrated that even a game considered nearly untouchable could be reimagined with reverence for the original and a fresh, creative approach.