Fans from the original Resident Evil 4 will be happy to know Capcom is overhauling the game’s frustrating Ashley Graham escort missions in its upcoming remake. Based on a preview from Game Informer, the remake will update the insta-kill health metre for Ashley, so that players have a chance to revive her before missions are failed.
Changes to the game’s weapons system also make this process much easier, reducing the risk of losing to overbearing enemy mechanics. While you will still need to escort Ashley as in the original story, when she takes too much damage from roaming enemies in the area, she’ll be ‘downed’ rather than killed. This will allow players to pop in, pay off the area, revive her, and continue on their path.
In addition, you’ll now be in a position to attack and kill any monsters holding Ashley, preventing them from sapping her health. Based on Capcom, this makes her ‘feel more like a natural companion and less just like a second health bar to babysit.’
As revealed in a late 2023 game preview, changes are also coming to the game’s weapons. Leon’s knife, for instance, will require damage when used, and finally break – meaning you’ll need to scrounge for brand new weapons while you roam, and make sure you’re always stocked up. Otherwise, both Leon and Ashley’s life will be in a substantial, horrific quantity of danger.
This is a core theme of recent side quests for that remake, that will bulk the game’s storytelling, and give players a chance to explore the expanded world of Resident Evil 4 for useful equipment.
Other changes reported by Game Informer include the removal of most Quick Time Events (QTEs) from the game – a substantial change which should result in the action more accessible and fair for everyone. Previously, QTEs could lead to an instant fail state, only really served to annoy players and overly complicate the experience.
When Resident Evil 4 Remake arrives on 24 March 2023, it’s likely to be a much more streamlined, modern experience that everybody can enjoy.
