"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, shed light on the decision-making process that led to the revival of these beloved titles. Anpo disclosed that the impetus to modernize Resident Evil 2 stemmed from the fervent desire expressed by fans to see the 1998 classic restored to its former glory. As Anpo recounted, "We realized: people really want this to happen." This realization prompted producer Hirabayashi to decisively declare, "Alright, we'll do it."

Initially, the team at Capcom considered embarking on a remake of Resident Evil 4. However, after thorough deliberations, they acknowledged that the game, released in 2005, was already highly acclaimed and nearly perfect in the eyes of many. The risk of altering such a revered title was deemed too great. Instead, they turned their attention to the earlier entry in the series, Resident Evil 2, which they felt required significant modernization. To ensure they captured the essence of what fans craved, the developers delved into various fan projects for inspiration.

Despite Capcom's confidence in their approach, doubts persisted not only within the company but also among the fanbase. Even after the successful releases of the Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 remakes, and the subsequent announcement of a Resident Evil 4 remake, some fans voiced concerns. They argued that Resident Evil 4, unlike its predecessors, did not necessitate an update to the same extent.

While Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, both from the 1990s and originally released on PlayStation, featured elements like fixed camera angles and cumbersome controls that were clearly outdated, Resident Evil 4 had revolutionized the survival horror genre upon its debut in 2005. Despite these initial reservations, the Resident Evil 4 remake managed to maintain the original's spirit while significantly enhancing both gameplay and narrative.

The commercial triumph and glowing critical reviews of the Resident Evil 4 remake validated Capcom's decision. It demonstrated that even a game considered nearly untouchable could be successfully reimagined, honoring the original while infusing it with fresh creativity.