Yasuhiro Anpo, the director behind the acclaimed remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4, disclosed that the decision to revamp the second installment stemmed from the overwhelming demand from fans eager to see the 1998 classic restored to its former glory. Anpo remarked, "We realized: people really want this to happen," which prompted producer Hirabayashi to decisively declare, "Alright, we'll do it."
Initially, the development team considered tackling Resident Evil 4 first. However, after careful deliberation, they recognized that the game, which had garnered widespread acclaim, was nearly perfect in its original form. Making significant changes posed too great a risk. Consequently, the focus shifted to the older title, which was in dire need of a modern overhaul. The team also delved into fan projects to gain insights into what the community desired.
Despite Capcom's internal considerations, the fanbase expressed mixed feelings even after the release of the remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, and the announcement of the Resident Evil 4 remake. Many fans felt that Resident Evil 4, unlike its predecessors, did not require as much updating.
While Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, launched in the 1990s on the original PlayStation, featured outdated elements such as fixed camera angles and cumbersome controls, Resident Evil 4 had revolutionized the genre upon its 2005 debut. Despite initial skepticism, the remake successfully captured the essence of the original while significantly enhancing gameplay and narrative elements.
The commercial triumph and favorable reviews underscored that Capcom had made the right choice. It demonstrated that even a game considered almost sacrosanct could be reimagined with reverence for its origins and a fresh, creative touch.
