Yasuhiro Anpo, director of the Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4 remakes, revealed that the decision to revisit Resident Evil 2 stemmed from overwhelming fan demand. As Anpo stated, "We realized: people really want this to happen," prompting producer Hirabayashi's simple response: "Alright, we'll do it."
Initially, Resident Evil 4 was considered the starting point. However, discussions revealed its already high acclaim and near-perfect status. Altering such a beloved game presented significant risk. The team shifted focus to the older Resident Evil 2, recognizing its greater need for modernization. This process included studying fan projects to gauge player desires.
Capcom's internal doubts weren't the only ones. Even after two remakes and the announcement of a third, fans voiced concerns, questioning the necessity of an Resident Evil 4 update.
While the 1990s PlayStation originals, Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, suffered from outdated fixed camera angles and clunky controls, Resident Evil 4's 2005 release revolutionized the survival horror genre. Despite initial skepticism, the remake successfully preserved the original's essence while enhancing gameplay and narrative.
The remake's commercial triumph and critical acclaim validated Capcom's decision, demonstrating that even seemingly untouchable classics can be respectfully reimagined with a creative approach.
