"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 journey that led to these projects. He shared that the decision to revamp Resident Evil 2 was fueled by the fervent desire of fans to see the 1998 cult classic restored to its former glory. Anpo recounted, "We realized: people really want this to happen." This realization prompted producer Hirabayashi to decisively state, "Alright, we'll do it."

Initially, the team contemplated starting with Resident Evil 4. However, after thorough discussions, they recognized that the game, lauded for its near perfection since its 2005 release, posed a risk if altered. Consequently, they shifted their focus to the earlier title, Resident Evil 2, which they felt required a modern touch. To ensure the remake aligned with fan expectations, the developers delved into fan projects, gaining insights into what the community truly desired.

Despite the enthusiasm from Capcom, the fanbase expressed reservations, particularly about the necessity of remaking Resident Evil 4. While Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, launched in the '90s on the original PlayStation, suffered from outdated features such as fixed camera angles and cumbersome controls, Resident Evil 4 had already revolutionized the survival horror genre upon its release. Despite these concerns, the remake of Resident Evil 4 successfully retained the essence of the original while enhancing gameplay and narrative elements.

The overwhelming commercial success and glowing reviews of both remakes affirmed that Capcom had chosen wisely. These projects demonstrated that even a game revered as nearly flawless could be respectfully reimagined, blending reverence for the original with innovative creativity.