The remakes of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4 were daunting to develop

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 to restore the 1998 classic to its former glory. As Anpo stated, "We realized: people really want this to happen," prompting producer Hirabayashi's simple, decisive response: "Alright, we'll do it."

Initially, the team considered tackling Resident Evil 4 first. However, discussions revealed the game's already high acclaim and near-perfect status. Altering such a beloved title presented significant risk. Therefore, they prioritized the older installment, recognizing its greater need for modernization. This decision also involved studying fan projects to better understand player desires.

Yet, doubt wasn't confined to Capcom. Even after two remakes and the announcement of a third, fans voiced concerns, arguing that Resident Evil 4, unlike its predecessors, didn't require an update.

While the 1990s PlayStation originals, Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, featured outdated fixed camera angles and clunky controls, Resident Evil 4's 2005 release revolutionized the survival horror genre. Despite initial reservations, the remake successfully preserved the original's spirit while significantly enhancing gameplay and narrative.

The remake's commercial triumph and critical acclaim validated Capcom's decision, proving that even seemingly untouchable classics can be respectfully reimagined with a creative approach.