The long-requested Resident Evil 2 remake from 2019 is considered a worthy update of a classic survival horror game and one of the best in decades. 2023 saw a remake of Resident Evil 4. Because of how modern the original Resident Evil 4 feels, this one had to work harder to justify itself. While they're both successful remakes, which is the better game?

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Despite being a part of the same series, both are vastly different games. It just wouldn't be fun if we let both games reign together as kings in peace, so here's where each game succeeds over the other until a champion is named.

9 More Changes From The Original - Resident Evil 2

The 2019 game takes the original title's story and setting but uses the updated gameplay established in Resident Evil 4 and refined in the fifth and sixth games. This lets fans see the Raccoon City Police Department from a whole new perspective.

Additionally, it helps both the original and the remake stand on their own. Resident Evil 4's gameplay remains similar, with more subtle tweaks. Though the environments are changed, it does not feel like as much of a leap as the 2019 Resident Evil 2 remake.

8 The Remake Is Longer - Resident Evil 4

Both games offer plenty of reasons to revisit them and go through the story multiple times. If you're the type of person who only goes through a game once, though, then Resident Evil 4 will give you more bang for your buck.

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Even going through Resident Evil 2 with both protagonists, the 2023 game will still end up being longer. Resident Evil 4 feels like a bigger adventure, too. Each environment is vastly different, and you spend a large chunk of time in each.

7 Re2 Is Scarier - Resident Evil 2

If you are well acquainted with zombies and the original PS1 Resident Evil 2, the remake will still be terrifying with its visual upgrade and new perspective. Resident Evil 4's remake simply is not as scary by design.

It builds up tension by throwing tons of enemies at you but you generally just feel more powerful. The enemy designs are not as intimidating, either. That's not to say Resident Evil 4 is not scary at all, though.

6 Better Weapon Variety - Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 2 has a relatively small arsenal for you to use, and all the weapons are found in the environment. Resident Evil 4 has significantly more weapons and some unconventional ones like the Dart Thrower.

Each weapon class has several different guns that offer different qualities, letting you decide which one you like better for the journey. This also encourages you to experiment with loadouts.

5 Better Writing - Resident Evil 2

The remake of the second game has a vastly different tone. The 1998 PS1 original has endearingly bad voice acting and cheesy dialogue. The remake has a significantly darker tone, and the acting feels professional and compelling.

In this respect, Resident Evil 4 changes very little from its original. It still has the B-movie tone of the 2005 game and even reuses a lot of the same classic lines. It's definitely better, but not as much of an upgrade as the Resident Evil 2 remake.

4 Leon Is A More Complex Character - Resident Evil 4

One interesting way the Resident Evil 4 remake is better than Resident Evil 2 in terms of writing is the subtle change to Leon's character. The 2023 remake implies that Leon is still haunted by the events that occurred in Raccoon City.

It goes a long way toward reasoning why he is the way he is in Resident Evil 4. His wisecracking and bad oneliners can be seen as a shield to separate himself from the horror he went through and what he is going through in Resident Evil 4.

3 Better Puzzles - Resident Evil 2

Resident Evil 4 is a linear game, and puzzles are generally simple. Resident Evil 2 and its remake have elements of adventure games in their level design and puzzles.

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The environment feels like a jigsaw puzzle you slowly put together as you collect keys and unlock more rooms. It rarely grows frustrating, but it forces you to familiarize yourself with the environment as you loop through the police department. It's more satisfying than just killing enemies and going forward, like in Resident Evil 4.

2 Better In-Game Economy - Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4 takes a page out of Dino Crisis 2's playbook and adds currency you use to buy weapons, items, and upgrades. This also gives you more freedom in deciding what you want to buy.

The merchant is a classic character we all love for his enigmatic personality. Finding and selling treasure in a small village might not make much sense, but it makes for a better video game overall.

1 Verdict: Resident Evil 2 Is Better

The 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2 takes the cake for a couple of major reasons. It's different enough from the original to truly feel like a different game.

Additionally, it's a terrifying experience that takes itself seriously and treats the raccoon city incident like a major motion picture. Resident Evil 4 is great but too similar to its original source. Both games are fantastic, but if only one could exist, we'd have to go with Resident Evil 2 from 2019.

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