Game of the Year: #3 - Resident Evil 4

Something would need to go seriously wrong during development for Capcom to mess up its remake of one of the best games of all time, but that shouldn't take away from what Resident Evil 4 is in 2023: an outstanding achievement that's still the pinnacle of horror meets action. Faithfully bringing back the original campaign for the modern era, this PS5, PS4 remake goes above and beyond with new content, better combat, and elite graphics. It is a remaking masterclass from the Japanese heavyweight that ensures Resident Evil 4 remains one of the greatest games ever made — and still one that can compete for accolades such as Game of the Year.

Since the Nintendo Gamecube original shipped with an over-the-shoulder camera — it was one of the games to define the perspective — Resident Evil 4 on PS5, PS4 may not seem like quite as much of an overhaul compared to Capcom's efforts with Resident Evil 2. However, the firm has gone to meticulous lengths to ensure what everyone loved about the base game remains while ensuring it plays better, looks better, and has more to offer.

New plot details expand the scope of the story while characters once deemed surplus to requirements have been fully fleshed out. Then, new combat mechanics like a supremely satisfying knife parry make taking down Ganados even more enjoyable and side quests provide reason to spend more time in the iconic Village, Castle, and Island locations. This isn't just a shot-for-shot remake; it's Resident Evil 4 plus so much more.

And now the Ada Wong-focused side campaign Separate Ways has been updated and offered as DLC alongside PSVR2 support for the base game, the package is more than complete. Essentially rendering all previous versions irrelevant (besides maybe the unique Nintendo Wii edition), Capcom solidifies Resident Evil 4's status as one of the greatest games of all time once more. An outstanding experience of horror meets action that sees Capcom raise the standards for remakes in the modern age all over again.

Push Square's Game of the Year list is primarily decided by an internal staff vote. Our community Game of the Year poll is also taken into account. Feel free to agree or disagree with our list in the comments section below.

You can check out all of our Game of the Year coverage by clicking the link.

Do you agree with Resident Evil 4 being our #3 Game of the Year? (598 votes)

  1. It should be higher on the list%
  2. Yeah, it's about right%
  3. It should be lower on the list%
  4. It shouldn't even be on the list%
  5. I don't know / I haven't played it%