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 starting with Resident Evil 4. However, discussions revealed the game's already high acclaim—it was considered nearly perfect, making significant alterations a risky proposition. This led to the decision to focus on the older Resident Evil 2, which required more substantial modernization. To better understand player desires, the development team even studied fan-made projects.

However, doubts weren't limited to Capcom. Even after the release of two remakes and the announcement of a third, fans expressed concern, arguing that Resident Evil 4, unlike its predecessors, didn't necessitate a remake.

While the 1990s PlayStation originals, Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, featured outdated fixed camera angles and clunky controls, Resident Evil 4's 2005 release revolutionized the survival horror genre.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 Resident Evil 4 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, modern approach.