Resident Evil 4 is an undeniable classic. For years players pointed to it being the gold standard for escort missions, along with offering a good balance of action and survival. Even if later entries didn’t hit the same highs, it was one experience players eagerly awaited for and got in Resident Evil 4‘s recent remake. Now that some time has passed, Capcom wanted to revisit the experience with Separate Ways, an expansion that follows Ada Wong’s adventure during this time. Can Resident Evil 4 Separate Ways build off the success of the original, or is it nowhere near as good?
For those unfamiliar with Resident Evil 4 Separate Ways, it’s a story that runs parallel to the events of Resident Evil 4. Here Wong is tasked with obtaining “The Amber” for Albert Wesker who plans to use it to advance his goals. Throughout the adventure it keeps the same general tone as the original experience, with a few instances where events are reframed. It’s interesting for a lot of reasons beyond giving players another chance to enjoy Wesker or be reminded of events that have yet to happen in the remake run.
Part of what makes Resident Evil 4 Separate Ways so enjoyable are the differences between Wong and Leon Kennedy. At various points she can grapple, opening new paths or just unique ways to transverse around the world. This is most satisfying in combat, as it makes enemies easier to deal with. Simply hook onto an enemy, whooshing over, and delivering a powerful melee attack. It also helps conserve ammo as you’re not limited by range or resources to deliver these blows.
Not only does progression feel different, there are just enough resources to achieve the delicate balance players love. At no point will ammo or health be an issue, though that only holds true if you’re maximizing each engagement. Avoiding resources will result in things being harder, just like playing poorly drains your finite supply. It’s a good reminder why the original was loved, something I am delighted to see continued in this expansion’s remake.
Who Doesn’t Enjoy Seeing More Wesker?
Another welcome aspect is length. Given it takes a couple hours to beat Resident Evil 4 Separate Ways, with this time increasing based off how many optional things you try to complete. Play time can be furthered by exploring various difficulties, which build off the aforementioned elements. Those looking for an easier time have it, plus various levels that punish essentially any mistake.
There are also a lot of ways to finish engagements a wide variety of ways. Some include a lot of bloodshed, whereas others are methodically approaching each situation. This makes additional attempts interesting, as you might try stealth for one, guns a blaze the next, or just go crazy at certain points. There isn’t a set answer, provided you try to be as creative as possible.
Resident Evil 4 Separate Ways Review Verdict
Resident Evil 4 Separate Ways: There is only so much that can be said about Resident Evil 4 Separate Ways. It's a lovely expansion that builds on an amazing foundation. Fans of Resident Evil 4 will love it, regardless of whether they played the original or not, with those who hated the base game will likely feeling the same here. Given Ada Wong has her own unique play style, a sizable amount of content to explore, plus plenty of reasons to replay the expansion there really is no reason not to check it out. – Mark
Editor’s Note: Resident Evil 4 Separate Ways was reviewed on PlayStation 5, and a copy was provided to us for review purposes.
