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. As Anpo stated, "We realized: people really want this to happen," prompting producer Hirabayashi's simple, "Alright, we'll do it."

Initially, the team considered starting with Resident Evil 4. However, discussions led them to believe the game's already high acclaim made significant alterations too risky. The decision shifted to Resident Evil 2, a title ripe for modernization. To better understand player desires, the development team even studied fan-made projects.

These doubts weren't confined to Capcom. Even after the release of two remakes and the announcement of a third, fans voiced concerns, arguing that Resident Evil 4, unlike its predecessors, didn't require 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While the 1990s PlayStation originals, Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, featured outdated fixed camera angles and clunky controls, Resident Evil 4's 2005 release revolutionized the survival horror genre.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 essence while enhancing gameplay and narrative.

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