Since Capcom released their first of what would become a new franchise of Resident Evil with the Resident Evil 2 Remake in 2019. Capcom has been on a roll in releasing remake after remake to revitalize the franchise. Whilst Resident Evil 7 brought back the survival horror we all adored, it was the decision to remake the classics that sparked many Developers to follow their footsteps. Unlike Resident Evil 2 and 3, the fourth installment brings forth a lot of gameplay changes, from controls to character behavior. With latest information sharing that Resident Evil Ashley would be very different in the Remake, fans are mixed on these changes. The focus shifts towards a more realistic interpretation of the RE4 events.
The Changes to Ashley in the RE4 Remake
Resident Evil Ashley: Behavior Changes
As she is the President’s daughter, Ashley’s behavior in the original game was to be expected. She was a liability, one that required saving. A true damsel in distress like the game intended for her to be. To “modernise her” by making her more independent, brave and serious. This change may be great for a game where Ashley was the main character, but for the side character who you must protect, these serious changes make little sense. It was believable to protect a woman who was a little annoying and not particularly brave. She is after all only 20 years old and I doubt has seen many hostile situations like the one she is currently in. Not only this but fans wonder if Leon Kennedy would even be sent out if Ashley was such as serious and brave character.
Related: How to Play the Resident Evil Games in Order.
Fans appear to be on either side of the argument that this change in Ashley’s personality is a positive one. From my standpoint, Capcom has never been one to fully flesh out their characters, however this is changing with the latest Resident Evil games. It is not a surprise that Ashley would get a personality overhaul, with some fans stating she did not have one previously. Perhaps more depth should have been added to the scared and bratty Ashley in the original, with character development as time went on. Rather than completely changing her into a serious and independent 20 year old with no field experience. This could have been explored in the remake but instead the change to completely transform Ashley was made.
The Change in Gameplay
Changing Ashley’s character drastically means that she is a completely different person to the original. No longer will she hide when you ask her to. Instead she will follow you everywhere you go, no matter the circumstance. For many, this change could be quite positive as it makes for a more challenging experience instead of just revisiting the same gameplay in Resident Evil 4. However, whilst realism can be appreciated within games related to graphics and dialogue, it is not particularly necessary in a franchise known for zombie games. Take a look at Resident Evil 8: Village for example, where Chris (a normal human being) managed to fight off a gigantic aquatic Moreau. Realism.
Capcom moves over to the realm of realism. However, removing the choice to hide Ashley whilst you fight off hoards of enemies was realistic. Yes, at times it removed the idea that you were protecting her in a moment of actual distress. Where you would not literally be pulling Ganado off Ashley. But choosing to hide her when Ganado appeared made sense to the overall theme of protecting Ashley. If we really want to question the realism in Resident Evil 4, how are there no ladders in her tights? Did she just not fight to stop herself from getting infected with Las Plaga?
These changes could work if the AI is well done. Otherwise we could see a lot of players getting frustrated when Ashley starts dying throughout the game. The choice to remove her health bar also means that instead of playing a perfectly balanced game of action and horror, you will be too busy watching Ashley getting hit. Tallying up how many shots she has taken during a fight. Instead, Ashley will get knocked down similar to Resident Evil 5’s co-op. Where you will need to revive her from the ground. There are fans that appreciate this shift from telling Ashley to stay put. As it makes it a true escort mission. This change seems to be split down the middle for the loyal fanbase who played the original.
Resident Evil Ashley: Appearance Changes
Now, Ashley has had a drastic appearance change. It is one that would be welcomed if it was not for the obvious attempt to not sexualise the character. However, the problem arises with the fact that this remake is being made by the exact same Developers. Therefore, these changes do not imply that it comes from a place of genuine change. But rather a place to appease the audience that may find it offensive for Ashley to wear a short shirt.
However, if you are the type of player like me who does not care what the character is wearing and more about the obvious and chosen camera angles to sexualise a body then this change was not necessary. Ashley’s appearance, much like the other Resident Evil characters was iconic. Similar to drastically changing the likes of James Sunderland’s outfit in Silent Hill 2. Cis male characters often get faithful remodels whilst the woman must be transformed to not offend.
The Sexualisation of Women in Video Games
However, this change makes little to no sense when Resident Evil 8: Village introduced the masses to a new tall and what many called attractive character. The Lady Dimitrescu. Whose voice actor won an award due to the absolute popularity of this character. But Lady Dimitrescu was sexualised the minute the audience laid eyes on her. With her sultry, deep voice, long nails and general attractive looks, you can see what Capcom were attempting to do the second the model was crafted. So why change Ashley?
The fact that these changes were implemented for a “modern audience”. Where a lot seems to offend now when only 10 years ago these were deemed appropriate. Such as the clothes a woman is wearing. Or her behavior and attitude being less desired than a strong, independent woman. Games such as Timesplitters, Saints Row and Destroy All Humans cannot be faithfully remade now. Due to its content being deemed inappropriate and offensive. Although Saints Row and Destroy All Humans returned, they lost what gained them an audience in the first place. That was the strength to take risks. Instead what we are left with is carbon copies of games with checklists for diversity and reimagining characters behavior. Based on what the audience would “want” from a woman in this modern age.
Is the Remake Necessary?
For a lot of fans, myself included, the remake does not seem to be essential. Similar to the latest Dead Space Remake, released January 23rd, 2023. Whilst the game had some changes, the overall game looked and felt incredibly similar to the original. This is due to the fact that the game still looks fantastic 15 years later. This is the case with the Resident Evil 4 Remake, where the only necessary adjust is the aiming mechanic. It is welcoming for changes to be made in a remake. It is also a good sign that Capcom is keeping a faithful remake. Whilst also adding new changes to improve the overall gameplay and experience.
However, when looking at The Last of Us Remake, the focus on the changes was on lighting and overall graphics. With the original coming out in 2013, being one of the most attractive games to come out at the time. The Last of Us did not really require a remake. It had already been remastered and for those like myself who still own the original and a PS3 or purchased the remaster, a remake felt like a cash grab. This can be said for the Resident Evil 4 Remake, which is deemed the best in the franchise. It is to no ones surprise that this would eventually get a remake. All signs pointed towards Capcom remaking one of the best survival horror games ever made.
Conclusion
Whilst some fans may view this as positive changes. A lot are not happy with the decision to move away from original character of Resident Evil Ashley. Completely transforming her into a different person. The choice to make these changes based on not offending the audience is one that Developers and Directors need to stop doing. It is down to the player what they do and do not find offensive and attractive. But it seems no matter what changes are made, people will never be completely happy.
Unfortunately in regard to the changes to make Ashley more believable. In that she is not wearing anything that could sexualise her or offend feminists. Ashley will inevitably, just like every other cis women in a Video Game, be sexualised. This I know is a fact.
What do you think about these changes for Ashley’s character? Do you think that they will negatively affect the overall experience of the game? Let us know via Gamer Journalist at our Facebook page. We are curious to hear about your opinions. Looking for more information on the Resident Evil 4 Remake? We have What Platforms Is Resident Evil 4 Remake Coming To? and When Does Resident Evil 4 Remake Come Out? available to read.
