With the release of Resident Evil 4 Remake fast approaching, set for the release date of March 24th, 2023, more information is coming out from the Developers, Capcom themselves. Hirofumi Nakaoka, Resident Evil 4 Remake’s Art Director, gives fans interesting new details on how Capcom designs the enemies for Resident Evil. From the switch typically seen in the franchise of fighting off Zombies to the hostile humans infected with the parasite, Las Plagas. These are the changes from the original to the remake of Resident Evil 4 in regard to the appearances of the enemies within the Villages of Valdelobos, Spain.
Designing the Chainsaw Villager
Hirofumi Nakaoka describes the developmental process of redesigning the enemies. From the Ganados to the Cultists. Nakaoka explains the standout enemy within Resident Evil 4 is the Chainsaw Villager. When redesigning this Mini Boss, the development is explained to put emphasis on the unnatural and animalistic tendencies these humans have due to their altered state of being infected by Las Plagas. For that reason, their characteristics move away from human and into something similar to a Rabid animal. Their use of an enemy with his face covered both hides their identity and terrifies the player as there is no humanity to like to his humanoid figure.
Whilst the Chainsaw Village has seen small details in its redesign, where his eyes can be seen through the holes in the bag over his head. Nakaoka explains how a lot of discussion had been on the redesigning of this specific character. From making the appearance more masculine with a stronger, bigger build. However through placing the cowl on the enemy’s head, it removes what makes this enemy so scary: the normalcy behind the character. If the enemy had an incredibly muscular physique, similar to that of Pyramid Head, we can detach ourselves from them. Viewing them more like an animal or alien than that of a violent human.
The Horrors of Normalcy
By making the Chainsaw Villager a common, everyday man, highlights the genuine fear of other human beings. This fear is far more realistic than if you were face-to-face with an incredibly tall or overtly muscular humanoid figure with a covered face and a revved up chainsaw in hand. Naoka explains that the fear is when a human behaves differently to what we would typically see. By covering their face and run at their opponents without a care highlights a fear that is not often addressed within AAA games. Capcom for instance started Resident Evil from the Survival Horror Game inside a Zombie setting. The T-Virus mutated humans and animals into a powerful hybrid.
“When there’s someone who looks like they should have intellect, but they’re wearing a cowl and holding a chainsaw…That’s scary.”
Hirofumi Nakaoka
Capcom Producer, Yoshiaki Hirabayashi and Director, Yasuhiro Ampo reveal that there is in fact multiple Chainsaw Villagers found throughout the game that Leon will come to face as he rescues Ashley. They also highlight that other enemies have seen a revamp within their appearance but not much detail is provided. They do however highlight that some enemies may give you nightmares, so prepare yourself for what horror awaits inside the Remake.
A Shift from Zombies to Deranged Humans
The move from Zombies can be noted in Resident Evil 4 and the Remake focussed on preserving that change by adding details to highlight how terrifying humans can be. The Chainsaw Villager is a prime example of the subtle changes made by Capcom to scare its audience. From the blood covered cowl, sleeves and chainsaw indicating that he has been on a killing spree prior to meeting Leon, to the rolled-up sleeves and suspenders, signifying that he is a somewhat neat man and takes care in his work. It is small details that show how this is a normal man underneath the cowl, but is animalistic in his actions when waving the chainsaw around.
What do you think about the changes made when redesigning the enemies of Resident Evil 4 Remake. Do you think normalcy is the new horror? Indie Games seem to be pointing towards that. Let us know your Let us know your opinion via Gamer Journalist’s Facebook page. Looking for more information on the Resident Evil 4 Remake? We have Fans are Not Happy About the Changes for Ashley in Resident Evil 4 Remake – Is Realism Necessary in a Horror Game? or Will The Brute Chase Leon like Mr. X in Resident Evil 4 Remake? for more RE4 news.
