Capcom’s recentResident Eviltitles have many things in common. All the games take place in desolate, dreary locales with superb level designs. Their characters (particularly the protagonists) are out of their depth and have to contend with powerful forces they don’t fully comprehend. While the stories told don’t always make sense,the atmosphere created by recentResident Evilgamesare more than enough to keep players on their toes. The upcomingResident Evil 4remake will likely be more of the same.
One big factor that contributes toResident Evil’s horror tone is its myriad of enemies, including zombies, mutated humans, lycans, and bio-organic weapons. Coincidentally, everyResident Evilgame since7has at least one invincible enemy that chases players throughout select segments. Jack and Marguerite Baker chase players through the first and second houses, respectively, inResident Evil 7. Lady Dimitrescu and her daughters haunt the halls of Castle Dimitrescu inResident Evil: Village. The Tyrant stomps through the Raccoon City Police Department inResident Evil 2 Remake,and Nemesis similarly hunts Jill Valentine inResident Evil 3Remake. WithResident Evil 4looking like it takes cues from recent games,Capcom has plenty of enemiesthat could pursue Leon Kennedy.
RELATED:What The Resident Evil 4 Remake Needs To Learn From The Resident Evil 3 Remake
Chainsaw Ganados
There are many variations of the chainsaw ganados, but all of them possess an absurd amount of health, flinch resistance, and can kill players with one swing. The chainsaw ganados found in the starting village of the originalResident Evil 4are scripted mini-bosses who can’t move as fast as the player, but their iconic burlap sacks and the sounds of their chainsaws revving up are enough to send chills down players' spines.
It would be interesting to see the chainsaw ganados make a comeback as roaming enemies that chase Leon throughout thefirst act of theResident Evil 4remake. Not only would they create a sense of tension, they would also force players to pay attention to the layout of the village and where certain key items and ambush points are located.
Bitores Mendez
An imposing character thanks tohis tall stature, beard, and flowing trenchcoat, the village chief’s appearance doesn’t look far removed from Mr. X inResident Evil 2. His human form is resistant to firearms, while his mutated form is quick and deadly. Though Bitores Mendez was relegated to a boss fight and some quick-time events in the originalResident Evil 4, Capcom could give him more screen time by allowing his human form to chase players throughout the village. Seeing the towering Mendez push through waves of his citizens just to get at Leon would be a scary sight to behold.
Ramon Salazar’s Verdugo Bodyguards
Though Ramon Salazar’s human form is weak, and his transformed form is too big, the Verdugo bodyguards could serve as perfect foils to Leon and Ada as they make their way through the castellan’s abode. Created by a fusion of human and insect DNA (as well as thePlagas parasite), the Verdugos hide their true form underneath colored cloaks.
When called to action, these monstrosities shed their cover to reveal grotesque, slender bodies that allow them to attack from any angle.Leon fights only one of the Verdugosin the originalResident Evil 4(the other fuses with Salazar and the Queen Plaga for a boss fight), but it takes a lot of effort to avoid its attacks and wear the bodyguard down. Adding a roaming Verdugo to the castle segment of theResident Evil 4remake would make it even scarier to explore.
RELATED:Every Resident Evil Game Rumored Or Confirmed To Be In Development
Regeneradors
Created by implanting multiple Las Plagas parasites into a single human, regeneradors can only be defeated by destroying all their parasites. In the originalResident Evil 4,Leon has to use a special scopeon his sniper rifle to see the parasites - making the simple task of pointing and shooting the gun very stressful. Before acquiring the scope, the only way Leon can survive is by either stunning or running from them.
The regeneradors can be found on the island whereResident Evil 4’s final act takes place, and serve as the ultimate test of the player’s resource management and ability to stay calm in stressful situations. Since the regeneradors are so iconic, and their very nature requires players' to create space, Capcom will certainly have them return in theResident Evil 4remake.
Jack Krauser
While his addition to the originalResident Evil 4seems like an afterthought, players can’t forget Jack Krauser’s relentless pursuit of Leon in the final act. A soldier at heart, Krauser lobs flash grenades, uses his TMPsubmachine gun, and engages Leon in hand-to-hand combat. When he realizes he can’t defeat Leon using conventional methods, he starts deploying explosive robotic drones and unleashing his Plagas-infected left arm. Having such a versatile enemy roaming around the island would make things harder for players, but also make killing him that much more satisfying.
These are just a few of the many enemies that Capcom can turn into roamers for theResident Evil 4remake. Having an abundance of roaming enemies might diminish their appeal, but if done properlyCapcom could justify making theResident Evil 4remakea more action-oriented experience. Giving players more ammo, weapons, and health recovery items is fine as long as they have reason to use them.
Resident Evil 4remake releases on July 31, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
MORE:Resident Evil Village Gold Edition Coming Out Just in Time For Halloween
