8Bit/Digi

Replaying the Iconic Nightmare

With the highly anticipated release of the Resident Evil 4 remake a few weeks away, the Chainsaw Demo presents a taste of what is to come. The demo provides a chance to experience a memorable moment from the original game, reimagined with modern visuals and enhanced gameplay mechanics.

This is a look at my experience of playing Resident Evil 4 Chainsaw Demo for the PC. The demo is also now available for the PlayStation and Xbox. Please note that this is not a review as there are elements that will only be available in the full game. This preview is based on me playing the demo for an hour.

Return of Las Plagas

Even though the story is a classic, here is a quick recap for those who never played the original.

Players will once again take on the role of Leon S. Kennedy, who has now become an agent of the United States goverment. He has been tasked with rescuing the President’s daughter after she is kidnapped by a mysterious cult. He is deployed to a village in Spain where the cult is located. Upon his arrival, it’s discovered that everyone has been infected with a parasite called Las Plagas. The cult has also infected Ashley with the same parasite and wishes to use her to infect the President. 

Playthrough of the Demo

Chainsaw Demo serves as an introduction to the Resident Evil 4 remake, showcasing its reimagining of the game’s iconic opening sequence. Leon has at the village with a police escort in search of Ashley Graham, the President’s daughter. However, the group is soon ambushed by villagers infected by the Las Plagas parasite, resulting in the death of Leon’s escorts. To survive, players must scavenge for resources, fight the Ganado’s and uncover clues about Ashley’s whereabouts.

The gameplay mechanics build upon the already successful formula of the Resident Evil 2 and 3 remakes, with improvements that enhance the overall experience. Limited resources such as ammo, health, and inventory space remain crucial factors. Meanwhile, the updated Ganado’s introduce new challenges for players to overcome. The ability to mix gunpowder to create additional ammunition also makes a return. Combat has become more fluid, granting players the flexibility to adapt to the situation with their own tactics. The game’s M rating is utilized to its fullest potential, providing players with unforgettable moments of terror throughout their playthrough.

A lot about the game has changed and some of it was for the better. At the same time, it has not forsaken the original. There is plenty of nostalgia in this demo alone that fans will appreciate. 

Final Thoughts

Resident Evil 4 Chainsaw Demo gives gamers a good idea of what to expect from one of the most highly anticipated games of 2023. It has done a solid job of giving fans a taste of what they can expect when the game launches later this month. From its atmosphere to gameplay mechanics, it does so much right.  

Disclaimer: I downloaded the demo via Steam. 

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides an insight into the video game community and industry of the San Francisco Bay Area.