How do I put this into words?

Well, to start, the game is an absolute masterpiece, deserving of the praise. However, despite the positive review, I will say right up front: I do not, and will not ever, approve of the delayed addition of the Exclusive Tickets. The rest of the game, however, has been an absolute blast to play through.

I'll start off with the atmosphere. It's wonderfully crafted, and a far cry from the original, leaning more into horror aspects than goofy comedy - although I do miss the camp, and running from giant statues. Where the original felt more like an action game, the remake feels more like a horror game. Even with all the cool new abilities and the ability to parry a CHAINSAW, I cannot say enough good things about the atmosphere. Dark, scary, with traps and enemies laying around many corners, you can be sure you're going to feel tension and concern for what might be next.

The audio design is wonderful, taking a page from more recent titles and improving on it substantially. Each music track felt energetic and fitting, really helping to engage you in the heat of the moment. With the DLC addition of the original score, you also have the option for just a few dollars more. The weapons sound beefy and powerful too, with handguns feeling less like toys and more like a legitimate threat to your enemies, all the way up to Magnums sounding like the handcannons they are. The panting of both Leon and Ashley gets a bit grating though, even if you've only been running for a minute or so, and the grunting almost every single time your weapon can be annoying. And, while there has been some controversy, the voice actress for Ada feels a bit flat, even given her character. But I personally didn't really think anything of it on my first playthrough, so your mileage may vary.

And speaking of weapons, the variety we're used to is back, offering options for both crowd control and single-target, each weapon can become a viable tool of destruction. While I opted for the famous Red 9 in 2005, this time I gave the Blacktail a try, and I was certainly pleased with my choice, even if I did lean back into the semi-auto rifle like the good ol' days. At least I gave the TMP a try this time, and I was definitely as attached as the stock. I mentioned parrying chainsaws too. This time around, the knife has limited durability, but surprisingly it doesn't become a concern unless you're using it far too much. You can parry most attacks that come your way, both from regular enemies and bosses, and with some practice, you'll find comfort in knowing you can fight more aggressively. The old upgrade system returns, Exclusive upgrades and all, even if some changes have been made (Such as the base shotgun no longer having unlimited range, it has a more simple 2x damage modifier).

The faithfulness of this remake has been carefully considered, with some areas being removed and others being expanded on, and most of the boss fights we remember are here. And of course... The dog, the myth, the legend returns to help you. Just keep an ear out for your buddy. For newcomers to the game, you'll know what I mean. Some new features have also been included to make up for the cut content, including stealth kills and crouching, and trinkets to award small, passive buffs such as movement speed and bonus ammo crafted.

Overall, the game is wonderful, joyous, and very well done. And now that The Mercenaries mode has returned in most of it's glory - hopefully "all" later - now is the best time to grab this game and experience what really needed improving on. Even I was shocked, being in the "It doesn't need a remake" camp, and can safely say this is my new favourite REmake title since REmake 2.

How do I put this into words? Well, to start, the game is an absolute masterpiece, deserving of the praise. However, despite the positive review, I will say right up front: I do not, and will not ever, approve of the delayed addition of the Exclusive Tickets. The rest of the game, however, has been an absolute blast to play through. I'll start off with the atmosphere. It's wonderfully crafted, and a far cry from the original, leaning more into horror aspects than goofy comedy - although I do miss the camp, and running from giant statues. Where the original felt more like an action game, the remake feels more like a horror game. Even with all the cool new abilities and the ability to parry a CHAINSAW, I cannot say enough good things about the atmosphere. Dark, scary, with traps and enemies laying around many corners, you can be sure you're going to feel tension and concern for what might be next. The audio design is wonderful, taking a page from more recent titles and improving on it substantially. Each music track felt energetic and fitting, really helping to engage you in the heat of the moment. With the DLC addition of the original score, you also have the option for just a few dollars more. The weapons sound beefy and powerful too, with handguns feeling less like toys and more like a legitimate threat to your enemies, all the way up to Magnums sounding like the handcannons they are. The panting of both Leon and Ashley gets a bit grating though, even if you've only been running for a minute or so, and the grunting almost every single time your weapon can be annoying. And, while there has been some controversy, the voice actress for Ada feels a bit flat, even given her character. But I personally didn't really think anything of it on my first playthrough, so your mileage may vary. And speaking of weapons, the variety we're used to is back, offering options for both crowd control and single-target, each weapon can become a viable tool of destruction. While I opted for the famous Red 9 in 2005, this time I gave the Blacktail a try, and I was certainly pleased with my choice, even if I did lean back into the semi-auto rifle like the good ol' days. At least I gave the TMP a try this time, and I was definitely as attached as the stock. I mentioned parrying chainsaws too. This time around, the knife has limited durability, but surprisingly it doesn't become a concern unless you're using it far too much. You can parry most attacks that come your way, both from regular enemies and bosses, and with some practice, you'll find comfort in knowing you can fight more aggressively. The old upgrade system returns, Exclusive upgrades and all, even if some changes have been made (Such as the base shotgun no longer having unlimited range, it has a more simple 2x damage modifier). The faithfulness of this remake has been carefully considered, with some areas being removed and others being expanded on, and most of the boss fights we remember are here. And of course... The dog, the myth, the legend returns to help you. Just keep an ear out for your buddy. For newcomers to the game, you'll know what I mean. Some new features have also been included to make up for the cut content, including stealth kills and crouching, and trinkets to award small, passive buffs such as movement speed and bonus ammo crafted. Overall, the game is wonderful, joyous, and very well done. And now that The Mercenaries mode has returned in most of it's glory - hopefully "all" later - now is the best time to grab this game and experience what really needed improving on. Even I was shocked, being in the "It doesn't need a remake" camp, and can safely say this is my new favourite REmake title since REmake 2.