The highly anticipated game, Resident Evil 4 remake, was released on December 20, 2023, for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, introducing a new generation of gamers to this classic title. However, the question on everyone’s mind is whether the iPhone 15 Pro can handle this triple-A title. Let’s find out.
Can your pocket powerhouse truly handle Resident Evil 4 remake chills and thrills?
YouTuber @Digital Foundry has put the latest Resident Evil 4 Remake port to the test, and while it’s not quite a full-blown exorcism, it’s a definitely peek into the future of mobile gaming. Let’s delve into the details and find out!
Visuals
While your iPhone won’t morph into a next-gen console overnight, the A17 chip conjures some impressively spooky visuals. Textures are crisp, lighting paints an unsettling atmosphere, and environments, while simplified, still ooze that classic Resident Evil charm. Just don’t expect cutting-edge shadows or foliage as lush as a Ganado’s hair – sacrifices were made to keep this beast running smoothly.
Let’s Break It Down:
- Textures: Textures are surprisingly sharp, especially on character models and key objects like weapons and items. Close-ups of Leon’s weathered face or Ganado’s gruesome wounds reveal impressive detail, adding a layer of realism to the horror.
- Lighting: The game leverages lighting masterfully to create an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere. Shadows dance ominously in dimly lit corridors, while shafts of moonlight pierce through crumbling village walls, casting unsettling silhouettes.
- Environments: While environments are undeniably scaled-down compared to PC and console counterparts, they still retain the essence of the original’s iconic locations. The Spanish village, with its crooked houses and weathered cobblestone streets, feels hauntingly familiar, while the claustrophobic castle interiors deliver genuine chills.
Performance
Thankfully, the iPhone 15 Pro performs well, maintaining a steady 30 frames per second for most of the adventure. However, we have noticed some instances where the frame rate drops, especially during intense firefights and panoramic views. These drops can be frustrating but they occur infrequently, happening only once every 5 to 10 minutes.
Touch or controller?
Although the on-screen controls are functional, maneuvering through Leon’s world with your thumbs is comparable to searching for a flashlight in complete darkness. Precision aiming is out of the question.
However, if you pair your iPhone 15 Pro with a controller, it turns into a miniature console, making it much easier to play.
Verdict
Resident Evil 4 remake on the iPhone 15 Pro is a technical marvel, but it’s not a perfect ghost story. Compromises were made, visuals took a hit, and frame rate hiccups can disrupt the scares. However, with a controller in hand, this port delivers a surprisingly good AAA experience on the go.
It’s not a replacement for your console, but it’s a chilling glimpse into the future of mobile gaming, proving that your phone can handle some serious spooks, even if it gets a little spooked sometimes.
Read more:
