As a long-time Resident Evil fanatic that cut my teeth competing in speedrun leaderboards back in the early 2000s, I was eagerly anticipating the RE4 remake. The second I fired up the preview, the finely-tuned survival horror gameplay blended with the visual polish of the RE Engine had me hooked. Beyond just enjoying the cinematic story, I became determined to push myself to achieve the highest tiers of the ranking system.
The Remake‘s Ranking System Adds Replayability
Implementing ranked speedrun categories has been a tradition across recent Resident Evil titles like RE2 and RE3 remakes. With RE4, Capcom adds additional depth by tying in-game reward unlocks to ranks, incentivizing repeat playthroughs to show off rare outfits and weapons. The four grade scale also provides a granular benchmark, from the bronze ‘B Rank‘ to the prestigious ‘S+‘.
| Rank | Difficulty/Time Comparison | Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| S+ | Hardest/Fastest | Unique Costumes & Props |
| S | Very Hard/Fast | Shared with Lower |
| A | Medium/Reasonable | Extra Weapons |
| B | Default/Any Pace | Basic Extras |
I appreciated how clearly communicating rank criteria and associated prizes created an transparent roadmap. Given my goal of conquering the top ‘S+‘ grade, I systematically began working up the ladder.
My Experience Climbing Up the Ranks
Even as a seasoned RE vet, assuming I could breeze straight into nightmare modes led to some humbling game over screens. I needed to relearn combat flow against regenerating Ganados and reacquaint myself with pivotal enemy layouts.
B Rank Run: Finding Footing on Normal
My first playthrough on Normal mode was focused on getting re-accustomed mechanics and soaking in the nostalgic scenario design. I remained conscious to control saves and avoid wasting ammo for better results. Still, with plentiful healing drops from enemies, I began recognizing patterns with El Gigantes weakpoints. In 15 hours, completing Leon‘s journey felt rewarding, plus unlocked the B Rank‘s cosmetic pack.
Caption: Unmasked helmet and armor sets awarded for initial B Rank completion
Pushing for A Rank: Hardcore Forces Harsher Efficiency
Feeling confident, I amped difficulty up to Hardcore, eager to clinch an A ranking. However, diminished ammo drops and jacked enemy damage output forced a wake-up call. I needed to carefully single out enemies, rely more on countering and maximize shotgun blasts. Merciless stickler Ada also wiped my saves several times!
Ultimately after 13 exhausting hours, victory was secured. The A grade prizes expanded my armory, with the auto-fire Chicago Sweeper opening up crowd control options. I began to understand what it takes finesse ammo utilization and aggression to set record times.
Peak Physical Condition: Preparing Body and Mind for an S+ Attempt
Preparing for an S+ speedrun was a whole other beast; requiring utmost concentration even outside play sessions for optimal performance. I tailored a regimen focused on:
Honing Reflexes and Focus
- Daily meditation
- Stopwatch drills alternating between jumping jacks and headshots in FPS titles
Streamlining Nutrition
- Light calisthenics warmups before each session
- Hydrating with electrolyte drinks
- Snacking on protein bars at safe room breaks
Reviewing Frame Data and Routes
- Watching solved TAS (tool-assisted) speedruns frame-by-frame
- Mapping out calculated enemy spawn points and total numbers
- Internalizing ideal paths minimizing backtracking
I kept this intense routine up for two weeks until finally launching into a serious S+ ranking attempt after sufficient planning.
The Crucible: Achieving S+ Rank Glory
With body and mind honed to a razor‘s edge after strictly adhering to my boot camp preparation, I decided on using the iconic matilda handgun for my S+ attempt as an extra challenge. Beginning the run, everything slowed, from ammunition hanging in mid air after reloads to Ganados moving as if trapped in molasses.
My route and upgrade path had been set from speedrunning wiki guides:
- 1-1 → 1-2 – Headshots to execute prompt ceiling traps
- 1-3 → Clear villagers while exposing zealot weak point
- 1-4 → Manipulate El Gigante pathing away from bottleneck
I had to exert ultimate discipline not wasting a single bullet while prompted button cues flashed. Sweat began pooling in my gloves as I reached the prison. My eyes darted while accounting for Plaga emergence directing kicks at optimal ranges. I slipped past the Novistador nestGeorgia taking no bites, dropping from the ceiling to catch their unaware spawn.
By the fortress, my throat ran dry from frantic commands directing Ashley‘s positioning. And there at the end loomed the improved U3 boss…my nemesis from initial casual runs. Monitoring its new underground tracking shockwaves while lining up weak point blasts tested the very limits of my capabilities! Choosing specific times to unload Chicago Sweeper bursts brought it to the point of disintegration before "5 Hours 29 Minutes" flashed. I had done it!!
Replayability Proven: More left to Unlock!
Taking a deep breath while seeing the results screen with the S+ grade emblem unlocked was incredibly gratifying. Although I had emptied the well mentally and physically on that run, it only scratched the surface! Speedrun leaderboards showed times over 40 minutes quicker on the difficulty. My gear collection was missing the Fox Tail too; meaning more Trials modes and Mercenary stages awaited with sufficient rank there as well.
As the credits played, I leaned back and cracked my first smile following the white-knuckle suspense of achieving a personal goal. Then opening the inventory to equip my new Chicken Hat, I realized Capcom had perfectly incetivized replayability allowing me to take various paths in pushing rank even further!
Caption: S Rank Time Trial modes unlock after completing specific scenarios quickly
Closing Thoughts: Ranking System Promotes Mastery
Ultimately, Resident Evil 4 Remake modernizes progression systems that further compliment its tight survival horror gameplay. The tiered ranks give all player types incremental goals to strive for. Integrating unlocks provides visible badges showcasing dedication alongside leaderboard times. Blending these carrots with the reliable Capcom sticks of limited resources and threatening enemies has built replay value to stand the test of time for another 20 years!
I‘ve barely scratched the surface within professional mode‘s depths, but am no stranger now to what precisely attaining the highest RE4 ranks demand. Through prioritizing efficiency, focusing technique and pursuing every advantage possible; victory is certainly attainable. That said, brave souls determined to stand atop the leaderboards against all odds shouldn‘t expect it to come easily!
For more RE4 Remake coverage, follow along at the blog and stay tuned for future speedrunning commentaries when I revisit Mercenaries mode. Can‘t wait to slab some more scores onto that S+ emblem!
