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Downloadable content (DLC) often gets a bad rap for being insignificant additions to a game’s core experience. However, some DLCs, like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Blood and Wine and Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, have proven to be exceptional, sometimes even surpassing the original game. Capcom’s Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways DLC follows this trend, expanding upon the Resident Evil 4 Remake narrative through the lens of secret agent Ada Wong. This isn’t just a rehash of the 2005 original; it’s a completely reimagined experience that offers a fresh perspective on familiar events. This review dives into what makes Separate Ways a compelling addition to the Resident Evil 4 universe.

Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways – Ada Wong in action

This isn’t Ada Wong’s first playable appearance. She debuted in Resident Evil 2 (1998) and returned in the original Resident Evil 4‘s Separate Ways mode. These side stories traditionally offered additional gameplay and explored events from a different perspective, providing lore enthusiasts with valuable insights. However, previous iterations often felt like tacked-on content, lacking significant changes to gameplay or story to truly resonate with players. Often short, these additions rarely allowed for substantial character development or emotional impact.

Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways – A tense encounter

A Fresh Take on Espionage

Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways breaks the mold. The DLC throws you into the action immediately with a cinematic hostage rescue sequence featuring Ada and a new mini-boss, the shadowy Black Robe. This high-octane opening sets the tone for a thrilling espionage experience unlike anything previously seen in the series. The writing shines, capturing the personalities of both Ada and Luis Sera with witty dialogue and intense cutscenes.

Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways – Exploring the environment

The revamped gameplay emphasizes stealth and infiltration. Familiar environments from Leon’s campaign are reimagined with new enemy placements and challenges, encouraging a more strategic approach. Ada’s signature grappling hook is no longer a simple traversal tool; it becomes essential for capturing enemies, escaping pursuit, and reaching vantage points. While aggressive play is possible, the game’s design heavily favors stealth, creating a tense atmosphere reminiscent of classic horror titles.

Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways – Planning a strategic move

Stealth and Strategy Reign Supreme

Unlike her more action-oriented portrayal in the 2005 version, Separate Ways presents Ada as a cunning operative. The game cleverly guides players towards stealth, transforming familiar locations into suspenseful playgrounds of infiltration. The constant threat of Ganados lurking around every corner adds to the chilling atmosphere, demanding careful planning and execution.

Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways – Ada using her grappling hook

The level design reinforces this approach, requiring players to observe enemy patterns, utilize the environment to their advantage, and choose their engagements wisely. Puzzles are also redesigned to complement the stealth gameplay, demanding quick thinking and precise execution under pressure.

Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways – Ada aiming her weapon

Expanding the Narrative

Separate Ways doesn’t just offer a new perspective on gameplay; it enriches the narrative. Plot points left unanswered in the main campaign are addressed, fleshing out the roles of both Ada and Luis. Their motivations and interactions are explored in greater depth, adding layers of intrigue to the overall story.

Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways – Navigating a dangerous area

A Lack of Thrilling Boss Battles?

One minor drawback of Separate Ways is the relative lack of intense boss encounters. The emphasis on stealth minimizes opportunities for large-scale combat, and even the boss battles themselves can feel somewhat underwhelming. While challenging, they often lack the dramatic flair of Leon’s confrontations.

Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways – Solving a puzzle

Conclusion

Despite this minor shortcoming, Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways delivers a compelling and refreshing experience. It successfully reimagines Ada Wong’s story, offering a unique blend of stealth, action, and narrative depth. This DLC isn’t just “extra content”; it’s a valuable addition that enhances the overall Resident Evil 4 experience.