Resident Evil 4 Remake’s Original Intro Featured Playable Ashley

A unique twist was once considered for Capcom’s celebrated Resident Evil 4 remake, featuring Ashley, the game’s helpless companion, in a brand-new introduction. This reimagined start was designed to immerse players into Ashley’s perspective, offering a fresh take on the intense storyline.

Ashley’s Chapter 0: A Lost Opportunity

Resident Evil 4 traditionally begins with the iconic Leon S. Kennedy diving into action to rescue Ashley Graham, the U.S. president’s daughter. However, Capcom initially envisioned an opening sequence called Chapter 0, where players would navigate through the game as Ashley. This sequence was partially developed, allowing players to experience the tension of sneaking past brainwashed ganados before Ashley’s inevitable capture. Recently, a video showcasing segments of this mission has surfaced.

In this discarded mission, Ashley would traverse an expanded forest area outside the main village, encountering sights such as a chilling ritual sacrifice. She would stealthily avoid detection by a ganado and witness another carrying Luis, leading to his eventual discovery by Leon. Despite the suspense, the mission concludes with the unavoidable reality of Ashley’s capture, setting the stage for Leon’s adventure.

For those interested in a glimpse of what could have been, modder Michael “Thekempy” Kemp has compiled a video of the mission’s surviving elements. While incomplete, this footage offers a fascinating look at the possibilities considered for the game’s opening.

The Decision to Rethink the Opening

Resident Evil 4’s remake introduces various new sequences absent from the original game. However, the prospect of Ashley starting off the game was ultimately abandoned. The inevitability of her capture, central to the storyline, perhaps did not merit an extended introduction. Additionally, Ashley’s unpopularity among some fans may have influenced Capcom’s choice to retain Leon as the focal point at the start of the game.

The remake, celebrated as an exhilarating reimagining of the original, ultimately decided against opening with Ashley’s mission. This decision reflects a balance of player expectations and narrative momentum, reinforcing the thrilling adventure that fans have come to expect.