Also, and this may be subjective, RE4 worked because of its tone, I.e. fucking stupid.
The writing of the series has always been complete dogshit, but this game leaned into it. A LOT.
Leon is the stereotype of the action hero to a fault, jumping out of a 2nd floor window because ladders are for twats.
I get that some people like more of a serious atmosphere in a horror, but I'm honestly kinda fed up with most modern triple-As being completely humourless.
That, or the "Marvel quips" approach. Jesus Christ.

Rant done, reminder that this is not a doomsday order to not buy RE4make but an analysis with the explicit intent of giving you more appreciation of a classic game, kthxilybye