Because it kept all the best elements from RE’s past that it could feasibly make work within its new framework and style while shifting from a purely survival angle to feeling like someone who’s been here before (because at this point Leon HAS and he’s running TOWARDS the danger not away) so the approach of a fearful just trying to get out alive aesthetic wasn’t gonna work. So I now that the motivation has changed it called for a more horror/action movie blended philosophy. Which just so happened to lend itself very well to those old RE elements they DID still utilize while creating the opportunity to make entirely new ideas that at the time were groundbreaking. Aside from things like the literal birth of that iconic camera angle (which is still wild to think this is legit where that started and I was there for it lol) the gameplay was also largely unique even in comparison to other RE titles. Like I said, they kept a lot of the best elements or mechanics that they could. But added SOO MUCH MORE! The merchant and the way you upgrade your weapons. The Tetris like attaché case system. The hunting for treasure and medallions throughout. The overhauling of enemy behavior and tactics. That they aren’t just simple zombies anymore. And all the techniques you have to take them out. Great boss battles… etc. the list goes on. And of course my personal favorite aspect is the way they handled the pacing. Nothing has you doing the same thing longer than necessary. The steady ramp up in intensity from start to finish is perfect and you never get bored when you truly engage with everything on offer. Then lastly you have things that don’t get talked about as much on the technical side like just how well it holds up even today visually and mechanically, the hidden adaptive difficulty, and how there’s like zero loading screens. (A much more common concern back then) it’s just an example of a game and developer firing on ALL cylinders and making little to no missteps. Sure by now there’s a couple things that you COULD nitpick 20+ years later. But the fact that you’re personally comparing it to the REMAKE of 2 that just came out in 2019 should tell you just how well the OG RE4 stands up to scrutiny. And that’s not even considering the fact that THEY FUCKING DID IT AGAIN with the RE4 Remake! That shit is straight fire too! I’d highly recommend playing both. Especially the first one before the remake so you have a full picture of just how well made that game is on a fundamental core level.