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Resident Evil 4 (RE4) – Separate Ways is an exceptional DLC for the main game that follows Ada Wong’s perspective, adding 5+ hours of additional gameplay. Priced at $AU14.24, I found it well-worth the asking price, with the additional content feeling almost like an entirely new game, but with the same characters and gameplay I already knew and loved.
Note: Whilst I have currently completed all games within the Resident Evil franchise available on PC (both original and remakes) I had not played the original Separate Ways DLC, therefore this review will NOT focus on any comparisons to the original DLC.
Pros

Over 5+ hours of new content
New & improved mechanics
Replayability value
Links Ada’s & Leon’s story together

Cons

Ada’s voice actress


Story

You play as Ada Wong, an infamous mercenary and spy. Known for her cunning abilities, provocative demeanour and being an all around badass. Whilst she can also be described as a sort of a femme fatale figure, she does not rely on others around her, but is used to making hard decisions to benefit herself, or those necessary to succeed in her missions. Despite this, she is not tethered to those men employing her, and her conscience will often make her eventually do the “right thing”, frequently leading her to partner with the also just as prestigious, Leon Kennedy.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3040000682
The Separate Ways DLC focuses heavily on Ada and her mission to retrieve the highly sought-after amber. It beautifully mixes in with that of Leon’s in the main game, helping to fill in the gaps in what Ada was up to while the main events were transpiring. It also helps give more characters screentime, particularly Luis and Wesker. Whilst Ada is certainly the focus, for those unfamiliar with Ada or the stories in previous Resident Evil games, these additions help to bridge necessary gaps in knowledge and provide the missing links.


Gameplay

This DLC plays similarly to that of RE4, but feels as if it could be that of a small stand-alone game. With 7 new chapters to explore, and 5+ hours of content for one playthrough, there is a lot to enjoy. Ada has a different schtick to Leon, but her combat abilities and confidence are acutely similar. Ada’s preferred weapon choice in the DLC is her submachine gun, but she is also widely known to use crossbows and rifles in her main arsenal in other games. However, most notably, she has a grappling gun, and the DLC makes full use of it. Ada is able to effortlessly stun an enemy, and then grapple towards them with a single button press to be pulled towards them to perform a melee attack. The grapple guns usefulness does not stick to just combat, and is also needed for traversal, showcasing her ease and guile of moving around different environments. Whilst Leon is running around looking for an artifact to open a locked door, Ada is able to conveniently grapple over, saving ample time.
The DLC also adds additional side quests to complete, treasures to find and a handful of new guns, most notably the explosive bow (at least I did not find this in the original game). Whilst there are not many new guns added to her arsenal, the game makes up for this with the additional story segments and difference of Ada’s character. I played Separate Ways on Hardcore difficulty and it took me approximately 6 hours to complete. However, with the additional side quests, achievements and bonus difficulty unlocked after completion, there is ample reason to return for subsequent playthroughs. Overall, if you enjoyed RE4 and want more, this DLC is for you. Upgrade all your guns or try new ones, complete side quests, fight new boss battles all the while enjoying a new story with the illustrious and striking, Ada.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3039441435
Ada Wong – The Character
I would argue that Ada is one of the Resident Evil franchises most distinguished female characters, with her seductive attitude, astonishingly good looks and racy attire, she has always stood out since her introduction to the RE universe in 1998 (RE2). Now, in the remake and accompanying DLC, she has an improved (and equally attractive) red, skin-tight sweater dress and thigh-high stiletto boots. Still, not entirely appropriate for a mercenary, but, I cannot argue with the changes! Her short dress still sticks to her behind like glue and brings the classic Ada flare, whilst helping to modernise her wardrobe.
The only gripe I have with the DLC matches that of the main game – Ada’s voice actress. This is a common grumble, but it is not really a significant one. Perhaps myself, and the other original RE fans are too used to how Ada used to sound like, so much so that we cannot appreciate the “new” Ada voice. I also agree with the masses in that in an attempt to sound sexy, she comes across as disinterested, dull and disengaged. However, as the DLC gives Ada many more lines, she does begin to sound more normal, whereas in the main game, I found her sudden appearances rather disconcerting.


Visuals & Sound

The enormous uplift to the visuals is no different in the DLC with all characters looking gorgeous, having more realistic facial expressions and are improved in every sense. This also extends to the environments, and of course, Ada Wong herself ( looking at you, sexy poses and laser scene!
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3039441576
Once more, the impressive soundtrack follows that of RE4, however I did notice a handful of scenes in the beginning that seemed to be backed with overly jovial music, not reflecting the actions on screen, but overall this was extremely minor.


Technical & Stats

This game was played using a keyboard & mouse, and with the following PC specs.:
AMD Ryzen R5 7600x 5.4 GHz
32GB DDR5 5200 CL36 RAM
Radeon RX 6800 XT
2560x1440 resolution
NVMe 3.0 SSD
Windows 10
Playtime: Approximately 6 hours for one playthrough on Hardcore difficulty
Controller Recommended? Player choice
Replayability value: Yes, to upgrade all weapons, side quests, completionists etc.


Conclusion

The Separate Ways DLC adds fantastic new content to Resident Evil 4 and I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoyed their time in the main game and wants more. New guns, a new campaign and perspective and new combat mechanics that all help to fill in the gaps in the original story. Not only this, but showcasing the titular and alluring character of Ada Wong, giving her character the focus she rightfully deserves. Overall, an impeccable DLC at a very fair cost, and one that lasts longer than that of Resident Evil 3. Highly recommend.

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