Our Resident Evil 4 HD Texture Project

[cris]

Updating the OP to reflect current info (updated 5/12/2016):

In 2005, Resident Evil 4 debuted as one of the most graphically impressive games of that console generation. Now, over a decade later, the visuals certainly show their age.

At this point it seems safe to say that an official across-the-board HD revamp of the game isn't coming anytime soon. As a result, this project was born: a complete HD texture overhaul that remains true to the original artistic intent and tone of the game.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES
* Be true to the original textures, intent, and tone of the game
* By default, improve the texture resolution by 800-1600%, unless a greater increase is necessary
* Wherever possible, leverage the original real-life sources for a given texture

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
** What version of the game is this project for?
The Ultimate HD version released in 2014 for PC.

** Who are you?
We’re two guys who love Resident Evil 4 and want to help create the definitive version of the game from a graphical perspective. Cris is from the midwest in the US, while Albert lives in Spain. Albert’s experience goes all the way back to the 2007 PC release of the game, for which he created one of the most definitive and well-received texture packs, while this is Cris’ first attempt.

** How much of an upgrade will this be?
We are essentially taking each texture, scaling it up 8-16 times the original resolution (in most cases) and redrawing / remaking from there. Additionally, there are many many instances where Albert has been able to find the original source materials used, which allows us to faithfully replicate the original intent at a much higher resolution.

** Do you want feedback?
Definitely! Please comment on any post on our site (http://www.re4hd.com) to give us feedback on our progress. In some cases it will help shape the end product!

** How can I keep up with your progress?
There are several ways to stay connected:
* Our site: http://www.re4hd.com
* Twitter: @re4hdproject
* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/re4hd
* This thread

** How can we support the project?
There are a few ways to help support: 1) Let others know about it! 2) Comment if you have feedback / kind words. 3) Donate (offsets the costs of the hardware / software / textures purchased for this project, travel for acquiring real-life texture sources, etc).

** Where are you finding the real-life texture sources?
Capcom did a lot of photography work in various areas of Spain and Wales for this game (and others), and they also leveraged existing texture libraries. So for us, it's a combination of the following:
* Going to and photographing those same locations
* Finding hi-res images online of those locations
* Simply finding the original texture images used

** Have you released any of your work?
Yes. A "draft" version of the entire Village section is available at our site (re4hd.com) -- click on the link at the top that says, "Village Download"

** How long will this project take?
The project is now slightly over 2 years old. Based on our current progress I believe 3 years is a reasonable estimate. However it's difficult to really gauge.

** Can I join the project?
While anyone is welcome to let us know about any resources that may be helpful, we're not looking to add any official collaborators at this time.

** How much of the game is going to be retextured?
Just about every texture, including those for Separate Ways, Mercenaries, etc.

** How much has been completed?
We are working through the game in the following order:
- Environmental Textures
- Items and Weapons
- Enemies, NPCs, Playable Characters, Misc.
- Mercenaries, Separate Ways, and anything not covered above
You can track our progress here: http://www.re4hd.com/?page_id=1656

COMPARISON SHOTS
http://www.re4hd.com/wp-content/gallery/0036-comparison-shots/0002.jpg
http://www.re4hd.com/wp-content/gallery/0036-comparison-shots/0003.jpg
http://www.re4hd.com/wp-content/gallery/0036-comparison-shots/0001.jpg
http://www.re4hd.com/wp-content/gallery/0036-comparison-shots/0006.jpg
http://www.re4hd.com/wp-content/gallery/0036-comparison-shots/0008.jpg
http://www.re4hd.com/wp-content/gallery/0036-comparison-shots/0009.jpg
http://www.re4hd.com/wp-content/gallery/0036-comparison-shots/0010.jpg
http://www.re4hd.com/wp-content/gallery/0036-comparison-shots/0011.jpg

And of course, if you read through this thread you'll see progress shots throughout.

You can keep up with the progress at the site for this project: http://www.re4hd.com

Thanks!

[DarkShinobu]

Messaggio originale di crismorales:

Took a damn long time, but I just finished the face texture for the first Ganado. Some shots:

http://www.re4hd.com/wp-content/gallery/0008-first-ganado/031102.jpg
http://www.re4hd.com/wp-content/gallery/0008-first-ganado/031108.jpg

Definitely not perfect, but it's a start. :)

More shots at the site: http://www.re4hd.com

Nice stuff Cris, keep it up ;)

[Bass]

Looks nice,Cris.

[hutz.ytmnd.com]

Yeah uh. Faces more than anything else I imagine have got to be the toughest thing out of all of it. Especially when trying to keep the original look. You got skills without a doubt.

If you're like me you won't have any of this, but try not to worry about perfect. If you released the thing looking just like that, I wouldn't ever think about it again. And it'll let you stay fresh working on different things.

[AxlRocks.Area_Zero]

WOW, really looks awesome and right on track for keeping the original look. Good job on masking the texture mapping issues too.

[RetroTekGuy]

Request to have this sticked for ease of use/finding. Keep up the good work.

[[Cash.net]♣Durandil♣]

I'm just blowed by the quality of the work... I can easily imagine this will take quite a while to apply this work to the rest of the game(buildings, fences, effects....)

[Dreadfield]

Messaggio originale di Cash.net Durandil:

I'm just blowed by the quality of the work... I can easily imagine this will take quite a while to apply this work to the rest of the game(buildings, fences, effects....)

not so much a 35 percent of the time he will do copy paste because some textures can be duplicated and so on

Messaggio originale di crismorales:

Took a damn long time, but I just finished the face texture for the first Ganado. Some shots:

http://www.re4hd.com/wp-content/gallery/0008-first-ganado/031102.jpg
http://www.re4hd.com/wp-content/gallery/0008-first-ganado/031108.jpg

Definitely not perfect, but it's a start. :)

More shots at the site: http://www.re4hd.com

cris is looking perfect all the ganados need is a better looking textures for his eyes and will complete ill be wating to use you awsome textures on my copy of resi 4 when somebody finds a way to make them work

[PSYCHOROID]

very good job.

you should port it to the 2007 PC version (in combination with patch1.10 , Albert texture pack ans Cerberus enhanced environment) Would be huge.

[v00d00m4n]

dude, why do you starting from scratch? Stop being selfish and making YET ANOTHER PACK, cooperate with albert, look what he already done good and improved what he didnt yet or what you think was not good enought, stop making everything alone when its already was done prior you! You will only make people wait longer and will fragment people and confuse them because of so many texture packs.

[albert]

Don't worry! We joined forces a few days ago! ;)
So, this texture patch will include best from both of us.

[Miseryguts]

Messaggio originale di albert:

Don't worry! We joined forces a few days ago! ;)
So, this texture patch will include best from both of us.

That is fantastic news, love your work on the older release.. great to see you guys collaborating Albert.
I know it's probably much too early atm, but are you planning on an Alpha release at some point?

Kudos to you both.. keep up the good work!

[albert]

I can't say anything for sure because we are in a very early stage of the project.

Fortunately, I've got access to lots of original hi-res textures that were used to create ornamental surfaces for this game. Thus, one of the hardest aspects to replicate in HD is now much easier!

I'm saying this because some people could think: "HD-ing first stage is relatively easy because it's made of quite simple textures but the real problem is on the castle stages all full of ornaments, relieves, paintings and so...). Well I assure you that's not a problem anymore.

Besides, Crismorales proved his skills on recreating ornamental textures are excellent (chest in the house, metal door with iluminados insignia)

[[Cash.net]♣Durandil♣]

Cool to know that modders join their forces. Avidly waiting for some kick-arse work from you albert and cris!

[pipi long stocking]

wow, this might make me buy the game again, i have the godawful port from 2007 and only the texture mod for that one made it decent

+1 will be following this. :)

[BlackScout]

Impressive ganado!!
CAPCOM is feeling ashamed now xD