Summary
Given the numerous times fans have seen both Leon S. Kennedy and Ada Wong in theResident Evilfranchise between three different games, many were anticipating how this would be presented in theResident Evil 4 Remake. Recognized as anon-and-off romance dynamic between the two characters, there are some ways in which theResident Evil 4 Remakechanges this while also maintaining some aspects of it.
With fans of the franchise anticipating what is next in line in terms of the mainline entries aside from remakes, the relationship between Leon and Ada could happen to be more important than what many may expect, especially if they are present in a new story.
5Resident Evil 2 Remake Callback
In the original, many fans may have been aware of the lack of acknowledgment of the events inResident Evil 2between Ada and Leon, considering the pair’s present but hidden romantic feelings for one another. While the characters did run into one another on multiple occasions inResident Evil 4(2005), it often felt as though there was an elephant in the room with both of thecharacters' survival from Raccoon City.
Capcom was sure to address this in the remake, as Leon confronts Ada regarding their development in the aftermath of Raccoon City’s horrific events. While it still feels as though there is still much more to be explored among them, theResident Evil 4 Remakewas a great way to kickstart what could be expanded on in any brand-new titles or remakes.
4Leon Unbothered With Ada
During their first encounter, fans may have been expecting Leon to be surprised or show some level of concern after seeing Ada again after six years. This was not the case whatsoever, with Leon displaying a nonchalant attitude toward any of Ada’s advances, outright rejecting her requests to leave Ashley behind and join her or to leave the Island with her.
While this could simply come down to Leon’s complete and unrestrained focus on hismission of rescuing Ashley Grahamfrom the clutches of Osmund Saddler, it also suggests a greater level of experience and less naivety when it comes down to relationships or romance as opposed to his innocent nature inResident Evil 2.
3Leon’s Extra Caution With Ada
After being manipulated and deceived inResident Evil 2by Ada, who made Leon assume she worked for the FBI, Leon’s stance toward his love interest in theResident Evil 4 Remakeis completely indifferent to his rookie days as aforementioned. Realizing that she is in the rural area of Spain for a reason with her own mission, Leon displays an extra level of vigilance with Ada, ensuring that he does not fall for any potential traps.
Just as Leon’s skill level took a huge advancement betweenResident Evil 2and4, so has his level of awareness too, helping him to keep away from being gullible. While there are certainly still romantic feelings involved, Capcom conveyed a Leon who knows not to make the same mistakes he once did back in Raccoon City.
2Ada’s Refusal To Show Concern
On the side of Ada Wong within this dynamic, theResident Evil 4 Remakepresents a version of Ada unlike the original, where she shows a lack of concern for Leon when in contact with him, but displays this once out of sight.Separate Waysin the remakegave players a greater insight into what Ada was up to while Leon went up against many Ganados and formidable foes such as Chief Mendez.
The portrayal of Ada Wong by Lily Gao showcased a perfect balance between a character who has a love for Leon and has not forgotten about the events ofResident Evil 2but seems to not wish to fully commit to it, likely due to her mission andwork for Wesker, in the same manner that Leon must commit to his mission.
1Less Flirtatious/Playful
Again, taking into consideration the seriousness surrounding both Ada and Leon’s missions in the rural area of Spain, and the life-threatening circumstances they both face on numerous occasions, there is much less flirting between the pair this time. While there is some flirtatious nature within Ada, especially during their first encounter in the remake, it often felt as though matters among them were more serious than usual.
During the boat ride to the game’s final location on the Island, Leon seriously questions Ada about her intentions between them. This once again harkens back to the matters ofResident Evil 2’s final events and Leon’s caution with Ada avoiding being played all over again. Bringing future titles and remakes back into the equation, the lack of engagement in the aspect of romance in theResident Evil 4 Remake, opens the door to Capcom making further advancements and expansions on the pair’s dynamic and developing their arc toward something fans are yet to see. Since theResident Evilfranchise does not necessarily contain romance despite some of its hints, Leon and Ada could be the perfect pair to start with in a new installment.
