On the contrary, I absolutely loved RE4. Sure, they incorporated new ideas, but it was still on the basic plotline.
For starters, I don't see how those people were considered living. I suppose they are slightly, but it was more along the lines of the parasite walking about (ala, walking dead, ala, zombies). And what I truely loved about it, was these weren't the same wussies as I always fought in the old ones. These "people" ran at me, carried chainsaws, made me actaully think about what I was going to do instead of run and gun.
Then the new camera angle, which I adored also. Giving you alot more of moving ability, but still putting in a touch of fright by those "holy crap I did the quick turn around and there's a parasite-guy next to me" moments.
The bosses that made the game almost tremendously hard (spoiler: that jerk who fights you in the cage, where I wasted all my ammo, then chases you back on land. Killed him with my knife )
The new game modes / bonus storyline were fantastic touches.
Overall, I loved it.