Resident Evil 2
About the Game
This Resident Evil 2 is a remake of the original game with the same title that came out 20 years and four console generations earlier. In terms of story and gameplay, the game tries to stay true to the original. Even reading collected notes and handling inventory items feels deliberately outdated with less of a real-time feel to capture the essence of the PlayStation installment. Graphics are obviously the main difference between this version and the original, as it runs on the RE Engine introduced in Resident Evil 7 .
Story & Setting
Another side of the story follows Claire Redfield, who came to Raccoon City in search of her brother Chris, who is also a member of the S.T.A.R.S. The game, just like the original, is intended to be played with both characters, where a second playthrough with the other character will unlock additional locations and complete the story. Thus, the story works the same whether it's played first as Leon and then Claire, or first as Claire and then Leon. During the main story, Sherry, in Claire's story, and Ada Wong, in Leon's story, are playable for a bit.
Gameplay & Core Systems
Both stories aren't entirely taking place in parallel and while replaying with a different character will open new locations, cutscenes and boss battles, players will also have to unlock the same lockers, doors and paths that the other character did on the first playthrough. By completing the game, new gameplay modes get unlocked which feature other characters such as Hunk or Tofu Survivor. While the original game used fixed screens with pre-rendered backgrounds and tank controls for the characters, this remake uses real-time 3D graphics with an over-the-shoulder camera and directional controls. Unlike the original game, this release has various DLCs adding new outfits and weapons to use in the game.
Standout Features
- Many locations and cutscenes are recreated to match the original, though there are also entirely new areas included in this remake that the original game didn't feature.
- Similarly to the original Resident Evil 2 , various artworks can be unlocked by collecting them throughout the game.
- Unlocked artworks and 3D models can be accessed via the main menu.
- Similar to Chris Redfield's new face seen in Resident Evil 7 , both Leon and Claire deviate from their standard looks due to Capcom now using motion-capture for facial features, hiring actors with a close resemblance to the original characters so as they don't stray too far off their familiar appearance.
Presentation & Atmosphere
Some of the bonus outfits, such as the original 1998 outfits with updated graphics, become however available upon completing the main story.
Display support includes 4K UHD (3840×2160).
