Resident Evil 2 - when first released all the way back in 1997 was the first game to get the marketing that is now standard in major games releases. It was defined by a lot of hype - and hope. How could Capcom improve upon the original's winning formula? And taking the scenario out from the Haunted House and thrusting the player in the middle of a town - well there is no way that the game could still give the player the same atmosphere as the original right? Well - thankfully that is wrong. Billed as a cinematic experience (which was trumped only months later by Metal Gear Solid), Resident Evil 2 managed, (and still manages - thanks to being ported to every system ever made) to provide a genuine scary title - that ups the production values - as well as the action to create a game that is based on fear - but also gives an atmosphere and a gun. The story plays on from the first game. After the events of the first game - where you were able to destroy the house where the mutant infestation was, several months have passed. Unfortunately now for the citizens of Raccoon City - the virus has spread beyond the confines of that home - and has now blanketed the city - turning all those into a Zombie. Arriving on town as the Rookie Cop, Leon Kennedy is faced with a dilemma that he never would have thought possible. Unless this is some really weird test sanctioned by his boss, he's in real trouble. Also accompanying him is Claire Redfield - who came to town to look for her brother Chris, who you all should remember as one of the heroes from the original game. The gameplay remains largely the same - so fans of the original should slip into this pretty easily. There are puzzles to solve, keys to find - and Zombies to shoot. The entire time you are trying to leave the City, but there are certain elements that will try to stop you from doing that - not all of them undead. It has a gripping story which is unusual for a game that from the outset looks like an action blast-fest, but the game is deeper than that. The story is told via the various cutscenes scattered throughout the game - with the characters you meet, and the evidence of their roles left behind. Things like letters and diary entries. As in the original, you can choose between the 2 characters, and each has their own story - as well as their "B" Quest. During the opening movie, Claire and Leon are seperated from each other in the middle of town. They each have to make it to the Police Station, however for the first time you play, they will start in the same place. If you complete the game - they will start on the other side. This offers a new dynamic. Not only this, but Claire's and Leon's stories are different enough to each play on their own. While about 70% of the game is shared - meaning they visit the same areas, about 30% isn't, and many of the same areas that they visit have to be negotiated differently. They each also meet unique characters on their respective journeys. A combination of eerie music that electrifies when an especially frightening moment occurs will have you seated firmly in your chair - and may just make you break out in a sweat. The game definately is scarier than the first. Not only that - but it is longer, with better puzzles, a more exciting storyline, better voice acting, and more variety in the enemies. Too put it simply - Resident Evil 2 is more of the original - only better. Graphics remain the same as the original - 3D polygonal characters running against finely detailed 2D backdrops. This means that camera views are again hindered, and remain static - but the great detail in the backgrounds - as well as the great angles that incite fear - as well as give a good view of you bearings is well implemented, and very appreciated. One of the things now standard in the series was introduced first here and that is noticeable injury. Visually you will now see your character limp, and even lose blood. This is better than say having been mauled by a Zombie dog only to run out of the room - and induce a health plant only to finish him off - as often occurred in the original. This makes the game feel more real - and while its story is unbelievable - the great voice casting and acting make it feel more personable - certainly more than the original. The details in the backgrounds as well as in the variety of "creatures" that you take on makes the game feel like it has added more of what the original was lacking. Overall - this is an extremly impressive effort - and well worth of your time and money. This is one of the original horror action titles made - and will be remembered as one of the great highlights as the genre of Horror Action goes on. Highly recommended.
Resident Evil 2 has long been one of my favorite games, not only in the RE franchise but in the survival-horror genre itself. Upon its release in 1997, I was immediately drawn in by the overhaul in gameplay over the orig... Read Full Review
Back again Resident Evil 2 the second game in the Resident Evil series. And one of the best in the whole Resident evil series to. Also in my opinion the best game that was made on the first Playstation most will defiantl... Read Full Review
