Resident Evil 2

Resident Evil 2: A Survival Horror Classic

Imagine a world where you’re not just playing a video game, but stepping into a nightmare. That’s what Resident Evil 2 delivers. Developed by Capcom for the PlayStation in 1998, this survival horror masterpiece has captivated gamers and non-gamers alike with its tense atmosphere and intricate storytelling.

The Game’s Genesis

Development of Resident Evil 2 began after the completion of its predecessor in early 1996. The game was a team effort, led by Hideki Kamiya and produced by Shinji Mikami. With a core team of 50 developers working for 21 months, the goal was to retain the fear from the original while introducing new characters like Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield.

Gameplay and Mechanics

The gameplay in Resident Evil 2 is a blend of exploration, puzzles, and combat. The tank controls, limited ammunition, and item management add layers of tactical depth to the experience. Each character has their own unique storylines, partners, and obstacles. The ‘Zapping System’ allows players to switch between two scenarios, changing elements based on each other’s actions.

Story and Characters

The game takes place in Raccoon City on September 29th, 1998, where citizens are transformed into zombies by the T-virus. Players can choose between rookie cop Leon S. Kennedy or college student Claire Redfield as they navigate through the city’s sewers and confront various enemies, including the Tyrant monster.

Depending on the order of scenarios played, players experience one of two contradictory courses of events. The game features a branching narrative with Claire meeting Sherry Birkin and Ada Wong encountering Leon, leading to a complex web of storylines that intertwine in unexpected ways.

Development Challenges

The development process was not without its challenges. Shinji Mikami’s initial vision for the game differed drastically from the final version. The team had to create a fictional universe, rework scenarios, and redesign characters like Elza Walker into Claire Redfield to connect with the first game’s plot.

Visuals and Audio

The graphics in Resident Evil 2 were groundbreaking for their time. The environments were created on SGI O2 computers, with each background taking two or three weeks to render. The protagonists’ models were made to limp slowly upon receiving heavy damage, adding realism to the gameplay.

The music was composed by Masami Ueda, Shusaku Uchiyama, and Syun Nishigaki, conveying ‘desperation’ as its underlying theme. Two albums containing music from the game were released in January and August 1998, offering a rich auditory experience that complements the visuals.

Marketing and Reception

The marketing for Resident Evil 2 was ambitious, with a live-action television commercial directed by George A. Romero. The game’s initial release in January 1998 was met with critical acclaim, receiving high scores from various publications.

Resident Evil 2 has been held in high regard since its initial release and is listed as one of the best games ever made. It has sold over 6 million copies across all platforms, making it a commercial success that continues to influence the survival horror genre.

Remake and Legacy

In August 2015, Capcom announced a remake of Resident Evil 2. The game was unveiled at E3 2018 with trailers and gameplay footage, and released January 25, 2019 for PS4, Windows, and Xbox One. Using the RE Engine and ‘over-the-shoulder’ gameplay, this remake aims to bring the classic experience into a new era.

Resident Evil 2 is more than just a game; it’s an immersive experience that has left its mark on gaming history. Its atmosphere, setting, graphics, audio, and gameplay continue to captivate players, making it a timeless classic in the survival horror genre.