Resident Evil 2 - Review

"That explains the horrible things I've seen!" – A review of Resident Evil 2. 

I loved Resident Evil. It was cheesy, it was fun, it had a great atmosphere. Would Resident Evil 2 live up to it?

Of course it would.

Resident Evil 2 is another incredibly iconic entry in the survival horror genre. Full of exploration, puzzle-solving and atmospheric storytelling, the game is a true staple in the franchise. Developed by Capcom and originally released in 1998, the game had an incredible team behind it, including Shinji Mikami and director Hideki Kamiya, who brought new energy to the iconic sequel.

Set in the doomed Raccoon City, Resident Evil 2 follows rookie police officer Leon S. Kennedy and college student Claire Redfield as they attempt to survive a catastrophic viral outbreak. The story unfolds within the city's police station and its narrow passages, offering a truly fun plot filled with twists, mysterious laboratories, and encounters with unsettling creatures. The dual-protagonist approach gives you two unique perspectives on the same events, which really enhances replay value and immersion.

The gameplay revolves around resource management (of course), exploration, and puzzle-solving. You need to scavenge for limited ammunition, healing items, and key objects to progress, all while navigating narrow corridors filled with zombies and more monsters. The fixed camera angles and tank controls again contribute to a sense of vulnerability and suspense, making every encounter truly meaningful. Inventory management is crucial, encouraging careful planning and strategic use of resources.

The soundtrack of Resident Evil 2 really heightens the atmosphere, combining eerie melodies with sudden bursts of tension. Music is used sparingly, allowing ambient sounds—like distant footsteps or the groans of unseen enemies—to build dread. Memorable tracks, such as those playing in safe rooms, offer you a second to just breath and reinforces the game's emotional impact.

Compared to the original Resident Evil, the sequel introduces a more complicated narrative structure, with two protagonists and interwoven storylines. The environments are larger and more varied, moving beyond the confines of a single mansion to the wider, and more menacing, Raccoon City. Gameplay has been refined, with improved graphics, more fluid animations, and a greater emphasis on cinematic presentation. The "Zapping System", which allows actions in one playthrough to affect the other character's story, is a real stand out difference.

I love this game. Sure, the fixed camera angles and tank controls can feel outdated by today's standards, and some puzzles are genuinely frustrating. The voice acting, though improved over its predecessor, sometimes lacks polish and is often genuinely so cheesy it's funny. Despite these limited flaws, this game is such a great experience, and I can't wait to head back to Racoon City again soon.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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