Retro Review: Resident Evil 2 (PlayStation)

The sequel to the Survival Horror classic.

 Capcom, like many video game companies, saw the potential and success of the original Resident Evil and decided to release a sequel. Resident Evil 2, a title that decided to improve and expand over it's predecessor in many ways. Join me on my first Retro Review as we go over the additions that Resident Evil 2 introduced.

STORY- Two months after Resident Evil, the game follows Leon S. Kennedy, a rookie police officer (R.P.D.), and Claire Redfield, younger sister of Resident Evil's male lead, Chris Redfiled, as they try to survive a zombie-packed Raccoon City. During their survival, they'll uncover more of Umbrella Corporation's dirty secrets. The narrative is split into two scenarios, 'A' and 'B' for both characters and each one will depending on which character is used first. 

Survive another zombie-
infested adventure.

GAMEPLAY- Resident Evil 2 has the same gameplay mechanics that defined the original Resident Evil. Puzzle solving and exploration are here, as well as fighting zombies. Leon and Claire both have their own firearms to use, but ammunition is scarce, so conserving ammo. is an essential skill. Also, accessing the status screen will show you Leon's current health, items, and weapons. Similar to it's predecessor, you'll be carrying a limited amount of items, however, boxes are there to store items you won't be needing. Furthermore, game saving is limited just like in RE1, you'll need ink ribbons scattered throughout the game in order to save.

 The puzzles in Resident Evil 2 feel a tad easy compared to Resident Evil. Most of them really don't need an amount of skill to solve, and they just feel out-of-place in a police station. However,  they should be less time consuming during a speedrun. 

 The scenario system is a nice feature in Resident Evil 2. Basically, if you choose Leon as your first character in scenario A, Claire will be playable in scenario B, and vice versa. Also the actions you make in a certain scenario (mainly scenario A) will affect the second scenario along with some hidden items. It's a pretty hard-to-explain mechanic, but you'll get the hang of it easily.

RE2 retains the mechanics of RE,
but adds some of it's own.

PRESENTATION- Firstly, compared to the original Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2 is looking sharp thanks to it's pre-rendered backgrounds as well as the level design. Also, character animations and models are better looking and less stiff. Furthermore, the sound effects and music match the scary, zombie-filled atmosphere Resident Evil 2 presents. Not to mention the voice acting, which is slightly improved over the original.

Multiple scenarios means
multiple playthroughs.

OVERALL- Resident Evil 2 is a superb sequel that expands upon the original Resident Evil with it's gameplay mechanics and story. It holds up pretty well for it's time, and is one of Capcom's best sequels released.

EXCELLENT