RESIDENT EVIL 2

The original Resident Evil was the game that made me want a PlayStation.

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Resident Evil 2 is a survival horror game that has been completely rebuilt using Capcom’s RE Engine, offering realistic visuals, immersive audio, and modernized controls. The game features two protagonists, Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield, as they try to escape Raccoon City during a zombie outbreak. It offers a deeper narrative experience with breathtaking visuals and horror-filled gameplay, retaining the classic action, exploration, and puzzle-solving elements of the original game. The Deluxe Edition includes additional costumes and weapons.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 42,144 reviews

story2,108 positive mentions

grinding156 negative mentions

story
6,062 mentions
35 % positive mentions
62 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The story of Resident Evil 2 Remake is a reimagining of the original, following protagonists Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield as they navigate a zombie-infested Raccoon City. While the narrative retains core elements from the classic, it introduces new layers and character development, though some players feel the two characters' storylines are too similar, lacking the distinctiveness of the original's A/B scenario structure. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging storytelling, atmospheric tension, and the emotional depth of its characters, making it a compelling experience for both newcomers and fans of the franchise.
- “The story remains true to the original while adding new layers of depth.”
- “The story of Leon and Claire navigating a zombie-infested Raccoon City is gripping, and the revamped puzzles and combat mechanics add depth without sacrificing nostalgia.”
- “The story is engaging and well-written, with plenty of twists and turns to keep players on the edge of their seats.”
- “The story is quite short, but you play two campaigns from two perspectives with some minor and some major differences.”
- “The only downside is that, to me at least, the story felt a bit short, but thats solved by having four different story experiences.”
- “The story is a bit more cohesive.”
graphics
4,206 mentions
62 % positive mentions
37 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The graphics of Resident Evil 2 Remake have received widespread acclaim for their stunning detail and atmospheric design, effectively enhancing the horror experience. Players have praised the photorealistic visuals, intricate character models, and immersive environments, which contribute to a chilling atmosphere throughout the game. While some users noted minor graphical issues, the overall consensus is that the game sets a new standard for remakes, combining modern graphics with the classic elements that fans love.
- “From the moment you step into Raccoon City, the atmosphere is thick with tension, expertly crafted through breathtaking visuals and haunting sound design.”
- “The graphics are stunning, the atmosphere is chilling, and the sound design is impeccable.”
- “Stuttering and freezing no matter what graphic preferences I try.”
- “The graphics hurt my head.”
- “The graphics are jaw-dropping—Raccoon City looks insanely real and creepy.”
gameplay
3,978 mentions
42 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Resident Evil 2 Remake has been widely praised for its fluid controls, modernized mechanics, and engaging survival horror elements. Players appreciate the balance between resource management, puzzle-solving, and intense combat, particularly with the addition of the over-the-shoulder camera that enhances immersion. While some critiques focus on the repetitive nature of certain gameplay aspects and the lack of unique experiences between character storylines, the overall consensus is that the game successfully revitalizes the classic while offering a fresh and thrilling experience for both new and returning players.
- “Gameplay is fluid and intuitive, with an over-the-shoulder perspective that modernizes the controls while maintaining the series' signature tension.”
- “The gameplay is intense with limited ammo and aggressive zombies, adding to the thrill.”
- “The gameplay experience is amazing and easily has 30+ hours of replayable content.”
- “The gameplay is relatively straightforward most of the time: shoot zombies until they don't get up anymore.”
- “The gameplay is sometimes fair, sometimes dreadful.”
- “The gameplay is limiting and makes it that much scarier than the future remakes.”
atmosphere
1,736 mentions
56 % positive mentions
42 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in Resident Evil 2 (2019) is widely praised for its intense, immersive quality, effectively combining stunning graphics, exceptional sound design, and meticulous level design to create a chilling and oppressive environment. Players frequently highlight the game's ability to evoke a sense of dread and tension, particularly through the use of lighting, ambient sounds, and the relentless pursuit of enemies like Mr. X, which keeps them on edge throughout their experience. Overall, the remake successfully captures the essence of the original while enhancing the atmosphere to deliver a modern survival horror experience that resonates with both new players and long-time fans.
- “From the moment you step into Raccoon City, the atmosphere is thick with tension, expertly crafted through breathtaking visuals and haunting sound design.”
- “The soundtrack enhances the atmosphere perfectly, with chilling scores that heighten the sense of dread and urgency.”
- “The use of lighting and shadows, combined with the impeccable sound design, creates an atmosphere of tension and dread that never lets up.”
- “The movement is slow and clunky, zombies are bullet sponges, they're also just not a threat so long as you conserve your ammo (even on hardcore mode), you have just enough ammo to get by, the first 1 to 2 hours is just one long fetch quest (that I didn't even complete because I was miserably bored), the only real puzzle is taking just enough items to progress the fetch quest, despite being graphically gorgeous, they somehow completely missed the atmosphere the entire series had, and the story (at least, the bit I saw) was completely forgettable and also boring.”
- “This game is a beautiful solid intact experience without any glitches, delivering a well developed atmosphere.”
- “The atmosphere is there but I never felt it truly, and now with the mod 'x gonna give it to ya' I can experience the game like it was meant to.”
music
1,096 mentions
30 % positive mentions
65 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The music in the Resident Evil 2 remake has received mixed reviews, with many players praising its atmospheric qualities that enhance the horror experience, particularly during tense moments like encounters with Mr. X. However, a significant number of players feel that the new soundtrack lacks the memorability and impact of the original, often describing it as too subtle or minimalistic. The option to purchase and switch to the original soundtrack as DLC has been appreciated for its nostalgic value, but some critics argue that it should have been included in the base game for free.
- “The soundtrack enhances the atmosphere perfectly, with chilling scores that heighten the sense of dread and urgency.”
- “The music is extremely good; 'Collapse,' which plays near the end of the game, and 'Final Judgement,' the theme of the final boss, are my personal favorites.”
- “The eerie sounds and haunting soundtrack add to the tension, creating an almost perfect sense of unease when exploring new rooms and areas!”
- “The soundtrack doesn't play a major ambient role the way it used to.”
- “Beyond this one gripe I have with the game, there is DLC that just shouldn't exist: the original score belongs in this game by default. This game without music is just... so bland.”
- “The only complaint I really have about the game is the soundtrack.”
replayability
1,029 mentions
48 % positive mentions
49 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The replayability of Resident Evil 2 Remake is widely praised, with many players highlighting its strong incentive for multiple playthroughs due to the dual campaigns of Leon and Claire, each offering unique perspectives and challenges. The game features various difficulty levels, unlockable content, and additional modes like "4th Survivor" and "Tofu Survivor," which significantly enhance its replay value. However, some critiques mention that the similarities between character storylines can diminish the overall replayability compared to the original game.
- “After that, I have been very surprised by the replayability of the game. I'm on my 6th playthrough now and still want to keep going.”
- “Playing through both characters' campaigns offers unique perspectives on the outbreak, with different weapons, scenarios, and enemies, encouraging replayability.”
- “The game's branching paths, multiple difficulty modes, and unlockable content provide excellent replay value.”
- “The game's lack of replay value is a major disappointment.”
- “The removal of A/B scenarios basically kills any replayability considering the original had the same story told four different unique ways; meanwhile here, it's just the same story.”
- “The only disappointment is that the two scenarios are largely identical, unlike the original game, so it doesn't lend much room for replayability.”
optimization
598 mentions
54 % positive mentions
39 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received widespread praise, with many players reporting smooth performance even on lower-end hardware, achieving high frame rates and minimal bugs. However, some users have noted issues related to recent DRM implementations that negatively impact performance, causing stuttering and frame drops. Overall, the game is considered well-optimized, particularly with the RE Engine, allowing for impressive graphics and gameplay across various systems.
- “Great game with excellent Steam Deck performance.”
- “The graphics are amazing, and the game is very well optimized with the RE engine.”
- “The game is well optimized and looks good, with some of the best sound design in a game period.”
- “Poorly optimized.”
- “This DRM causes performance issues, crashes, and has broken Steam Deck support on some games.”
- “The performance of the game has degenerated to unplayable levels!”
grinding
245 mentions
2 % positive mentions
34 % neutral mentions
64 % negative mentions
The aspect of "grinding" in the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding the backtracking and certain puzzles tedious and repetitive, particularly in later levels and specific areas like the sewers. While some appreciate the challenge and resource management as integral to the survival horror experience, others feel that the gameplay can become frustratingly drawn out, especially with bullet sponge enemies and the mechanics surrounding Mr. X. Overall, while the game offers engaging moments, it often feels padded with unnecessary grind that detracts from the enjoyment.
- “Exploration is rewarding and engaging, but not tedious.”
- “The achievements aren't grindy and they're quite straightforward.”
- “Very fun, a lot of backtracking but it's not too tedious.”
- “The only flaws are the constant back and forth to stretch playtime, which is consistent with the originals, but something that feels tedious compared to more recent games, and the lack of ammo is a touch too much.”
- “Despite its relatively short length, Resident Evil 2 often feels padded out with tedious backtracking and fetch quests that do little to enhance the overall experience.”
- “I realize that backtracking and puzzles are core elements of the RE franchise, but more notably the backtracking in this game is so tedious and dragged out that it completely takes away from the enjoyment.”
emotional
154 mentions
99 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by players' intense reactions, ranging from tears of joy and sadness to feelings of dread and hopelessness. Many reviews praise the strong character development and impactful storytelling, particularly in Claire's narrative, which resonates deeply with players. However, some critiques mention a lack of emotional depth in certain areas, suggesting that while the game excels in creating emotional moments, it may not fully engage all players on a narrative level.
- “The voice acting and motion capture bring them to life in ways that resonate emotionally with players.”
- “With its twists and turns, its moments of heart-wrenching emotion and pulse-pounding tension, the narrative grabs hold of you and never lets go, leaving you desperate to uncover the truth, even as you dread what you might find.”
- “The characters' struggles and relationships allow you to establish an emotional connection with the game.”
- “So much backtracking, so much darkness, a boring story, clunky controls.”
humor
154 mentions
99 % positive mentions
-1 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players highlighting its comedic elements, such as funny character interactions, absurd situations, and amusing mods that enhance the experience. Many reviews mention the juxtaposition of horror and humor, particularly through quirky character designs and dialogue, which contribute to a lighthearted atmosphere amidst the tension. Overall, the game is described as both entertaining and funny, making it a recommended choice for those looking for a blend of scares and laughs.
- “When zombies die, they sometimes have a sense of humor and yeet themselves; it's really funny! 11/10, can recommend for high comedic value.”
- “The story cutscenes are filled with charm and humor, making them a treat to watch.”
- “It's funny when Leon calls the zombie a 'bastard'.”
- “Voice acting is decent, but some of the dialogue is slightly cringe-worthy and ends up being unfunny, dry one-liners.”
- “The attempts at humor often fall flat, making the game feel more awkward than entertaining.”
- “While there are moments that try to be funny, they mostly miss the mark and feel forced.”
stability
133 mentions
39 % positive mentions
2 % neutral mentions
59 % negative mentions
The stability of the game is generally well-received, with many players reporting smooth performance and minimal bugs or crashes. However, some users have experienced occasional freezes, stutters, and graphical glitches, particularly on lower-end systems or with specific settings. Overall, while the game runs great for most, a few players have encountered frustrating issues that can disrupt gameplay.
- “Fantastic game, runs great on Steam Deck, had no issues at all.”
- “Visuals are stunning, no glitches/crashes, and it keeps you engaged.”
- “Stable game with no glitches or lags on my part.”
- “The game, however, has some buggy issues like the entire main room not loading and the game crashing because it can't spawn the licker behind the door or when Mr. X is getting close to the player.”
- “Games randomly freeze and it's annoying.”
- “After playing this game and getting to a certain point, it freezes on me, a lot of colors pop up on my screen and my computer restarts.”
character development
71 mentions
30 % positive mentions
65 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The character development in Resident Evil 2 Remake is widely praised, particularly for the depth and relatability of protagonists Leon and Claire, whose journeys are enhanced by strong voice acting and updated character designs. While many players appreciate the expanded storytelling and emotional arcs, some critiques highlight inconsistencies in character interactions and a lack of variety in development across different scenarios. Overall, the remake successfully modernizes the original's narrative while providing a compelling character experience.
- “The character development of Leon and Claire is top-notch, and the voice acting really brings their stories to life.”
- “The narrative, while faithful to the core of the original game, benefits from expanded storytelling and character development.”
- “Not only is this an excellent and faithful adaptation to the 1998 game, but it also has even better character development and storytelling, greatly expanding upon the original as well.”
- “It feels like this game was written by people with no concept of narrative design or character development.”
- “The game is great and I would certainly recommend it, but the lack of character development, little variety in challenge, and fetch-questing would be the main reasons I wouldn't consider it one of my favorites.”
- “And the characters are incredibly bland, with not enough one-liners to truly be campy, and not enough actual emotions or character development to make you care.”
monetization
49 mentions
10 % positive mentions
31 % neutral mentions
59 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many praising the absence of microtransactions and DLC, which contrasts sharply with industry trends. While some reviewers express concerns about potential cash grab elements, particularly regarding DLC costumes and pre-order bonuses, the overall sentiment leans towards appreciation for a game that prioritizes quality and player experience over aggressive monetization strategies.
- “A fantastic game with plenty of replayability and largely free of those insidious microtransactions that can creep their way in.”
- “Great quality game, no microtransactions, no DLC required.”
- “No grubby microtransactions to speak of, just good gameplay.”
- “Do not support this anti-consumer company; they want to destroy modding to sell you skins and microtransactions!”
- “A lot of remakes these days are a quick cash grab with minimal improvements or changes to the original game.”
- “The purchases of microtransactions are a complete shame, and I recommend not getting any of the unlockables you can actually get in-game.”