Skip to main content

Resident Evil 2

A faithful remake that does exactly what it needed to do while adding plenty of its own ideas, Resident Evil 2 is now as terrifying in 2019 as it was in 1998.
Resident Evil 2 Game Cover
96%Game Brain Score
story, graphics
grinding, stability
97% User Score Based on 67,617 reviews
Critic Score 95%Based on 1 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchXbox Series X|SPCPlaystation 5CloudPlaystation 4Xbox OneXbox Cloud GamingXboxNVIDIA GeForce NOWWindowsPlayStation
Buy Nowfrom $9.99
Buy NowGet on Steam $9.99Buy NowGet on Xbox Games Store Buy NowGet on PS Store $39.99
Resident Evil 2 Game Cover

About

Resident Evil 2 is a single player survival shooter game with a horror theme. It was developed by CAPCOM Co., Ltd. and was released on January 24, 2019. It received very positive reviews from critics and overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

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
Resident Evil 2 screenshot
Resident Evil 2 screenshot
Resident Evil 2 screenshot
Resident Evil 2 screenshot
Resident Evil 2 screenshot
Resident Evil 2 screenshot
Resident Evil 2 screenshot
Resident Evil 2 screenshot
Resident Evil 2 screenshot
Resident Evil 2 screenshot
Resident Evil 2 screenshot
+7
Skip User Reviews

97%
Audience ScoreBased on 67,617 reviews
story3.5k positive mentions
grinding270 negative mentions
  • The gameplay successfully blends classic survival horror mechanics with modern enhancements, creating an engaging and immersive experience.
  • The graphics are stunning, showcasing incredible detail and atmosphere that enhance the horror experience.
  • The emotional depth of the characters, particularly Leon and Claire, adds a compelling layer to the narrative, making players invested in their journey.
  • Some players find the gameplay loop repetitive and tedious, particularly due to excessive backtracking and fetch quests.
  • The game suffers from technical issues, including bugs and performance hiccups that can detract from the overall experience.
  • While the main characters are well-developed, side characters lack depth, and some dialogue is considered cringe-worthy.
  • story
    9,886 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of Resident Evil 2 Remake is a reimagining of the classic narrative, following protagonists Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield as they navigate a zombie-infested Raccoon City. Players experience two distinct campaigns that intertwine, offering different perspectives and slight variations in plot, though many elements remain similar, leading to some criticism regarding the lack of significant differences between the characters' storylines. Overall, the narrative is engaging, with well-developed characters and a mix of horror and action that keeps players invested throughout the experience.

    • “I normally hate horror games with a passion, but the story and gameplay were so good that I can't stop playing.”
    • “The story is well done, the enemy types are super cool, boss fights are really cool, and Leon and Ada together in any Resident Evil game is cinema.”
    • “The story remains as one of the best in the series, with the improved cutscenes, voice acting, and optional files scattered around helping to add to the storytelling and world-building in a really engaging, tense, and sometimes unsettling manner.”
    • “You can replay it and there's other story options and additional endings, but I don't really care for playing another 6 hours to see a couple of minutes of extra footage.”
    • “The only gripe I have with this campaign is how similar the two storylines are.”
    • “The only downside is the length of the story; it's a bit short for today's standards, but still very enjoyable.”
  • graphics
    6,842 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of Resident Evil 2 (2019) have received widespread acclaim for their stunning realism and attention to detail, showcasing the capabilities of Capcom's RE Engine. Players have praised the game's atmospheric lighting, intricate character models, and immersive environments that enhance the horror experience. While some users noted minor graphical issues and performance hiccups, the overall visual presentation is considered a significant upgrade from the original, making it a standout in modern gaming.

    • “An incredible evolution of the original, remastered with some glorious additions and beautiful graphics, Resident Evil 2 (2019) is something to behold.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely breathtaking, bringing Raccoon City and its terrifying streets to life with incredible detail and atmosphere.”
    • “The remake nails everything: visuals, sound design, insane lighting, and gameplay that feels super smooth yet stressful in the best possible way.”
    • “Only real issue I have run into is the graphics settings constantly resetting to a default that's greater than my system's specs and generally a smeary/muddy look to the visuals.”
    • “I genuinely think the combat in this game is worse than it was in the original game, so the only thing that was actually improved were the graphics.”
    • “The graphics are so high quality, it's a shame I sometimes didn't get to admire them while running away from zombies.”
  • gameplay
    6,688 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of Resident Evil 2 (2019) has been widely praised for its blend of classic survival horror mechanics with modern gameplay enhancements, including an over-the-shoulder camera and refined controls. Players appreciate the tension created by resource management, challenging puzzles, and the relentless pursuit of Mr. X, which adds a layer of fear and urgency to exploration. While some critiques mention repetitive elements and the lack of a dodge mechanic, the overall experience is considered engaging, immersive, and a significant improvement over the original, making it a must-play for both fans of the series and newcomers.

    • “The atmosphere is phenomenal, the gameplay is tightly designed, and the progression flows naturally without ever feeling forced.”
    • “The gameplay is amazing, it respects the original game, and adds more interesting stuff.”
    • “Resident Evil 2's 2019 remake delivers a perfect balance of tension, atmosphere, and gameplay refinement.”
    • “The gameplay feels clunky, it sucks, the story makes no sense, the characters are shallow and unsympathetic.”
    • “The gameplay loop is annoying (go pick this item, to pick this other item, to pick this other item).”
    • “The gameplay is basic but if anything that just makes it better.”
  • atmosphere
    3,133 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere in the Resident Evil 2 remake is widely praised for its intense, immersive quality, effectively blending horror elements with stunning graphics and sound design. Players frequently highlight the game's ability to create a sense of dread and tension, particularly through its detailed environments, ambient sounds, and the relentless presence of enemies like Mr. X. Overall, the atmosphere is considered one of the game's strongest aspects, enhancing the survival horror experience and drawing players into the chilling world of Raccoon City.

    • “The atmosphere is phenomenal, the gameplay is tightly designed, and the progression flows naturally without ever feeling forced.”
    • “The atmosphere is tense and immersive, with incredible lighting, sound design, and detailed environments that make the RPD feel truly terrifying.”
    • “From the very start, the atmosphere pulls you in — the dark hallways, the sounds in the distance, and that constant feeling that something is about to go wrong.”
    • “The atmosphere is so intense and creepy, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.”
    • “The atmosphere is thick with dread, the lighting and sound design are some of the best in any modern game, and every creaking door or distant growl keeps you on edge.”
    • “The atmosphere is dark, tense, and stressful in the best way possible.”
  • music
    1,859 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the Resident Evil 2 remake has received mixed reviews, with many players expressing disappointment over the lack of a prominent soundtrack throughout the game. While the new music is described as atmospheric and effective during key moments, it often feels sparse and forgettable compared to the iconic original soundtrack, which is only available as paid DLC. Players recommend purchasing the original soundtrack to enhance the overall experience, as it significantly boosts nostalgia and immersion.

    • “Running from an 8-foot drippy dude in a trench coat while trying to solve puzzles has sent my adrenaline to a new level; fighting Mr. X with that ascendant level music was amazing.”
    • “The soundtrack is impeccable, at times nostalgic, at others intensely immersive.”
    • “The music is perfect and fits the mood of each area; the flickering lights, the AC noises, the shuffling of the zombies where it's unclear how close or far they are... it all adds up and makes a beautifully haunting experience.”
    • “The one major gripe I had was the lack of music.”
    • “The vast majority of the time, there is no music, except when you’re being chased.”
    • “The original's soundtrack is significantly better than this version's; however, you can swap to the original soundtrack if you buy the DLC (should've just been included, to be honest).”
  • replayability
    1,711 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The replayability of Resident Evil 2 Remake is highly praised, with many players noting the dual campaigns of Leon and Claire, each offering unique perspectives and experiences that encourage multiple playthroughs. The game features a variety of unlockables, challenges, and additional modes like the "4th Survivor," which further enhance its replay value. While some critiques mention that the A/B scenarios feel similar, the overall consensus is that the game provides a rich and engaging experience that invites players to return for more.

    • “The different paths available for Leon and Claire also enhance replayability, allowing me to experience the game multiple times without it feeling repetitive.”
    • “The game also doesn't pad playtime with meaningless stuff, which is pretty remarkable to see nowadays, and on top of that it still manages to have high replayability.”
    • “Leon and Claire’s campaigns each provide unique perspectives, adding replay value and fresh experiences.”
    • “Just a remake of the original, very linear, zero replayability. It's light years away from RE4, which is a very good game.”
    • “In addition, Claire's playthrough is almost identical to Leon's, which reduces the variety of replayability.”
    • “The only complaint I have is it has very little replay value; the B story doesn't change all that much, mainly just where you start.”
  • optimization
    1,078 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has received widespread acclaim, with many users praising its ability to run smoothly across a variety of hardware configurations, including lower-end systems. Players report high frame rates, often exceeding 60 fps even on max settings, and commend the game's graphical fidelity and responsiveness. However, some users have noted occasional stuttering and performance issues, particularly related to the implementation of DirectX 12 and the addition of DRM, which can negatively impact performance. Overall, the game is considered one of the best-optimized titles in recent years, showcasing Capcom's commitment to delivering a polished experience.

    • “This game is incredibly well optimized.”
    • “The game runs smoothly, replayability is another major plus.”
    • “The performance is so good—playing at 2k with everything maxed, very stable at 165 fps.”
    • “I think this is a lesson of how important optimization is for a game, rather than the engine used for development or the hardware used to run it.”
    • “Good game and I have played it since it first released on PS4, but graphics are sometimes janky for a 4070 Ti super graphics card, which is most likely poor optimization because mine is supposed to be way better than a PS5.”
    • “The game runs incredibly well, on default settings with their in-game filtering for performance I was getting smooth 90fps like 97% of the time on the deck OLED, this is a perfect game for the deck (minus the cutscene issues).”
  • grinding
    412 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The aspect of "grinding" in the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding the backtracking and puzzle-solving elements tedious and repetitive. While some appreciate the challenge and resource management, others feel that the excessive need to revisit areas and the slow pacing detract from the overall enjoyment, making certain segments feel like a chore. Overall, while the game offers engaging moments, the grinding aspects can lead to frustration, especially during multiple playthroughs.

    • “Repetitive but not tedious.”
    • “The achievements aren't grindy and they're quite straightforward.”
    • “Grinding isn't necessary to progress.”
    • “I sadly had to give up on this game due to the complete lack of respect for the player's time with tedious puzzles, excessive codes, and pressuring the player to constantly seek third-party guides to get any momentum.”
    • “The backtracking and some tedious areas (i.e., sewer) that makes the experience less 'fun' than I remember.”
    • “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.”
  • emotional
    275 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of Resident Evil 2 Remake is widely praised, with players expressing deep investment in the characters, particularly Leon and Claire, as they navigate the horrors of Raccoon City. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke genuine feelings, from heartwarming moments to intense dread, often leading to tears during key scenes. The combination of strong voice acting, improved character depth, and atmospheric storytelling creates a compelling emotional journey that resonates with both new players and long-time fans of the franchise.

    • “I found myself emotionally invested in Leon and Claire's journey, cheering them on as they faced relentless enemies and uncovered the dark truth behind the outbreak.”
    • “The pacing and storytelling are masterfully executed, delivering an emotionally charged narrative that keeps you invested from start to finish.”
    • “The emotional toll on everyone and the physical brutality is portrayed so well.”
    • “They make a classic game that, although not perfect in any way, it was not another boring story nonsense shooter.”
    • “- boring story and characters”
  • stability
    265 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The stability of the game is a mixed bag, with many players reporting smooth performance and great optimization on various systems, particularly on the Steam Deck. However, numerous users have encountered significant bugs and glitches, including crashes, freezes, and graphical issues, particularly related to certain settings like DirectX 12. Overall, while some players enjoy a stable experience, others face frustrating technical problems that detract from gameplay.

    • “The game runs great, looks great, and is great to play.”
    • “This game runs flawlessly, no glitches, no crashes.”
    • “The visuals are breathtaking and the game runs great.”
    • “Horrible buggy mess, haven't even started playing the game and it doesn't even open anymore; a pirated version runs better than this.”
    • “Based on what I read, it's a remake of a game that looks nicer than the original but is riddled with glitches and issues that nobody seems to have any idea how to fix, with zero support or assistance from Capcom.”
    • “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.”
  • humor
    253 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is often described as a blend of intentional and unintentional comedy, with players finding amusement in character interactions, quirky dialogue, and absurd situations, such as the antics of Mr. X and the humorous mods available. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to balance horror with comedic moments, making it a memorable experience that elicits both laughter and screams. Overall, the humor adds a unique charm to the gameplay, enhancing the enjoyment of the horror elements.

    • “If you love being scared half to death, then laughing nervously at your own screams, Resident Evil 2 Remake is the perfect horror comedy in disguise.”
    • “Leon and Claire's attitude when they meet literally beneath a flaming helicopter crash is so funny I cried.”
    • “The horror atmosphere was amazing, hearing Mr. X's footsteps getting closer and closer was terrifying, but also funny at times.”
    • “Now the plot is not the best part of RE games; they always lacked deeper emotional or philosophical stakes, instead leaning into its action roots with stupid dialogue that tries to be either so unfunny that it becomes funny in the process, or so overly serious that it causes only laughter.”
    • “Voice acting is decent, but some of the dialogue is slightly cringe-worthy and ends up being unfunny, dried one-line jokes.”
    • “They removed the gun shop and other not funny/funny intro moments.”
  • character development
    125 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the depth and growth of main characters like Leon and Claire, whose journeys are engaging and well-voiced. However, some players feel that side characters lack sufficient development and that dialogue can detract from the overall experience. Overall, while the character designs are visually appealing, opinions vary on the effectiveness of the narrative and character interactions, with some noting a need for more meaningful connections between characters.

    • “Capcom clearly put a lot of effort into the narrative and character development, making every interaction feel meaningful.”
    • “The character development of Leon and Claire is compelling, making their journey through the horrors of Raccoon City even more engaging.”
    • “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.”
    • “The dialogue is absolutely awful, even though the characters themselves and their backgrounds could be compelling.”
    • “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.”
    • “There is also a real lack of character development or even interactions, particularly between Leon and Claire.”
  • monetization
    84 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many praising it for being free of microtransactions and DLC, which is a refreshing change in an industry often criticized for cash grabs. While some reviewers express concerns about potential future monetization strategies, the consensus is that this remake prioritizes quality and player experience over profit-driven tactics, making it a standout title in a market saturated with exploitative practices. Overall, players appreciate the absence of aggressive monetization, viewing it as a testament to the developers' commitment to delivering a genuine gaming experience.

    • “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.”
    • “What a wonderful release for 2019, a shining gem amongst the seas of hollow content and microtransactions.”
    • “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, but Resident Evil 2 re-envisions the original game for a modern era, giving something new for both old and new players alike without sacrificing the story beats of the original.”
    • “In an industry full of greedy publishers who only want to put out the bare minimum and then suck you dry with microtransactions and who only care about how much money you spend on the game, it's a breath of fresh air to see a game crafted with such love and care.”
Skip Critic Reviews

95%Critics’ scoreBased on 1 critic reviews
Skip Game Offers

Buy Resident Evil 2

15h Median play time
34h Average play time
9h Main story
35h Completionist
6-40h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 215 analyzed playthroughs
Skip Videos

Videos

Skip Games Like Resident Evil 2

Games Like Resident Evil 2

Resident Evil 7 Biohazard Image
84%44.8kreviews

Resident Evil 7 Biohazard

2017Survival Shooter
Nintendo SwitchXbox Series X|SPC+7
Resident Evil 4: Image
93%73kreviews

Resident Evil 4:

2014Shooter
Xbox Series X|SPCPlaystation 5+7
Resident Evil Village Image
88%71.5kreviews

Resident Evil Village

2021Survival Shooter
Nintendo SwitchPlaystation 5Playstation 4+12
The Evil Within Image
74%10.8kreviews

The Evil Within

2014Survival Shooter
Playstation 3Xbox 360Playstation 5+11
Dead Space 2 Image
92%12.6kreviews

Dead Space 2

2011Survival Shooter
Playstation 3Xbox 360Xbox Cloud Gaming+10
More games like Resident Evil 2
Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Resident Evil 2 is a survival shooter game with horror theme.

Resident Evil 2 is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5 and others.

The main story can be completed in around 9 hours, while the entire game is estimated to take about 35 hours to finish. On average players spend around 34 hours playing Resident Evil 2.

Resident Evil 2 was released on January 24, 2019.

Resident Evil 2 was developed by CAPCOM Co., Ltd..

Resident Evil 2 has received very positive reviews from players and very positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its grinding.

Resident Evil 2 is a single player game.

Similar games include Resident Evil 7 Biohazard, Resident Evil 4:, Resident Evil Village, The Evil Within, Dead Space 2 and others.