Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Resident Evil 2’s core gameplay remains true to its survival-horror roots, yet this updated release introduces a suite of new features that freshen the experience for both longtime fans and newcomers. The inclusion of Dual Shock support gives you subtle rumble feedback during tense moments—like when a zombie claws at the camera—heightening immersion and making each encounter more visceral. Traditional tank controls and fixed camera angles are retained, ensuring that the claustrophobic tension and strategic resource management remain central to every playthrough.

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One of the most player-friendly additions is the Rookie Mode, which outfits you with the best weapons from the outset and grants unlimited ammo. While this essentially removes the survival aspect, it allows first-time players to focus on exploring the Raccoon City Police Department and unraveling the plot without constantly scavenging for supplies. Seasoned veterans can dive directly into the heart of the action, blasting through hordes of undead and experimenting with different strategies without worrying about conserving ammo.

After completing the main campaign, Battle Mode unlocks, sending you through a mirrored version of the game where you must race back to the starting point and disarm four timed bombs. The added competitive element challenges you to optimize routes, balance aggression, and maintain a cool head under pressure. Unlockable difficulty levels and playable characters offer significant replay value—although it’s worth noting that the Nintendo 64 release omits Battle Mode, making that version better suited for purists who prefer the classic experience without extra modes.

Graphics

This iteration of Resident Evil 2 makes its debut on Windows, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, and GameCube, bringing the franchise’s signature pre-rendered backdrops and detailed character models to new-generation hardware. Backgrounds are richly textured, with flickering lights casting long shadows that amplify the sense of dread as you navigate dark corridors. The character sprites and later polygonal figures on Dreamcast and GameCube feel more lifelike compared to the original PlayStation release, thanks to smoother animations and refined lighting effects.

On Dreamcast and GameCube, dynamic lighting and more polished textures elevate the decaying police station and ominous sewers to unsettling new heights. Reflections in broken windows and pools of blood on the floor react convincingly to your flashlight beam. Even on the Nintendo 64, despite cartridge size limitations, the development team managed to preserve most of the visual fidelity—though the Battle Mode’s absence on that platform means you miss out on additional cutscenes and alternate camera angles tied to that mode.

Upgrading from the PlayStation version, Windows users benefit from higher resolutions and faster loading times, making transitions between rooms feel seamless. Ambient effects—dripping water, distant growls, and interactive puzzles—are accompanied by more dynamic shadows, turning every corner into a potential ambush point. While the graphics won’t rival modern titles, this release stands as one of the most impressive and atmospheric renditions of Resident Evil 2 available on classic systems.

Story

Resident Evil 2 plunges you into the horror-stricken streets of Raccoon City two months after the events of the original game. You assume the roles of rookie police officer Leon S. Kennedy and college student Claire Redfield, whose paths cross in the abandoned RPD station. The familiar yet chilling narrative unfolds with expertly crafted pacing, punctuated by sudden zombie attacks, heart-pounding encounters with mutated monsters, and cryptic messages hinting at Umbrella Corporation’s nefarious experiments.

While the main storyline remains largely unchanged, the added Battle Mode offers a fresh perspective on the game’s plot by rewinding events and forcing you to revisit locations with heightened urgency. The race to defuse bombs before time runs out injects a new layer of tension and compels you to recall key story beats in reverse order. Unlocking alternate characters and higher difficulties also teases hidden dialogue and cutscenes, encouraging multiple playthroughs to piece together every facet of the narrative.

The game’s script and voice acting, though a product of the late ’90s, possess a nostalgic charm that has endeared Resident Evil 2 to generations of horror fans. Cryptic voicemail tapes and newspaper clippings scattered throughout the environments flesh out the backstory, while the terse dialogue between Leon and Claire conveys both fear and determination. This blend of survival horror storytelling and environmental lore remains one of the series’ strongest assets.

Overall Experience

Resident Evil 2’s updated release is a must-have for survival-horror enthusiasts seeking both nostalgia and fresh content. The balance between classic tank-control gameplay and modern convenience features—like Dual Shock support and the Rookie Mode—caters to a wide spectrum of players. Whether you’re a horror purist aiming for the toughest difficulty or a casual gamer more interested in the story, there’s a tailored challenge awaiting you.

The inclusion of Battle Mode and unlockable extras significantly boosts replayability, making this more than just a straightforward port of the original. Fans will appreciate the opportunity to experiment with different characters and tackle the game from new angles, while newcomers can experience one of the genre’s defining titles with all the convenience perks that later hardware offers. Just keep in mind that the Nintendo 64 version skips Battle Mode, so bear that in mind if those extras are part of your purchase criteria.

Across all platforms, this Resident Evil 2 release remains a seminal experience in horror gaming. Its blend of atmospheric tension, strategic resource management, and cinematic storytelling cements its place in gaming history. For anyone building a retro collection or seeking a spine-tingling adventure on Windows, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, or GameCube, this is an essential addition that continues to terrify and delight decades after its initial launch.

Retro Replay Score

8/10