Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Resident Evil 2 refines the tense, methodical action-adventure formula established by its predecessor, combining survival horror staples such as resource management and environmental puzzles with more dynamic enemy encounters. Players will navigate the decaying halls of Raccoon City’s police station and beyond, scrounging for scarce ammunition and healing items while deciding whether to fight or evade the hordes of undead. The fixed camera angles heighten the suspense, forcing you to commit to a course of action before you even know what’s lurking around the corner.

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One of the game’s standout features is its dual-scenario structure. Whether you choose rookie cop Leon Kennedy or college student Claire Redfield, you’ll share an initial path through the outbreak but eventually diverge into unique storylines. This branching design enhances replay value by introducing different puzzles, weapons, and supporting characters—Leon’s alliance with Ada Wong brings a shadowy espionage angle, while Claire must protect the vulnerable Sherry Birkin from grotesque threats.

Combat is deliberate and unforgiving: your shotgun blasts and handgun shots feel weighty, but bullets are precious. You’ll need to master inventory Tetris—carefully stacking herbs and ammo in your limited attaché case—while keeping an eye out for new key items. Boss encounters, from the wall-crawling Lickers to the unstoppable G-Type tyrant in Leon’s campaign, demand quick reflexes and efficient use of healing items, keeping the tension high throughout each scenario.

Graphics

Resident Evil 2 employs pre-rendered backgrounds paired with detailed 3D character models, creating an atmosphere that remains tense and immersive even by today’s standards. The grimy police station’s flickering lights and blood-stained walls are rendered with painstaking care, each room feeling like a set-piece designed to unnerve. Shadows cast by broken ceiling fixtures and the flicker of your flashlight beam over peeling paint amplify the feeling of dread.

Enemy design is particularly memorable: teenage girl zombies with tattered school uniforms, deranged cop zombies stumbling through corridors, and melting naked creatures oozing with decay all showcase Umbrella’s twisted experiments. The lighting and texturing work together to accentuate the grotesque details, like the veins on a Licker’s exposed brain or the pulsating boils on Mr. X’s trench coat as he relentlessly pursues Claire.

Cutscenes blend seamlessly with in-game action, using cinematic camera angles to emphasize narrative beats without breaking immersion. While the pre-rendered backgrounds lock the viewpoint, they also allow for higher-resolution details than full 3D environments of the time, making every tile and wall crack feel real. The end result is a visual package that strikes an ideal balance between cinematic flair and playable interactivity.

Story

Set shortly after the fall of Umbrella’s mansion in the original Resident Evil, the sequel plunges you into the heart of a city consumed by the T-virus. Claire Redfield arrives in Raccoon City in search of her brother Chris, only to be met by chaos and carnage as citizens have become ravenous monsters. Leon Kennedy, on his first day as a police officer, joins her in the crisis, though their paths quickly diverge due to a tragic car crash at the city limits.

The narrative unfolds through environmental storytelling—police reports, audio logs, and newspaper clippings paint a picture of scientific hubris and corporate malfeasance. As you explore contaminated laboratories and secret Umbrella facilities, you’ll encounter new characters like Ada Wong, whose true motives remain inscrutable, and the earnest Sherry Birkin, who ties the city’s secrets directly to Umbrella’s most horrific experiments.

The interwoven storylines reward multiple playthroughs. Completing one character’s scenario unlocks “B scenarios” that deepen the plot, reveal alternate boss battles, and even alter the fates of key figures. This approach ensures that your choices—and your ability to solve puzzles quickly—have tangible consequences, adding layers of intrigue to the overarching mystery of Raccoon City’s downfall.

Overall Experience

Resident Evil 2 remains a benchmark in survival horror, blending claustrophobic exploration, challenging puzzles, and heart-pounding combat. Every corridor holds the promise of a gruesome surprise, making you think twice before opening doors or backtracking for missed items. The game’s pacing is expertly tuned, alternating between quiet tension in empty hallways and brutal action sequences against mutated monstrosities.

Replayability is one of its strongest suits. The A/B scenario system practically doubles the content, and discovering new weapon upgrades, hidden files, and alternate endings encourages full exploration. Even seasoned players will find fresh scares and surprises the second time around, while newcomers can experience the story from two distinct perspectives, each offering unique narrative twists.

Ultimately, Resident Evil 2 is more than just a sequel—it’s a masterclass in survival horror design. Its seamless integration of story, atmosphere, and gameplay mechanics creates an unforgettable journey through a city on the brink of collapse. For those seeking a chilling, immersive experience that stands the test of time, this Raccoon City nightmare is not to be missed.

Retro Replay Score

8.6/10