HORROR CLASSICS – RESIDENT EVIL 2

     Resident Evil 2 is not only one of the best Survival Horror games ever made, it is one of the best games ever made, period. The original, made back in the late 90’s, was already an excellent title, but the remake that just came out this past year, took it to the absolute zenith of gaming. Along with Gears 5, the Resident Evil 2 remake are my personal Games of the Year. Everything that was awesome in the original Resident Evil 2, has been perfected, along with some much-needed modernization of controls, an excellent and fully fleshed out story, and some new features and modes.  

     Resident Evil 2’s story focuses on rookie cop Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield (sister of S.T.A.R.S. Agent Chris Redfield), two survivors brought together by the zombie outbreak of Racoon City. Players choose one of these two characters to play as, and have a different night of terror than the other character (Leon’s adventure is much different from Claire’s). It is absolutely encouraged that players play through the game at least twice, once with each character, to see the complete story, and further understand the cataclysmic events unfolding. The Umbrella Corporation’s T-Virus has been unleashed, and has infected most of the city. Leon and Claire must use their wits and the various weapons they find, to survive against all odds, and defeat the terrors of Racoon City.

     The visuals of Resident Evil 2 are top notch, and push the Xbox One X to the limits of its power. Graphically speaking, only Hellblade and a few other games in this genre, stand as peers in visuals. Combat is smooth and refined, so much better than the tank controls of the original. The story is phenomenal, and really grips you. The characters are great, the puzzles fun, and the thrill of beating a boss is always epic. Another notable difference between the modern Resident Evil 2 and its original, is the introduction of Mr. X, a nearly indestructible villain, who chases you throughout the campaign. Clearly inspired by the Nemesis enemy of Resident Evil 3, when Mr. X shows up, you’d better run. Simply put, Resident Evil 2 is a must play game for fans of the horror genre.