RESIDENT EVIL 2 – 1998 – Resident Evil

The Original Resident Evil 2 (1998)

Resident Evil 2 is the acclaimed sequel to the original Resident Evil, released in 1998. Directed by Hideki Kamiya and produced by Shinji Mikami, the game expanded on the foundations of its predecessor with larger environments, a more engaging narrative, and dual protagonists. Set in the zombie-infested Raccoon City, the game follows rookie police officer Leon S. Kennedy and college student Claire Redfield as they fight to survive and uncover the secrets of the Umbrella Corporation.

Gameplay and Features

Dual Campaigns: Players could choose to play as either Leon or Claire, each with unique scenarios, weapons, and supporting characters. Completing both campaigns unlocked the “B” scenario for the other character, revealing alternate events.
Fixed Camera Angles: Like its predecessor, Resident Evil 2 used fixed camera angles, enhancing the game’s cinematic and suspenseful feel.
Expanded Environments: The game introduced larger, more interconnected areas, including the iconic Raccoon City Police Department (RPD).
Inventory Management: Limited inventory slots added strategic depth, as players had to carefully choose what items to carry.
Improved Enemy Variety: The game introduced new enemies, such as the Lickers, and a greater variety of zombies and B.O.W.s.
Story Depth: The narrative delved deeper into Umbrella’s experiments and introduced key characters, including Ada Wong, Sherry Birkin, and William Birkin.

Story Overview

Leon and Claire arrive in Raccoon City on the same night the T-virus outbreak devastates the population. Leon, reporting for his first day on the RPD, and Claire, searching for her missing brother Chris, find themselves trapped in the chaos. They navigate the police station, encounter survivors, and face horrific monsters, including the mutated scientist William Birkin and his G-virus experiments.