Resident Evil 2 begins shortly after the events that transpired in the ill-fated mansion laboratory of its immediate predecessor. With the T-virus and all relating evidence believed to be destroyed, the remaining members of STARS (Special Tactics and Rescue Service) returned home. But as you watch the gorgeous Resident Evil 2 introduction, it is made apparent that the heroic efforts and Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield and Rebecca Chambers came just a little too late. The infamous Raccoon City ... more >>

Resident Evil 2 begins shortly after the events that transpired in the ill-fated mansion laboratory of its immediate predecessor. With the T-virus and all relating evidence believed to be destroyed, the remaining members of STARS (Special Tactics and Rescue Service) returned home. But as you watch the gorgeous Resident Evil 2 introduction, it is made apparent that the heroic efforts and Jill Valentine, Chris Redfield and Rebecca Chambers came just a little too late. The infamous Raccoon City has already fallen, its inhabitants deceased... or undead. It is here where our two unwitting protagonists, Claire and Leon, meet.

Following a rather nasty car crash instigated by an unpleasant horde of zombies, Claire and Leon are left separated and must find their own way through the survival horror. Players must first choose the character they wish to play as before the game can begin. There is a different scenario for each, and although their paths are similar they will both experience terrors the other will not.

Once you begin your adventure you'll quickly realise that with respect to presentation and gameplay, Resident Evil 2 is very much like the original. The game environments are realised with a series of lush 2D backdrops creating the illusion of a sophisticated 3D game world. Character movement remains tricky - forward to move, left and right to change direction - but it inflicts a sense of urgency that magnifies the atmosphere of the game, especially when trying to escaping a surrounding clan of flesh-eating deadbeats.

Resident Evil 2's monster bestiary is admirable and much more extensive than that in the first game. In this occasion you'll encounter zombies, rabid dogs, Lickers, triffid-like creatures, mutant spiders, giant alligators and an over-sized moth of sorts. Many of these creatures make unwelcome and unexpected appearances and camera angles are positioned for maximum effect. There are many occasions where players will be literally frightened - on one occasion we were forced to pause the game just to regain composure after an angry Licker burst through a one-way mirror.

Weapons, ammo and herbs are more liberally spread here than in the first game, but players are again limited to storing the contents of their inventory in magically linked boxes. It does makes the game easier to manage though.

Resident Evil stands out as one of the greatest games of the PlayStation generation. A true classic. << less