I really, honestly have no idea what they were thinking when making the "everyone hates Leon" thing in Welcome to Raccoon City. If you pay even remotely attention to the office desk puzzle, you'll notice that the combination lock prank was supposed to get Leon to memorize the names of his colleagues and there is a big "WELCOME LEON" sign hung up in the office. They weren't looking down on the new rookie, they were downright _excited_ to have him join them! Which just makes it all the more heartbreaking that the disaster killed all of them on Leon's first day and that the police chief himself was with Umbrella the entire time.
I honestly loved that puzzle quite a lot since it would’ve served as an icebreaker for Leon and his new co workers, and the whole force (including Marvin) liked Leon for being a prestigious and young rookie to join. WTRC completely ruined not just Leon but EVERY character. Aside from the obvious “bullying Leon”, they made Irons for some reason a comical and actually entertaining character, when in this game… he’s actually a monster… and probably imo the scariest, most disgusting enemy in the game
I think social justice Oriented people look at every aspect of life as zero sum and everyone shits on everyone. The early 90's small town america era town full of optimism and life that was raccoon city is simply lost on these types of writers. They bleed identity politics and the stories they write are all shallow and depressing with no hope of redemption
It was a fresher take I personally have had nothing but people shit on me whenever I'm. New at a job so the hole welcome leon felt like bullshit Having them hate the new guy is more relatable
Marvin's death is the sort of thing I like because it's something that you can only really do in games. The fact that the game doesn't linger on it allows you to spend as much or as little time on it as you want, and it kind of makes it feel worse, knowing that Marvin has become just another unremarkable zombie, to the point where the game doesn't even make a big deal out of it.
I like it because personally, it gave me some perspective on the other zombies. They were all people too, like Marvin and seeing him like that with no fanfare or cutscene made me realize that even people you care about can turn into the same exact enemy. It's pretty brutal, I like it this way a lot.
Ok, I had no idea they portrayed Leon in that way in the new movie and that upsets tf outta me. Leon is NOT a fuck up, bum, irresponsible loser. He had the highest marks in his police training. He would have been a fantastic cop.
Maybe in the original, but in this game he is a fucking idiot. He kept a man locked up during an apocalypse because he needed to contact his superiors. The game was written by idiots.
The lack of emphasis on Marvin’s death is a projection of the tragedy of all the deaths in the city. All of these zombies were once people just like Marvin. He is now just another zombie. The lack of emphasis makes it more tragic.
@@Me-yq1fl Honestly the idea is really cool but I found it forgettable too. Maybe more cutscenes or maybe some radiocalls would have made it more rememberable
Depends on if you forged a connection with him I guess. Every time I entered main hall on my first playthrough, I checked on him, looked at him, listened to his groans. I felt he cared about me, and I cared about him. I did expect he will turn once. When he turned after my return, I checked on him like usual. I didn't expect him being an enemy, but it made me hesitate a bit, but no other zombies did. Put it into perpective. Eventually put him down because he asked me to. If you managed to connect with his character, and not just look at it while comparing him with old memories (didn't play original until after remake), I think it is impactful.
I disagree on the point how the remake handled Marvin. Having him just stand up and go after you like any zombie, with it being so matter-of-fact, helped to strengthen the sad reality of the situation.
@@eatadick4127 well tbf the main reason why they outscourced the game was so that the main team could focus on the re4 remake, and from the trailers it looks really promising so far
I actually like Marvin's death in the remake. First, the developers tease you when he does not respond on the radio. Then they tease you again when you open the secret path. That is followed by a cliched but well acted scene of "I'm done, leave me, save yourself". And next when you enter the passage, and the door slowly closes behind you, it's shot in such a way that you see how you are being cut off from Marvin by this door. It's my favourite scene in the game, it's hauntingly beautiful, and it communicates to the player that Marvin is gone. And when you return to him, and he rises from the same bench he was sitting on, it's the ultimate payoff for that build up. It's not as dramatic as in the original, but it works in its own way. And Marvin is the only character in the game who wasn't butchered in some way, but was actually improved. One of my criticism is the way some in-game files are written. They seem to have been written by an edgelord trying to be sassy. Iron's diary is one of the brst examples. In the original, his description of killing on of the officers was very poetic, showing off his eloquence which was unsettling due to the fact that he was charged with two rape charges during his university years. The charges were dropped because of circumstantial evidence and his phenomenal academic standing. And his diary builds on that information, confirming his intelligence, eloquence and psychopathic tendencies. It's unsettling. And what do we have in the remake? He nearly came when he sliced a tiger open. Fucking travesty. Other than that, your take on the game mirrors mine.
Both 2 and 3's remakes suffer from that same issue with the in-game files. Every single one sounds so utterly contrived, like this can't possibly be coming from the same universe as the more eloquent notes scattered about in REmake and RE0. I just roll my eyes through each one of them.
Since Marvin acts as an early guide and provides you with necessary item to progress, I found myself going back to check in with him every time I entered the main hall. Discovering he had turned into a zombie when I walked up to interact with him was something I suspected would happen, but I still wasn't fully prepared for it. I found myself walking backwards for a few moments trying to decide if I kill him or spare him, since he's in an inconvenient spot to leave him alive. I think Claire has a voice line where she somberly says she's sorry after you kill him.
I liked the way Marvin is so hard on Leon because he was warned to stay away and showed up anyways and how he was more sympathetic towards Claire. It made him feel like a more rounded character having those different facets of his personality.
I left him alive because I hadn't really given myself time to choose if I should kill him or not. Some time later I was running from Mr X and other zomebies and when I opened the door he was there and almost bit me, I instinctively reacted and blew his head off with the deagle lol
@@lunariian he’s harder on Leon because he knows he can take it. Mind you, Leon has just graduated from the police academy, where he spent 4 to 6 months getting yelled at and drilled by training officers, so he’s accustomed to having orders barked at him.
That gas station zombie is the real F’N deal! Remember: that same creature was tearing it up in the streets of Operation: Raccoon City…you know, in that one map that was in the streets and had the famous gas station
Loss of a true B scenario was my biggest disappointment. They kinda took bits and pieces of both A and B to make essentially a single run :(. It wasnt just the loss of feeling like the B scenario occurred concurrent with A scenario but you can reverse it with Claire A and Leon B and have a different experience again. It was so sad the B scenario wasnt seen important enough to implement :(
The reason why there is no true A and B scenario's in RE2 Remake is because Capcom had only actually planned on making one scenario for both characters. They were almost finished with the game, and then the RE fans started throwing a fit about the game needing the B scenario's, so Capcom added them last minute. In my case, I don't so much look at the B scenario in Remake the same way as in the original because it was never meant to be that way in the first place. The B scenario in Remake is pretty much just an alternate playthrough for the game. I do really like the B scenario in RE2 Remake personally because it is much more difficult challenge to get through, and it has extra cutscenes, and the last boss. Sure, it doesn't have the zapping system or the two sides of each characters story, but it works for what it is, an alternate path that is far more difficult with subtle changes. In my opinion, less is never more when it comes to extra content, but I have heard people say the game would have been better without including any form of a B scenario at all which doesn't make sense to me in retrospect, but that's just me. At first I didn't like it, but after playing through the game so many times, it is nice to have another option for a playthrough.
@@donavonhoward114 yep its not a bad decision in how they structured it in the end and the game is far from being a “bad game” its just the zapping system for me was the unique element that really got me hooked the first time and i loved speed running it because it each play through was quite short and semi made sense (even though yes it had its fair share of holes). It had the illusion of two separate survivors going through the game with little things like picking one of two items and leaving behind one for the other and the interactions with the radio, the stars office etc. The Remake was definitely a fun game but felt more like running through the same game twice with just the only real difference in playing as either Sherry’s orphanage or Ada’s sewers part way through. The other differences were definitely more subtle than the true A or B scenario. It was still fun but i still miss the zapping system haha.
Yeah Resident Evil 2 Remake has major continuity errors, for me they stuck out like a sore thumb and nearly ruined my experience. Capcom was very careful with continuity on the original game, the only flaw being they never ran into one other while running around, only in a few scripted events, but that is completely fine.. But when both characters are fighting the same boss; that is a major problem. How on earth could they think that was a good idea? Cutting corners when remaking your most legendary game and creating major flaws and unexplainable errors is something companies should not do. They did not cut any corners in the original, they went as far as to create Resident Evil 2 twice before being satisfied with the end product. Resident Evil 2 Remake is no masterpiece because of these flaws, including multiple flaws that arrived with the gameplay change and lack of fixed camera angels, that alone killed a lot of the atmosphere, but at least we still have the original.
You encountering zombified Marvin as you return was actually quite cool. You meet him alive, and you briefly meet that cop which gets torn in half, which you also later encounter zombified (and he's already a zombie in scenario B). Zombies you encounter in Western office are all dudes who would be Leon's buddies, they are the ones that setup that joke desk-puzzle for Leon. This is how I initially solved the puzzle, you can very clearly read their names from tags and badges on their bodies after you kill them. This all reminds you that all the zombies in the game were once human. It was pretty cool detail.
The thing about this game’s intro is that it fails to establish that going through the streets is a death wish. In the original, they established why you are stuck in the police station, which sets up the whole premise of escaping it….
Idk, seemed pretty dire to me with fire ablaze everywhere and zombies infesting the streets. He even had to close the gate behind him to protect himself from the horde that was approaching
I always remember as a kid getting off the streets and into the gunshop, thinking; phew, now I'm safe. Then it all goes to shit and I'm back on the streets.
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@@LSK2K With it's emphasis on tight inventory management, backtracking, puzzles (item based, riddle based, and backtracking based), fight or flight combat decisions, and resource management, it absolutely qualifies to be included in the survival horror genre. Even if it does have a lot of action too. Resident Evil 4 is an action game with horror elements.
@@underthemayo Backtracking and 70 iq "puzzles" aren't the definition of survival horror are they now? Also, fight or flight? Are you kidding me? You can play re2 remake on hardcore and kill every enemy and still have spare ammo. It's an action game packed with generic puzzles, great atmosphere and some horror elements. The game is also linear despite it trying to hide its linearity. I love the series and I love this game but I'm actually being unbiased here.
Not a nitpick at all, but a valid criticism. The OG Resident Evil zombies were melancholic victims, literal meat marionettes being moved against their own will. Walking corpses. It seems that post 28 Days Later, every single piece of zombie media has been portraying the walking dead as these angry, groaning people, with varying levels of skin issues.
This video is so well put together that I literally bought RE2 & RE3 remakes. I have always been hesitant to play remakes out of fear of lack of enjoyment when compared to their original titles. Started playing RE2 a few days ago and man, so far this is a good game. Thank you for putting this video together.
Yeah gonna 1up Under. I’ve 100% RE3 3 times and it is still my least time spent in an RE game. I dislike the game but when plats are concerned I must get them for an RE game.
Re3 might b terrible as a remake and it might b bad as a re game but on its own its still a cool game and its worth a play. The core gameplay we like from re2r is still there and the scripted action cutscenes were entertaining to watch imo.
Despite all its flaws, RE2 Remake is a very special game on top of being the best Resident Evil of the past 15-20 years. It proved that no, the true Survival-Horror mechanics aren't dead, and they can still provide an amazing gameplay experience today, and that zombies can still be scary! RE2 remake zombies are amazing. They are slow, but still a real danger, all along the game. That's a pretty amazing achievement from my point of view, especially with an over the shoulder camera. I'm really happy you took the time to put this video together to praise this amazing game. I really hope Capcom goes back to that route for RE9. It's pure Resident Evil, yet everyone loves it and it sells well.
Just wanted to agree on RE9. I’m scared after 8. I was very disappointed when the castle was done within 2 hours. I want something ambitious. On the scale of the Spencer mansion of confusing and convolution. Something to explore, something with incredible atmosphere, something silent in terms of dialogue. I don’t care about the story, give me an experience.
I also agree with what you said.. in like 2 years we are gonna be sitting down with some beers and playing Res evil 9, and it's gonna kick ass. I hope at least
and? He never said '' Go on aghead, I'll meet you at the station that is very far away from here'' There was a giant flaming wreck and zombies everywhere, too much chaos to try and figure out how to reach one another to go together
@@ResidentRaccoon he never said the first line Claire did But he said the second line not even 5 minutes later I mean most of the time in the prologue is spent in the gas station but after the crash there’s no long trek through back alley streets of RC like in the original RE2
One of my all time favorites for sure. The exploration and resource gathering first playthrough are really tight and it feels like you have just enough to keep going. And the journey from being completely lost and scared shitless by the enemies to an S+ run knowing everything about the game is very satisfying. At the end I just wanted more. I would love a game with the same mechanics but more difficult and with a small town to explore so there were more options and strategies for the resource gathering since at the end of all my S runs I had a massive stockpile of items.
You forgot to mention that Leon doesn't encounter Sherry in the Remake until the final cutscene, while in the original he actually met her before Claire. That, the lacking B scenario and the fact that Leon and Claire barely interact with each other are the reasons I can't really love this Remake despite how much I want to.
I really enjoyed how they handled the Marvin death. I had forgotten about him and was quite surprised when I stopped in to check on him and he stood up trying to munch on my brains.
I'm glad someone mentioned the music! I feel like these days games don't think music is 'serious' enough, since it's been quite a while since I've played a newer game that put an emphasis on its OST. I miss the days when music could form a whole atmosphere of its own. The ambience and sound design are great, but music just makes it all so much MORE. I bought the original soundtrack as soon as I realized it was available and never turned it off for this game. That was how it should've been from launch.
Yes! The music is fundamental to strike certain feelings and emotions which in turn creates the ability for one to equate those feelings across time in the form of nostalgia. One of the reasons I love the medium. Fable music comes to mind for me personally. Still to this day listen to those soundtracks quite often! Cheers
Music in a horror game is counterintuitive. You want to keep sounds diegetic to maintain immersion in order to make the game scary. The music showcased in this video would better fit a mystery thriller, not a horror game and the argument for it comes entirely from nostalgia for the original game.
@@avelonzxMaybe, but I think that having a contrast between no music areas and music areas would benefit a horror game. If you get too used to one you end up tuning it out. By having both you’ll get that feeling of “something is off” when the music stops playing which increases the horror.
@avelonzx Resident evil is not supposed to be a straight horror game to begin with. It is a survival horror with many action elements, always has been. It has never really been scary and shouldn't be the focus of the games. Go play something else if you want "immersion" Your comment is also rather dumb as so many iconic forms of horror media are known for their awesome and memorable soundtrack
‘DYLAN! You S.O.B!’ Mayo, I’ve never vibed more with a video of yours than probably this one. Like you I’m a undying OG Resi fan. My views on scenario B, you nailed it. Didn’t realise the effect of not having the original music on the rooms had such a diminishing affect on the remake. So going to go download that right now. In my opinion, this is one of the best videos you’ve put out . Maybe it’s the bottle of wine I’ve already drank, but thanks so much for this absolutely treat of a video. 👍👍👍
I remember buying this game with my ps2 and not having enough money to purchase a memory card. I played this for 12 hours straight until I beat it. There's never been a game that's captivated me as much as RE2.
I would argue that Ada is the character they butchered the most. They stripped her of all her humanity and vulnerability and it’s incredibly obvious from the start that Leon is just a pawn to her as opposed to the original. She’s a cold bitch in the remake and from the re4 trailer it’s gunna continue with that version as evident in the line she tells Leon about Ashley, “leave the girl, she’s lost either way.” Like why would Leon like this version at all??
LITERALLY. The originals and darkside chronicles were pretty corny but they made it believable how Leon could like Ada. They had good chemistry and Ada was genuine in how she liked Leon, even telling Leon herself that she’s a mercenary when she saves him from the tyrant, instead of Annette revealing it to Leon. In the remake she puts him down, acts pretty rude, and has 0 affection for him. Like why would leon even like her? She even tries to fucking kill him.
As someone who lived with a toxic person, regularly witnesses toxic relationships, and would like my children to have nontoxic relationships, I approve of Leon being less enamored of Ada, and it being clear why he shouldn't. I don't care how hot someone is; if they disrespect you by lying to you and using you, no matter how fond they CLAIM to be of you the rest of the time, you're going to have a bad time. Good people deserve better; good people should demand better.
I've yet to play the remake but I have played the original multiple times in the last couple of years. While not the best from a gameplay standpoint (1 has better level design, and 3 has higher replay value), the story is perhaps the most engaging of any Resident Evil game, thus potentially making it my favourite instalment.
It's sad that among many things, the story and characters were totally ruined in the de-make. There's also really no differences nor interactions anymore between the A and B campaigns.
I just wanted to say that your description from 36:08 to 40:00 is the highlight of the game, the highlight of this video and was incredibly well-explained by you. When put into words and visuals, it really hammers home the genius of that specific section of evading Mr. X, lickers and zombies who’ve crawled into the West hallway
I actually like the new treatment of Marvin's death, because it wasn't in a cutscene. It was understated. Less dramatic, maybe... but sadder. I also am glad they included the 2nd Run, as opposed to nothing, since they did pivot from there original intention and it does lead to the final Birkin encounter on the train (though why the title screen isn't Birkin's eye is beyond), but agree it's a terrible shame they didn't fully realize the A/B scenarios as they should have. Overall, as painful as the missing B scenarios are, I'm in the "RE2R is better than RE2" camp. Yes, the B scenarios are neutered, but the core gameplay is astounding, the environments terrifying (I don't really mind the desaturation, as it helps with immersion and mood, imo), and their use of the over-the-shoulder camera makes the game feel really immersive in a way that the original could not. Instead of feeling like I'm watching a movie with cinematic camera angles, I feel like I'm IN the movie. So, it isn't perfect, but for me, RE2R stands tall as one of the greatest games ever made.
Agree on the lab. I prefer the grungy industrial look, considering it's supposed to be clandestine. The new lab is so clean and futuristic looking. It's an Apple store, and it looks like they give guided tours.
That exact scenario you described at 38:00 has happened to quite a lot of streamers/youtubers I've watched play this game blind. Didn't happen to me exactly the same way since I ran through the operations room and out the unlockable door which put me behind the Lickers and I could run back into the main hall out the east office.
That "greatest moment in modern gaming" you showed wasnt even scripted. I replayed recently, and got killed after that part occurred, when I redid it I brought the board down from the floor above to lock out the zombie, and refrained from running. And in result, Mr X never destroyed that wall.
@exiledmonastic4650 you really just have to be loud in that hallway, run alot or shoot a zombie when Mr x is on the first floor, on the other side of the wall.
that sequence of events from triggering Mr X to the Licker corner feels scripted, handcrafted yet the devs designed the game in a way you're naturally drawn to performing the exact actions in order to make it feel almost on rails. absolutely genius.
I was so let down cuz of the B scenario, I truly was excited to see Claire's side of the story with new bosses or routes and/or puzzles. It all started feeling weird when I had to do the same puzzles that I made with Leon over again and fighting the same bosses in the same places that weren't supposed to still be there. So yeah, that's when I realised the wasted time I had put into the second run.
30:00 Someone has probably already said this before, but just wanted to comment: According to the lore, there were several T-103 tyrants released into Racoon City at the same time, with multiple objectives, which would explain why the one that was destroyed by Birkin in Claire’s story wasn’t necessarily the same one Leon encounters.
Yet both Leon and Claire encounter Mr X in the same helicopter crash site. And shooting the hat off him means he always has the hat off. There's only one Mr. X in the game.
I disagree about the original tank controls. As much as inexperience was a nightmare at that time, it sure taught you quickly, early into the game, how to use them. Unless you are special and just never could understand their simplicity and advantage.
Jesus, I hadn't heard those RE2 OG voice lines of Leon talking over the radio since like 10th grade! The voice acting was such a massive step with the actor really selling it and the presentation sounded like they at least had the actors in a padded closet rather than the ol' tin warehouse down in the heart of Antarctica. I remember those games very fondly (RE1 & 2), and I find it very hard to judge them against their remakes like you are able to articulate here. It's just so crazy how fucking hot RE was coming out of the gate, with the first game being one that helped define the early PS1 era. Then the sequel came out and managed to soar over those heights of success and legacy! I feel like that alone just kinda skews perception but luckily I can be happily content in my inability to come to terms with such a difficult thought to process. I appreciate how you do it, though, mentioning how you could be partial to the oldies for this or that reason, I just like how you are up front about things.
Thanks for the vid, you're a very well spoken dude I always enjoy your takes on the RE series. I almost always agree with you and you made me realize I've been too harsh on this game since its release. It really is an amazing game despite its flaws. I'm also very proud of the fact that I S+ ranked every run on Hardcore. Man it was brutal and took me forever!
I know I’m getting ahead of myself but it would of been cool if there was a split screen or online where one person played Leon and the other plays Claire and they run into each other randomly and you can see them across the building I just think it would of been cool to play this with your friends so you both experience new things when y’all play the other character
It would've been cool, but one counter to that idea could be that the horror would lessen cause you think that there's someone else in the building, so you're at least not alone
When it comes to Mr. X getting killed in the middle of Claire's run, I like to head-canon that that's one of the five other tyrants dropped into the city.
Mayo, just wanted to say that i really enjoy videos about the stuff you love (the robocop video was killer bruh). i was a little turned by the recent drama about your elden ring stream but this video but vids like this keep me a fan of ur channel. Heres hoping RE4 is good so we can get quality vids about that game too.
I immediately bought the classic soundtrack before playing the game. Very few video game OSTs have stuck with me through the years and RE2 is one of them. Edit: About Mr X dying in the second run, you have to remember that lorewise, they dropped a bunch of those things down on the city. Who knows if it's even the same one you encountered in the other playthrough.
Na, in the lore they dropped 6. 1 went to recover the sample (or kill birkin idk) and the other 5 went to the chemical disposal plant. You can see their bodies in the final boss fight arena in re3 nemesis.
Besides what Fwamable said, the idea of Leon and Claire encountering more than one T-103 Tyrant is also contradicted by the game's director, whom I recall stating it is supposed to be the same Mr. X. That is, unless one wishes to invoke "Death of the Author". And even besides that, I personally feel it cheapens Mr. X as a secondary monster antagonist, when his boss battle is now just you destroying "one of the Tyrants" which hunted Claire and Leon, rather than you finally destroying "the one Tyrant" which hunted Claire and Leon.
While it’s a good game on its own and certainly better than the “remake” of RE3, it’s still disappointing as a “remake” of the beloved RE2. They cut and changed so many things to where it shouldn’t really be called a remake. They didn’t even remake the canon Claire A and Leon B paths. The only game that was actually remade was Resident Evil 1.
On your point about the darkness and the lighting. The original RE games had fixed camera angles. So creating tension could be as easy as spawning a zombie out of frame leaving the player anxiously wondering where the threat is. With the 3D camera the devs can’t just hide enemies out of frame so reducing the lighting and adding the narrow flashlight was probably the only way they could think to maintain that same tension and anxiety through most of the game. And for the most part I like it and think it works well though maybe they could have added a mechanic like a fuse box and fuses? Like the windows and the wooden boards. An item letting players choose which dark areas they’d like to be able to light up
I feel like Resident Evil 2 Remake was good, but it didn't do much in terms of really reinventing anything new with the series or the horror genre in general. RE4 Remake on the other hand actually looks different from most of its previous titles while truly feeling like a dark horror game with new ideas being brought back from its first initial beta version. Being able to parry incoming threats now is a BIG game changer for the franchise. The hud even looks different than all of the recent titles. Ironic that they wait until the Remake of RE4 to create a more unique stepping off point like how it was originally for the series.
In a slight defense if the game, from what I understand, there are canonically two or three Mr.X specimen running around the Raccoon ciry area, and you encounter different ones in different areas. Now I might be wrong about that or misremembering, but that would explain how both Leon and Clair watch Mr.X die at different points.
My major grievance with most modern horror games is when they make it "dark". It bothers me because I prefer "dark" more as in tone and feel. Not "dark" as in "okay, I can't really see sh*t." The Ada section can drive me up the wall just because paths aren't always as clear. REmake2 just feels like it's "better" just playing the "2nd Run". Other than that, it's pretty much the same game. At least with OG RE2, you've created 2 different time lines by alternating the A and B scenarios. Eh. REmake is still the best remade.
The thing is that i hate how they kept the game world so f*cking dark. I want to see all these details and beautiful terrifying world they have made. But i cant when 80% of the game is so dark. They went way too hard on trying to make it "scary". But forget that the original wasn't about physical scares. The tension and survival mechanics is what made it scary back then with the original game. Its like they went this far with the darkness being like "oh look how scary our dark game is". But it really got old the more i played it. The first time i ran through the game, the darkness was cool. But on repeat playthroughs i just wanted to see evreything like the original in a more brighter atmosphere.
There was (maybe still is) a "lights on" type mod for the PC version that allows you to see better. However, it's not perfect and way too bright in more well lit areas of the game.
The sound the modulator makes will stop my twins right in their tracks and they will focus on the TV no matter what. There is something about that pitch that grabs attention.
You Nailed it. Players who played the original definitely would be left wanting more of this remake but there is no denying it's an excellent game and one of the best horror games ever. Also RE1 remake is still the best remake ever made imo.
Darkness is not used to conceal things to add tension or intrigue, it’s one of the most prominent features of the game, as if they were trying to disguise assets, like how fog was used in the original silent hill game. Wandering around because you can barely see where you’re going is never terror inducing. I enjoyed the original path to the police station while also having to get used to tank control. It took me an hour to get to the gun shop, but it was never frustrating since the objective was so clear that this comfortable, Braille user knew what the objective was, and could keep working towards it. Once I get all the way to the police station without taking any damage, the feeling of satisfaction was so sweet.
I actually liked the way Marvin dies. I think it kinda hits close to real life, because some deaths we witness are very sudden and shocking, with no time to absorb, to understand... It just happens and we are not there to see, help, comfort or keep them company in their final moments. They are alone and probably terrified. That's why I also liked Daud's death in Dishonored 2, he was all by himself in his final moments, and when you get to the boat, he's already gone, leaving you with guilt thinking "I should've been here with you". But there are also sentimental and powerful death you witness in games. Iron Mike's death in Days Gone is probably one of the best ones in gaming. It feels so real. The dialogues, every character's reaction. And it hits even harder when you realize that Iron Mike was just trying to do what he thought was right, help others, being selfless. He didn't believe in the "eye for an eye" of the new reality. The good guy being taken advantage of and suffering the ultimate punishment
I asbolutely love RE2make, but I do agree with you about the opening. It would have been nice to establish the setting of the Raccoon City streets. That and the B scenario are the only real missteps I can point to with RE2make.
Wow, I can't believe they just had Marvin get up zombified going after you and that's it. I know the original didn't do much passed that but since they didn't even do that little bit it just comes off like his character didn't mean anything. Smh.
Very insightful and honest review. I realized the importance of ammo consumption and management on my first play through when I reached the first boss in the game. I was stuck trying to beat it without enough resources, thus leading me to restart the entire play through and reach the same point. Thankfully it only took me 30 mins to reach the spot from the prior knowledge but it was hard and well taught lesson to learn the games mechanics and play by its rules. An amazing experience
The baked lighting in the original series allowed them to have adequate lighting with a touch of shadows and darkness for atmosphere. It’s crazy how the limitations added to the originals “feel”
There should have been a section in the game where Leon and Clair meet up and for a chapter work together. Would have been a great way to build their relationship instead of getting nothing at all.
Wow, I really thought that's what was taking the remake soooo long. Making B scenarios and such. Nope. Just shows how much of a monumental masterpiece the original was despite it's flaws.
No matter what anyone says I'll never be able to enjoy this game and I don't believe it deserves all the praise it's gotten over the years. It definitely doesn't deserve to be called a "masterpiece". It's boring, tedious and changes way too much of the story to be considered a "remake". It also made me dislike the characters I've loved for decades.
Resident Evil 2 Remake is frustrating. 50% of the original game is elevated to new heights, 30% discarded and 20% is worse. What is good truly shines but what is worse or has heen cut is frustrating (A/B scenario missing, no Racoon city streets, less monsters, worse character interactions/development, and no option to have a fixed angle version to name a few).
The absolute worst thing about this game is the cursing. If you stop and think about it, they removed the soundtrack and gave us endless profanity instead....
Agree with most of your points. The intro was a huge letdown when i first played. We just hear the helicopter crash? And Mr X just showing up with no context or epic intro was poorly done, just like the scenarios.
I feel like they just didn’t have enough time to plan the layout after the RPD, for example the RPD layout is so perfect, you can tell they put time into it, but once you get to the sewer it not as perfect as the RPD layout, it alright but like mayo said most player probably got lost and confused since it 3 layers, for the lab it just felt so unfinished imo, only the first section was pretty good at teasing the player that there is no life down here, it makes you feel alone with the darkness and how quite it is, but after opening the main door it just pretty meh since there only 2 ways to go and barely any exploring, I remember when I heard this game was being remakes, one of the first thoughts I had was the lab, I imagine so many ways how they could make it very scary in the new updates graphics but I was disappointed sadly.
The sewer map being confusing is honestly a surprise for me. I mean - It has an icon pinpointing where you are exactly regardless of the level/floor you are in. what more do gamers want? are you effing serious!!! Its a problem for developers apparently. I guess the stupidity of gamers should not be underestimated.
The lighting change is done to accommodate the absence of fixed camera. With a full 3d camera they no longer have the ability to control where your focus is like fixed cameras do. This is design 101. The nitpicks of these games is getting beyond ridiculous. It’s like people are looking for shit to hate no matter how trivial, so they can make UA-cam videos.
"This game is too dark" huh? And here I am with my HDR tv being disappointed because in dark areas you can see EVERYTHING, with blacks being a lighter gray. I had to use ReShade to make the game much, MUCH darker.
The way that you described the decision making process spoke directly to me. One of my favorite things to do is plan and execute. In RE, you have to think about where you’re going and what to bring. When you’re exploring, you need to make decisions on the fly regarding what to pick up, leave behind, shoot at, avoid, etc. Now I want to replay RE1 remake.
Excellent Job Man!! I personally own both the original Resident Evil 2 Released back in January of 1998,as well as the remake,& one of the things that really bugged me was how wrong the B scenarios were in the remake,so THANK YOU FUR MENTIONING THAT BUDDY!! Because the original is such a great & nostalgic game fur me man,my childhood & teen years come rushing back everytime i hear that fan in the east office or the theme song of the RCPD itself!! TOTAL CLASSIC,the remake was great,dont get me wrong,you hit the nail on the head & said pretty much everything I thought,also,THE RESIDENT EVIL 3 REMAKE WAS WAY TOO SHORT!!
Capcom didnt even intend to MAKE remake of RE2 until a guy on the internet who had been building an HD recreation of RE2 was almost done with his project and it was gonna be fantastic. They contacted him and asked him to stop what he was doing, then took another 3 years to do RE2 Remake. The budget cut thing sounds like trash because they remade RE3 in less than a year and while it was ok to have it, I'd have rather had them spend that money making RE2 remake closer to the original.
This game could've been a masterpiece, but sadly it falls flat after the Police station in the first scenario (either Leon or Claire). It's a 7 to 8/10; it definitely is not a masterpiece. The Police station, Mr. X, and the bosses are the best part of the whole game. I would've been if it took the same direction as the first resident evil remake.
I will never understand the complants about the zombies. They made them a threat again. Over 20 years of zombie games has trivalized the experience down to a couple head shots. Now, zombies are completely unpredictable and just one of them can fuck up your day if you're not careful. Not to mention in horror and fantasy, zombies are the living dead. Relentless creatures that keep coming after you, even after injurying them and maiming them. That's the whole point. Thank god the critics of the new zombies don't make Resident Evil games.
I get what you’re saying but I beat this game in little over an hour now on hardcore and the zombies like the originals are easy to run by or slow down really. I saw it’s easier to gage your distance now. They should be more of a threat though on newer hardware and the ability to make them better.
I'm gonna join the crazies on the Mr x thing here but my explanation is substantiated through other games and canon lore. There wasn't just one Mr x. They had deployed multiple tyrants in the city to kill any survivors. Yeah I don't think they mention that in the remake and they should have. On a technicality it's not a continuity error. But that's all I've got is a technicality. So it doesn't invalidate your point but I felt I should mention it.
@@underthemayo I agree. Doesn't make much sense. The rushed b scenario is quite clear about how rushed it was. Still it's not the first RE plot hole and won't be the last. I've kinda learned to ignore them. Not that it's right, but if I don't I'll end up having an aneurysm from how terrible village was.
I'm new to the survival horror genre. I recently played RE7 and I loved the first half in the house. RE2 is next on my list and your video makes me more excited to finally try it out.
You should absolutely play the original RE1-3 first. The remakes, or rather the "demakes", don't do them justice, and fall victim to many modern tropes that just water down the experience.
@@GugureSux I agree with you on RE3 remake given that it wasn't even made in house by Capcom. However, the remake of Resident Evil 1 is the most definitive Resident Evil experience imo. It's super well done. Resident Evil 2 Remake is also a very enjoyable experience, even if the A & B scenarios got pretty screwed over.
As much as I like this game, as great as it is. It's too flawed in important aspects that still makes me prefer the original. RE3 is irefutably worse however doesn't mean that the flaws in RE2make get a free pass. The most dissapointing revelation is that now that these classics have been remade one pretty well and the other a bitter dissapoimtment. We will now unfortunately not get them remade correctly ever or atleast anytime soon.
@@morkgin2459 they're not and I never said that they were. The remakes however were the opportunity to take those origionals and make them better in every conceivable way. That for whatever reasons Capcom didn't; like I said RE2make is still a good game but the blatant flaws drag it down. Atleast for me
@Gibram R but it depends upto a person. Like someone might prefer the original resident evil directors cut over the remake even if the remake is objectively better.
I really, honestly have no idea what they were thinking when making the "everyone hates Leon" thing in Welcome to Raccoon City. If you pay even remotely attention to the office desk puzzle, you'll notice that the combination lock prank was supposed to get Leon to memorize the names of his colleagues and there is a big "WELCOME LEON" sign hung up in the office. They weren't looking down on the new rookie, they were downright _excited_ to have him join them! Which just makes it all the more heartbreaking that the disaster killed all of them on Leon's first day and that the police chief himself was with Umbrella the entire time.
I honestly loved that puzzle quite a lot since it would’ve served as an icebreaker for Leon and his new co workers, and the whole force (including Marvin) liked Leon for being a prestigious and young rookie to join.
WTRC completely ruined not just Leon but EVERY character. Aside from the obvious “bullying Leon”, they made Irons for some reason a comical and actually entertaining character, when in this game… he’s actually a monster… and probably imo the scariest, most disgusting enemy in the game
I think social justice Oriented people look at every aspect of life as zero sum and everyone shits on everyone. The early 90's small town america era town full of optimism and life that was raccoon city is simply lost on these types of writers. They bleed identity politics and the stories they write are all shallow and depressing with no hope of redemption
Yeah, but according to the Internet, if you criticise Leon in any shape or form; it's obviously because you're racist.
Welcome To Racoon City (Except Leon, Fuck That Guy)
It was a fresher take I personally have had nothing but people shit on me whenever I'm. New at a job so the hole welcome leon felt like bullshit
Having them hate the new guy is more relatable
Marvin's death is the sort of thing I like because it's something that you can only really do in games. The fact that the game doesn't linger on it allows you to spend as much or as little time on it as you want, and it kind of makes it feel worse, knowing that Marvin has become just another unremarkable zombie, to the point where the game doesn't even make a big deal out of it.
I like it because personally, it gave me some perspective on the other zombies. They were all people too, like Marvin and seeing him like that with no fanfare or cutscene made me realize that even people you care about can turn into the same exact enemy. It's pretty brutal, I like it this way a lot.
@@Rexolf101 if you want to live you have to kill or become ... Fire up the chainsaw
@@Rexolf101 preach
Agreed, I think Mayo got this part wrong.
Agreed, it was one of my favorites segments of the whole game just because of how real it felt , mayo had a different experience sadly.
Ok, I had no idea they portrayed Leon in that way in the new movie and that upsets tf outta me.
Leon is NOT a fuck up, bum, irresponsible loser. He had the highest marks in his police training. He would have been a fantastic cop.
Leon is a straight white male. That means in modern media, he must be portrayed as a broken loser.
@Master_guy og yes from what i heard leon is late due to being drunk
Imagine Leon joining stars if the outbreak never happened
That film is a joke. RE2R Leon is the best Leon
Maybe in the original, but in this game he is a fucking idiot. He kept a man locked up during an apocalypse because he needed to contact his superiors. The game was written by idiots.
The lack of emphasis on Marvin’s death is a projection of the tragedy of all the deaths in the city. All of these zombies were once people just like Marvin. He is now just another zombie. The lack of emphasis makes it more tragic.
I found it forgettable.
@@Me-yq1fl Honestly the idea is really cool but I found it forgettable too. Maybe more cutscenes or maybe some radiocalls would have made it more rememberable
@@realnickhiro brother you said the same he said
Depends on if you forged a connection with him I guess. Every time I entered main hall on my first playthrough, I checked on him, looked at him, listened to his groans. I felt he cared about me, and I cared about him. I did expect he will turn once. When he turned after my return, I checked on him like usual. I didn't expect him being an enemy, but it made me hesitate a bit, but no other zombies did. Put it into perpective. Eventually put him down because he asked me to. If you managed to connect with his character, and not just look at it while comparing him with old memories (didn't play original until after remake), I think it is impactful.
@@gbBaku I totally agree! Good explanation and I had the same experience
I disagree on the point how the remake handled Marvin. Having him just stand up and go after you like any zombie, with it being so matter-of-fact, helped to strengthen the sad reality of the situation.
I appreciate what they did with Marvin here, too...
I played this with high hopes for the RE3 remake only to be let down horribly. It's crazy how good this one is compared to what came after.
Unfortunately RE3R was outsourced to a different team not in house by Capcom
yeah same here, they should’ve never outsourced RE3 !!!
@@fredydiaz144 You'd hope at some point Capcom would learn to stop outsourcing
Same, RE 3 Nemesis is my most replayed Classic Psone game and re game of all time and it got butchered.
@@eatadick4127 well tbf the main reason why they outscourced the game was so that the main team could focus on the re4 remake, and from the trailers it looks really promising so far
I actually like Marvin's death in the remake. First, the developers tease you when he does not respond on the radio. Then they tease you again when you open the secret path. That is followed by a cliched but well acted scene of "I'm done, leave me, save yourself". And next when you enter the passage, and the door slowly closes behind you, it's shot in such a way that you see how you are being cut off from Marvin by this door. It's my favourite scene in the game, it's hauntingly beautiful, and it communicates to the player that Marvin is gone. And when you return to him, and he rises from the same bench he was sitting on, it's the ultimate payoff for that build up. It's not as dramatic as in the original, but it works in its own way. And Marvin is the only character in the game who wasn't butchered in some way, but was actually improved.
One of my criticism is the way some in-game files are written. They seem to have been written by an edgelord trying to be sassy. Iron's diary is one of the brst examples. In the original, his description of killing on of the officers was very poetic, showing off his eloquence which was unsettling due to the fact that he was charged with two rape charges during his university years. The charges were dropped because of circumstantial evidence and his phenomenal academic standing. And his diary builds on that information, confirming his intelligence, eloquence and psychopathic tendencies. It's unsettling. And what do we have in the remake? He nearly came when he sliced a tiger open. Fucking travesty.
Other than that, your take on the game mirrors mine.
Both 2 and 3's remakes suffer from that same issue with the in-game files. Every single one sounds so utterly contrived, like this can't possibly be coming from the same universe as the more eloquent notes scattered about in REmake and RE0. I just roll my eyes through each one of them.
Since Marvin acts as an early guide and provides you with necessary item to progress, I found myself going back to check in with him every time I entered the main hall. Discovering he had turned into a zombie when I walked up to interact with him was something I suspected would happen, but I still wasn't fully prepared for it.
I found myself walking backwards for a few moments trying to decide if I kill him or spare him, since he's in an inconvenient spot to leave him alive. I think Claire has a voice line where she somberly says she's sorry after you kill him.
I liked the way Marvin is so hard on Leon because he was warned to stay away and showed up anyways and how he was more sympathetic towards Claire. It made him feel like a more rounded character having those different facets of his personality.
I left him alive because I hadn't really given myself time to choose if I should kill him or not.
Some time later I was running from Mr X and other zomebies and when I opened the door he was there and almost bit me, I instinctively reacted and blew his head off with the deagle lol
@@lunariian he’s harder on Leon because he knows he can take it. Mind you, Leon has just graduated from the police academy, where he spent 4 to 6 months getting yelled at and drilled by training officers, so he’s accustomed to having orders barked at him.
Me too
I got killed by the gas station zombie on my first play through on hardcore. That’s when I knew this game wasn’t screwing around
That gas station zombie is the real F’N deal! Remember: that same creature was tearing it up in the streets of Operation: Raccoon City…you know, in that one map that was in the streets and had the famous gas station
@@exodusx2761 in hardcore zombies really feel like a threat they take so many headshots to kill
Loss of a true B scenario was my biggest disappointment. They kinda took bits and pieces of both A and B to make essentially a single run :(. It wasnt just the loss of feeling like the B scenario occurred concurrent with A scenario but you can reverse it with Claire A and Leon B and have a different experience again. It was so sad the B scenario wasnt seen important enough to implement :(
The reason why there is no true A and B scenario's in RE2 Remake is because Capcom had only actually planned on making one scenario for both characters. They were almost finished with the game, and then the RE fans started throwing a fit about the game needing the B scenario's, so Capcom added them last minute. In my case, I don't so much look at the B scenario in Remake the same way as in the original because it was never meant to be that way in the first place. The B scenario in Remake is pretty much just an alternate playthrough for the game. I do really like the B scenario in RE2 Remake personally because it is much more difficult challenge to get through, and it has extra cutscenes, and the last boss. Sure, it doesn't have the zapping system or the two sides of each characters story, but it works for what it is, an alternate path that is far more difficult with subtle changes. In my opinion, less is never more when it comes to extra content, but I have heard people say the game would have been better without including any form of a B scenario at all which doesn't make sense to me in retrospect, but that's just me. At first I didn't like it, but after playing through the game so many times, it is nice to have another option for a playthrough.
@@donavonhoward114 You're right, if the B scenarios were planned then most likely that would have meant we wouldn't have gotten Mr. X in the 1st run.
Unfortunately it is common thing for Game devs to be held back by deadlines
@@donavonhoward114 yep its not a bad decision in how they structured it in the end and the game is far from being a “bad game” its just the zapping system for me was the unique element that really got me hooked the first time and i loved speed running it because it each play through was quite short and semi made sense (even though yes it had its fair share of holes). It had the illusion of two separate survivors going through the game with little things like picking one of two items and leaving behind one for the other and the interactions with the radio, the stars office etc.
The Remake was definitely a fun game but felt more like running through the same game twice with just the only real difference in playing as either Sherry’s orphanage or Ada’s sewers part way through. The other differences were definitely more subtle than the true A or B scenario. It was still fun but i still miss the zapping system haha.
Yeah Resident Evil 2 Remake has major continuity errors, for me they stuck out like a sore thumb and nearly ruined my experience. Capcom was very careful with continuity on the original game, the only flaw being they never ran into one other while running around, only in a few scripted events, but that is completely fine..
But when both characters are fighting the same boss; that is a major problem.
How on earth could they think that was a good idea? Cutting corners when remaking your most legendary game and creating major flaws and unexplainable errors is something companies should not do. They did not cut any corners in the original, they went as far as to create Resident Evil 2 twice before being satisfied with the end product.
Resident Evil 2 Remake is no masterpiece because of these flaws, including multiple flaws that arrived with the gameplay change and lack of fixed camera angels, that alone killed a lot of the atmosphere, but at least we still have the original.
You encountering zombified Marvin as you return was actually quite cool. You meet him alive, and you briefly meet that cop which gets torn in half, which you also later encounter zombified (and he's already a zombie in scenario B). Zombies you encounter in Western office are all dudes who would be Leon's buddies, they are the ones that setup that joke desk-puzzle for Leon. This is how I initially solved the puzzle, you can very clearly read their names from tags and badges on their bodies after you kill them.
This all reminds you that all the zombies in the game were once human. It was pretty cool detail.
The thing about this game’s intro is that it fails to establish that going through the streets is a death wish. In the original, they established why you are stuck in the police station, which sets up the whole premise of escaping it….
Idk, seemed pretty dire to me with fire ablaze everywhere and zombies infesting the streets. He even had to close the gate behind him to protect himself from the horde that was approaching
There were hordes of zombies and a large amount of fire blocking certain areas..
I always remember as a kid getting off the streets and into the gunshop, thinking; phew, now I'm safe. Then it all goes to shit and I'm back on the streets.
Yeah the intro in the remake was weak compared to the amazing atmosphere of the original!!!
Tbh, it seemed more empty and pointless with the removed content. Capcom just fooled it's fans with double the graphics and half the content.
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Let's get one thing straight here: this game isn't a "survival" nor is it a "horror" game. It's a an action game with horror elements.
@@LSK2K With it's emphasis on tight inventory management, backtracking, puzzles (item based, riddle based, and backtracking based), fight or flight combat decisions, and resource management, it absolutely qualifies to be included in the survival horror genre. Even if it does have a lot of action too. Resident Evil 4 is an action game with horror elements.
@@underthemayo Backtracking and 70 iq "puzzles" aren't the definition of survival horror are they now? Also, fight or flight? Are you kidding me? You can play re2 remake on hardcore and kill every enemy and still have spare ammo. It's an action game packed with generic puzzles, great atmosphere and some horror elements. The game is also linear despite it trying to hide its linearity. I love the series and I love this game but I'm actually being unbiased here.
@@LSK2K you can kill every enemy in REmake 💀
never
My biggest nitpick on the Remake Zombies is that they sound like generic growling people, instead of unnerving moans like the OG RE2 and OG remake.
Not a nitpick at all, but a valid criticism. The OG Resident Evil zombies were melancholic victims, literal meat marionettes being moved against their own will. Walking corpses.
It seems that post 28 Days Later, every single piece of zombie media has been portraying the walking dead as these angry, groaning people, with varying levels of skin issues.
This video is so well put together that I literally bought RE2 & RE3 remakes. I have always been hesitant to play remakes out of fear of lack of enjoyment when compared to their original titles.
Started playing RE2 a few days ago and man, so far this is a good game.
Thank you for putting this video together.
Awesome. Stay away from re3 though. I've got a video on that mess.
Yeah gonna 1up Under. I’ve 100% RE3 3 times and it is still my least time spent in an RE game. I dislike the game but when plats are concerned I must get them for an RE game.
@@underthemayo pretty sure many people buying them nowadays buy them in a bundle so
Re3 might b terrible as a remake and it might b bad as a re game but on its own its still a cool game and its worth a play. The core gameplay we like from re2r is still there and the scripted action cutscenes were entertaining to watch imo.
Both are awesome games.
Despite all its flaws, RE2 Remake is a very special game on top of being the best Resident Evil of the past 15-20 years.
It proved that no, the true Survival-Horror mechanics aren't dead, and they can still provide an amazing gameplay experience today, and that zombies can still be scary!
RE2 remake zombies are amazing. They are slow, but still a real danger, all along the game. That's a pretty amazing achievement from my point of view, especially with an over the shoulder camera. I'm really happy you took the time to put this video together to praise this amazing game.
I really hope Capcom goes back to that route for RE9. It's pure Resident Evil, yet everyone loves it and it sells well.
Just wanted to agree on RE9. I’m scared after 8. I was very disappointed when the castle was done within 2 hours. I want something ambitious. On the scale of the Spencer mansion of confusing and convolution. Something to explore, something with incredible atmosphere, something silent in terms of dialogue. I don’t care about the story, give me an experience.
I also agree with what you said.. in like 2 years we are gonna be sitting down with some beers and playing Res evil 9, and it's gonna kick ass. I hope at least
For RE9 "going back that route".... well No it won't. They're going to make it "Open world".....😂
Re2 remake be like “go on ahead I’ll meet you at the station”
2 steps and a corner later “tHeRe It Is ThE sTaTiOn”
and? He never said '' Go on aghead, I'll meet you at the station that is very far away from here'' There was a giant flaming wreck and zombies everywhere, too much chaos to try and figure out how to reach one another to go together
@@ResidentRaccoon he never said the first line Claire did
But he said the second line not even 5 minutes later
I mean most of the time in the prologue is spent in the gas station but after the crash there’s no long trek through back alley streets of RC like in the original RE2
One of my all time favorites for sure. The exploration and resource gathering first playthrough are really tight and it feels like you have just enough to keep going. And the journey from being completely lost and scared shitless by the enemies to an S+ run knowing everything about the game is very satisfying. At the end I just wanted more. I would love a game with the same mechanics but more difficult and with a small town to explore so there were more options and strategies for the resource gathering since at the end of all my S runs I had a massive stockpile of items.
You forgot to mention that Leon doesn't encounter Sherry in the Remake until the final cutscene, while in the original he actually met her before Claire. That, the lacking B scenario and the fact that Leon and Claire barely interact with each other are the reasons I can't really love this Remake despite how much I want to.
I really enjoyed how they handled the Marvin death. I had forgotten about him and was quite surprised when I stopped in to check on him and he stood up trying to munch on my brains.
I'm glad someone mentioned the music! I feel like these days games don't think music is 'serious' enough, since it's been quite a while since I've played a newer game that put an emphasis on its OST. I miss the days when music could form a whole atmosphere of its own. The ambience and sound design are great, but music just makes it all so much MORE. I bought the original soundtrack as soon as I realized it was available and never turned it off for this game. That was how it should've been from launch.
Thats literally the reason a lot of modern games are forgettable.
Yes! The music is fundamental to strike certain feelings and emotions which in turn creates the ability for one to equate those feelings across time in the form of nostalgia. One of the reasons I love the medium. Fable music comes to mind for me personally. Still to this day listen to those soundtracks quite often! Cheers
Music in a horror game is counterintuitive. You want to keep sounds diegetic to maintain immersion in order to make the game scary. The music showcased in this video would better fit a mystery thriller, not a horror game and the argument for it comes entirely from nostalgia for the original game.
@@avelonzxMaybe, but I think that having a contrast between no music areas and music areas would benefit a horror game. If you get too used to one you end up tuning it out. By having both you’ll get that feeling of “something is off” when the music stops playing which increases the horror.
@avelonzx
Resident evil is not supposed to be a straight horror game to begin with. It is a survival horror with many action elements, always has been. It has never really been scary and shouldn't be the focus of the games. Go play something else if you want "immersion"
Your comment is also rather dumb as so many iconic forms of horror media are known for their awesome and memorable soundtrack
‘DYLAN! You S.O.B!’ Mayo, I’ve never vibed more with a video of yours than probably this one. Like you I’m a undying OG Resi fan. My views on scenario B, you nailed it. Didn’t realise the effect of not having the original music on the rooms had such a diminishing affect on the remake. So going to go download that right now. In my opinion, this is one of the best videos you’ve put out . Maybe it’s the bottle of wine I’ve already drank, but thanks so much for this absolutely treat of a video. 👍👍👍
oh my god, the original soundtrack option adds so much mystery. Now I want to replay the original
This is so good man, agreed on nearly all points. Your understanding of (and passion for) classic survival horror really shines through here.
Oh my god, finally. I'm so glad, I always wanted you to make a re2 remake video
I remember buying this game with my ps2 and not having enough money to purchase a memory card. I played this for 12 hours straight until I beat it. There's never been a game that's captivated me as much as RE2.
I would argue that Ada is the character they butchered the most. They stripped her of all her humanity and vulnerability and it’s incredibly obvious from the start that Leon is just a pawn to her as opposed to the original. She’s a cold bitch in the remake and from the re4 trailer it’s gunna continue with that version as evident in the line she tells Leon about Ashley, “leave the girl, she’s lost either way.” Like why would Leon like this version at all??
LITERALLY. The originals and darkside chronicles were pretty corny but they made it believable how Leon could like Ada. They had good chemistry and Ada was genuine in how she liked Leon, even telling Leon herself that she’s a mercenary when she saves him from the tyrant, instead of Annette revealing it to Leon. In the remake she puts him down, acts pretty rude, and has 0 affection for him. Like why would leon even like her? She even tries to fucking kill him.
As someone who lived with a toxic person, regularly witnesses toxic relationships, and would like my children to have nontoxic relationships, I approve of Leon being less enamored of Ada, and it being clear why he shouldn't. I don't care how hot someone is; if they disrespect you by lying to you and using you, no matter how fond they CLAIM to be of you the rest of the time, you're going to have a bad time. Good people deserve better; good people should demand better.
13:40 maybe there should have been an option for a brighter "original" style lighting in the game
I've yet to play the remake but I have played the original multiple times in the last couple of years. While not the best from a gameplay standpoint (1 has better level design, and 3 has higher replay value), the story is perhaps the most engaging of any Resident Evil game, thus potentially making it my favourite instalment.
It's sad that among many things, the story and characters were totally ruined in the de-make. There's also really no differences nor interactions anymore between the A and B campaigns.
You should still play the remake since its a great game tbh.
I just wanted to say that your description from 36:08 to 40:00 is the highlight of the game, the highlight of this video and was incredibly well-explained by you. When put into words and visuals, it really hammers home the genius of that specific section of evading Mr. X, lickers and zombies who’ve crawled into the West hallway
I actually like the new treatment of Marvin's death, because it wasn't in a cutscene. It was understated. Less dramatic, maybe... but sadder.
I also am glad they included the 2nd Run, as opposed to nothing, since they did pivot from there original intention and it does lead to the final Birkin encounter on the train (though why the title screen isn't Birkin's eye is beyond), but agree it's a terrible shame they didn't fully realize the A/B scenarios as they should have.
Overall, as painful as the missing B scenarios are, I'm in the "RE2R is better than RE2" camp. Yes, the B scenarios are neutered, but the core gameplay is astounding, the environments terrifying (I don't really mind the desaturation, as it helps with immersion and mood, imo), and their use of the over-the-shoulder camera makes the game feel really immersive in a way that the original could not. Instead of feeling like I'm watching a movie with cinematic camera angles, I feel like I'm IN the movie. So, it isn't perfect, but for me, RE2R stands tall as one of the greatest games ever made.
Well said.
Agree on the lab. I prefer the grungy industrial look, considering it's supposed to be clandestine.
The new lab is so clean and futuristic looking. It's an Apple store, and it looks like they give guided tours.
seeing Marvin transformed was disturbing because he was the only person who spoke directly to Leon
Yea but imo I just wish he interacted a little more with Leon or something during the radio.
Charging for the music is criminal.
That's like making the best burger in history but charging separately for the buns.
That exact scenario you described at 38:00 has happened to quite a lot of streamers/youtubers I've watched play this game blind. Didn't happen to me exactly the same way since I ran through the operations room and out the unlockable door which put me behind the Lickers and I could run back into the main hall out the east office.
Agree with so much in this video. Also gave me the push I needed to actually tackle Hardcore mode. Fantastic content, man.
Also liked and subscribed!
That "greatest moment in modern gaming" you showed wasnt even scripted. I replayed recently, and got killed after that part occurred, when I redid it I brought the board down from the floor above to lock out the zombie, and refrained from running. And in result, Mr X never destroyed that wall.
@exiledmonastic4650 you really just have to be loud in that hallway, run alot or shoot a zombie when Mr x is on the first floor, on the other side of the wall.
that sequence of events from triggering Mr X to the Licker corner feels scripted, handcrafted yet the devs designed the game in a way you're naturally drawn to performing the exact actions in order to make it feel almost on rails. absolutely genius.
I was so let down cuz of the B scenario, I truly was excited to see Claire's side of the story with new bosses or routes and/or puzzles.
It all started feeling weird when I had to do the same puzzles that I made with Leon over again and fighting the same bosses in the same places that weren't supposed to still be there. So yeah, that's when I realised the wasted time I had put into the second run.
30:00 Someone has probably already said this before, but just wanted to comment: According to the lore, there were several T-103 tyrants released into Racoon City at the same time, with multiple objectives, which would explain why the one that was destroyed by Birkin in Claire’s story wasn’t necessarily the same one Leon encounters.
Yet both Leon and Claire encounter Mr X in the same helicopter crash site. And shooting the hat off him means he always has the hat off. There's only one Mr. X in the game.
I disagree about the original tank controls. As much as inexperience was a nightmare at that time, it sure taught you quickly, early into the game, how to use them. Unless you are special and just never could understand their simplicity and advantage.
Jesus, I hadn't heard those RE2 OG voice lines of Leon talking over the radio since like 10th grade! The voice acting was such a massive step with the actor really selling it and the presentation sounded like they at least had the actors in a padded closet rather than the ol' tin warehouse down in the heart of Antarctica. I remember those games very fondly (RE1 & 2), and I find it very hard to judge them against their remakes like you are able to articulate here. It's just so crazy how fucking hot RE was coming out of the gate, with the first game being one that helped define the early PS1 era. Then the sequel came out and managed to soar over those heights of success and legacy! I feel like that alone just kinda skews perception but luckily I can be happily content in my inability to come to terms with such a difficult thought to process. I appreciate how you do it, though, mentioning how you could be partial to the oldies for this or that reason, I just like how you are up front about things.
Thanks for the vid, you're a very well spoken dude I always enjoy your takes on the RE series. I almost always agree with you and you made me realize I've been too harsh on this game since its release. It really is an amazing game despite its flaws. I'm also very proud of the fact that I S+ ranked every run on Hardcore. Man it was brutal and took me forever!
I know I’m getting ahead of myself but it would of been cool if there was a split screen or online where one person played Leon and the other plays Claire and they run into each other randomly and you can see them across the building I just think it would of been cool to play this with your friends so you both experience new things when y’all play the other character
This idea would of been really cool, I totally agree!
@@ATLDRESKI43 thanks
It would've been cool, but one counter to that idea could be that the horror would lessen cause you think that there's someone else in the building, so you're at least not alone
@@caffeinatedhypnos8048 true
When it comes to Mr. X getting killed in the middle of Claire's run, I like to head-canon that that's one of the five other tyrants dropped into the city.
Mayo, just wanted to say that i really enjoy videos about the stuff you love (the robocop video was killer bruh). i was a little turned by the recent drama about your elden ring stream but this video but vids like this keep me a fan of ur channel. Heres hoping RE4 is good so we can get quality vids about that game too.
Thanks a lot. I'm just pushing forward doing what I'm passionate about and I hope you'll come along for the ride.
I immediately bought the classic soundtrack before playing the game. Very few video game OSTs have stuck with me through the years and RE2 is one of them.
Edit: About Mr X dying in the second run, you have to remember that lorewise, they dropped a bunch of those things down on the city. Who knows if it's even the same one you encountered in the other playthrough.
Na, in the lore they dropped 6. 1 went to recover the sample (or kill birkin idk) and the other 5 went to the chemical disposal plant. You can see their bodies in the final boss fight arena in re3 nemesis.
Besides what Fwamable said, the idea of Leon and Claire encountering more than one T-103 Tyrant is also contradicted by the game's director, whom I recall stating it is supposed to be the same Mr. X. That is, unless one wishes to invoke "Death of the Author".
And even besides that, I personally feel it cheapens Mr. X as a secondary monster antagonist, when his boss battle is now just you destroying "one of the Tyrants" which hunted Claire and Leon, rather than you finally destroying "the one Tyrant" which hunted Claire and Leon.
To this day I have beef with this remake. I hated how they treated A/B scenarios.
While it’s a good game on its own and certainly better than the “remake” of RE3, it’s still disappointing as a “remake” of the beloved RE2. They cut and changed so many things to where it shouldn’t really be called a remake. They didn’t even remake the canon Claire A and Leon B paths. The only game that was actually remade was Resident Evil 1.
To that I agree.
On your point about the darkness and the lighting. The original RE games had fixed camera angles. So creating tension could be as easy as spawning a zombie out of frame leaving the player anxiously wondering where the threat is. With the 3D camera the devs can’t just hide enemies out of frame so reducing the lighting and adding the narrow flashlight was probably the only way they could think to maintain that same tension and anxiety through most of the game. And for the most part I like it and think it works well though maybe they could have added a mechanic like a fuse box and fuses? Like the windows and the wooden boards. An item letting players choose which dark areas they’d like to be able to light up
It would of been wonderful if they had brought the spiders back for the remake
Yesss
I feel like Resident Evil 2 Remake was good, but it didn't do much in terms of really reinventing anything new with the series or the horror genre in general. RE4 Remake on the other hand actually looks different from most of its previous titles while truly feeling like a dark horror game with new ideas being brought back from its first initial beta version. Being able to parry incoming threats now is a BIG game changer for the franchise. The hud even looks different than all of the recent titles. Ironic that they wait until the Remake of RE4 to create a more unique stepping off point like how it was originally for the series.
In a slight defense if the game, from what I understand, there are canonically two or three Mr.X specimen running around the Raccoon ciry area, and you encounter different ones in different areas. Now I might be wrong about that or misremembering, but that would explain how both Leon and Clair watch Mr.X die at different points.
My major grievance with most modern horror games is when they make it "dark". It bothers me because I prefer "dark" more as in tone and feel. Not "dark" as in "okay, I can't really see sh*t." The Ada section can drive me up the wall just because paths aren't always as clear.
REmake2 just feels like it's "better" just playing the "2nd Run". Other than that, it's pretty much the same game. At least with OG RE2, you've created 2 different time lines by alternating the A and B scenarios.
Eh. REmake is still the best remade.
I was waiting for this video a lot because RE2 remake is my favorite Resident Evil game so far. It was worth the wait. Great video!
Spot-on with the lighting issue. Thought I was the only one that noticed the drab look to the game overall.
The thing is that i hate how they kept the game world so f*cking dark. I want to see all these details and beautiful terrifying world they have made. But i cant when 80% of the game is so dark. They went way too hard on trying to make it "scary". But forget that the original wasn't about physical scares. The tension and survival mechanics is what made it scary back then with the original game. Its like they went this far with the darkness being like "oh look how scary our dark game is". But it really got old the more i played it. The first time i ran through the game, the darkness was cool. But on repeat playthroughs i just wanted to see evreything like the original in a more brighter atmosphere.
There was (maybe still is) a "lights on" type mod for the PC version that allows you to see better. However, it's not perfect and way too bright in more well lit areas of the game.
The sound the modulator makes will stop my twins right in their tracks and they will focus on the TV no matter what. There is something about that pitch that grabs attention.
You Nailed it. Players who played the original definitely would be left wanting more of this remake but there is no denying it's an excellent game and one of the best horror games ever. Also RE1 remake is still the best remake ever made imo.
Darkness is not used to conceal things to add tension or intrigue, it’s one of the most prominent features of the game, as if they were trying to disguise assets, like how fog was used in the original silent hill game. Wandering around because you can barely see where you’re going is never terror inducing.
I enjoyed the original path to the police station while also having to get used to tank control. It took me an hour to get to the gun shop, but it was never frustrating since the objective was so clear that this comfortable, Braille user knew what the objective was, and could keep working towards it. Once I get all the way to the police station without taking any damage, the feeling of satisfaction was so sweet.
I'll take the OG RE2 everyday and twice on Sundays over the 'Reimagining', but a great video nonetheless
I actually liked the way Marvin dies. I think it kinda hits close to real life, because some deaths we witness are very sudden and shocking, with no time to absorb, to understand... It just happens and we are not there to see, help, comfort or keep them company in their final moments. They are alone and probably terrified. That's why I also liked Daud's death in Dishonored 2, he was all by himself in his final moments, and when you get to the boat, he's already gone, leaving you with guilt thinking "I should've been here with you".
But there are also sentimental and powerful death you witness in games. Iron Mike's death in Days Gone is probably one of the best ones in gaming. It feels so real. The dialogues, every character's reaction. And it hits even harder when you realize that Iron Mike was just trying to do what he thought was right, help others, being selfless. He didn't believe in the "eye for an eye" of the new reality. The good guy being taken advantage of and suffering the ultimate punishment
I asbolutely love RE2make, but I do agree with you about the opening. It would have been nice to establish the setting of the Raccoon City streets. That and the B scenario are the only real missteps I can point to with RE2make.
Totally agree. And the fan excuse at the time was "But they're saving the streets for RE3R!" Well, we know how that turned out.
@@Scott-M1 don't remind me. That game still leaves a sour taste in my mouth
Wow, I can't believe they just had Marvin get up zombified going after you and that's it. I know the original didn't do much passed that but since they didn't even do that little bit it just comes off like his character didn't mean anything. Smh.
Very insightful and honest review. I realized the importance of ammo consumption and management on my first play through when I reached the first boss in the game. I was stuck trying to beat it without enough resources, thus leading me to restart the entire play through and reach the same point. Thankfully it only took me 30 mins to reach the spot from the prior knowledge but it was hard and well taught lesson to learn the games mechanics and play by its rules. An amazing experience
The baked lighting in the original series allowed them to have adequate lighting with a touch of shadows and darkness for atmosphere. It’s crazy how the limitations added to the originals “feel”
Remake wins in Gameplay and Atmosphere but everything else goes to the actual classic Re2
Well what else is left?
@@AnshumanJena-jj9pj Aside from overall story, dialogue, voice acting, not much else lol
There should have been a section in the game where Leon and Clair meet up and for a chapter work together. Would have been a great way to build their relationship instead of getting nothing at all.
great video, Mayo!
And yeah I did the exact same double Licker & Mr. X scenario haha
Wow, I really thought that's what was taking the remake soooo long. Making B scenarios and such. Nope. Just shows how much of a monumental masterpiece the original was despite it's flaws.
No matter what anyone says I'll never be able to enjoy this game and I don't believe it deserves all the praise it's gotten over the years. It definitely doesn't deserve to be called a "masterpiece". It's boring, tedious and changes way too much of the story to be considered a "remake". It also made me dislike the characters I've loved for decades.
Resident Evil 2 Remake is frustrating. 50% of the original game is elevated to new heights, 30% discarded and 20% is worse. What is good truly shines but what is worse or has heen cut is frustrating (A/B scenario missing, no Racoon city streets, less monsters, worse character interactions/development, and no option to have a fixed angle version to name a few).
Wouldn't the fixed camera angles not work due to lighting and aiming
The absolute worst thing about this game is the cursing. If you stop and think about it, they removed the soundtrack and gave us endless profanity instead....
Hard agree, the game didn't need any of it haha. Got old immediately for me
Who the fuqo cares about that dammm shiiit
Agree with most of your points. The intro was a huge letdown when i first played. We just hear the helicopter crash? And Mr X just showing up with no context or epic intro was poorly done, just like the scenarios.
It's a shame the game was overly dark because the lighting looks amazing.
It's beautiful, I agree
yeah but that " its just a little crush scene" had me and the wife pissing ourselves and playing it back. it took us right off guard
To me these remakes sometimes seem like they had less time on making levels since they used up more time for models, graphics... etc
I feel like they just didn’t have enough time to plan the layout after the RPD, for example the RPD layout is so perfect, you can tell they put time into it, but once you get to the sewer it not as perfect as the RPD layout, it alright but like mayo said most player probably got lost and confused since it 3 layers, for the lab it just felt so unfinished imo, only the first section was pretty good at teasing the player that there is no life down here, it makes you feel alone with the darkness and how quite it is, but after opening the main door it just pretty meh since there only 2 ways to go and barely any exploring, I remember when I heard this game was being remakes, one of the first thoughts I had was the lab, I imagine so many ways how they could make it very scary in the new updates graphics but I was disappointed sadly.
The sewer map being confusing is honestly a surprise for me. I mean - It has an icon pinpointing where you are exactly regardless of the level/floor you are in. what more do gamers want? are you effing serious!!! Its a problem for developers apparently. I guess the stupidity of gamers should not be underestimated.
The lighting change is done to accommodate the absence of fixed camera. With a full 3d camera they no longer have the ability to control where your focus is like fixed cameras do. This is design 101. The nitpicks of these games is getting beyond ridiculous. It’s like people are looking for shit to hate no matter how trivial, so they can make UA-cam videos.
Dude, we played all the same games growing up! I'm 38 and RE1 was the first game that made me regret using ammo as a kid. Made me into a man
Another great video! I wish Capcom would sit down their staff and have them watch all of your videos.
but the higher up suits in change above will fuck thing’s up for money as always…
@@solid_fire9388 greedy non-goyim behaviour
I play with Reshade, too. I don''t know what the hell Capcom was thinking with the color desaturation and black levels being gray.
"This game is too dark" huh?
And here I am with my HDR tv being disappointed because in dark areas you can see EVERYTHING, with blacks being a lighter gray. I had to use ReShade to make the game much, MUCH darker.
The way that you described the decision making process spoke directly to me. One of my favorite things to do is plan and execute. In RE, you have to think about where you’re going and what to bring. When you’re exploring, you need to make decisions on the fly regarding what to pick up, leave behind, shoot at, avoid, etc. Now I want to replay RE1 remake.
Excellent Job Man!! I personally own both the original Resident Evil 2 Released back in January of 1998,as well as the remake,& one of the things that really bugged me was how wrong the B scenarios were in the remake,so THANK YOU FUR MENTIONING THAT BUDDY!! Because the original is such a great & nostalgic game fur me man,my childhood & teen years come rushing back everytime i hear that fan in the east office or the theme song of the RCPD itself!! TOTAL CLASSIC,the remake was great,dont get me wrong,you hit the nail on the head & said pretty much everything I thought,also,THE RESIDENT EVIL 3 REMAKE WAS WAY TOO SHORT!!
Maybe it's it's me, but when I walked into the main hall and saw Marvin get up as a zombie for the first time, I said out loud "oh no! Marvin!"
THIS MAN LITERALLY TOLD ME WHAT MR.X WAS GOING TO DO, AND I STILL JUMPED WHEN HE BURST THROUGH THAT WALL LOL
Capcom didnt even intend to MAKE remake of RE2 until a guy on the internet who had been building an HD recreation of RE2 was almost done with his project and it was gonna be fantastic. They contacted him and asked him to stop what he was doing, then took another 3 years to do RE2 Remake. The budget cut thing sounds like trash because they remade RE3 in less than a year and while it was ok to have it, I'd have rather had them spend that money making RE2 remake closer to the original.
This game could've been a masterpiece, but sadly it falls flat after the Police station in the first scenario (either Leon or Claire).
It's a 7 to 8/10; it definitely is not a masterpiece. The Police station, Mr. X, and the bosses are the best part of the whole game. I would've been if it took the same direction as the first resident evil remake.
Fully agree.
truly the dark souls of an underrated hidden gem masterpiece
I will never understand the complants about the zombies. They made them a threat again. Over 20 years of zombie games has trivalized the experience down to a couple head shots. Now, zombies are completely unpredictable and just one of them can fuck up your day if you're not careful.
Not to mention in horror and fantasy, zombies are the living dead. Relentless creatures that keep coming after you, even after injurying them and maiming them. That's the whole point. Thank god the critics of the new zombies don't make Resident Evil games.
Who's criticizing the zombies? I certainly am not.
I get what you’re saying but I beat this game in little over an hour now on hardcore and the zombies like the originals are easy to run by or slow down really. I saw it’s easier to gage your distance now. They should be more of a threat though on newer hardware and the ability to make them better.
I really wanted that real scenario B
I love how he was FRANTICALLY shooting that zombie with Mr.X ready to check him 44:50
I rather play the SeamlessHD mod of RE2 & RE3 . Right now i am playing RE1 with AI upscaled backgrounds .
I'm gonna join the crazies on the Mr x thing here but my explanation is substantiated through other games and canon lore. There wasn't just one Mr x. They had deployed multiple tyrants in the city to kill any survivors. Yeah I don't think they mention that in the remake and they should have. On a technicality it's not a continuity error. But that's all I've got is a technicality. So it doesn't invalidate your point but I felt I should mention it.
Right it just doesn't make sense because Leon and Claire both encounter Mr X at the helicopter crash.
@@underthemayo I agree. Doesn't make much sense. The rushed b scenario is quite clear about how rushed it was. Still it's not the first RE plot hole and won't be the last. I've kinda learned to ignore them. Not that it's right, but if I don't I'll end up having an aneurysm from how terrible village was.
The remake Confirms 1 thing.... a working bathroom 🚻
you're right, the original had no bathrooms!
Many blind by nostalgia goggles in the comments 😂
I just discover your chanel. You have become my top 3 favorite when it comes to reviewing games.
Same
I'm new to the survival horror genre. I recently played RE7 and I loved the first half in the house. RE2 is next on my list and your video makes me more excited to finally try it out.
You should absolutely play the original RE1-3 first.
The remakes, or rather the "demakes", don't do them justice, and fall victim to many modern tropes that just water down the experience.
@@GugureSux I agree with you on RE3 remake given that it wasn't even made in house by Capcom.
However, the remake of Resident Evil 1 is the most definitive Resident Evil experience imo. It's super well done. Resident Evil 2 Remake is also a very enjoyable experience, even if the A & B scenarios got pretty screwed over.
A friend of mine bought me this and the RE4 Remake. Happy to have played it!
As much as I like this game, as great as it is. It's too flawed in important aspects that still makes me prefer the original. RE3 is irefutably worse however doesn't mean that the flaws in RE2make get a free pass. The most dissapointing revelation is that now that these classics have been remade one pretty well and the other a bitter dissapoimtment. We will now unfortunately not get them remade correctly ever or atleast anytime soon.
The ogs are not perfectly either though.
@@morkgin2459 they're not and I never said that they were. The remakes however were the opportunity to take those origionals and make them better in every conceivable way. That for whatever reasons Capcom didn't; like I said RE2make is still a good game but the blatant flaws drag it down. Atleast for me
@@t-wrecks9866 well flaws exist in og as well but that doesn't bring it down because yed
Facts
@Gibram R but it depends upto a person. Like someone might prefer the original resident evil directors cut over the remake even if the remake is objectively better.