Resident Evil 2

by Capcom

Product Details

• ASIN: B0000541Z7
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 4.8 x 0.4 inches
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: 2000
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,824 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #27 in Video Games > More Systems > Sega Dreamcast > Games

Product Description

Amazon.com

Face your fears in the ultimate test for survival. Something is desperately wrong in Raccoon City. A mutagenic virus has broken loose, and the entire town is infested. Bloodthirsty zombies now overwhelm the community. When Leon and Claire arrive in town, their nightmare is just beginning. Now, you control their destiny.

Review

To quote AC/DC and its now-corpselike lead singer Bon Scott, "If this is hell, then you can say that it's heavenly." Capcom has brought its classic survival horror game Resident Evil 2 to the Sega Dreamcast, and those wacky flesh-chewing zombies certainly do get biz-ay consistently and thoroughly...

Evil remains unchanged from its PSOne and PC versions. The game places dedicated heroes Claire Redfield and wet-behind-the-ears cop Leon Kennedy in the midst of hell on Earth, Raccoon City. The heartless conglomerate Umbrella has released a devastating virus that gives birth to the Ungrateful Dead, and now the city is deserted; the streets seem to hold nothing but equal parts debris and danger, and Miller Time seems infinitely far away. With gun in hand and no idea where to go (hint: head toward the police station), the heroes are tasked with restoring order to the chaos.

Each hero participates in a separate, but connected, adventure. The game comes on two GD-ROMs, with each disk starring a different hero. Claire and Leon take separate routes through zombieville, and what Claire does in her game will influence the way Leon's trek plays out. Though the environments remain constant throughout, the challenge doesn't peter out in the slightest, and a good deal of replay value is added. Beating the game with Claire unlocks new stuff for Leon and vice-versa -- and a few hidden characters, among them the inexplicable Tofu, are included as well. To add, in the colorful lingo of the streets, even more flava, Capcom has tossed in a gallery mode (with plenty of pictures, 3D models, and movies) and given players instant access to both the game's original and "arrange" mode.

Brilliant in design and execution, Resident Evil 2 remains one of the best games ever made. The game loads its plate with scares both subtle and sublime; lengthy periods of suspense are punctuated with brief moments of genuine terror to create an experience that's best savored in the dark, preferably with the volume up and the door unlocked. Diagetic sounds -- the click of Claire's heels on tiled floor, the soft moans of the undead -- are used to emphasize the heroes' alienation, and foreshadowing (a puddle of blood on the floor, a shadow that quickly flashes across a window) ensures that in the downtime, players will be wondering what's coming next. Few games have ever managed to capture both mood and horror in such a comprehensive manner, and for this we are still tipping our hats to the game.

Resident Evil 2 features a decent set of puzzles that warmly embrace the notion that stuff needs pushing, specially shaped keys demand finding and control panels hold all the answers. When not wracking their brains trying to find the key shaped like Ugandan dictator Idi Amin (example used solely for comedic value), players will need to collect weapons and ammunition that can be used to duly perforate the game's wonderful complement of solidly creepy enemies: shambling zombies, rotted Dobermans, giant spiders, a speedy crocodile and various denizens of the abyss.

Capcom's Dreamcast Evil looks a lot smoother than the PSOne version does, and the character and creature models appear to be as gorgeous as the ones featured on the PC edition. Backgrounds have been sharpened, too, and even the game's unrepentant pixelization (though still prominent) doesn't seem altogether horrific. Control for the game remains the same as it ever was, meaning it's pretty lackluster. Capcom, oddly enough, imagined it would be a good idea if players were required to push a button to climb or descend stairs, and then put the idea into practice. Heroes can be moved with either the analog stick or the D-pad, but either option allows for little in the way of accurate handling. Expect running characters to sway like the heavily inebriated; this poor movement scheme will make it possible for slow-moving zombies to have their lunch delivered straight to them.

The Bottom Line: It was a classic on the PSOne and it's a classic here. -- DailyRadar Review

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Storytelling March 3, 2001

By Matsugawa J. Andrews

I have played all three console editions of this game. The first I played was the Playstation version and although I liked the cinematics, I could not get past the controls to save my life. Second, I got the N64 edition, which offered, in addition to all the cinematics, a 3rd person control system that made navigation much smoother than the PS edition. So, when I heard of the Dreamcast edition, I immediately went out and bought it right away. It unfortunately lacked the 3rd person controller option of the N64 edition (but the 1st person controls were drastically improved to the point where one wouldn't spend four or five minutes getting your character to turn a corner). But in spite of that, it had all the great storytelling elements and in-game graphics from the N64 version (w/expansion pak) and the FMV cinematics quality of the PS version (not to mention sound). But actually, that's my only complaint about the DC version, the cinematics are...well...just too good! For the N64 version, the cinematics were reduced graphically (and cropped top and bottom to simulate a letterboxed look) and the sound was a tad tinny, but there was something really visually spectacular about the blurred, Matrix-like frame-rate (case-in-point: First appearance of the 'Licker') and the cropping (case-in-point: Claire's entrance into the diner in which a close-up of her face--in the N64 version--shows only her eyes, whereas the DC and PS versions show her full-face, even the lousy dubbing of her line, "Hello?"). But, all things considered, this is easily one of Capcom's best games, and easily the best multi-console translation of a Capcom game. Truly suspenseful, awfully tear-jerking (who doesn't become overwhelmed with feelings of desperation as they see Claire, cradling the lifeless body of Sherry Birkin in her arms, walking away from the train after she has just discovered Umbrella's underground lab! A great game in any form! We love you, Capcom!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Welcome To Raccoon City! January 26, 2001

By Phil

How does wasting zombies at the turn of every corner sound? Pretty good to me! That's what you get when you purchase Resident Evil 2. For those who have played it on the Playstation, you know what this is all about. The DC has finally put out the game series to keep it competitive. You begin the game by playing as Leon, a rookie cop for the Raccoon City PD, or Claire Redfield, depending on wich disk you put in. You and Claire are split up. You must find and fight your way to the Police Station. Once you are there, the real adventure begins. Solving puzzles and of course killing a bunch of zombies! I don't want to give all the details as to what you need to do or what you encounter. It would ruin the fun for you. The "T" Virus plays an important role in the whole situation. And don't forget, pay attention to the clues and read all diaries and faxes that you find! They are very important! For those of you who have played Code Veronica on the Dreamcast, you will find some differences in this game. First the game play and control is the same. The disappointing things are the graphics are not as good as Code Veronica. Don't get me wrong, they are not bad, just not as good. That is why only 4 stars. Second, the game difficulty, I feel, is much eaiser than Code Veronica. I finished the game in about 8 hours. It took me about 36 to 40 hours to complete Code Veronica. It was a very entertaining and SCAREY 8 hours though! The best part of this game is that it leads into Code Veronica and Resident Evil 3 very well. Why was this not released first? Anyway, the bottom line is this; if you liked Code Veronica or scarey games, it is well worth the money. Otherwise keep looking.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Relive the terror.... December 17, 2000

By "mhreader"

Fans of Resident Evil rejoice! We now have a new edition to the Dreamcast line up. Resident Evil 2 for DC is cleaner and sharper than it was on Playstation, and the perks on the VMU are nice. Sure, it isn't likely that in a police station there will be elaborate statues which hold secret keys and golden plates which act as activators. Just roll your eyes occasionally, and make note of all it does have going for it. The tone is disturbing, almost too disturbing. Perfectly keyed music, dog howling, the traditional zombies, some with a bit of a kick to 'em. An evolving and involving storyline. Finally, a worthwhile sequel, and they just keep getting better and better. Players must keep in mind tho that it's no Code Veronica. The graphics weren't engineered for DC, but for Playstation, and even tho it's been reformatted, this game did originate in 1998. Sure, you may have played it on Playstation, but it's been a couple of years. Enjoy the enhancement of Dreamcast play and reimmerse yourself in the world of survival horror. And for those of you visiting Racoon City for the first time.... good luck! ((imagine evil, wicked laughter here))

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Resident Evil 2- Best in the series? December 13, 2000

By TJ Burke

Resident Evil 2 is everything a great sequal should be: More zombies, tougher bosses, and a more in depth storyline. Except for Code: Veronica this is arguably the best Resident Evil game on the Dreamcast. The higher resolution only serves to make a great game better, the additions to the VMU are very conveniant for knowing what health level you are at and how much ammo is left. The storyline is far better than game 1. Claire Redfield, sister of Chris from the first game, is visiting Raccoon city from out of town when she comes in contact with the victims of Umbrella Corp.s "T-Virus" which turns the carriers into flesh eating zombies. Originally The virus was concentrated only on one lab but it has now spread throughout the town. It is up to you to save the town and live through the expierience. Sound good? If not get this game anyway, this is not to be missed!