Why Resident Evil 2’s Remake Still Tops the Series

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As a gamer, I find myself drawn into the Resident Evil world because of its protagonists who are tough enough to take on any hideous bio-weapons they encounter. Even when they’re cornered and outnumbered, these characters never lose their spirit or wit, always finding a moment to crack a one-liner or show some sass. The level of survival-horror in each game may differ, but the unwavering bravery and skill of the characters makes every situation seem manageable, even as the series transitions into action-packed titles.

In the initial Resident Evil games, particularly those introducing new characters to the game’s unique terrors, the series icons generally found it relatively straightforward to handle whatever challenges they faced. However, this ambiance shifted dramatically with the introduction of Ethan Winters in Resident Evil 7, who was portrayed as an average man but criticized for his excessive dialogue and perceived as dull between moments of fear. The remake of Resident Evil 2 is often considered the ideal balance of disgust, tension, and resilience the franchise has ever struck with its characters, and it would be delightful if future mainline games could emulate this balance.

Resident Evil 2’s Remake Represents the Franchise’s Humble Beginnings

In a mix of angry outbursts and strong language, the remake of Resident Evil 2 stands out for its convincing portrayal of Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield’s simultaneous fear and courage. Their compassionate natures drive them to help others in need, yet their confusion and alarm at the grotesque science-fiction experiments they encounter make their reactions feel authentic and relatable in such an extraordinary and horrifying situation.

In the reimagined version of Resident Evil 2, the sharp wit and sarcasm of Leon and Claire remain undiminished, preserving the game’s overall tone while infusing it with an undercurrent of whimsy. Among all characters, Mr. X in his trenchcoat and fedora stands out most, adding a sense of humor to the grim setting. Despite their cool demeanor when interacting with Ada Wong or Sherry Birkin, both Leon and Claire frequently express exasperation towards repulsive enemies or their stubborn refusal to be defeated.

Resident Evil 7 and Village Demonstrate That the Series is at a Significant Boiling Point

Ethan Winters clearly shows fear in both “Resident Evil 7” and “Village,” but he remains determined in his goal: rescuing Mia in the first game, and their daughter Rosemary in the second. Despite being one of the more emotionally driven protagonists in the series, Ethan’s demeanor is often humorous rather than serious. Some might argue that Ethan doesn’t become an interesting character until the end of “Village,” where we discover he’s been dead since the beginning of “Resident Evil 7” and has been kept alive as a Molded entity. However, he was always equipped with an array of firearms, which suggests that he never really seemed out of his depth in combat situations.

Leaving Ethan Winters faceless by Capcom may have hindered players’ ability to empathize with him through visible emotions and realistic motion-capture acting.

In the game “Resident Evil”, Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield were brilliantly crafted characters. They could hold their own in a fight, but during “Resident Evil 2”, they were still green enough to react dramatically to frightening events due to their high stress levels. However, by the time we get to “Resident Evil 4”, Leon seems to have left behind that initial fear. He’s now a seasoned pro, capable of performing acrobatic moves like backflips and suplexes, rather than just using defensive items to fend off attacks.

The Resident Evil series has always been innovative in not sticking to a single formula for extended periods. It’s intriguing to anticipate where Resident Evil 9 might lead us. However, replicating the captivating balance of charm and terror that the remake of Resident Evil 2 showcases could be almost impossible.

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2025-02-03 02:32