Resident Evil Retrospective – Part 2: A City of Racoons

The iconic Resident Evil franchise has captivated gamers since its inception, primarily due to its immersive gameplay and compelling storytelling. This retrospective dives into the evolution of Resident Evil, focusing on Resident Evil 2, its ground-breaking sequel, and the subsequent Resident Evil 3: Nemesis.

The Birth of Resident Evil 2

Resident Evil 2 was first announced at the 1996 Tokyo Game Show, quickly following the success of the original Resident Evil. Hideki Kamiya, who had served as a system planner for the first installment, took the helm as director for the sequel. The development process began almost immediately, with the aim to expand upon the story of the first game while introducing new characters: Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield.

Initially scheduled for release in late 1997, the project faced significant challenges. As production progressed, producer Shinji Mikami felt the game was too similar to its predecessor. About three-quarters of the way through development, Capcom's Production Studio 4 was instructed to return to the drawing board. This led to major changes, including the transformation of the female protagonist from Elza, a University of Raccoon City student, to Claire Redfield, the sister of Chris Redfield. Both characters arrived in the city in search of loved ones, and their journeys intertwined throughout the narrative.

This mid-development version of the game was humorously nicknamed Resident Evil 1.5, and there was even a surge of online petitions advocating for its eventual release. Such a drastic overhaul during development would later become a hallmark of the franchise, with future installments often showcasing promotional materials that featured scenes not present in the final games.

When Resident Evil 2 was finally released on January 21, 1998, it was accompanied by television spots directed by horror icon George Romero, further cementing its place in gaming history.

The Narrative Unfolds

Set two months after the events of the first game, Resident Evil 2 continues the story of the Umbrella Corporation's experiments gone wrong. As surviving members of the S.T.A.R.S. team attempt to warn Raccoon City of the impending doom, they are met with skepticism. Leon and Claire arrive in a city that is already on the brink of collapse, unaware of the horrors that await them.

Upon reaching the Raccoon City Police Department (RPD), they encounter other survivors, including Robert Kendo, a gun store owner, and Marvin Branagh, an officer in dire straits. The introduction of Claire as a playable character allowed players to explore the narrative through multiple perspectives, which would become a defining feature of the series.

Claire's journey intertwines with that of Sherry Birkin, a young girl caught in the chaos. Sherry’s parents, William and Annette Birkin, are embroiled in the creation of the G-virus, a mutated strain that proves more lethal than the T-virus. As Claire pursues Sherry, she unravels the darker side of the police department under Chief Brian Irons.

Leon, meanwhile, finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy involving secret agents, one of whom, Ada Wong, initially appears to aid him but has ulterior motives. The dynamic between Leon and Ada adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative, highlighting themes of trust and betrayal.

Gameplay Mechanics and Character Dynamics

Resident Evil 2 introduced players to dual campaigns, with each character having a unique storyline that intersected at various points. Starting with either Leon or Claire initiated Scenario A, while completing that campaign unlocked Scenario B, offering a fresh perspective on the events. This nonlinear storytelling allowed players to experience the tension of the narrative from different angles.

The gameplay also saw significant improvements. Players could engage a variety of enemies, from zombies and dogs to new threats like the Lickers—mutated creatures with heightened agility. The game encouraged players to strategize with its resource management system, making ammunition a precious commodity.

Mr. X, an imposing figure sent to hunt down the protagonists, served as a relentless threat throughout the game, adding an additional layer of horror. His ability to track players created an atmosphere of anxiety and urgency, making every encounter unpredictable.

Legacy and Impact

Upon its release, Resident Evil 2 became a commercial success, selling nearly five million copies and earning accolades for its refined gameplay mechanics and captivating storyline. Players appreciated the aesthetic enhancements, such as improved character models and real-time damage effects.

The game was eventually ported to various platforms and even saw a modern remake that reinvigorated interest in the franchise. The dual campaigns remained a significant talking point among fans, as they speculated on the canonical storyline—particularly the implications of Sherry's fate and the development of the G-virus antidote.

Transition to Resident Evil 3

The narrative did not end with Resident Evil 2; it set the stage for Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. Originally conceived as two separate titles, Resident Evil 3 was later developed as a continuation of the plot, focusing on Jill Valentine as she attempts to escape the now-infamous Raccoon City.

Unlike its predecessors, Resident Evil 3 featured only one primary playable character from the outset, with the introduction of Carlos Oliveira serving as a secondary perspective. The game delved into the chaos that ensued as Raccoon City fell to the horrors unleashed by the Umbrella Corporation.

The nemesis of Jill’s story, the titular Nemesis, added a new dimension to the gameplay. Unlike Mr. X, who was more of a lurking threat, Nemesis actively pursued Jill, creating moments of tension as players navigated through the environment. His relentless chase and ability to break through barriers contributed to the game’s reputation as a horror-action hybrid.

Conclusion

The Resident Evil franchise has undergone significant transformations since the release of its first installment, with Resident Evil 2 standing out as a milestone in gaming history. With its innovative gameplay, dual narratives, and memorable characters, it laid the groundwork for the franchise's future successes. The subsequent Resident Evil 3: Nemesis further enriched the lore, maintaining the franchise's reputation as a pioneer in survival horror. As we reflect on the evolution of Resident Evil, it's clear that the series has continually adapted and evolved, capturing the imaginations of gamers worldwide.