Welcome to The Isaiah Experience! My name is Isaiah Chapman, and today, I’m diving into the world of survival horror with a review of Resident Evil 2 Remake. As I wait for the exciting new releases of 2025, I’ve decided to revisit some classics, and this 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2 still holds up incredibly well. Let’s take a look at what makes this game shine and where it stumbles.
The Story
Set in 1998, Resident Evil 2 drops players into the chaos of Raccoon City, where the infamous T-Virus has turned the city into a zombie-infested nightmare. You take on the role of either Claire Redfield or Leon Kennedy as they fight to escape the madness while uncovering the dark secrets behind the outbreak. The narrative is gripping, filled with tension, and keeps you on edge throughout.
The Cons
Let’s start with the drawbacks, just to get them out of the way.
One of my biggest gripes with Resident Evil 2 Remake is the excessive backtracking. Just when you think you’ve seen the last of the R.P.D. headquarters, guess what? You’re heading back in! This happens repeatedly until you finally reach The Nest, Umbrella’s underground lab where the T-Virus was created. While backtracking can be a staple in survival horror, at times, it feels more tedious than necessary.
Another issue is the game’s continuity. Annette Birkin, one of the key characters, seems to defy logic when it comes to her fate. In one version of the story, she dies after shooting Ada Wong. In another, she dies after saving her daughter from the virus. Sooo… which one is it? While Resident Evil games have often played fast and loose with parallel storylines, this inconsistency stands out.
The Pros
Now, onto what makes this game truly shine! Unlike remakes of Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon, Resident Evil 2 isn’t just a graphical overhaul—it’s a full-blown reimagining. The switch to a third-person, over-the-shoulder perspective (similar to Resident Evil 4) makes the game feel fresh and immersive. The controls and gameplay are smoother than ever, making for an intense and engaging experience.
There’s also a great sense of progression. Finding new weapons, unlocking different sections of the R.P.D., and gathering supplies all feel rewarding. The game strikes a perfect balance between resource management and action, keeping the tension high.
But my absolute favorite part? Mr. X. Even though he causes me to scream and curse while playing, his AI is terrifyingly brilliant. He patrols the R.P.D. headquarters, relentlessly hunting you down. The sound of his footsteps growing louder as he approaches is pure nightmare fuel. Few gaming moments match the sheer panic of trying to evade this unstoppable tyrant.
Final Verdict
Resident Evil 2 Remake is a phenomenal reimagining of a survival horror classic. It modernizes the experience while staying true to what made the original great. With its gripping atmosphere, refined gameplay, and terrifying enemies, it’s a must-play for both newcomers and longtime fans. Here’s hoping we see Resident Evil 5 and 6 get the same treatment—and maybe even a proper remake of the first Resident Evil!
That’s it for today! My name is Isaiah Chapman, and I’ll see you next time on The Isaiah Experience!