- Resident Evil 2 is highly regarded as one of the best entries in the series.
- The game just turned 26, while its remake is nearly five years old.
- This game was praised for its incredible atmosphere and introduction of characters like Leon.
Spanning eight mainline games, various spin-offs, and a legacy lasting multiple decades, Resident Evil is undoubtedly the most influential horror franchise to date, and among its many entries, Resident Evil 2 is often considered one of the best.
Featuring a cold and dark atmosphere, this entry proved to be a worthy sequel following the initial boom of Capcom’s IP. Having been released in 1998, this incredible horror game is already 26 years old.
Why it matters: Today, Resident Evil 2 Remake is the top-selling release of the IP, with a total of over 12.60 million units sold, highlighting its strong position in a franchise filled with renowned horror games.
Resident Evil 2 was released 26 years ago today on January 21, 1998! #ResidentEvil2
Here is the US and Japan box art! pic.twitter.com/YdKaJVxOm4
— Genki✨ (@Genki_JPN) January 21, 2024
Resident Evil 2 picks up two months after the events of the first game. It immediately left a lasting impact on the series, introducing protagonists Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield to the franchise for the first time.
Both characters became fan favorites in no time, with the former also returning as the protagonist in Resident Evil 4. Building on elements of exploration, combat, and resource management introduced in the original game, Resident Evil 2 was a successful sequel.
It also expanded combat encounters, portraying a bigger action focus. A variety of firearms, limited ammunition, various threats to take on, and puzzles to solve made the game bigger than ever without sacrificing a focus on horror.
All of these gameplay systems were complemented by an impeccable soundtrack and bone-chilling atmosphere, solidifying Resident Evil 2 as one of Capcom’s finest titles. The original game sold nearly 5 million units.
However, this was nothing compared to the success Capcom would later find with the remake in 2019.
Thanks to this high-quality remake, Resident Evil 2 lives on as a classic horror game. Fans can find the game discounted on all major platforms quite often, making it worth picking up for less than $20.
For those who have yet to try the original game or the remake, the latter just joined Game Pass and PS Plus Extra, providing the perfect opportunity to explore the game after its 26th anniversary.
Meanwhile, the franchise as a whole continues to do well.
Having sold over 146 million units, this series has managed to balance new and old games through a mix of original and remade releases. Resident Evil 9 is expected to arrive next year, and more remakes should be on the way soon.
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[News Editor]
Obaid is pursuing a Law degree while working as a content writer. He has worked as a gaming writer for over three years because of his passion for the medium and reporting the latest updates in the industry. Having played hundreds of games, Obaid finds himself coming back to Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, and Red Dead Redemption 2, with these games being among his favorites. He has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as Wccftech, Metro UK, PS Lifestyle, GamePressure, VGC, and Gamespot.
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