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GRAPHICS: A+ (10) If it wasn't for the graphics, the first game wouldn't nearly be as popular as it is to this day. Resident Evil was one of the first few games to use pre-rendered CG images as backgrounds, combined with fully-polygonal characters. The effect may have been a little glitchy and problematic, but it looked beautiful and everyone loved it -especially since it was one of the first few PlayStation games and demonstrated what the system could do in that early age. In 1997, the much anticipated sequel was announced and later on, released. Resident Evil 2 has been on top of the charts until recently, and has sold millions. Has Capcom merely released an upgraded Resident Evil 1 because it knew it would sell well, or is it a whole new experience in every way? You're about to find out. The graphics in this sequel are exquisite, polished, and grand in every way. The main draw to the look of the game are its backgrounds, so let me comment on them first. They are the same as the first, rendered CG images, that at this time have been used in quite a few games, namely FFVII, Resident Evil (obviously), and Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee. The backgrounds are certainly nothing revolutionary, but flawless, non-the-less. Detail is everywhere to be found, and abundant to the point of confusing your mind into being there. The characters' animation is no longer those rough movements from the first game, but smooth and vivid motions that surpass those of other games. As your character takes hits (or is bitten, in this game) he assumes a different pose that reflects his emotions from wellness, to pain, agony, near-death, and finally death itself. Except for the intro, movies during the game are usually done with the game's graphics for the purpose of integrating seamlessly, giving a scary-movie feeling to the experience. This is very likely as good as graphics will ever get on the PlayStation, and similar graphics are to be used in Final Fantasy VIII.
MUSIC/SOUND: A (9.75) Even better than some scary movies, the Zombie's and other creatures' screams, grunts, and other vocal sounds are done superbly and are theater quality. In the first Resident Evil, the voice acting was among the worst ever heard, lacking any acting skills, and was at times, corny enough to make you roar with laughter. In this game, while not being academy-award caliber, it has been greatly improved and can no longer annoy you. The music in this game is mostly just a contrast to whatever's happening at the moment, so you can't expect a top-notch soundtrack. As it is, the music is very well composed and fits perfectly with the scene. An example is when you reach an empty, wide hallway in a particularly difficult part of the game, you may be treated to a soothing music, while later a monster breaks through the ceiling and all of the sudden your heart is pounding and the music is loud and high-pitched. Every attempt was made by Capcom to have excellent sounds in Resident Evil 2, and that's exactly what it has achieved. GAMEPLAY: A- (9.25) There are many sacrifices you'll have to make to have a game that runs in this engine. You can forget having a really fast-paced, thrilling game, and you can forget 3-Dimensional and interactive backgrounds. Even with these sacrifices at hand, Capcom has managed to capture all the realism and mystery it intended for its game, leaving out only a few distractions that can not be avoided. Such distraction is the way the characters at times do not fit in with the backgrounds, since they are 3D, and the backgrounds are not. Length was also sacrificed. Because of time and budget restrictions, Capcom could not possibly produce that many still images for backgrounds, so the game ended up being quite short, much like its predecessor. You can probably beat this game in less than 15 hours, which is very dissapointing since you'll be so immersed in it by that time, leaving you wanting more. Capcom of course, tryied to set that straight by adding secrets upon beating the game, but that's not likely to hold you for much longer. Control is fully functional and you're unlikely to find many bugs, because it's solid and understandable. If you've never played the first game or it's been a while since, you'll find it hard at first to adjust to the odd controls of this 2/3D hybrid, but you'll soon realize that it's the only way it could be done, so you'll forgive it. A solid game, that unfortunately, had to make many sacrifices to be playable.
FUN AND REPLAY VALUE: B+ (9) Because of its length, Resident Evil 2 will most likely not keep you entertained for very long, but while it lasts, it will be an experience to be remembered, and after all, isn't that what video games are all about?
WORTH BUYING: YES Resident Evil 2 contains some of the best graphics ever seen in a videogame, I know I've said it many times and it's starting to get old, but it's completely true. Believe me. None of its sacrifices should keep you from experiencing this game. In this edition, you get what you were expecting in the first game, horror, with no stupid bad acting to ruin it. Perhaps if you decide to play it moderately, it will last longer. Unfortunately, this game is so enthralling, that like a good book, you won't be able to put it down for long before the end. OVERALL: A (9.75) The mood this game sets is like none before seen in a video game, it is a mixture of sheer terror, blinded romance, and relief. You'll be surprised at the interaction you'll have in this game and the feelings you'll share with the characters. It's almost as good as reading a very good book, and leaves you with the same feeling afterwards. This game easily lives up to the hype it recieved. To order Resident Evil 2, click on the button
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