Resident Evil 2

The majority of critics praised Resident Evil 2’s story for its faithful recreation of the original while enhancing its narrative depth and modernizing its horror elements. Many highlighted the dual-protagonist structure, with GameSpot noting the “serious and evocative story with impressive writing” and Impulsegamer emphasizing how the narrative respects the original’s legacy while blending nostalgia with a “gritty new modern horror aesthetic.” The split campaigns for Leon and Claire were frequently lauded for offering distinct yet interconnected experiences, as noted by USgamer and GameGrin, who appreciated the streamlined storytelling compared to the 1998 version. Critics like Areajugones and Hooked Gamers praised the expanded character development and cinematic presentation, arguing that the remake revitalized the survival-horror genre while maintaining the essence of its predecessor. The game’s ability to balance familiarity with fresh twists, such as deeper conspiracies involving Umbrella Corporation (Atomix) and improved pacing (Hardcore Gamer), was seen as a significant strength. However, several critics pointed out flaws in the story’s execution, particularly its reliance on familiar tropes and underdeveloped character dynamics. JeuxActu and Cultured Vultures criticized the rushed ending and lack of emotional depth, while Washington Post called the plot “disposable and generic.” Some felt the relationship between Leon and Claire remained underexplored (M3) or that the narrative suffered from repetition (IGN). The split storylines, though praised for their variety, were occasionally seen as disjointed, with Gamers’ Temple noting inconsistencies in story structure and GRYOnline.pl pointing to diverging character arcs that disrupted coherence. Additionally, The Overpowered Noobs and PCWorld highlighted plot holes and minimal exposition, suggesting the story prioritized atmosphere over intricate world-building. Despite these critiques, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with many emphasizing the game’s success in reimagining a classic while elevating its narrative through modern techniques. GameGrin and Hooked Gamers argued that the remake “captures the glory of the original” while adding fresh layers to the story, and FANDOM praised the emotional depth of characters through improved writing and performances. While some noted the story’s limitations—such as its generic structure (Trusted Reviews) or limited character interaction (XGN)—these were often framed as minor drawbacks in an otherwise strong package. The majority of reviewers, including GameSpot and Areajugones, agreed that Resident Evil 2’s narrative strikes a compelling balance between homage and innovation, making it a standout entry in the franchise’s legacy.

The gameplay of Resident Evil 2 is widely praised for its faithful yet modernized approach to survival horror, balancing nostalgia with refined mechanics. Critics highlight its emphasis on resource management, strategic decision-making, and tense encounters, which create a gripping atmosphere. Nintendo Life notes the blend of over-the-shoulder action and classic survival horror elements, while Game Rant emphasizes the importance of ammo conservation and precise combat. Slant Magazine applauds the game’s focus on cunning and caution, forcing players to prioritize survival over aggression. The over-the-shoulder camera perspective, praised by CGMagazine and The Games Machine, enhances both scares and third-person shooter dynamics. Additionally, the inclusion of multiple campaigns and replayability options (Nintendo Life) and modernized controls (Worth Playing) are seen as strengths that cater to both newcomers and veterans. Critics like IGN Spain and Impulsegamer laud its polished execution, calling it “fresh” and “smooth,” respectively, while others, such as GameCritics, highlight the traditional third-person camera and intense combat variety. Despite these positives, some critics point to flaws that detract from the experience. Softpedia criticizes the combat as “unfulfilling and frustrating,” citing resilient enemies and RNG-driven headshot mechanics. GameGrin notes that while the equipment management is vital, the combat feels “clunky” despite its narrative logic. The Overpowered Noobs mention simple puzzles and boss fights lacking ingenuity, while GameCrate acknowledges the game’s simplicity compared to modern AAA titles. Push Square and others note that the gameplay may feel archaic for some players, and USgamer points out difficulty balance issues in specific sections. Additionally, some reviewers, like Video Chums, suggest that combat is “simple and fluid” but risks feeling repetitive due to ammo scarcity. These critiques highlight areas where the game’s traditional survival horror roots occasionally clash with modern expectations. Overall, the majority of critics celebrate Resident Evil 2’s gameplay as a triumph, blending classic survival horror elements with modern refinements. While some issues—such as combat pacing and puzzle complexity—are acknowledged, they are often framed as minor drawbacks in an otherwise cohesive and immersive experience. The consensus leans heavily toward praise, with outlets like IGN Italia calling it “perfect” and The Daily Dot noting the game’s ability to evolve while retaining its core charm. Critics like Gaming Nexus and Metro GameCentral emphasize the tension and engagement of its mechanics, while others, such as Xbox Tavern and Cubed3, highlight its focus on survival over mindless action. Despite varied opinions on specific aspects, the overwhelming sentiment is that Resident Evil 2 successfully modernizes its legacy while delivering a challenging, atmospheric, and rewarding gameplay experience.

The overwhelming consensus among critics is that Resident Evil 2’s graphics and visual design are a masterclass in modernization and atmospheric storytelling. Multiple reviewers praised the game’s ability to faithfully recreate the original’s iconic environments while elevating them with cutting-edge visuals. New Game Network highlighted the “faithful recreation of rooms, themes, and motifs” from the 1998 classic, emphasizing “impressive attention to detail” in gore and motion capture. Jeuxvideo.com (PC) lauded the RE Engine’s role in crafting “immersive atmospheres,” while Attack of the Fanboy called it “one of the best remakes in terms of visual design.” The Escapist marveled at the game’s “authenticity” in evoking its 1998 setting, noting how elements like “bulbous old computer monitors” and “terrifying bosses” felt both grounded and grotesque. Critics across platforms—PC, PS4, and Xbox One—agreed that the remake’s visuals modernize the original without sacrificing its core horror essence, with GameGrin calling the RE Engine “fantastic” and GamesRadar+ praising “beautifully horrific” zombies and meticulously detailed environments. While the majority celebrated Resident Evil 2’s visual prowess, some critiques pointed to minor technical or artistic shortcomings. New Game Network noted that the graphics “hold the game back from finding originality,” with “some gothic horrors from the original missing.” PC Invasion and Jeuxvideo.com (PC/Xbox One) criticized subpar facial animations and less convincing graphical effects like water and expressions, while Everyeye.it mentioned texture quality issues and frame rate drops. Atomix highlighted repetitive character models, and IGN observed that “some areas and enemies don’t hold up against scrutiny.” Additionally, GameCrate acknowledged occasional drawbacks in “character models and motion captured animations,” though these were framed as minor quibbles. Despite these critiques, they were consistently overshadowed by the game’s broader visual achievements, with many reviewers emphasizing that such flaws did not detract from the overall experience. The critical reception underscores Resident Evil 2 as a landmark in visual design, with nearly all reviewers deeming it a masterpiece. The RE Engine’s capabilities were universally praised for breathing new life into Raccoon City, as noted by Xbox Achievements, which called the visuals “truly remarkable,” and GameSpot, which highlighted the “fantastically atmospheric presentation.” Even critics who pointed out flaws acknowledged the game’s technical and artistic triumphs. For instance, The Escapist argued that the “frightening aesthetic touches” of the remake “stand out dramatically,” while IGN Spain simply stated the graphics were “stunning and impressive.” With only minor reservations, the overwhelming majority of critics agreed that Resident Evil 2 sets a high bar for remakes, blending nostalgia with modern innovation to create one of the most visually compelling entries in the series. As Game Debate put it, the game’s “environmental detail” and “realistic elements” make Raccoon City “better than ever,” cementing its status as a visual benchmark.

The sound design and music of Resident Evil 2 received widespread acclaim from critics, with many highlighting their effectiveness in amplifying tension and immersion. Reviewers consistently praised the game’s use of ambient sounds, such as the ominous stomping of Mr. X (noted by The Sydney Morning Herald and PlayStation Country) and the eerie echoes of zombies, which create a palpable sense of dread. The 3D audio and binaural effects were frequently lauded for enhancing spatial awareness, allowing players to pinpoint threats in dark corridors (Critical Hit and Multiplayer.it). Additionally, the soundtrack’s subtlety and atmosphere-driven approach—such as the “terrifying presence of the Tyrant” (The Daily Dot) and the “chilling cries of zombies” (PCGamesN)—were seen as integral to the horror experience. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com and Game Rant emphasized how sound design complements gameplay, with dynamic audio cues heightening suspense and immersion. The reworked soundtrack, which blends nostalgic elements with original compositions (Press Start Australia), further reinforced the game’s atmospheric depth. While most critics celebrated the sound design, some noted minor shortcomings. A few pointed to the music being “not particularly memorable” (PC Gamer) or lacking the iconic themes of the original Resident Evil series (Gamer.no and Meristation). Others critiqued specific elements, such as “weak weapon sounds” (XGN) or the absence of certain classic tracks, which could disappoint long-time fans. Additionally, God is a Geek noted the deliberate reliance on ambient noise over music to build tension, a choice that some might find minimalist. However, these critiques were often framed as minor quibbles compared to the overall excellence of the audio design. Even COGconnected, which described the soundtrack as “adequate,” acknowledged the strength of sound effects in reinforcing the survival horror genre. The consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music widely regarded as a standout feature of Resident Evil 2. The majority praised their ability to create an immersive, terrifying atmosphere, with outlets like JeuxActu calling it “one of the best in the generation” and GamePro Germany highlighting its “tense atmosphere with ambient noises.” While some reviews mentioned slight imperfections—such as the sparse use of music or missing original motifs—these were overshadowed by the universal acclaim for the audio’s role in enhancing gameplay and horror. Critics like The Sydney Morning Herald and IGN Japan emphasized how sound design is not just supportive but central to the experience, making it a defining strength of the remake. Overall, the overwhelming sentiment is that Resident Evil 2’s audio work elevates its survival horror pedigree, earning it high marks for innovation and atmospheric depth.

The voice acting in Resident Evil 2 received widespread praise for its improvements over the original game, with many critics highlighting its emotional depth, authenticity, and character development. Several reviewers noted that the new performances brought a fresh energy to the characters, making them more relatable and immersive. For instance, PC Gamer and GameSpot praised the strong, urgent delivery of dialogue that conveyed desperation and tension, while New Game Network and Cubed3 emphasized the chemistry between characters, particularly in key interactions. Worth Playing specifically highlighted Claire’s voice acting as a standout, delivering emotional nuance, and Digital Trends called the performances "terrific," enhancing the game’s believability. Additionally, GameCritics and Cubed3 noted that the modernized dialogue and realistic portrayals added depth to characters like Leon and Claire, making their reactions feel organic and engaging. The improved localization, particularly in languages like Spanish and French, was also celebrated for its quality, with SomosXbox and IGN Spain praising the well-executed dubs that maintained familiarity while elevating the experience. Despite these positives, some critics pointed out inconsistencies and shortcomings in the voice acting. Digital Chumps criticized the performances as "unpracticed" and "disappointing," though they acknowledged Leon’s occasional effective quips. PC GamesN noted that Leon’s attempts at humor fell flat, contrasting with other characters’ emotional depth, while The Daily Dot described some lines as "cringe-worthy" but ultimately charming in a "dopey way." Localization issues were also mentioned, such as Everyeye.it pointing out occasional flaws in the Italian dub and GameCrate noting that some dialogue was identical to the original game. Additionally, Xbox Tavern and Riot Pixels highlighted mixed results, with some characters feeling "naive" or underdeveloped compared to others. While these critiques were less frequent, they underscored that not all performances resonated equally, particularly for fans of the original cast or those sensitive to tonal inconsistencies. Overall, the consensus among critics leaned toward a positive assessment of Resident Evil 2’s voice acting, with most agreeing it marked a significant improvement over the original. While there were occasional criticisms about uneven delivery or localization quirks, the majority praised its emotional authenticity and contribution to the game’s narrative. Trusted Reviews and TrueGaming highlighted the high-quality performances that enhanced immersion, while GameSpot and Digitally Downloaded emphasized how the new cast brought vitality to the characters. Even critics with reservations, like Digital Chumps or PC GamesN, acknowledged specific strengths, such as Leon’s character depth or Claire’s emotional range. The mixed reactions were largely overshadowed by the general acclaim for modernized dialogue, improved chemistry, and the revitalization of key roles, making the voice acting a standout element in the game’s overall success.

The technical performance of Resident Evil 2 across its various platforms was largely praised by critics, with most highlighting smooth gameplay, stable frame rates, and minimal issues. On PS4, reviewers like App Trigger and Atomix emphasized the game’s stability, noting no crashes or bugs and consistent 60fps performance, while Cultured Vultures and Eurogamer Italy praised its lack of loading times and flawless execution over extended play sessions. The Xbox One X version also received strong marks, with MondoXbox highlighting its 4K Ultra HD graphics and smooth 60fps performance, though some critics like Windows Central noted minor graphical flaws such as compressed textures. On PC, the technical side was lauded for optimization, with GameStar and GameWatcher calling it a "great port" with no major issues, while The Digital Fix acknowledged its demand on high settings but praised overall efficiency. The PS5 version saw praise for fast load times, though Push Square noted occasional frame rate dips during intense action sequences. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch version, particularly in its cloud-based iteration, was commended for responsive controls and visual quality despite longer load times, per Nintendo Life. Despite these positives, some platform-specific technical issues were reported. On PS4, critics like 3DJuegos and Areajugones mentioned minor frame rate drops and odd reflections, while Screen Rant noted distant enemies rendering at half the frame rate, creating awkward moments. The Xbox One version faced criticism for graphical anomalies, including shadow flickering (Softpedia) and jagged edges around hair models, as well as compromised image quality on standard Xbox One consoles (Windows Central). On PC, while most praised optimization, Game Debate warned that lower-end systems might struggle with high-resolution textures, and PC Gamer observed minor judder in open areas. The PS5 version’s inconsistent frame rate during action scenes (Push Square) and the Nintendo Switch’s lengthy load times (Nintendo Life) were also noted as drawbacks. While these issues were generally minor, they highlighted the game’s technical challenges across different hardware. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority agreeing that Resident Evil 2 delivered strong technical performance across platforms. Atomix and Eurogamer Italy emphasized Capcom’s mastery of the RE Engine, while Cubed3 and Critical Hit highlighted its stability and polish. While minor issues like texture artifacts (Gameblog.fr) or flashlight mechanics (GameOver.gr) were mentioned, these did not detract from the game’s broader success. The PS4 and Xbox One X versions were particularly praised for their smooth 60fps performance, while the PC port was celebrated for its optimization. Even the Switch’s cloud version, despite load time trade-offs, was deemed technically sound. As Jeuxvideo.com noted, the game’s technical flaws were "minor" compared to its overall excellence, reinforcing that Resident Evil 2 remains a benchmark for technical achievement in survival horror gaming.

The majority of critics highlight Resident Evil 2’s strong replay value through its dual-character perspectives, multiple campaigns, and post-game content. Reviewers like IGN (PC/Xbox), GameSpot, and Twinfinite emphasize that playing as Leon or Claire offers distinct storylines, weapon pickups, and boss fights, creating a sense of variety. The “2nd Run” mode, which unlocks alternate narratives and increased difficulty, is frequently praised for its depth, with Video Chums and XGN noting the inclusion of bonus modes like 4th Survivor and Tofu Survivor. Additionally, Digital Chumps, Worth Playing, and GameSpew highlight unlockable challenges, mini-games, and achievements that incentivize multiple playthroughs. The game’s ability to provide fresh experiences through different characters and difficulty levels is seen as a major strength by GameStar, The Games Machine, and Jeuxvideo.com, who praise its layered content for both newcomers and veterans. However, several critics point out limitations in the replayability due to repetition and diminished tension. Gamer.no and InsideGamer.nl argue that playing through the same storylines twice reduces the game’s intensity, while IGN (PC/Xbox) and Screen Rant note that the “2nd Run” mode feels underdeveloped compared to the original’s zapping system. Video Chums and GameSpew acknowledge that recycled content can make subsequent playthroughs less engaging, and Digitally Downloaded mentions that some post-game modes lack longevity. Additionally, Destructoid and Meristation observe that while there are multiple routes and puzzles, the core experience remains largely unchanged, which may frustrate players seeking substantial new challenges. These critiques suggest that while the game offers enough content for casual replayability, its innovation in this regard is seen as lacking. Overall, critics agree that Resident Evil 2 delivers solid replay value through its dual narratives, unlockable modes, and difficulty variations, making it a compelling experience for fans of the series. GameSpot, Worth Playing, and The Sydney Morning Herald emphasize that the game’s multiple campaigns and secrets justify repeated playthroughs, even if some elements feel repetitive. However, there is a consensus that the second run, while functional, does not match the original’s ambition or intensity. IGN (PC/Xbox) and Screen Rant acknowledge this as a missed opportunity, but many reviewers, including GameSpew and Twinfinite, still view the game as a worthwhile investment for its depth and variety. The balance between innovation and repetition remains a point of contention, but the overall sentiment leans toward appreciation for the game’s replayability despite its flaws.