Resident Evil 2 (1998) – The Game That Perfected Survival Horror
In April 2026, Capcom released the original Resident Evil 2 (1998) on Steam as part of the classic trilogy. now running with an improved DirectX renderer, integer scaling, anti-aliasing, and modern display options. The result is the best way to play the definitive survival horror sequel on PC.
Atmosphere & Horror
Raccoon City feels like a genuine apocalypse. The Raccoon Police Department (RPD) remains one of the greatest levels ever designed in gaming, a sprawling, interconnected maze filled with secrets, dead ends, and constant tension. The shift from the isolated mansion of the first game to an entire infected city was a masterstroke. The sound design is phenomenal. Footsteps echoing through empty hallways, the distant moans of zombies, and the sudden appearance of lickers still create genuine anxiety.
Gameplay & Mechanics
RE2 refines everything from the first game while adding new layers. The dual-protagonist structure (Leon and Claire) with A and B scenarios creates real replayability. Items, puzzles, and story beats change depending on your path and partner, encouraging multiple playthroughs to see everything. Resource management is tighter and more strategic than in RE1. Ammo feels scarce in the best way. The introduction of the licker (a fast, blind, and terrifying enemy) completely changes how you approach exploration and combat. Tank controls and fixed cameras are still present, and they work exactly as intended, they make you feel vulnerable and force careful movement. The Steam version runs smoothly on modern hardware while preserving this classic feel.
Story, Characters & Replayability
Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield are instantly likable protagonists. Their intertwined stories across the four scenarios (Leon A/Claire B and Claire A/Leon B) deliver a surprisingly rich narrative for the time, complete with multiple endings. The game strikes a perfect balance between horror and action. It’s scarier and more intense than the first game in many ways, yet it never loses its survival horror roots. The later sections (sewers and underground lab) are slightly weaker than the brilliant police station.
Final Verdict
Resident Evil 2 (1998) is a landmark title. It took everything great about the first game, expanded the scope dramatically, introduced iconic characters and enemies, and created one of the most replayable and influential games of its era. The RPD alone is worth the price of admission. While some later sections and the inevitable backtracking prevent it from reaching absolute perfection, it remains one of the greatest survival horror games ever made.
Score: 9.0 / 10
Iconic. Tense. Essential.
A masterpiece that defined the golden era of survival horror and still holds up brilliantly in its original 1998 form on Steam.
