Resident Evil 2 2019 Xbox One X Review

Since the release of Resident Evil 7, Capcom has been dedicated to returning the acclaimed series to its survival-horror roots. Resident Evil 2 2019 is a terrific addition to the survival-horror genre that modernizes the classic 1998 title while also capturing the original game's atmosphere with improved visuals and gameplay mechanics. There are some small flaws in the consistency of damage and the slow running speed but these are minor issues. Resident Evil 2 2019 is an experience that will have even the most veteran survival-horror fan trembling in fear.

Resident Evil 2 2019 is a retelling of the classic Raccoon City incident. The T-Virus has been accidentally released onto the public causing a massive outbreak of corpses rising from the dead and consuming any living creature. Capcom has taken their time to ensure that the lore remains the same but with slight additions and changes for those who experienced the original.

Leon has decided to head into Raccoon City for his first day as a Cop and Claire is looking for her brother Chris who is stationed at the Raccoon City Police Department. The 2 cross paths after the first contact with the zombie horde and decide to join forces, although the alliance doesn't last long. Both Leon and Claire are separated and must try to survive the nightmare ahead.

Resident Evil 2 2019 is separated into multiple campaigns that take on the perspective of a specific path and character. The first path is unlocked at the start and the alternate paths after completing both Leon and Claire's first campaign. The alternate path showcases what the other person did while the player was on Path A. Unfortunately, the alternate path opens strong but begins to show holes. Much of the content in the first path is repeated after the first section, with slight changes to the enemy and item locations afterward. However, experiencing both is essential to understanding the full story and gives the player a harder layout to deal with.

Don't expect the same poor, but comical, voice-acting the classic Resident Evil games are known for. Here, the character's act organically with Leon and Claire acting much younger than there mature personas from modern games in the series. Graphically, Capcom has provided buckets of blood and gore with some scenes that are extremely violent. Bringing this all together is the soundtrack that will send chills down your spine, especially when you learn why the music is playing.

Capcom has stripped many of the modern conveniences of the new Resident Evil games for Resident Evil 2 2019. The over-the-shoulder view is welcomed and allows for better aiming but Capcom has shifted from the action focused shooting system from Resident Evil 4-6 for a more classic approach. Aiming, specifically, handguns, cannot be rapid fire without losing accuracy and upgrades are limited to 1-3 particular parts that can only be found. There's no RPG system here.

The inventory management is exactly like classic Resident Evil, with items all requiring a specific slot including key items. Players must manage ammo, weapons, healing items, and key items within the finite space given to them. In addition, enemies no longer drop useable supplies but Capcom has color-coated the map to expose if specific rooms house items, cutting down on searching for supplies. You can store items in the magical item box and the requirement to save using ink ribbons is isolated to "Hardcore" mode. To complement this system Capcom has made enemies more formidable.

Enemies come in an impressive variety and can take and deal large amounts of damage. The ordinary zombie is a deadly foe throughout the game due to their steer strength and resistance to damage, making the larger enemies a force to reckon with. This adds more emphasis to running, dodging, and being frugal with supplies as you'll need to constantly decide if the fight is worth the items. This can also add to some frustration as damage isn't always consistent, with some enemies easier to take down than others. You'll frequently encounter zombies that can die from a few headshots and others that can take an entire clip and get back up.

The player does not have access to melee attacks and knives can break. This means you cannot perform single-hit kills and stomp. Instead, if the player is attacked they must either take the damage or sacrifice a knife or grenade to halt the enemy's attack but only from the front. Since enemies react based on where you hit and by how much it isn't uncommon for enemies to ignore the damage and dash towards you.

Another annoyance is the player's speed, which is noticeably slower than everyone except zombies when they are not charging. This can become incredibly vexing during fights against larger enemies who can attack with large swipes and run twice the speed of the player. This becomes a larger issue when you attempt to escape but are placed into a stun lock where zombies horde on top and take turns to attack. Since you cannot push or shove most players will have to rely on luck when surrounded.

Resident Evil 2 2019 captures the original series while also creating a fresh modern experience. It captures the essence of what makes a great survival-horror game with lots of deadly creatures, intense moments of fear, and constantly having to manage your supplies. Players will need to adjust to Leon and Claire's slow speed and the inconstant damage but those who do will have a deeply rewarding experience. Resident Evil 2 2019 captures the fear and excitement fans of survival-horror games crave.
 

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed
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