Back in 1998, Sega released “Resident Evil 2,” which overwhelmed audiences with its thick atmosphere and dedication to scares that were emphasized with fixed camera angles, tank controls and blocky graphics.

The series has gone through a bit of a phase since then, swapping style and genre at the drop of a hat, with critically panned games like “Resident Evil 6” at its worse received (but poorly sold) and “Resident Evil 4/7” at its best. However, Capcom has decided to do a return to form with a remake of the game that started it all.

Despite being a 2018 remake, “Resident Evil 2” rebuilds the old game from the ground up as opposed to simply giving it a facelift with the new RE Engine. A careful consideration was taken in creating fun new opportunities while also removing certain elements that have lost their touch with age. The fixed camera angles found themselves to be the first on the list of features that did not last, opting instead for a third-person perspective that toes the line between creepy and atmospheric.

The story is largely the same, with the player choosing between either Leon Kennedy or Claire Redfield, who each provide their own twists on how the campaign plays out. Most players will find Leon’s campaign more satisfying with its selection of shotguns and flamethrowers. Claire’s grenade launcher can be impactful, but her submachine lacks that feeling of power.

Claire’s story also centers around a more polarizing mechanic, as she finds herself being terrorized by Mr. X more so than her rookie counterpart. This tyrant’s invincibility and stoic figure can leave players with a tense feeling of dread as they hear his boots echo throughout the station. Sadly, his charm wears thin during subsequent runs, making him pale in comparison to “Resident Evil 7’s” stalker Jack Baker. Returning to a third-person camera also means the developers had to remove the ability to hide from threats. This leads to scenarios where one cannot lose Mr. X, only put enough space between the characters so that one might find just enough peace and quiet to finish that sliding bookcase puzzle. The only other possible recourse would be to wait in a safe room until he goes elsewhere, but this kills pacing and brings players out of the well-built atmosphere.

Thankfully, the remake of the main area, the Raccoon City Police Department, is a great place to explore. Not only is it crawling with zombies waiting to pounce on unwitting players, but it also features a strong amount of side content. New weapons can be accessed through optional puzzles, and helpful shortcuts can be created through exploration. The map weaves into itself, keeping the time spent exploring the station fresh and tense as new threats emerge from the shadows.

Sadly, this environment does not last too long, as later into the game, players find themselves in smaller, less complex areas. While not lethal to the experience, most will be found wanting to return to the station instead on lingering in generic laboratories and sewers.

These minor flaws do not tarnish what is still a great entry to the series. Many Resident Evil fans will definitely find themselves right at home, though players interested in scarier experiences will find the previous entry to be more in their favor.

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