Platform Evaluated: PC (GOG)
PC Specs: Ryzen 5 9600X | XFX Radeon RX 9070 | 32GB DDR5 RAM | 1440p Ultrawide (4:3 Pillarboxed)
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Release Date: January 21, 1998 (Original) / August 27, 2024 (GOG PC Re-release)
MSRP: $9.99
Recommended Version: GOG PC Version
Editor’s Note: Copy Purchased by Reviewer
Overview
Two months after the “Mansion Incident” in the Arklay Mountains, two strangers arrive in Raccoon City: Claire Redfield, searching for her missing brother Chris, and Leon S. Kennedy, a rookie police officer arriving for his first day on the job. Unknowingly stepping into a full-scale biohazard nightmare, the duo must navigate the infected city, uncover Umbrella’s dark secrets, and fight for survival against hordes of the undead and other terrifying biological weapons.
Visuals & Technical Performance
Resident Evil 2 is a major visual improvement over its predecessor. From the intricate pre-rendered backgrounds depicting a decaying, urban nightmare to the significantly upgraded character models and crisp in-game menus, the presentation holds up remarkably well.
Running the modern GOG re-release on PC is a flawless experience. The quality-of-life enhancements, including modern controller support right out of the box, make playing in 2026 a delight. The 2019 remake is great, but nothing quite matches the classic, pre-rendered look and atmospheric grit of the 1998 original.
Gameplay & Core Mechanics
While keeping the core survival horror foundation firmly intact, Resident Evil 2 expands on the original’s mechanics in almost every meaningful way. Enemy encounters are more intense, often putting you against multiple zombies at once and forcing strict resource management.
The zombie mechanics have drastically improved here. Zombies can be dismembered or even dive at your feet in desperation, and their animations are more realistic. The weapon arsenal is larger and feels more impactful. While the mansion from the first game still holds the crown for tighter, more interconnected level design, exploring the RPD’s halls remains a series high point for environmental design and survival-horror pacing.
In addition, characters now display physical cues when injured, eliminating the need to check the status screen. Protagonists clutch their stomachs when health is in Caution and limp on a wounded leg when in Danger.
Story, Lore, & Worldbuilding
The narrative design in Resident Evil 2 is amazing. Unlike the original game, where Chris and Jill’s scenarios were essentially retellings of the same sequence of events, RE2 delivers distinct, interconnected perspectives between Claire and Leon as they meet unique side characters (Ada Wong, Sherry Birkin, Ben Bertolucci) and experience different story arcs. While Chris and Jill’s paths rarely crossed in the first game, Claire and Leon’s stories intersect frequently, giving their partnership much more narrative weight.
Audio, Sound Design, & Music
Featuring a legendary soundtrack, great sound effects, and exponentially improved voice acting over its predecessor, the audio package is top-tier. The musical score seamlessly blends atmospheric dread with emotionally stirring melodies, standing as one of the finest soundtracks in gaming history.
Value & Replayability
Replayability is off the charts and represents another massive step forward for the series. Utilizing Capcom’s brilliant Zapping System, completing Scenario A with one character directly impacts and unlocks Scenario B for the other (Claire A / Leon B or Leon A / Claire B). Scenario B offers noticeable changes, including alternate item placements, updated puzzles, new boss encounters, and sudden, terrifying appearances from Mr. X as you backtrack through the police station. Add in the Arranged Mode and unlockable mini-games like The 4th Survivor featuring HUNK, and the sheer amount of content for $9.99 is unmatched.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Vastly Improved Visuals: Upgraded character models and evocative pre-rendered backgrounds that have aged gracefully.
Masterpiece Soundtrack & Audio Design: A timeless score paired with impactful sound design and strong voice acting.
Iconic Protagonists: Claire Redfield and Leon S. Kennedy remain two of the best lead characters in gaming.
Phenomenal Replay Value: Dual-scenario system, multiple A/B narrative paths, and additional unlockable modes like The 4th Survivor.
Flawless GOG PC Port: Smooth performance and native modern controller support right out of the box.
Cons
RPD vs. Mansion: While the RPD is iconic, the mansion from the original still holds a slight edge in overall layout and puzzle design.
May Feel Dated for Some: Due to fixed camera angles, tank controls, and PS1 graphics, some players might prefer the 2019 remake.
Verdict & Paladin Index Scorecard
I first played Resident Evil 2 back in 1998 when it came bundled with the PlayStation 1 I received for my birthday, and I have been hooked on the survival horror genre ever since. Returning to it today via the GOG release reaffirms why it earned that status: Resident Evil 2 improves upon its predecessor in every way imaginable. The voice acting is vastly superior, the gameplay and movement feel refined, the enemy variety is expanded, and the narrative framework built around the dual-scenario system remains brilliant.
Even in 2026, the original 1998 Resident Evil 2 stands tall as one of Capcom’s greatest achievements. Beyond the fact that the original Spencer Mansion had a slightly superior environmental flow and tank controls might require an adjustment period for younger audiences accustomed to the 2019 remake, RE2 is an absolute masterpiece and an essential play for any gaming enthusiast.
Even with modern remakes on the market, nothing can replace the raw atmosphere, brilliant pacing, and classic design of the 1998 original, making this GOG release an essential piece of gaming history.