Monday, September 23, 2013
10:11โฏAM
Halloween is slowly approaching, so it's time to break out the horror games.
 |
That guy scared the hell out of me when I was 7.
|
So what's it about?
In this survival horror game, the player takes control of both Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield, two individuals whose paths intersect in the middle of a virus outbreak that leaves a city in disarray and a population shambling about as undead shells of their former selves. You'll fight everything from zombies to dogs to biological experiments gone wrong as you attempt to escape the city before the government firebombs it.
How's it play?
As one of the games that helped to carve out the modern survival horror genre, Resident Evil 2 plays exactly as you'd imagine: it's slowly paced, the atmosphere is overbearing, and it's scary as hell. Ammo is scarce and enemies are plentiful, and you quickly learn that conserving your bullets is of the utmost importance.
Often, you'll simply be forced to just run away from whatever threat stands in your path. Running renders the player powerless, and these tend to be some of the most horrifying moments in the game. The creators recognized this, explicitly adding a section where you play as a small girl without any weapons; the only thing you can do is run and hide. The feeling of such intense vulnerability creates terribly tense situations.
Resident Evil 2 employs a unique, if inhibiting, fixed-frame camera, creating situations where you can hear an enemy, but not see them. Don't they say it's the things you can't see that are the scariest?
3.jpg) |
The unique fixed-camera means that enemies are often out of site when they begin to come after you.
|
The main game-play element is puzzle solving. Between firing off shots to control a crowd of zombies and running from rabid dogs, you'll be tasked with finding crank shafts to open valves, keys to unlock doors, and...gems that make statues spit out artifacts like first aid spray. Yes, this game has its quirky moments, but that's what makes it so enjoyable. Whether it was intentional or not, Resident Evil's campy dialogue and often silly puzzles help to alleviate all of that tension that is built up as the player progresses.
 |
It's often the unintentional disconnect between the onscreen mayhem and the exploratory dialogue that eases the tensions built into the game.
|
Why should I play it?
If you like anything and everything horror, you will adore this game.
Playing Resident Evil 2 brings me back to a time when I could stay up with my older brothers, aunt, and uncle, shrieking and laughing. It's a bonding experience, reminiscent of simple summer nights and too many cans of Coke, that transcends being "just a game."
You might not have such an intimate experience with it, but you'll surely enjoy yourself. Fifteen years old, and this is still the perfect game to get you into the Halloween spirit.
How much is it?
You can land a copy of Resident Evil 2 for PlayStation 1 for as low as $2.50 on eBay. Really, is there any excuse not to get it?
Labels: Grab that Game
3.jpg)
