About this game
Resident Evil 2 (1998) is the apex of the original PlayStation survival horror genre — a cinematic, dual-campaign action-horror game set in Raccoon City during a zombie outbreak, with Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield as playable protagonists whose stories interlock. Directed by Hideki Kamiya (who would go on to create Devil May Cry and Bayonetta) and produced by Shinji Mikami, it sold over 4.96 million copies and its influence on the genre's vocabulary — limited inventory, typewriter saves, specific camera angles — defined survival horror for a decade.
Key Features
Two interlocked campaigns: Leon A / Claire B (or vice versa) — completing one unlocks conditions for the alternate scenario, with certain items and events carrying over between plays. The iconic G-Virus storyline and the recurring Tyrant/Mr. X pursuing the player through the police station. Inventory management using a grid-based case system with a limited number of slots. Typewriter save system using finite ink ribbons. The scenarios were designed with a '2nd Run' concept: Leon's and Claire's campaigns reference and overlap each other.
Gallery
The Story Behind
Resident Evil 2's development was troubled — an initial version directed by Hideki Kamiya was scrapped partway through and rebuilt from scratch (the scrapped version, nicknamed 'Resident Evil 1.5', has since been partially recovered by fans). The rebuild took 21 months with a team of approximately 50. Producer Shinji Mikami made the controversial decision to require a near-complete restart when the first version was deemed insufficiently innovative. The result was one of the PlayStation's best-selling games and the commercial and creative peak of the original trilogy.
Tricks & Tales
The scrapped original version of RE2 — known as 'Resident Evil 1.5' — featured a different protagonist (Elza Walker instead of Claire) and a fundamentally different story. Fans have recovered significant portions of the prototype. Director Hideki Kamiya's next project after RE2 was Devil May Cry, which originated as a Resident Evil project before spinning off into its own franchise. Composer Masami Ueda led the soundtrack team alongside Shusaku Uchiyama, Shun Nishigaki, and Naoshi Mizuta.
Collector's Guide
Region & Compatibility
Released simultaneously in Japan and North America (January 21, 1998), then Europe (February 1998). All versions are functionally identical.
Maintenance Tips
Standard PlayStation disc care. The game is a dual-disc set — ensure both discs are undamaged. Uses a memory card for save data.
Available in our shop
Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.
Direct purchase supports this museum directly. eBay Top Rated Seller · 1,750+ reviews · 100% positive feedback.
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