The Resident Evil 2 reboot may have been out a few days now, but the real-life cold and dreary nights coupled with the sun going down early has meant it's taken me a little longer than usual to get through the game! That is of course nothing to do with what's on offer - it's a beautiful and immersive experience from start to finish - but is in fact because I'm not quite as tough as I'd have some people believe.
I'm a sucker for the horror genre. It's my go-to when it comes to movies, and I've played pretty much any horror video game you could name.
I was just six years old when RE2 first hit shelves for the PlayStation, and whilst I don't remember much from that time, I do recall the Resident Evil series being shrouded in mystery and fascination. It wasn't something I was allowed to tangle with until later years, and so the allure surrounding the franchise only grew as time went by.
When I did eventually get my hands on copies of Resident Evil games, I instantly fell in love. Developers went above and beyond to ensure that the series wasn't just your usual shoot-em-up and run from the zombies collection. Instead, there were a plethora of mind-bending puzzles and challenges to get through.
All of that is echoed in Resident Evil 2, which dropped last week (January 25, 2019) after much anticipation.
In terrifying high-definition, the journey of both Leon S Kennedy and Claire Redfield is one that'll have you white-knuckled throughout, clinging onto your controller as you do your all to reserve bullets for the most formidable of foes, whilst dodging the constant swiping and biting of others.
Those who have been working on this release for at least three-and-a-half years have painstakingly done their all to induce paranoia, and with the new over-the-shoulder gameplay that replaces the usual fixed camera angles and tank controls, even the most seasoned of Resident Evil veterans feels like they're playing something entirely fresh.
This may be a game that's incredibly faithful to the original, but subtle changes have been made to ensure the experience is a unique one. If you've ever wanted to be a part of a horror movie, this (and the brilliant Resident Evil biohazard VR) is probably your closest chance to do so from the comfort of your own home.
As is expected from the genre, twists and turns lay in wait for players who manage to hold their own and make their way through the adventure. The majority are genuinely shocking however; if you're new to the game then you're unlikely to see them coming.
Character development falls a bit flat, in that I found myself never really caring too much about Leon or Claire. The pair are as badass as they come, but that's where their personalities seem to start and end. A little bit of internal conflict and doubt would go a long way, but as the player you'll be doing more than enough of that for everybody.
Whilst Leon and Claire's stories are incredibly similar for the most part, the Big Bad you'll face at the end of the game differs depending on who you're playing as, and there's a character integral to the story which is unique to each survivor. There's just enough new content to implore you to make your way through both versions of the game.
Overall, Capcom have done a brilliant job of bringing Resident Evil 2 back to life. Their attention to detail is second to none and they ensure that you are left on the edge of your sofa/bed/gaming chair with every corner you turn. It would be a shame if we didn't see further Resident Evil titles get the reboot treatment in the future.
Resident Evil 2 is available now on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC. A copy of the game was provided to Female First on Xbox One in exchange for a fair and honest review.
MORE: Resident Evil 2 is getting free post-launch DLC
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