Resident Evil 2 Remake (PS4)

Originally published 2019.

Capcom is continuing to head in the right direction with the Biohazard franchise, focusing on what made these games popular in the first place. So much attention to detail went into the Resident Evil 2 remake, and great improvements were made when compared back to the original. The environments are richer and more expansive. The story is more refined. It's enhanced in every way.

What stands out the most is the impressive pacing. There is a rhythm to the encounters you face vs downtime, the feeling of safety vs insecurity, and the placement of items that you find vs being completely devoid of ammunition. You actually have to be careful when firing at a zombie, as they sways in a way that can be challenging to hit and move at you with extreme aggression. You have to be on your toes when you enter a room, and likewise, ready to search a room quickly when an enemy rattles at the wooden door that is between you, keeping it temporarily at bay. Fleeing is a tackle option, and is essential in some instances. 

The gameplay is utterly satisfying in so many ways. It just feels good to watch as a zombie recoils from a gunshot, followed by the shock of it continuing to push forward quickly after. Zombies lunge at you from around corners, making it so that walking is often not just more immersive but a safer option. Also, you can never trust a zombie on the ground, keeping you constantly on edge.

Needless to say, I'm obsessed with this game.