Sony PlayStation

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Movie

Resident Evil 2 (Original Version)
Platform: PlayStation
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom

The Basics

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It might best serve the purpose of this feature to call this Resident Evil 1.5, as Capcom Research & Development came to call it. As the story goes, Resident Evil 2 (the original sequel) was about 70 percent complete when producer Shinji Mikami decided to scrap the entire project and start from scratch, because the game just wasn't up to par.

At this point, Mikami reportedly decided to throw some spices in the pot, so to speak, as the game was deemed too similar to the original Resident Evil.

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There are three notable features that never made it into the released version of Resident Evil 2: The ultra modern concrete and steel buildings that housed much of the RE2 action were considerably bland and repetitive looking. Also, in an effort to get more zombies on the screen, Capcom simplified the polygonal models, making the zombies less frightening. And lastly, a professional writer was brought in to review 1.5's story, which co-starred a "spunky female co-star…with attitude," and was understandably appalled.

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So the backgrounds were the first to change. RE2 held on to the urban setting; however, Raccoon City Police Headquarters became an aging, Western-style building, retaining the spooky atmosphere of RE1's sprawling mansion. Also, Capcom nixed motocross racer Elza Walker in favor of Claire Redfield, the younger sister of RE1's Chris Redfield and friend of rookie cop Leon Kennedy, RE2's second protagonist.

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One of RE 1.5's greatest innovations was an elaborate costume change system that altered your character's appearance as you played through the game. Leon and Elza (the original female lead) could find and wear such items as bulletproof vests, which offered improved protection in addition to extra carrying capacity. Leon's and Elza's outfits would also become tattered and blood-stained as they journeyed across Raccoon City. While the work on RE 1.5 came to a close, apparently some of the features made it in to the final RE 2 product.

WHAT HAPPENED?
Capcom and Mikami decided to cancel the game and start completely over rather than bring out something the company wasn't happy with.


 

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