Resident Evil 2: Unraveling the Canon Confusion – Original vs. Remake

The question of canon in the Resident Evil universe is about as complex and twisted as a G-Virus mutation. So, which reigns supreme when it comes to Resident Evil 2: the original 1998 classic or the 2019 remake? The answer, while initially simple, requires a bit of nuanced understanding: Neither the original nor the remake is considered the definitive, absolute canon. The prevailing sentiment within the Resident Evil community and implicitly from Capcom itself, is that the Resident Evil universe exists as a multi-layered narrative tapestry. Elements from both the original and the remake contribute to the overall understanding, but neither is wholly and completely authoritative above the other. Later games and retellings like the Darkside Chronicles pull from both versions, cherry-picking elements to fit the overarching narrative. Think of it like historical accounts; different historians will emphasize different details and interpretations, yet all contribute to the broader understanding of the event.

Deciphering the Resident Evil Canon Conundrum

The concept of canon in a long-running franchise like Resident Evil is fluid. It’s not a rigid, unyielding structure but a living, breathing entity that adapts and evolves with each new installment. While the original Resident Evil games, including Resident Evil 2, laid the foundation for the storyline, Capcom has often revisited and reinterpreted events in subsequent releases. The existence of multiple retellings and remakes has only further muddied the waters, leading to debates among fans about which version of events should be considered the “true” account.

The Original: A Product of Its Time

The original Resident Evil 2 was a groundbreaking title for its time, pushing the boundaries of survival horror on the PlayStation. However, it was also limited by the technology of the era. The fixed camera angles, tank controls, and limited character development often resulted in a narrative that felt disjointed and, at times, inconsistent. One of the biggest inconsistencies lies in the scenarios. The Claire A/Leon B is generally considered more accurate.

The Remake: A Modern Reimagining

The Resident Evil 2 remake, on the other hand, was designed as a complete reimagining of the original game. Utilizing modern gaming technology, Capcom was able to create a more immersive and cinematic experience, with enhanced graphics, updated gameplay mechanics, and a deeper exploration of the characters and their motivations. However, in doing so, certain plot elements and enemy encounters were altered or removed entirely, further complicating the question of canon. The remake prioritizes narrative coherence and a compelling player experience, sometimes at the expense of strict adherence to the original’s plot.

The Chronicles Retellings: Filling in the Gaps

Games like Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles and Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles offer yet another perspective on the events of Resident Evil 2. These titles serve as retellings of the original story, often filling in the gaps and providing additional context. However, they also introduce their own unique elements and interpretations, further blurring the lines of canon. These are generally closer to the “official” line than the original games, and the remakes are considered their own distinct timelines/universes.

FAQs: Answering Your Burning Questions About Resident Evil 2 Canon

To further clarify the canon confusion surrounding Resident Evil 2, let’s address some frequently asked questions:

1. Is the 2002 Resident Evil remake on GameCube considered more canon than the original? While it was designed as a definitive version due to Shinji Mikami’s original vision being hindered by hardware limitations, it still isn’t strictly canon in the sense that it overrides everything else. It’s a highly regarded retelling that informs the broader narrative.

2. Which Resident Evil 2 scenario is considered canon: Claire A/Leon B or Leon A/Claire B? Claire A/Leon B is widely considered the more accurate storyline, supported by references in later games.

3. Are the Resident Evil movies canon? No, the live-action Resident Evil movies are not considered canon. They are loose adaptations that deviate significantly from the established storyline of the games. The animated movies, starring Leon, are more firmly canon.

4. What elements were removed from the Resident Evil 2 remake? Notable omissions include the Giant Spiders, moths, and certain puzzle elements. Some enemy placements were also altered.

5. Are Leon and Claire’s stories the same in the Resident Evil 2 remake? While both characters experience the events of Raccoon City, their paths and encounters differ significantly. Playing both campaigns is essential to understand the full story.

6. How old is Leon Kennedy in Resident Evil 2? Leon is 21 years old during the events of Resident Evil 2.

7. Is Resident Evil 2 a direct continuation of Resident Evil 1? Yes, Resident Evil 2 takes place two months after the events of Resident Evil 0 and Resident Evil 1.

8. Are the Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3 remakes connected? Yes. The Resident Evil 3 remake is simultaneously a prequel and sequel to the Resident Evil 2 remake.

9. Is there a secret ending in Resident Evil 2? Yes, completing the 2nd Run playthrough unlocks the true ending of the game.

10. How old is Leon in Resident Evil 6? Leon Kennedy is 36 years old in Resident Evil 6.

11. Are Claire Redfield and Leon S. Kennedy married? No. This is just fan speculation, and there’s no information or evidence in the official lore suggesting they are married.

12. Are Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 7 connected? Yes, they are connected. Resident Evil 7 takes place roughly 19 years after Resident Evil 2.

13. Is it better to play as Leon or Claire first in Resident Evil 2? It’s largely a matter of personal preference. Leon’s campaign offers a more action-oriented experience, while Claire’s provides a more challenging and emotionally driven storyline.

14. Which Resident Evil game is considered the hardest? Resident Evil – Code: Veronica is often cited as one of the most difficult entries in the series.

15. Why did Claire and Leon split up in Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness? They split up because Leon decided to cover up the truth, in keeping with the government’s wishes. Claire disagreed with his actions, leading to a rift in their friendship.

Ultimately, the question of canon in Resident Evil 2, and the entire franchise, is best approached with flexibility. Consider all versions as pieces of a larger, ever-evolving puzzle. Enjoy the different interpretations and perspectives, and let your own understanding of the story be shaped by the elements that resonate most with you.

Studying how games like Resident Evil evolve and reinterpret their own narratives is also a great way to deepen your understanding of video game design and storytelling. Organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) are dedicated to this type of research, promoting deeper learning and engagement with the medium. You can find more information about them at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.