************************************************************************
Resident Evil 2: Version Changes FAQ
For the Nintendo GameCube, Sony PlayStation, Nintendo 64
PC, Sega Dreamcast, Tiger game.com
Written by: cvxfreak
Copyright 2002-2007 by cvxfreak
Version 3.0
May 14, 2007
E-mail: FireEmblemPride[at]hotmail[dot]com
************************************************************************
========================================================================
Table of Contents
========================================================================
1. Introduction
2. Version Updates
3. Resident Evil 2
4. Original PlayStation Version
5. PlayStation Version (Dual Shock)
6. Nintendo 64 Version
7. Dreamcast Version
8. PC Version
9. GameCube Version
10. Game.com Version
11. Comparison of Versions
12. Frequently Asked Questions
13. Future of Resident Evil
14. Conclusion
========================================================================
1. Introduction
========================================================================
Resident Evil is the survival horror series by Capcom. Launched in 1996
for the original PlayStation, the series quickly became Capcom's most
popular series, spanning multiple games on multiple systems from the
original PlayStation to the Nintendo GameCube. The second game in the
series, Resident Evil 2, was originally released on the PlayStation in
1998, and its popularity surpassed the original's thanks to the presence
of ports on many subsequent platforms.
Specifically, two versions exist on the PlayStation, two on Windows PCs,
and one each on the Sega Dreamcast, Nintendo 64 and Nintendo GameCube.
No two versions are exactly the same, as there are some differences in
all of them. In a way, there is no definitive version of Resident Evil
2; which version is the best is down to personal preference. However,
this FAQ will help outline the differences between versions to help
the reader make a choice.
The most up-to-date version of this FAQ may be found at www.gamefaqs.com
and its sister websites. If you have a question that hasn't been
answered in this FAQ that is related to Resident Evil 2, please e-mail
me at fireemblempride[at]gmail[dot]com. I will try to answer your
questions as soon as possible. This FAQ is copyright 2002-2007 by
cvxfreak, however Capcom holds all rights to the Resident Evil brand
that I do not own.
========================================================================
2. Version Updates
========================================================================
May 14, 2007
Version 3.0
I remade the FAQ to reflect better writing skills, improved formatting,
more up-to-date information and more accurate information. I've also
changed my e-mail address since 2003, so this FAQ sorely needed an
update. Enjoy it.
========================================================================
3. Resident Evil 2
========================================================================
Japanese name: Biohazard 2
Resident Evil 2 is the second installment of the Resident Evil saga. It
features Claire Redfield, who is searching for her missing brother and
Leon S. Kennedy, a cop who happened to stumble onto Raccoon City during
the T-Virus outbreak, on his first day on the RPD force. Together they
investigate the origins of the viral outbreak, meet friends and enemies,
and slay zombies, while avoiding some of the more sinister creatures
roaming around Raccoon City.
Here is a timeline of all Resident Evil 2 versions released so far:
1997
----
- Trial Version is released with Resident Evil: Director's Cut.
1998
----
- Resident Evil 2 is released for the PlayStation.
- Resident Evil 2 Dual Shock Version is released for the PlayStation.
1999
----
- Resident Evil 2 Platinum is released for the PC.
- Resident Evil 2 is released for the Nintendo 64 (North America).
- Biohazard 2 Value Plus is released for the Dreamcast (Japan).
2000
----
- Biohazard 2 is released for the Nintendo 64 (Japan).
- Resident Evil 2 is released for the Dreamcast (North America).
2003
----
- Resident Evil 2 is released for the Nintendo GameCube.
2006
----
- Biohazard 2 PC is released for Windows PCs in Japan only.
========================================================================
4. Original PlayStation Version
========================================================================
This is the very first Resident Evil 2 to be released. It was imcomplete
in terms of what the other versions had to offer. It was on two discs.
For comparisons, seek its section below.
========================================================================
5. PlayStation Version (Dual Shock)
========================================================================
This version was a re-release for the PlayStation in the same year
(1998). It added support for Sony's Dual Shock controller, allowing the
game rumble feedback and analog stick control movement. As an extra,
the Dual Shock Version contained the new Extreme Battle minigame. This
version still came on two discs.
========================================================================
6. Nintendo 64 Version
========================================================================
The Nintendo 64 version made it to North America in late 1999 and to
Japan in January 2000. The port had some drastic changes.
Graphics
--------
Using an N64 Expansion Pak, the increased RAM allowed for the graphics
to be displayed at a higher resolution than the PlayStation original.
Without the Expansion Pak, the game looked closer to the original
PlayStation version, although it still looked a bit better.
Audio
-----
The Nintendo 64's sound capabilities are obviously below that of the
PlayStation due to the limited cartridge space. In order to cram all the
data of Resident Evil 2 onto the Nintendo 64, tons of compression was
employed to reduce the data size. The audio suffered as a result, as it
sounds less rich and a lot "airy" compared to the other versions.
CG
--
Almost all CG made it to the Nintendo 64 version with the exception of
Ada's cutscene with Annette, which was replaced with Claire's in Leon's
adventure to save space. All CG is noticeably compressed and less
detailed, but still largely intact and a milestone for the Nintendo 64.
Extra Features
--------------
The Nintendo 64 version allowed, after a scenario was beaten, for an
item randomizer (non-quest items such as keys would not change location,
only items such as ammo and health), a violence control meter (to adjust
the amount of blood and gore displayed), a blood color option (change
the blood from red to blue, black, green etc.) and the Ex Files, a
series of files that ties Nintendo 64-only Resident Evil owners to non-
Nintendo 64 versions of the series such as Zero (after it was moved to
GameCube), Nemesis and CODE: Veronica.
One Cartridge
-------------
The game comes on one cartridge, and either Claire or Leon's scenarios
may be chosen. From the Load Game screen, either scenario can be loaded
as well.
========================================================================
7. Dreamcast Version
========================================================================
The Dreamcast version was released in 1999 in Japan under the name
"Biohazard 2 Value Plus". It was basically the same as the PC port,
being Windows-CE powered.
VMU Extras
----------
The Dreamcast's VMU was utilized to provide ammo and health information
without having to go into the item screen.
CODE: Veronica Trial Edition (Japan)
------------------------------------
The Japanese version contained a trial version of Biohazard CODE:
Veronica as well as music tracks from prior Biohazard games (orchestral,
game-ripped, drama.) This extra disc was not included in the North
American or PAL region versions.
========================================================================
8. PC Version
========================================================================
The PC version was an upgraded port of the PlayStation Dual Shock
Version. It ran on Windows 98 PCs, and contained all the minigames
from the Dual Shock Version, unlocked from the beginning (the 4th
Survivor, the Tofu Survivor and the Extreme Battle). It came on two
CD-ROMs.
In 2006 in Japan, an upgraded, Windows XP-compatible version was
released in Japan. It came on a DVD with uncompressed CG cutscenes, and
with Leon and Claire's games combined into one story, but it was
otherwise unchanged from the previous PC port. The official title of
this release is "Biohazard 2 PC".
Thanks to "renvi" at the NeoGAF forums for impressions on the 2006 PC
upgrade.
========================================================================
9. GameCube Version
========================================================================
Here is all the information on Resident Evil 2 for the Nintendo
GameCube. In general, the GameCube version is ported directly from the
PlayStation Dual Shock Version with minor changes.
In-game Cutscenes May Now Be Skipped
------------------------------------
After neglecting to add this feature in previous ports, the GameCube
finally allows for both CG and in-game cut-scenes to be skipped by
pressing the Start Button. This allows the game to progress much
faster than ever before.
The "Resident Evil" Voice in the Title Screen is Different
----------------------------------------------------------
The developers have replaced the "Resident Evil" voice in the GameCube
port with a new one that sounds very different from all other versions.
The voice was also switched for the Japanese versions for an unknown
reason.
The graphics are marginally improved.
-------------------------------------
The character models are no longer displaying that PlayStation-like
blur, and the overall game looks slightly cleaner than the PlayStation
versions. However, the background resolution is still lower than the
Dreamcast version.
No Nintendo 64 Extras
---------------------
It's kind of ironic, but the N64 version extras did not make it to
the GameCube port. It's ironic because the N64 version had the Ex Files
that would have provided a link to the rest of the GameCube series,
but Capcom (or Tose) clearly did not want to deviate from that of a
standard port.
One Disc
--------
Unlike the PlayStation and Dreamcast versions, the GameCube version
comes on a single disc. However, the way in which shifting between
Claire and Leon's games is different from the Nintendo 64 version,
which was also on one media. The game is split into two parts; the
introduction, randomly chosen between Leon and Claire, plays and
then a screen is prompted, with the options "Leon's Story" and
"Claire's Story". Pick one and the title screen will appear with
the Leon's Story/Claire's Story subtitle below the main logo (if
you played the Dual Shock Version, the Leon's Story/Claire's Story
subtitle will be in the same position. From the Load Game Screen,
you can only load a save file of the scenario of the character you
chose; you'll have to switch to the other story from the menu
screen and use that story's Load Game menu.
Control Options
---------------
The game controls exactly the same as the other games in the series
(remake, Zero, 3, CODE: Veronica). Exclusive to this version and
to the GameCube platform is Type C control.
Sound Quality
-------------
The sound quality is about the same as all the other versions, with
no notable differences.
Availability
------------
There might be new copies of the GameCube around as of 2007, but
expect to pay quite a bit of money to get one.
B Ending Credits
----------------
Another exclusive to the GameCube version is the playback of CG
cutscenes from the given character's game during the B game credits.
The ending music is the same, as are the actual credits.
Wii Compatibility
-----------------
Like all GameCube titles, Resident Evil 2 on the GameCube will function
perfectly on a Nintendo Wii, provided you have a GameCube controller and
Memory Card to go with it.
========================================================================
10. Game.com Version
========================================================================
The Game.com version of Resident Evil 2 only covers Leon's A scenario,
and features the general scenario, but with graphics akin to that of
the original version. This game isn't impossible to find, but most will
find playing it a frustrating, worthless experience.
========================================================================
11. Comparison of Versions
========================================================================
________
|LEGEND|
--------
RE2PSX: Resident Evil 2 (PlayStation)
RE2N64: Resident Evil 2 (Nintendo 64)
RE2PC_: Resident Evil 2 (PC)
RE2DC_: Resident Evil 2 (Dreamcast)
RE2DSE: Resident Evil 2: Dual Shock Editon (PlayStation)
RE2GCN: Resident Evil 2 (Future GameCube Port)
YES: YES
NO : NO
DSC: DISC
CTG: CARTRIDGE
UKN: UNKNOWN
GD : Dreamcast Proprietary GD ROM
BC_: Blood Color
EXF: EX Files
EBM: Extreme Battle Mode
CA_: Character Art
UEB: Unlocked Extreme Battle Mode
VC_: Violence Control
MDA: Media
HRG: High Resolution Graphics
IGS: In Game Saving
VMU: VMU Screen
***: Memory Card/VMU Needed
AM : Arrange Mode
========================================================================
| GAME | EXF | EBM | CA_ | UEB | VC_ | MDA | HRG | IGS | VMU | BC_ |AM_|
========================================================================
|RE2PSX| NO | NO | NO | NO | NO |2 DSC| NO |NO***| NO | NO |NO |
------------------------------------------------------------------------
|RE2N64| YES | NO | NO | NO | YES |1 CTG| YES | YES | NO | YES |NO |
------------------------------------------------------------------------
|RE2PC_| NO | YES | YES | YES | NO |2 DSC| YES | YES | NO | NO |YES|
------------------------------------------------------------------------
|RE2DC_| NO | YES | YES | NO | NO |2 GD | YES |NO***| YES | NO |YES|
------------------------------------------------------------------------
|RE2DSE| NO | YES | NO | NO | NO |2 DSC| NO |NO***| NO | NO |YES|
------------------------------------------------------------------------
|RE2GCN| NO | YES | NO | NO | NO |1 DSC| YES |NO***| NO | NO |YES|
------------------------------------------------------------------------
========================================================================
12. Frequently Asked Questions
========================================================================
Q: Which is the best version?
-----------------------------
::In general, any version is fine to play.
Q: What are the differences?
----------------------------
::Refer to the other sections for the differences.
Q: Which version has the best graphics?
---------------------------------------
::The PC and Dreamcast versions look slightly better than the other
ports.
Q: When did the GCN version come out?
-------------------------------------
::It was released on January 12, 2003.
Q: Which version was the GameCube version be ported from?
---------------------------------------------------------
::With minor changes, it was ported from the PlayStation Dual Shock
Version.
Q: Why are all these RE2 versions out?
--------------------------------------
::While first associated with the PlayStation, the Resident Evil
series has always been a multiplatform series. Since the release of
the Saturn port of the original in 1997, Capcom sought to bring the
series to all possible platforms and maximize sales. Resident Evil
2 in particular was actually meant to come to the Saturn, but it
couldn't quite handle the game and live long enough to host it.
The Nintendo 64 received a port to coincide with the then-planned
Resident Evil Zero; the Dreamcast received a port to go along with
CODE: Veronica; the GameCube received a port to have the complete
main series on the GameCube. The Dual Shock Version was released to
take advantage of Sony's Dual Shock Version.
Q: Which version is your favorite?
----------------------------------
::The GameCube version seems, overall, the best rounded. While the
Dreamcast version has more features, its controller is quite
difficult to play Resident Evil 2 with; the Nintendo 64's audio
shortcomings also are a distraction, and the PlayStation versions
were made irrelevant with the GameCube port.
Q: Which is the cheapest?
-------------------------
::The PlayStation version may be had for quite a small sum of money.
Meanwhile, the GameCube version is still fetching for around $30-$50
USD.
Q: Why won't they remake RE2 as well as RE3 on GCN?
---------------------------------------------------
::For one thing, RE2 and RE3 are already fine. RE1 isn't as good as it
should be, with the much more ancient graphics. RE2 and RE3 don't look
that bad compared to CODE: Veronica X. Plus we'd never see RE Zero or
RE4 if they remake RE2 and RE3, which is unnecessary.
Q: I have a gameplay question.
------------------------------
::I have written FAQs for almost all the versions of Resident Evil 2
available. So feel free to ask me.
For anymore questions, email me!
========================================================================
13. Future of Resident Evil
========================================================================
With the next-generation systems now available, the Resident Evil series
is continuing with new games. On the Wii, Biohazard 4 Wii Edition is out
May 31, 2007 in Japan, while Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles is
scheduled for late 2007, and should feature a section based on Resident
Evil 2. Resident Evil 5 is planned for both the PlayStation 3 and the
Microsoft Xbox 360.
========================================================================
14. Conclusion
========================================================================
Thank you for reading this FAQ. It was a pleasure writing it for you.
Please send me questions or comments as needed.
http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/recognition/9035.html
Thanks to:
- Friends and family
- renvi for information on the 2006 PC port
- Capcom for creating the Resident Evil series
cvxfreak
FireEmblemPride[at]hotmail[dot]com
