Resident Evil 2 Remake demo, gameplay, gore, platforms, campaigns, system requirements - everything we know

News by Kirk McKeand Former Deputy Editor

Published on Jan. 8, 2019

One of the most exciting looking games of E3 2018 was a remake of a PS1 game from 1998. Resident Evil 2 is back, it’s grim, it’s gorgeous, and it’s completely reimagined for modern audiences.

Since it’s a proper remake rather than a remaster, you might be wondering what exactly has changed. What has Capcom done to one of your favourite survival horror games? Early signs are thus: the developer is making it better than ever.

Here’s everything we know about Resident Evil 2 Remake.

Resident Evil 2 Remake demo

Resident Evil 2 Remake is indeed getting a limited-time demo on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Available between January 11-31, the demo features a single mission and a time limit of just 30 minutes.

You won't be able to restart it once time runs out, but the window should be enough to finish the mission, if you know what you're doing.

Resident Evil 2 Remake preview

The Resident Evil 2 Remake release date is January 25. It’ll be a great way to kick off 2019. We played it last year and you can read our thoughts in our Resident Evil 2 Remake preview.

Resident Evil 2 Remake platforms

It might have been shown off at the Sony conference, but Resident Evil 2 Remake is coming to PS4, Xbox One, and PC. It’ll also feature upgraded visuals on PS4 Pro and Xbox One X, with the options for 30fps at 4K or 60fps at 1080p.

Resident Evil 2 Remake gameplay

This remake does away with the fixed camera angles of the original games and instead opts for an over-the-shoulder view like Resident Evil 4. Many see Resident Evil 4 as the best game in the series, so it seems like the best bet and really lets you experience the cramped corridors of Racoon City Police Department without putting us into first-person.

It also lets you see all the gore up close. Resident Evil 2 Remake is disgusting. It’s bloody, messy, and features a gore system unlike anything that’s been in the series before. Keep shooting the same point on a zombie’s arm and the meat will eventually slide off the bone and splatter on the floor. It’s grim, but it makes those squelchy headshots even more sweet.

You now also have a last-ditch chance to save yourself from a bite by jamming a knife into a zombie, which you then have to retrieve afterwards. You can also board up doors and windows, so expect some of that lovely Resi 4-style siege gameplay. Speaking of which, doors are no longer loading screens so you won’t be safe by legging it away from the horde. Oh, and you're also being stalked by an unkillable tyrant for a fair portion of the game.

If you want more details, read the VG247 Resident Evil 2 Remake interview with the game’s producers.

Resident Evil 2 Remake campaigns

Just like in the original game, you’ll be able to play through Resident Evil 2 Remake from the perspective of both Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield.

On top of those campaigns, Hunk and Tofu are back. In the original game, you unlocked Hunk by getting through the game with Leon and Claire with A ranks. To get an A rank, you can only use one first-aid spray and you have a limited number of saves. Get A ranks six times and you unlock Tofu, a sentient lump of tofu who is equipped only with a knife. Ah, the good old days of gaming.