With the release of the Resident Evil 2 remake, I’m inclined to believe the popular survival horror series is about to enter another golden age. But we can’t forget about 2017’s Resident Evil 7 either, which in itself was an enjoyable and fantastic schlocky B-movie style horror game to romp through.
We know that both the Resident Evil 2 remake and Resident Evil 7 are great survival horror games, but there can only be one winner. In this article, we’re going to compare both games in three different categories: story, gameplay, and horror factor. At the end, we’ll crown our winner. Let’s get started.
Resident Evil 2 Remake vs. Resident Evil 7
Round 1: Story and Writing
This is an interesting category, simply because the story elements of the Resident Evil series have never been particularly strong.
After all, this is the same series where we had Code: Veronica build up the idea that Umbrella was up to all kinds of crazy shit, only to find out in the very next game (Resident Evil 4) that Umbrella had somehow dissolved during the time span between those games. Okay.
However, both RE2 and RE7 actually have pretty great contained stories. Starting with Resident Evil 7, a big part of what made this game such a hit in 2017 was the fact that we were introduced to Ethan Winters as a new protagonist.
This was a guy who was completely new to all of the series’ virus shenanigans, and more importantly, he had little combat experience, which made the game that much more tense.
Ethan is the everyman that now-veterans Chris, Jill, Leon, and Claire used to be in their respective games. Ethan’s story was simple as well: head to Louisiana to find his wife, who had gone missing three years ago. Right from the start, you’re invested in Ethan’s quest to find Mia, and his genuine reactions to all the horror around him made him relatable.
The overall plot does fall somewhat flat in the end, especially when RE7 starts to lean into the “scary little girl” horror movie trope, but everything leading up to that had been great.
RE7 also impressed me with the way it handled its villain. While, yes, she is the creepy little girl that likes to get all up in our faces, Capcom did a nice job of making her a sympathetic character at the end of the game.
On the flip side, Resident Evil 2’s setup is considered a classic at this point. Rookie cop Leon gets ambushed by zombies on his first day to work, while Claire is in Raccoon City looking for her brother Chris.
The remake fleshes out the story greatly, including new plot points that help to round out the story a bit more, and making the characters feel more like human beings rather than meme-worthy caricatures. The relationships between Leon and Ada, and Claire and Sherry respectively are incredibly well-done in the remake.
Both Ada and Sherry, in particular, have more depth and nuance to them this time around.
It’s certainly worth noting that the writing in this game is much better as well, and that becomes very evident in the documents you pick up. For instance, in the original game, you could find Chris’ diary in the STARS Office, which divulged every little detail and thought that went through his head.
In the remake, on the other hand, Chris’ plans post-RE2 are not immediately obvious, and we only ever get a slightly cryptic clue in the form of a letter that gives us a hint to his intentions.
As great as Leon and Ada are, though, the real stars of this remake are definitely Claire and Sherry. Sherry has finally graduated from being the annoying little girl to a very sympathetic character that you can actually root for over the course of the game.
Despite how inconsistent Claire’s portrayals in the series have been, Capcom got her just right in the remake, presenting her as a badass who gets shit done when the need arises, but also not forgetting her kind and motherly side when it comes to people she cares about.
Winner: It’s got to be Resident Evil 2, but by an extremely slight margin. Capcom’s writing in the Resident Evil series has gotten better over the years, allowing Resident Evil 7 to blossom as a pretty tightly written horror adventure.
However, Resident Evil 2 always had great story potential, even during the PS1 days, and Capcom was able to capitalize on that and deliver a story with extremely likable heroes, and equally despicable degenerate villains.
Resident Evil 2 Remake vs. Resident Evil 7
Round 2: Gameplay
When we talk about gameplay, we’re talking about the general flow of the game, how it plays, as well as the puzzle elements, which are a big part of the series.
First off, Resident Evil 7 adopts a first-person perspective, which is a first for the series. While I did have my doubts at first, it ended up being an excellent decision for the game. Opening doors is ridiculously tense in RE7, and the first-person perspective just lets you get all close to the disgusting grimy house.
However, RE7 also feels a tad clunky, mostly because of how slow Ethan is. He can sprint, but not very fast. He can change weapons on command, but not very fast. It’s all part of the RE7 immersion, as Ethan isn’t supposed to be a seasoned fighter, but this can make combat feel a little clumsy overall.
The puzzles in Resident Evil 7 aren’t that great either. It was nice that Capcom decided to bring back puzzles that involved you having to open door A so you could get item B so you could open door C, that would let you get the key to open door D.
But the Baker house itself, which was easily the best part of the game, is such a short segment, and the rest of the game’s areas never feel quite as fun to explore.
Puzzles in RE7 feel very straightforward and simple, which is not always the case in Resident Evil 2. The iconic police station is so tightly designed, and even the Baker house couldn’t hope to compare.
The game doles out its hints and key items at a very careful pace, allowing you to get acquainted with the station, unlocking shortcuts, and eventually getting to the point where you won’t even need the map to navigate the area any longer.
It’s not just the station either; even the later areas in the game are a joy to explore once you’ve gotten a hang of the general layout. Puzzles can be delightfully obtuse at times, requiring you to jot down quick notes to keep track of all the clues you’ve found so far.
Most importantly, however, Resident Evil 2 is much more enjoyable to actually play. Gun upgrades are plentiful in this game, allowing you to get a real sense of power and progression as you unlock more customization options.
Leon and Claire are much easier to control than Ethan, making them feel like action game heroes rather than scared survivors. I mean, sure, you could argue that this makes the game less scary, but you can’t deny that it’s just a much more enjoyable experience overall.
Winner: Resident Evil 2. Better puzzles, better gunplay, this is an easy pick.
Resident Evil 2 Remake vs. Resident Evil 7
Round 3: The Horror Factor
This is going to be very subjective, especially considering the fact that both RE2 and RE7 are dealing with different types of horror.
Resident Evil 7 is a lot more schlocky, featuring the kooky Baker family that loves eating bugs and guts for dinner. The game relies heavily on the gross-out factor, featuring disgusting imagery and symbolism that just make you feel so incredibly creeped out.
RE7 isn’t afraid to cross some lines, most notably with Marguerite, who’s notorious for having a nasty bug hive on her lady parts. Or Jack, who loves showing you his brains every time you meet. The Bakers look like they haven’t showered in weeks —nay, months— and, honestly, that alone is enough to make me gag.
Resident Evil 7 is very over-the-top with the way it handles horror, and its obvious Evil Dead inspirations are always a delight to watch. This is a very good horror game.
Resident Evil 2 is a little different. It’s a much more serious game that leans into the gore factor instead. With that brand new, good-looking RE Engine, Capcom has managed to sneak in insane amounts of detail into the game, such as the way zombies will get their skin and limbs ripped off when you shoot or knife them.
The game never shies away from showing the player copious amounts of blood and dismembered bodies, and we certainly wouldn’t recommend playing this game if you have a strong aversion to explicit violence and gore.
Both games excel at delivering the tension as well, though I’d argue that Resident Evil 2’s “unkillable enemy” formula works a little better with Mr X, compared to RE7’s Jack.
Winner: Resident Evil 2. Again, RE2 takes the win by a very slight margin, and honestly, this factor is highly dependent on your personal tastes anyway.
Resident Evil 2 Remake vs. Resident Evil 7
Winner: Resident Evil 2 Remake
Wow, did we seriously just give the win to Resident Evil 2 in every category? Yeah, I guess we did.
It’s important to note that both RE2 and RE7 are excellent survival horror games, and I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to the idea of future Resident Evil games being done in a first-person perspective going forward.
However, as great as Resident Evil 7 is, it just feels outclassed in almost every way by the remake of the best game in the series. Resident Evil 2 features quite possibly the best-designed levels in the entire series, complete with puzzles that can serve as actual brainteasers at times.
It’s tense in all the right ways, but never overstays its welcome, as the game knows exactly when it’s time to start allowing the player to feel a little more powerful. The over-the-shoulder perspective works well in RE2, giving players a new look at the memorable RPD.
Resident Evil 2 just has it all, making it the best game we’ve ever played in the Resident Evil series, and that’s why it takes the win.
But that’s just our opinion. Do you feel that Resident Evil 7 is a better horror game overall? Did we get it so unforgivably wrong? Let us know in the comments down below.
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