Welcome, dear survivor, to Resident Evil 2‘s ultimate test of strength. For generations, The 4th Survivor has been one of the greatest challenges in the entire series, focusing not on combat, but on the dexterity of your reflexes and planning. Stepping into the boots of USS Soldier HUNK, we are tasked with escaping to the RPD’s front gate while wading through a sea of the undead and worse. With Resident Evil 2 Remake, that challenge has grown tenfold with its new and improved 4th Survivor Mode. Challenging, frustrating, and exhilarating to beat, it quickly became one of my favorite aspects of RE2 Remake. As it is so challenging,  I’ve seen many other players say they’ve simply given up on it. No more! This is war, and survival may be your responsibility, but that doesn’t mean that the Grim Reaper can’t make do with a little help to make it through this! Here, I’ve laid out my strategies for completing this gauntlet of the dead, with some added notes on your second run as the ultimate meat substitute, Tofu. I hope you find it useful!

Right off the bat, you’re thrust into the thick of battle. Well, not battle per se, as there are only a few instances where I would recommend fighting. This mode is built around evasion and strategic use of weapons over trying to take out enemies. If you try to kill every enemy, you will die. Here I’ve made some (crude, but what can you do) maps on how best to evade zombies and other enemies. Some of the enemies have slightly unpredictable timing, so be sharp and stay ready to make corrections to your path on the fly. By and large, though, this pathway has reliably led me to the finish multiple times across both PC and PS4. That said, if you have any stratagies that have helped you, feel free to share them below!

NOTE: THIS IS NOT A “NO DAMAGE GUIDE” OR A “SPEEDRUN” GUIDE. I AM NOT A WIZARD, THIS IS JUST FOR COMPLETING THE MODE.

Just after your slide down from your spawn point (and the “My extraction!” conversation), HUNK will be dropped into this hallway, with heaps of garbage on either side of him. While there is a door to your left, it is sealed, so don’t bother. Charge straight ahead and don’t stop moving, even as zombies rise. Keep to the right, hugging the garbage (but not so tight that you’re actively running against the trash, slowing you down). There are three zombies in your immediate path, but you can outmaneuver them if you keep moving. One of them may do that ‘double lunge’ thing they sometimes do as you pass, but if you keep running forward they won’t get you; don’t be alarmed if they do, it most likely means you bumped into something along the way and lost a second of your head start. If you do get injured, don’t heal yet.

The zombie at the far end of the hall, right before you step up onto the ledge, is the first zombie worth killing. Take out your shotgun and pop his dome. It’s just a little too hard to avoid damage (he can even bite onto your leg after you mantle the ledge) and you do not want to waste a defense item this early on. Once you’re up on the ledge, make your way up the stairs.

TOFU STRATS: Charge directly into the arms of the zombie you capped as HUNK. It’s better to be grabbed from the front and use a knife to get out of it than to be grabbed from behind while trying to get up the ledge and take an avoidable hit.

Keep going up the stairs, and then up the ladder (you can see the Umbrella tram from here). The room beyond has zombie dogs inside, which can be tricky but not impossible. Hang a right just as you enter and then move to the left, around the dog next to the empty lift shaft. He will go charging past you, and the zombie dog that was to the left of the entrance will leap past as well. Once the second dog lands/is otherwise out of the way, charge forward and down the lift shaft. Immediately turn around and drop down to the next level.

This is where things start to get tricky. You can (and should) just charge past the group of zombies chowing down, and head to the left, out of the room. The Treatment Pool Room becomes difficult due to the number of zombie dogs that spawn here. You have a couple of options, but first things first, pull out your magnum and blow the zombie next to the bridge’s head off as soon as you see it. It’s easier than wasting health or a defense item. Be aware that the dogs will start charging in one by one across the bridge. Swap to your machine gun, and kill them as they come. They’re simply too unpredictable compared to zombies, and there’s too great a chance of getting mauled and losing a ton of health here. Try to take them down one at a time, and don’t spray and pray; you can’t get more ammo so each bullet is sacred. Pick your targets and put them down like… well, like dogs. You might still take a bite or two, but don’t panic. Don’t heal either, as the optimal point for healing is still a little ways off. If you get down into Danger, it’s honestly worth completely restarting. Even getting into Caution is kind of pushing it, so try your best to take down the puppers before they get a bite in. If you dip down into that sort of murky-colored Fine, don’t worry about it. At the other end of the bridge, there’s a lone zombie with his back turned to you. Charge past him to the right, not the left, and he’ll swing around to try and grab you, but he’ll be too late. Turn to the right and then enter the door to the left and head down the stairs.

TOFU STRATS: This one is even trickier as our favorite protein brick. Since you don’t have any real weapons, charge straight into the zombie you shot with Magnum, and use a knife. The dogs are the really tough part of this equation, though, since you have no way of actually fighting them without immediately taking damage. Do your best to charge forward across the bridge, hugging the right so you can avoid the zombie at the end the same way you did as HUNK. You will more than likely take one or two hits regardless though, so try not to panic. Worst case scenario you get down into Danger, at which point I’d recommend you just restart.

This next part might seem daunting, but don’t worry. 90% of these zombies can be entirely avoided. Head down the stairs and run straight forward and then hang a left. There’s a crawling zombie on the floor that you’ll want to avoid. Now there should be a second set of stairs directly ahead, run down them. A zombie staggers to its feet in the center of them, but ignore him. If you keep moving, he won’t have the time to grab you by the nature of how long the “getting up” animation takes. When you reach the bottom of the stairs, run straight forward into the crowd of zombies that are all getting up, do not stop because there is a zombie hiding just to the left of the doorway at the bottom of the stairs and you’ll take damage you can’t avoid otherwise. When you charge into the zombies, hang a left to cross the bridge — one will probably still get a grab on you (in my experience, probably the zed that’s already standing up, on the bridge). This is fine as long as they grab you from the front. Use a knife to get out of their grip, and keep moving. Cross the bridge, turn left, and head forward and up the stairs.

Get ready to heal friends! When you reach the top of the stairs, turn left and hop off the ledge and into the water. Turn right, and run forward. You’ll come to a fork in the road, take the path on the right. A G-Adult will be waiting for you, but he isn’t your problem — a second, swooping in unseen from the left, is. Doing that charging under the surface thing, he’ll run straight for you. Hug the wall to your right, but don’t worry, either him or the G-Adult you could already see will grab you, and believe it or not — take the puke. That’s right, let that sucker chunder all over your face and poison you. Not sure how HUNK is still getting poisoned through a mask designed specifically to keep out toxins, but I guess it is an air filter, not a liquid one. Anyway, once the G-Adult is done barfing on you, reorient yourself (don’t let yourself get turned around, make sure you’re still heading down the right fork in the path) and start going. While poisoned, your movement is extremely hampered, so open your inventory and use that Blue+Green Herb combo that’s been sitting there conspicuously. This will cure your poison, and heal you a tiny bit. If you managed to get to this point unhurt, that’s the best case scenario, but if you did take a few hits, you’ll more than likely be in Caution after using the combo. This isn’t a huge issue, so don’t worry that much about it, but it does mean you’ll have to be a little more on your toes. Keep running, and turn right to mantle the ledge.

TOFU STRATS: Same deal, but this time combine the Red and Blue herbs and take it before even running into the G-Adults. While this can’t heal you, it’ll both completely nullify any poison damage taken from the G-Adult puke and give you a damage resistance boost for the next few minutes.

This part shouldn’t be too hard, but don’t take it lightly. Once you’re up on the ledge, head up the short set of stairs and hang a right, ignoring the zombie (even though he’s a member of HUNK’s USS team, very sad indeed) that’s getting up directly at the top of the stairs. Head right again, up the stairs, then left up the next set of stairs — but hugging the right a little bit. Charge straight forward and then curve around to the right, avoiding the zombie just to the right of the top of the stairs. Swing around into the first doorway on your right, and into the Worker’s Break Room, and into the elevator. Hit the button, and listen to the bitchin’ music while you get this brief moment to rest.

Again, this area looks daunting, but it’s a cinch. Make a left as you exit the elevator, then turn right and up the stairs. Turn left and enter the room. Several zombies will start getting up in the darkness, but keep a cool head and charge straight forward and hang a left as you get slightly past the middle point of the room, keep turning left, and you’ll go up the stairs and out of this shitshow.

Now it’s getting serious. Sorta. At the top of the stairs, make a right, then another right, and run down the hall. You’ll see a Licker at the far end, and once he senses you, he’ll come scuttling. Don’t mess around with him, pull out the magnum and pop him right then and there. It takes 3-4 shots in my experience, but put that sucker down. While you can avoid him at first, he’ll turn around and chase you and it’s way harder to avoid him from behind, so I’d recommend killing him outright. Why go through the extra stress, you know? Once you’re past the Licker, turn right and head for the doorway. A zombie is getting to its feet right in the middle of the platform but ignore him. Once in the doorway, turn left and keep running. There’s a zombie getting up right in front of the exit to this small room as well, but again, ignore him and run around, moving forward and to the left, up the stairs.

Keep moving through the room at the top of the stairs, and don’t stop. Neither zombie in this room (to the right of the entrance and to the right of the exit) will have enough time to even notice you if you keep moving. Turn left and run across the bridge, turning right and making your way to the Operator’s Room. This room is filled with zombies and zombie dogs, but swing to the left and towards the ladder, and none of them should have time to attack. One of the dogs might nip at you, but it should be fine unless you were already in Caution, which could send you into Danger — bad news, and it’s up to you if you want to use the First Aid Spray here or just restart (both are valid in my experience, depends on how much you think you can afford one healing item less). Head up the ladder after you’ve made your choice.

TOFU STRATS: This is almost impossible to get out of without taking damage. The Licker will always swipe out with his right hand, so stay to his left (your right) to run past him. However, be aware that he’ll immediately be on your tail and more than likely get a hit in as you’re trying to run away. If you’ve been keeping the pace up, though, that Red+Blue mix defense should still be in effect, and should keep you from getting too hurt. Be aware though, if you were already in Caution it’s very likely that this will put you in danger, which is not the health you want to be in right now.

Now we’re getting into some jukes. This area has a lot of zombies, but they’re placed very deliberately. Rush past the two zombies on your left, and curve around the zombie standing up on your right, and then move to the right. There are two zombies standing directly in your path. Move close enough to get their attention, but not get grabbed, and then move back a step or two (stay aware that there are still zombies behind you of course), and then run to the left and around both of the zombies, now that they’ve moved out of your way. Run between the two cars, and turn left at the pillar. There’s a zombie here, but just use a defense item to get out of his grip. Run to the door directly ahead. Inside you’ll see a crawling zombie, and down the hall, a Licker waiting for you on the ceiling. Now there are two ways around this: blow him off the ceiling with a Magnum shot or two, or run forward past the crawling zombie and let him pounce on you. If he pounces, you can just use a defense item to get out of it — but you’ll be less a defense item (which are going to start to become extremely important very soon). Whichever one you decide, once the Licker is dealt with run to the left, through the door, and up the stairs.

TOFU STRATS: You can’t shoot the Licker of course, so just let him eat a knife.

You’ve almost reached the middle point of The 4th Survivor, don’t give up! Do equip the Magnum though. Turning right at the top of the stairs and running down the hall, you’ll find yourself greeted by none other than Mr. X, and he’s here to pound your face in. Hang back slightly so you’re out of arm’s reach of him, and pop him one in his wrinkly face with the Magnum. This should stagger him for a moment, so rush past to the right, turn left, and get out of the Watchmen’s Room. Go right, and there will be a zombie blocking the door to the East Office. Blow his head off with a shotgun, and enter the room. Run around the left side of the room, where the windows are, and cap each zombie in your way to the exit door with the shotgun. Don’t worry about the ammo, you’re getting to the final stretch here (and the two sets of Gunpowder and High-Grade Gunpowder can be mix and matched into either more shotgun shells or more handgun ammo and more magnum ammo; you decide). Another reason for this sudden bloodthirst is it gives Mr. X time to catch up to you. I know that sounds nuts, but there’s a very good reason for wanting Mr. X on your tail. You don’t want him to actually get the chance to hurt you of course, but you also don’t want him to get too far behind.

Exit the room, and immediately turn left, running around the zombies as they stagger to life, and then to the right into the RPD main hall. The exit is blocked, so don’t even check it. Just keep running, ignoring the zombies around you, toward the shuttered gate that leads to the western side of the building, then turn right and head up the ramp. At the top of the ramp, there will be a zombie to the right, Kill him as a precaution to keep him from sucking up health or wasting a defense item. Enter the room to the left.

TOFU STRATS: Mr. X is pretty hard to avoid here, but there’s a chance you can juke him into whiffing a punch. Move forward a bit and then back up immediately, so he throws a punch and misses. Take the opportunity to run around him now and away. You’ll need to use your knives as defense items a bunch here unless you can get the zombies to mill around into a more readily avoidable path. You should still have like two and a half rows of them by this point though, so it isn’t that big a deal. As long as you have at least 6 by the time you reach the second floor, you should be good.

Run down the stairs and turn completely around, facing the zombie to the right of the desk. Shoot him in the head with your shotty, then run around the right side of the desk and out the door. There’s a Licker here, but if you time this right you can stop running just as you get to the door from the West Office and walk quietly forward, without catching the Licker’s attention. Manage this and charge down the hall to the right and up the stairs. Make sure not to get turned around and head left from the West Office, though. A Plant 43 (or Ivy, whatever you wanna call them) is hanging out over there and is an instant kill if you don’t use a defense item, which would be a waste here. Again, if you’ve been doing this right, Mr. X should only be a little ways behind you — this is critical to getting out of some damage soon.

Now here is why I was telling you to keep Mr. X tagging along. We’ve officially crossed the halfway point, and shit’s just going to get harder from here. Now, Mr. X is supposed to spawn here, at the top of the stairs with all the zombies, and will deliver an almost unavoidable whallop. The best case scenario is you still have a Magnum round you can spend on his face, but with everything going on there’s a good chance you’ll miss, or lose your chance thanks to a zombie grabbing you while you line up the shot. However, if Mr. X has been trailing you since you first encountered him back on the first floor, he will not spawn here, giving you some much-needed breathing room. If you’ve pulled this off successfully, pop the handful of zombies with the shotgun and duck into the Locker Room to the right.

Now if you’ve taken enough damage to get into Caution (or Danger, which is most likely if Mr. X spawned up here), and you didn’t use it already, it’d be a good idea to use the First Aid spray burning a hole in your inventory here. Gives you a fresh start before plowing ahead into what waits ahead of you. I don’t recommend using the Red+Green+Blue mix if that’s all you have left, though. You’ll need the defense boost later, so if that’s all you’ve got hopefully you’ve made it this far without getting hurt too badly.

Past the Shower Room, take a left and head out the door, and you’ll see two Plant 43s guarding the hallway. While they’re honestly the scariest creature in the whole game (at least in my opinion), brave them and run directly into their waiting arms. Once they have a hold of you, use a defense item to rock their world, and get outta there asap. The defense item should stagger both of them, as one collides into the other, so they shouldn’t be a problem anymore. Hang left and run into the Lounge. The door to your left will be getting pounded on from the other side, indicating a zombie wants in. Run up to the door’s right side, so when the door bursts open, you won’t get stun-locked by it hitting you in the face. Time this right, and you can rush inside and past the two zombies (one that just burst through, and one getting up just inside the Library). Run to the door to the main hall, ignoring the bodies that fall from the third floor (they’re more of a jumpscare and won’t be a problem unless you decide to hang around for some reason). Out on the second-floor balcony, turn left, then right, running past the Lion Statue. There’s a dog chowing down on a zombie’s foot here, but if you keep moving the time it takes them to get out of their animations will give you more than enough room to stay out of harm’s way. Turn right, and make your way down to the first door on your left and go through.

TOFU STRATS: Hopefully you won’t be too messed up, because you need the extra breathing room that Red+Green mix can give you later.

Inside the Waiting Room, you’ll see that the door on the opposite side is rattling with that telling zombie-wants-in shudder. The best option is to wait for the door to burst open, then kill each zombie one by one with either the shotgun or the magnum, and run out. I have managed to simply run around all of them, but it was kind of a crap shoot and I had trouble replicating it, so you’ll probably want to just kill them if you don’t want to risk the damage. If you used the First Aid spray back in the shower room, you can probably survive a bite or two here, though, so feel free to risk it.

Once you’re away from the zombies (dead or avoided), turn left, then right, then left again. A Licker waits for you next to the stairs and will come charging at you as soon as it sees you. Hug the right side wall, where the red fire hose (or whatever it is) box is, and the Licker should completely miss you with its swipe. Run for the stairs, and the Licker won’t be a problem anymore.

TOFU STRATS: Let the first zombie grab you, and defense item your way outta there.

We’re getting there, friends! Can you feel that tension!? At the top of the stairs, a single zombie waits for you. Pop his dome, and head out onto the Balcony. There’s a G-Adult to your left, so run forward towards the zombie dog, then hang left, running around the G-Adult and down the ladder. Easy-peasy-lemon-oh god there are Lickers at the bottom of this ladder.

TOFU STRATS: You can’t defend against the zombie at the top of the stairs while he’s on the stairs. Aggro him and lead him down the stairs to the landing between levels. Now let him grab you, and sink a knife into his stupid rotting chest.

Once at the bottom of the ladder, stop running; you don’t want to catch the attention of the Lickers to your left. Move forward towards the door, but be cautious of the two crawling zombies guarding it. Once you reach the door, start running again. It’ll take the Lickers too long to catch up, and they can’t open doors. Follow the hallway to the first door on the left, and outside to the stairs.

It’s the final stretch! Be ready to go into all-out war mode as there are a ton of enemies out here. Your blood should be pumping by now, but fearful is no word for it. When you reach the bottom of the stairs, you’re greeted by a fence leading out towards the RPD Entrance, with a zombie standing next to the gate. If you still have it by now, use that Red+Green+Blue mix you’ve been holding on to this whole time. This will completely heal whatever wounds you’ve got and give you a defense boost before you go charging out into the sea of undead. Obciously, it’s now time to go charging out into that sea of undead. Make your way to the G-Adult that comes from the right, and try to run around him (if not, just take his puke- it won’t hurt you anyway). Past him, there’s a group of zombies and Plant 43s together; run directly into the heart of them. Whether you get grabbed from behind by a zombie (which won’t hurt that much with the defense boost active) or from the front by either a zombie or a Plant 43 (in which case you should use a defense item) this shouldn’t be a huge problem. Hell, if you wanna play it risky, toss a grenade or flash grenade into the center of them, and then go running through while they either rain down around you or try to reorient themselves from the flash. Race to the stairs, and pop the zombie standing at the top with whatever you have that happens to be the most powerful, with the most ammo left.

TOFU STRATS: Ahhh! This is actually kind of insane as Tofu, but do basically the same thing here. Use that Green+Red mix you’ve been holding on to (if you still have it) immediately after taking any damage once you go past the fence (or right before, if you’re already in Danger). Use those last few defense knives to get through this!

You’re almost there, rushing through the path below the RPD front entrance. A few zombies populate here, but a shotgun/magnum shot to each will remove them from the equation. Run up the stairs, turn left, turn left again, and rush for the front gate. Hit your interact button and you’ve made it!

TOFU STRATS: This is really pushing it. Try to run past the zombies in the underpass, keeping on their backside to force them to have to turn to attack. Run up the stairs, turn left, turn left again, and rush for the front gate. Hit your interact button and you’ve made it!

Congratulations, Mr. Reaper. You’ve pressed through Resident Evil 2‘s greatest challenge and lived to tell the tale. While HUNK’s mission is over (and his dark cargo delivered into the hands of the Umbrella Corporation), Tofu may have some added reasons to return once complete. Take home your trophy or achievement, and know that you’ve mastered The 4th Survivor, friend. Remember:

DEATH CANNOT DIE

The post Resident Evil 2 Guide: How to Beat The 4th Survivor (plus Tofu) appeared first on Rely on Horror.

Perhaps one of Resident Evil 2‘s most famous (and weird) easter eggs is the ‘Recruit’ photo. Featuring an… uncomfortably photoshopped image of the RE1 actress for Rebecca holding a basketball, it required searching the desk of S.T.A.R.S. captain Albert Wesker fifty times. I don’t even know how anyone figured that out, but it’s been RE legend ever since. They even included a recreation of the uniform from the photo for Resident Evil 0 HD, which was pretty cool for fans. Well, RE2 Remake is no different — the Rebecca photo has indeed made the cut, and the methods on how to find it are slightly different now. If you don’t want to miss out, or have just tried looking everywhere for it, this guide will help you on the path to seeing the 2nd cutest person in the game (after Leon, of course).

There are some minor spoilers here, so beware

So your journey to find the photo starts way later in the game than you’d think. Again, in the original RE2, all you had to do was search Wesker’s desk fifty times to get the ‘Film D’ item. Now you won’t be able to retrieve the film roll necessary until you’ve made it all the way to the sewers! You can do this regardless of which character or scenario you’re playing.

While you’re on the Upper Lever of the Sewers, go to the WorkRoom, shown here. On the desk in the center of the room, there will be a roll of film titled “Hiding Place”, pick that up.

After acquiring the Sewers Key, there will be two rooms you can open with it, one at the other end of the platform you can raise or lower by inserting/removing a plug from the socket box beside it, and a second room that’s near the area with the dead USS soldiers called the Worker’s Break Room on the map. Unlock this second room, and there will be a set of lockers with the “I do something!” yellow tape on it. Walk to the right side of it, and hold down whatever your platform’s interact key is, moving it aside to reveal a secret room.

You now have access to an elevator that takes you right back up to the R.P.D. basement, and you can navigate back up into the secret room below the Lady statue in the front hall. While this area sealed itself before, you can now open it with the new T-Bar Valve Handle you should have acquired by now. Now that we’re back in R.P.D. proper, head over to the West side safe room with the darkroom photo development studio and dunk the Hiding Places film in solution.

You’ll actually get two photos out of this, showing two different hiding places. One is pretty clearly in the Press Room on the first floor, east side, but the other… would appear to be Wesker’s desk. Yep, head on up to the second floor again, and the desk in the S.T.A.R.S. office will now be interactive from the chair side. Pop the drawer open, and take out the Weapons Parts container.

That’s cool and all, but where’s our photo? Check again, despite there being no prompt, to find a roll of film tucked away in a corner of the drawer you just opened. Labeled ‘Rising Rookie’, there’s only one thing it could be!

Head back on down to the safe room and develop that sucker. You’ve now acquired RE2 Remake‘s version of the classic Rebecca photo, showing a modern (and more evocative?) side to the RE0 heroine we’ve never seen before. If you’d like a peek at the photo, scroll down more past me blathering on about whatever I decide to make the next paragraph about.

As I said in my review — RE2 Remake creates an incredible balance of classic and modern, and this is a great example of it. Maybe a smidge more complicated than it used to be, but nevertheless the same gist. It’s a cute touch, and one of many that you’ll find as you play through RE2 Remake. Of course, if you’re having other problems, like not being able to figure out the codes to the safes and lockers strewn throughout the game, or (like poor CJ) just can’t get a handle on the new and more deadly Mr. X, look no further. We’ve got you covered, friends and true survivors. Oh, and without further ado, my childhood crush:

Yeah, it is just photoshopped RE0 HD artwork, but hey. Gotta keep it ‘shopped somehow — it’s a tradition!

The post Resident Evil 2 Guide: Where to Find New Rebecca Photo appeared first on Rely on Horror.

Oh baby, does RE2 Remake look amazing. I honestly don’t think I’ve been this hyped for a game since Resident Evil 5‘s earlier trailers (regardless of how anyone feels about the final product, the lead up was great). I can’t wait to get my hands on RE2 Remake… as soon as it launches next January. That’s a pretty long wait, so I’ve been plowing through the original 1998 Resident Evil 2 in anticipation and thought maybe some of you were thinking of doing the same. To help you out, I’ve compiled everything I could think of to get the best RE2 Classic experience before the REmake releases — including some guides to get you started towards becoming a master at it and even unlocking all the hidden goodies! I hope you find it useful!

Platform

So, like most of Capcom’s library, RE2 Classic has released on just about everything you can think of. There have even been a few demakes, porting the game to systems like the GameCom, a Tiger 99x version (essentially RE2 for Tomogachi), as well as a canceled version for GameBoy Advance. We won’t be talking about those today, because this isn’t a humor editorial. No, instead, let’s look at the home console release versions and compare each for an educated decision on which is the best way to play. While I have detailed all the differences, if you’d like to see video from each version, this guy shows each being played.

Launch Version (PlayStation)

This is the original Resident Evil 2 as it launched in 1998, and was only ever available on PS1. This is probably the most bare-bones version, missing analog support, the EX Battle Mode minigame, and lacks various improvements future versions would include. It does still come with The 4th Survivor and Tofu minigames, but I’d honestly only recommend it if you have no other option.

DualShock Ver. (PlayStation/PlayStation 3)

The following year, RE2 was re-released (as Resident Evil Director’s Cut was before it) to support the PlayStation’s new “DualShock” controller, which featured analog sticks for better control (the PS originally shipped with only a D-Pad for movement input). Along with the analog support and all content from the launch version, it also included an extra mini-game, Extreme Battle Mode. This features new enemy and item placement, as well as the ability to play as Chris from the first RE. This version also introduced Arrange Game, which swapped around item placement while also giving the player access to the most powerful weapons (with infinite ammo) from the word go. This is the most easily accessible version by modern standards, as it’s available in the PS3 Store as a digital download for $9.99.

Nintendo 64

Despite the limitations of the hardware (not to mention being two PlayStation CDs crammed down into one N64 cartridge), this version managed to include all four scenarios. In the process, it lost all the other bonuses (like EX Battle and Arrange Game – replacing it with a “randomizer” mode). It does, however, add a handful of “EX” files that expanded on the story and even connects to future games (like Resident Evil 0 and Outbreak). It also is the only version that features a secret invincibility code, optional “3D” controls (as opposed to the classic “tank”) and settings for the level of violence and color of blood (cuz, you know, Nintendo). That said, this version is largely just an interesting curio, and suffers from the conversion to cartridge in a number of ways. Most notably, it has horribly compressed audio, fuzzier backgrounds, and simply awful looking cinematics. While it is neat that it exists, and is in many ways a marvel of technical ingenuity, there are too many sacrifices for the handful of exclusive files (that can easily be found and read online). I don’t really recommend it if you want anything close to a “perfect” experience with RE2.

Platinum Edition (Windows 98)

This version is probably the most difficult of all of them to work with, mostly because of how outdated it is. This Windows 98 port boasts fairly sharp character models, though they can occasionally look a little jarring in front of the grainy pre-rendered backdrops. This version has everything from the DualShock release, and also adds a gallery with concept art, CG promotional art, and even a viewable 3D model viewer. This also contains a Hard difficulty, which is brutal compared to the standard Normal mode. It’s the only version where the door loading screens can be skipped. There’s also a pretty neat gimmick to the keybinding screen, showing the character you’re playing as acting out each action in front of a mirror. Beyond those few bonuses, though, the Platinum Edition is a pain in the ass to run properly on modern hardware, with audio issues, crashing, and other weird problems. PC games age like bread.

GameCube

This is my personally preferred version. Released just after Resident Evil REmake, it boasts the best looking visuals of any home console release, as well as being the only version that has both Leon and Claire’s scenarios on one disk (discounting them both being on one cartridge for N64). This version is also the only one where you can skip the in-game cutscenes (but why would you want to?). It includes all the content from the DualShock Version but admittedly has little else to offer beyond this and using the GameCube’s wonderful controller for input (if you’ve never played an RE on GameCube, the controller’s button placement is amazingly well suited to the classic entries). The other caveat is that it was pretty rare to begin with, and today is one of the more expensive GameCube games, even if you buy it used.

DreamCast

This version is almost identical to the Windows 98 port, even containing the gallery and customization controls (as opposed to working with presets). If there was one fun exclusive feature, it’s the small HUD displayed on the VMU screen in the controller’s memory card. Few games ever really seemed to know what to do with this little screen (I still remember Spider-Man just putting a little picture of Spidey’s face and that was it), but it’s used here to display both the character’s health (Fine/Caution/Danger) as well as an ammo counter, meaning you just have to glance down to check on these things, rather than being forced to open up the menu. It’s a pretty cool little addition and makes this version feel special in its own way.

Strategies

So with your preferred version picked out, let’s move on to actually playing the game. While RE was already starting to blend action into its fold by this point (pacing the slow, unnerving style of the first game to ramp up slowly to run and gun survival towards the end), RE2 is still very much a classic survival horror experience; planning carelessly will get you killed fast. Unlike RE1, Leon and Claire have comparable health and typically die in 4 or 5 hits from most enemies, and getting ganged up on by zombies (or especially Cerberus) will result in death in seconds. Enemies don’t re-spawn once put down, but that doesn’t mean that an area is necessarily permanently cleared out. Windows can be compromised on either side of the RPD building, new, more dangerous enemies can spawn in unexpected places, and there will almost always be more than 3 or 4 enemies in any given area.

Preparing yourself for a fight is a must 

While your inventory is small (you have eight inventory slots, and two extra available with an expansion that can be found) you can still work with its limitations. For any given instance, keep your handgun and handgun ammo on you at all times, as well as a more powerful weapon and its ammo on backup (the Shotgun for Leon, the Grenade Launcher for Claire). This takes up four slots total, but it’s good to keep both for the variety of encounters you can run into.

The handgun is slow and doesn’t deal much damage, but it’s great for picking off individual enemies from a distance and clearing a path. Leon’s VP70 holds 18 rounds, but Claire’s only holds 13, so keep track of how many shots you’ve fired (or check the inventory often) to make sure you don’t get caught in the reload animation, which opens you up to attack. Ammo for it is more plentiful than any other weapon, so don’t worry too much about using it to take down the arrant zombie or two. While it does have the ability to stagger a zombie after about 3 or 4 shots (and an additional shot or two will knock the zombie down to the floor where you can hopefully get off enough shots to kill it before it gets back up), it is nearly useless in close quarters, and trying to fight off a horde of enemies with it is suicide. There are also larger enemies that barely even flinch when hit by the handgun, like Lickers and Ivies. This is why we have our backup weapon.

The shotgun (exclusive to Leon) holds only five rounds but packs a powerful punch. It’s capable of decapitating a zombie when aimed upwards at close range and is ideal for fighting off Lickers, as it can knock them onto their back for a few seconds giving you an opening. The shotgun has one of the slowest reload animations in the game, though, so make sure you keep track of your shots and reload manually by combining the Shotgun with its ammo in your inventory, rather than being forced into it in the middle of a fight. Be careful when fighting zombies with it, as it has the ability to literally blow them in half if you’re close enough. This sounds (and honestly looks) cool, but it ultimately means that the top half will split off and crawl towards you, potentially forcing you to take unnecessary damage as they sink their teeth into your leg.

The Grenade Launcher (exclusive to Claire) is a great, all-purpose cleaner weapon that can instantly decimate a crowd of zombies and can be loaded with ammo indefinitely (it has no ammo cap). You have access to three different types of ammo for it: “Grenade,” which splits apart into small explosions, good for crowd control), “Flame,” essential against the late game enemies, Ivies, as they’re made of plant matter, and “Acid,” which can kill a standard Licker in just one shot, and is generally extremely powerful against single enemies in general, although unreliable against a crowd.

There is also the bow-gun, another exclusive for Claire. While it does a lot of damage, firing three arrows at a time, it has a vague attack window (with arrows occasionally missing their intended target if not dead-on) and eats through ammo extremely quickly. I personally just leave this weapon alone; it’s only really useful if you run out of ammo for the handgun.

Other weapons include the Magnum, which is one of the most powerful weapons in the game killing almost everything in one or two shots with scarce ammo, the Flamethrower, a late-game Leon weapon to make up for the lack of flame-based attacks against Ivies that cannot be reloaded, the knife (put it in your item box as soon as you can and forget about it) and the Sub-Machine Gun.

The Sub-Machine Gun is extremely powerful and has a lot of ammo (displaying as a percent value rather than individual rounds), but ammo is almost non-existent and it requires two inventory slots to hold. It’s also exclusive to either Claire or Leon depending on a Zapping System decision. We’ll get to that in a bit. This is a good weapon against bosses, and I strongly recommend not wasting it against normal enemies.

On top of normal weapons, Leon also has an exclusive ability to upgrade his weapons. Weapon parts for the handgun turn it into the Matilda, a three burst automatic handgun. The shotgun turns into an uber powerful boomstick, increasing the capacity to 7 shots each capable of literally blasting apart the upper half of a zombie, and killing most enemies in one or two shots. The magnum becomes an almost comically overpowered super magnum, killing pretty much everything but bosses in one shot. These weapons parts are hidden, but finding them grants you power unlike any other weapon in the classic RE days.

Prepare to get hurt

Dishing out damage is key, but making sure you can take it right back is just as important. As said before, you generally have about 4-5 hits (give or take based on the type of enemy you’re facing, though some have instant-kill moves) before it’s game over. This is displayed in two ways, both immediately apparent in your character’s stance: holding their side when hurt, or holding their side while limping when hurt badly. You can check your inventory menu for a more descriptive (if still vague) diagnosis, showing your health as an Electro-Cardio-Gram (ECG), displaying five health stages:

FINE- 75%-100% health.

Yellow Caution- 50%-75% health.

Orange Caution- 25%-50% health

Danger- 1%-25% health (heal immediately!)

Poison– This is a status effect that slowly drains your health over time, acquired from either the Giant Spiders or Ivies. Your actual health cannot be seen on the inventory as it’s covered up by the status effect, but you’ll still get the same stance changes. While poison will not kill you outright, it will drain you down to Danger in a matter of minutes, which will get you killed extremely fast.

Like every other RE game, the primary method of healing are Herbs, which come in a variety of colors that grant different effects.

Green– Heals about 25% of your health, good for both bumping yourself up from Yellow Caution to Fine, as well as giving you at least a little breathing room when in Danger. Can be combined with another green herb for a 50% heal, and a third for a 100% heal.

Red– Does nothing on its own (a standard for this item) but can be combined with a single green herb for a 100% heal effect.

Blue– Cures poison, but doesn’t heal the player at all. Can be combined with a green herb to get the best of both worlds, or a red and green herb combo for a full-heal and poison neutralizing mixture.

It’s good to keep at the very least a green herb on you at all times, if not a green herb for minor damage and a red+green mix for major damage. Herbs are one of the most scarce consumables in the entire game, but keeping a sharp eye out and using only when absolutely necessary, you can end up with a plentiful stock by the final sections of the game.

There is of also the First Aid Spray, an item almost as ubiquitous with the series as the herbs, which will instantly heal you 100% on use. That said, they are even rarer than herbs, and using even one will instantly knock your rank down to a maximum of B rank.

Saving

Saving, like every other element of the game, is based around resource management. Saving is limited to Ink Ribbons, a rare item typically found in sets of two in front of a typewriter, which is used to save. This means that saving itself is literally finite. There are only about 30 in one entire playthrough and about half of those are hidden outside of safe areas. You can easily run out of ink ribbons and be forced to play without saving until finding another one. RE2 (like all classic REs) has no auto-save feature of any kind, and death will reset the player back to the game’s boot up screen. Saving often but smartly is key. Don’t save after every single success or even when first finding a safe room. While you might not have to backtrack as much on death, you can quickly eat through your ink ribbons and end up being worse off for it. You also don’t want to save too infrequently, and potentially have to repeat an hour or more of gameplay.

In general, a good rule of thumb with saving is to do so once after every “major” event. The completion of a puzzle, after a boss fight, and opening up a new area for exploration. All this said, however, ink ribbons can be found in unexpected places, so keep your search button finger poised and be on the lookout for ribbons in the dark corners of the police station and beyond.

Exploration

Beyond combat, puzzles, or any other major element of a classic RE experience, exploration remains the key centerpiece that all other aspects revolve around. Exploring every nook and cranny is a must for keeping yourself well stocked, as items can be hidden in devilishly out-of-the-way places. Ammo for nearly all of your weapons, health items, ink ribbons- there’s so much to find if you look hard enough. While some items “sparkle” to indicate that there’s something small that you can pick up, this isn’t always the case. Not only can items be hidden in the darkness, or beneath other objects, they can also be found in drawers, cabinets, and behind things.

Check everything, friends. Back in the day, fans would joke that the best way to play classic RE was to walk against the wall and mash the interact button, and it still holds true today. If someplace looks like it might have something hidden there, then it probably does.

Zapping

One of the most unique features of RE2 Classic (that we already have confirmation won’t be returning for the remake) was its special “zapping” system. What this means is that when completing the game for the first time (as either Leon or Claire), you unlock a second playthrough called the “B” scenario where you play as whoever you didn’t play as the first go round. The B scenario is an entirely new story that features new puzzles, characters, bosses, and the two scenarios crossover in a number of ways, and can even help explain how certain things happen in one scenario by showing what’s going on in the other. The main draw was that the B scenario can be affected by player decisions made in the first playthrough, or the “A” scenario. While there were only a few instances of it, it was still a pretty neat feature for the time. The interactions possible are as follows:

Weapons Storage Room– This area can be unlocked after turning the RPD basement power back on and using the red keycard taken from the morgue. At the back of the room, there’s a locker that contains both a Sub-machine gun and a side pack (which expands inventory slots by two). Either or both can be equipped by the player, but choosing to do so will remove either or both entirely from the B scenario. The character in scenario A will even remark that they ought to leave the second item for the other character, but the item can still be taken. However, if the player takes the SMG, the SMG can still be accessed elsewhere in scenario B through a second Zapping interaction.

Anti-BOW Sprinkling System– This can be operated in the Umbrella lab complex at the end of the game, in the room with the gas spill and ivy tentacles exposed from the vent. It can be triggered in scenario A to make all enemies in scenario A weaker (as well as ad a green tint to the screen), but won’t be operable in scenario B and even give Ivies a poisonous attack. The system can, however, be left alone in scenario A and activated in scenario B for all the benefits and none of the drawbacks (aside from making scenario A slightly harder in terms of damage output.

Print-Locked Lab– on the opposite side of the lab from the sprinkling system, there’s a locked lab that requires two fingerprints to open. To access, (while playing the A scenario) enter the lab (the one with eggs and webbing outside of it) across from William Birkin’s on the bottom floor of the Umbrella lab complex. Inside, there will be a giant, mutated moth (don’t worry, he’s a pushover and I honestly don’t think I’ve ever once been hurt by him in 20 years of playing this game), and a computer terminal. Dispatch the maggots crawling over the keyboard first, and then use the computer, inputting the name “GUEST” when asked for a username. The character will then automatically register their fingerprints, and you’ve now begun this side interaction. You must then return to the first floor of the lab complex and use your fingerprint on the monitor outside the locked door. It will then ask for a second fingerprint.

You’re now done with this for the A scenario, but go through all these steps again in the B scenario (Moth lab, type in GUEST, run back to the locked lab and use your fingerprint) and the door will unlock. Inside you’ll find a series of grotesque failed experiments (and even the corpse of a Hunter R in the N64 version) as well as a member of the USS Mercenary team that killed Birkin. Checking his body will reward you with either the Sub-machine gun (if scenario A took it) or Sub-machine gun ammo (if scenario B took it).

Secrets and Bonus Content

Easter Eggs

There are a number of easter eggs, and while I don’t want to spoil them, I’ll give you guys hints (although y’all probably know most of these already):

Albert Wesker had many secrets and may have left some behind. You never know what you might find if you just keep checking.

Who’s controlling the cameras anyway? Could it be that Lakitu again? Take some pot shots at him with your shotgun if you think you have the right angle.

If only there was a way out of the police station… Jill uses the front gate in RE3, so why can’t you?

Unlockables and Bonus Modes

Costumes– There are three separate unlockable costumes, two Leon and one for Claire. These can be unlocked by not picking up a single item between the start of the game and arriving at the police station. Once at the station, a zombified Brad Vickers (the helicopter pilot who abandoned S.T.A.R.S. Alpha team in RE1) is found wandering around the lower alley beneath the station entrance. He’s a real pain to put down, having the highest health of any single zombie in the whole game, but once you do defeat him, check his body to find the Special Key, which unlocks a locker located in the safe room on the western side of the RPD building (the same room with the photo studio). Inside the locker, you’ll find the costumes. The Nintendo 64 version had its own exclusive costumes that aren’t seen in any other version, although they replace the costumes from other versions.

LEON– A biker outfit with a leather jacket with blue jeans and brown work boots, and a blue tank top outfit with green cargo pants, combat boots, and a blue RPD baseball cap. Both outfits give Leon the ability to hold his handgun sideways, “gangster” style, which allows him to fire it slightly faster.

LEON (N64 Exclusive)– A different biker outfit with a white t-shirt, black leather vest and baggy pants, a bandanna, sunglasses, and black leather boots. The other costume is some wishful thinking on Leon’s part: full S.T.A.R.S. riot gear, complete with a baseball cap, bulletproof vest, and blue undershirt and pants. Leon still has his special handgun stance from the original alternate costumes, but only when wearing the biker outfit. The S.T.A.R.S. outfit still has him holding his gun normally.

CLAIRE– A biker outfit with a black leather jacket with her “Let Me Live” emblem on the back and flames on the sleeves, a red tank top underneath, blue jeans, a red bandanna, and cowboy boots. To make up for not having a second costume, Claire instead gets a special handgun, a revolver that fires faster and deals more damage than any other handgun, although it only fires six shots at a time.

CLAIRE (N64 Exclusive)– What I can only describe as a purple ninja outfit, this has her in a full purple jumpsuit with loose buckles exposing skin down her chest (I can only assume this was meant to be sexy on the lego brick of a character model?). Her back swaps the “Let Me Live” logo for that of the N64 port developers, Angel Studios, who would grow up to be RockStar San Diego, the team behind the Red Dead series. Just like before, Claire gets the revolver instead of a second outfit.

Bonus Weapons-Beating the game under certain conditions rewards you with special weapons loaded with infinite ammo. However, using any of these weapons even once will automatically lock you out of an A rank. Once unlocked, they can be found inside the player’s item box.

Infinite Sub-machine Gun– Beat the game’s B scenario with at least a B rank under three hours.

Infinite Gatling Gun-Beat the game’s B scenario with at least a B rank under two and a half hours.

Infinite Rocket Launcher– Beat the game’s A scenario with at least a B rank under two and a half hours.

The 4th Survivor– Unlock this minigame by completing either scenario with an A rank, which means you must complete a scenario in under 2 hours and 30 minutes, and never use a first aid spray even once. This can be unlocked in every home version of the game.

This mission sees us play as Umbrella mercenary HUNK (a charming mistranslation of ‘Hank’ that’s stuck and has since become canon) as he attempts to escape from the sewers and through the police station to the helipad. HUNK cannot pick up any items and the path to the helipad is swarming with massive waves of enemies, including some of the largest crowds of zombies in the entire game. HUNK does pack some heat, carrying a handgun, shotgun, and a magnum, but has limited ammo and only two green and blue herb mixes. I highly recommend entering each new area with the shotgun equipped, and the aim button held down so that you’ll instantly snap to whatever enemy is closest. This can be handy for getting the first hit in on a crowd, but use your head once you see whatever is actually in the room. You might want to swap to the magnum, or even just try to outmaneuver the enemies altogether. The camera actively fights you in this mode, hiding enemy placement out of sight until the last second, so be on your toes.

The Tofu Survivor– Unlock this minigame by completing both the A and B scenarios, one after another, until you’ve played for a total of six scenarios, each getting an A rank. This can be unlocked in every home version of the game.

Essentially the same structure and goals as The 4th Survivor, this joke mode has us playing as a giant brick of uncooked tofu, equipped with only a knife, two green herbs, and a blue herb. It is the hardest single challenge in the entire game. Beating Tofu essentially means conquering the original Resident Evil 2, and establishing yourself as a survival horror master… or that you have a lot of patience and brute forced it because this is honestly an extremely frustrating mode and can be infuriating to complete.

Extreme Battle– This mode is unlocked after completing both the A and B scenario on Normal difficulty. It can only be unlocked in the DualShock, PC, GameCube, and Dreamcast versions of the game.

This is actually a sequel to a mini-game in the Sega Saturn port of Resident Evil 1, and sees the player fight their way through a remixed version of the game. Starting all the way at the furthest save point, in the labs at the end of the game, the goal is to fight your way to the police station. Once reaching the police station, the player must then collect 4 “anti-virus bombs” to complete the minigame. By default, you can play as either Leon or Claire, although Ada can be unlocked after beating it on the “level 1” difficulty, and Chris Redfield (who otherwise doesn’t appear in the game at all) can be unlocked after completing the “level 2” difficulty. There are three difficulty levels in all, each increasing the amount of damage enemies deal, randomizing the location of the 4 bombs more, and even throwing the mutated monster G in its 4th malformation in some areas on the hardest difficulty. Because of how long this mode is, we can actually save at typewriters, although the number of ink ribbons available decreases sharply with each difficulty level (5 for level 1 and 1 for level 3).

Each character features their own load-out with character specific weapons and items, and all have ink ribbons (difficulty denotes how many):

LEON– Handgun, Shotgun, First Aid Spray, and a Blue Herb

CLAIRE– Grenade Launcher, Flame Rounds, Acid Rounds, First Aid Spray, and a Blue Herb

ADA– Revolver (the same one Claire gets instead of a second costume), Sub-machine Gun, Bow Gun, and a mixed herb.

CHRIS– S.T.A.R.S. Samurai Edge handgun (exclusive to him, and has a random chance of one-shot decapitating a zombie), the upgraded shotgun, a Rocket Launcher, and a First Aid Spray.

Arrange Mode

This isn’t an unlockable, but simply a way to play from the start. It is, however, an extremely easy mode set at “rookie” difficulty. You have access to all the special weapons from the start (the infinite SMG, Gatling Gun, and Launcher) and enemies are significantly easier to kill regardless. Items are also more plentiful and swapped around into easier to locate spots. I do not recommend it unless you really are just outright having your ass handed to you by the main game. This is not the way to experience RE2. This is the way to kill some time while listening to a podcast.

Cheats

Now now, these are for fun only. Don’t go and ruin your first run-through of the game with these cheats… but if you really want to know how to make the game crazy easy on yourself:

Infinite Ammo– This cheat works for all modes, not just the campaign (although it has no use in The Tofu Survivor). All versions (save for the original 1998 version) have this cheat, although the input for it is different every time.

Dualshock– Enter the “Key Config” screen during gameplay, and hold R1 while tapping SQUARE 10 times. The cheat will be enabled when the white borders around the control scheme selections turn red.

GameCube– Enter the “Key Config” screen during gameplay, and hold R while tapping the Z button 10 times. The cheat will be enabled when the white borders around the control scheme selections turn red.

DreamCast– During gameplay, open the inventory screen and input UP, UP, DOWN, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT, RIGHT, R.

Windows– During gameplay, open the inventory screen and input UP, UP, DOWN, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT, RIGHT, AIM.

Nintendo 64– At the “load game” screen, input UP (4 times), RIGHT (4 times), L, R, L, R, C-RIGHT, C-LEFT. If done correctly, the game will boot back to the main menu.

Invincibility– This is a Nintendo 64 exclusive cheat. At the “load game” screen, input DOWN (4 times) LEFT (4 times) L, R, R, L, C-UP, C-DOWN. If done correctly, the game will boot back to the main menu.

Akuma Mode– This is only available in the original 1998 PS version of the game, and was never featured in any port since. Complete the game six times with only the handgun and knife with an A rank. On the seventh playthrough, when asked to input the name “GUEST” on the keyboard towards the end of the game, instead type “AKUMA”. Now, the next time you play as Leon or Claire, you will instead be playing as Akuma, the dark warrior from Street Fighter. This is a 100% real trick that Electronic Gaming Monthly broke back in the day and I love telling people about it. But make sure to just try to do it and don’t ask anyone else about it or google it.

Welp, that about does it without just straight up giving you a step-by-step guide. But I hope I’ve answered some questions, or at least helped some new or returning players out here. That’s about all there is to find from RE2 classic, but I can’t wait to see all the new and exciting changes and secrets coming to the remake. We already know that 4th and Tofu Survivors are making it in, but I hope that we can also get an expanded version of Extreme Battle, or maybe even a new Mercenaries mode (which hasn’t been featured since 2012’s RE6). There are even crazier modes that they could implement too, like REmake‘s Real Survivor mode (which un-links all the item boxes), or Invisible Enemy mode. Gah! There’s too many awesome possibilities. For now, all we can do is wait, but at least we have the original RE2 to keep us busy until then.

Resident Evil 2 releases January 25th for Xbox One, PS4, and PC.

The post Resident Evil 2 Guide: How to Prepare for the Remake appeared first on Rely on Horror.

So, I’m quite honored to present you all with this interview with the voice behind the lady in red, Sally Cahill. I hope you all enjoy it! A special thanks to Mortal Kombat Online’s Senior Editor, Tony Deklan, who made this possible for us. So make sure to check out Mortal Kombat Online after you read this!

Q: What was the catalyst for you pursuing a career in acting and establishing yourself as an actress?

Wow, that first question is a big one. I have many reasons and inspirations  in my earlier years. One I can tell you is my parents took me to the ballet when I was six or seven. I loved the dancers but there were actors in small roles as mimes in it, too. One actress opened a gift and discovered a beautiful feather boa, then proceeded to saunter about the stage, upstaging  every one else with her antics. On the way home my parents asked me if I was interested in ballet. I said no, I want to be  that actress with the boa!

Q: How did you initially obtain the role of Ada Wong back in Resident Evil 2, was it via a referral or did you audition for the part?

I think I had done some other work for the company. And I remember doing some Japanese dialogue totally in phonetics for the voice over director, so they all knew me a bit. Then I auditioned and got the part. They thought I had a sexy voice. I guess I did!

Q: During the process in the beginning and throughout establishing Ada’s voice, were you allowed to take any creative liberties with the role, in terms of her voice and her general demeanor, etc?

Well, to an extent, but so much of the work is done in the casting to begin with. The sound and edge you bring is taken care of well before you approach the line creatively. Then they are on you then for every line, every inflection. It’s all very important as you only have your voice to convey what they need to get across in the story. In between all that I get a chance to offer what i think Ada should give to the line and sometimes there is a debate back and forth from the mic to the control room..but it’s certainly not all my way! It’s give and take.

Q:  What was your favorite aspect of voicing Ada? Do you also feel anything relatable with her or anything you can identify with?

Oh, I love Ada. I love her resilience, her strength with still being sexy and very female. I like to feel I am that way, too . I find her coolness and intelligence also attractive.

Q: What is it that you think defines Ada as a character and sets her apart from her female peers in the franchise?

To me she is much more of an oddity, and a mystery. Not all is played out. She holds her cards close to her body and only lets you see so much. Now and then bits and pieces of her break through in the dialogue and the read, even the crack in my voice. Some gamers are so adept though, it amazes me how they can gleen on these things!

Q:  What was the decision to not give Ada her ‘real’ voice in Umbrella Chronicles? Was it Capcom’s decision or were you tied up with other commitments?

That question has been asked many times. I’m not sure of the answer, all i know is they did that one totally in L.A with a new V.O director and venue, with actors situated there. It could be money, convenience of local (?). I’m sure they all did a great job.

Q:  How does the voice recording process work? Are you generally in a sound studio alone, or is it also acted out with the other actors to give the dialogue a more authentic finish?

I am often alone. Though I might see another actor in the green room or “waiting room.” But for the most part I am alone . I am watching a tract, with wipes on a screen. I’m usually in the dark with headphones filling my ears with sound effects, watching Ada and trying  to become her. It’s a very unreal experience sometimes.

Q: Have you ever played any of the Resident Evil games? If so, which is your favorite? We are guessing Ada’s Seperate Ways campaign in Resident Evil 4?

Right ON!!

Q: We know you cannot divulge any information of upcoming Resident Evil games, but personally how would you rate Ada’s chances of returning in a future game, more importantly re-hiring your voice talent?

Well as I get older my voice lowers, so at some point I don’t know. I’m not sure what direction RE will take now. It’s been a great run and I loved her. Many who have played the game  have told me there will never be another Ada Wong the way I voiced her and created her and that makes me feel terribly thrilled and grateful for the chance to have played her at all. So many new games are being developed but I think Resident Evil will be remembered as one of the most popular.

Q:  Outside of the Resident Evil universe, where may we have seen some of your work and what has been the highlight of your career thus far?

Oh, that’s a hard one. I loved so many things. Much of my work is done in Canada. I just finished a historical thing for the CBC and also a Murdoch Mystery which aired recently, and shot a commercial yesterday. I love working in Prague for the Composers Series, playing  characters in Road to Avonleaea and Wind at my Back for Sullivan Entertainment will always be a highlight. As was the seasons I spent at the Stratford Festival. It seems I’m always in a period piece wearing  a corset. I think that’s one thing I really loved about Ada. She was a totally hip, modern, kick ass femme fatale who could handle weapons awsomely…and no corset!

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Well, hope you all enjoyed that! It’s always nice to learn more about the voices behind our favorite characters in the world of survival horror, so I hope you all gained even more love for Ada, and Sally, after having read this. Again, a special thank you to Mortal Kombat Online. Go check them out! And yeah, who would’ve thought a Mortal Kombat-centered site would’ve granted us the ability to publish this, right?!

The post An interview with the lady in red, Ada Wong appeared first on Rely on Horror.

LEON S. KENNEDY

Leon is a rookie police officer who joined the R.P.D so he can help others, however on his first day he’s put up against the horrors of Raccoon City and Umbrella. He has a very protective nature as he believes it to be his duty to protect others.

CLAIRE REDFIELD

Claire is searching for her lost brother Chris who disappeared in his last mission with S.T.A.R.S investigating the cannabalistic murders in the Arklay Mountains area. She finds a diary of Chris’ and realises he has travelled to Europe, so she tries to escape along with Leon and takes on a maternal role over Sherry Birkin and cares for her throughout the game. Upon escaping Raccoon City, she sets out to Umbrella’s Paris Research Facility in search of Chris.

Height: 169cm | Weight: 52,4kg | Blood Type: A | Age: 19

ADA WONG

Ada is in Raccoon City under the false pretence of looking for her boyfriend, John, who works for Umbrella. She teams up with Leon seemingly to help escape from the facility, however it turns out she is a secret agent from an unknown company sent to take a sample of the G-Virus. However, she begins to develop romantic feelings for Leon. She gets badly injured at the end of Resident Evil 2, however it has since come to light that she escaped with a sample of the virus and escaped by hijacking and hiding on a helicopter sent for Umbrella CEO’s.

Height: 173cm | Weight: – | Blood Type: AB | Age: 24

WILLIAM BIRKIN

One of Umbrella’s top researchers, responsible for the creation of the deadly G-Virus, husband of Annette Birkin and father of Sherry Birkin. Upon discovery of his G-Virus, Umbrella sent a Security Service Unit to retrieve a sample of the G-Virus under Spencer orders and HUNK’s lead. After arrival, an abrupt noise led a soldier to unload his machine gun on Birkin, leaving him seriously injured, to which he injected himself with the G-Virus mutating him into a killing monster.

Height: 178cm  | Weight: 66.7kg | Blood Type: O | Age: 36

ANNETTE BIRKIN

Annette Birkin is the wife of William Birkin and mother of Sherry Birkin. She originally always helped William in his experiments and she is very dedicated to her husband, even so far as defending William and being angry at Leon for killing him when he was mutated and no longer himself. However, she does have a maternal instinct and informs Claire of how to develop the G-Virus vaccine, DEVIL. She is an established scientist on her own.

Height: – | Weight: -| Blood Type: – | Age: –

SHERRY BIRKIN

Sherry is a very young and intelligent girl. She unknowingly has a sample of the G-Virus around her neck and she is being chased by William, as she has his blood and is compatible for a G-Embryo. She finds it hard to trust others due to her parents never being there for her.

Height: – | Weight: – | Blood Type: – | Age: 12

ROBERT KENDO

Owner of the Kendo Gun Shop located in uptown Raccoon City, also, a close friend to S.T.A.R.S. Alpha team member Barry Burton. He offers Leon or Claire shelter for the outbreak in his gun shop, and just few moments after that, zombies break through his gun shop, ultimately attacking and devouring him.

Height: – | Weight: – | Blood Type: – | Age: –

MARVIN BRANAGH

One of the last surviving officers of the Raccoon Police Department (RPD). Claire or Leon find him in the office fataly wounded. explains what happened in the mansion incident, and provides the Blue Card Key. He tells both Leon and Claire to search for survivors and, under fire arm menace from him, they do. He locks himself in the office to met his fate…

Height: 182cm | Weight: – | Blood Type: – | Age: –

BEN BERTOLUCCI

A Raccoon City reporter interested in the dealing of the RPD. Ben is found locked up in a jail cell by his own will, for protection against the outbreak and cretures. He provides Leon and Ada with information about an escape route out of the city through the sewers. Moments after, he was attacked in his cell by William Birkin and later found at his last moments by Leon, to which Ben informs him of Iron’s deals with Umbrella.

Height: 182cm | Weight: – | Blood Type: O | Age: –

BRIAN IRONS

Brian Irons of the Chief of Police in the R.P.D. He doesn’t gain much respect from his peers, and many have begun to wonder for his mental health. He bought a disturbing painting called “Sacrifice to the Hell Fire”, and made behind-the-scenes dealings with William Birkin in order to earn money and secure himself as Chief of Police. When realising he couldn’t escape the T-Virus outbreak, he made sure none of his employees survived, and even went so far as murdering them. He also killed the Mayor’s daughter and suggested he wanted to stuff her as a trophy. He was exposed as a fraud by reporter Ben Bertolucci.

Height: – | Weight: – | Blood Type: – | Age: –

The post Resident Evil 2 Characters appeared first on Rely on Horror.

ZOMBIE

Infection with T-Virus in a human host results with this. It has a severe necrotic effect on the host due to their metabolism, and they need to feed on fresh meat in order to survive. They have no intelligent behaviour and are driven only by their urges, and so they are easy to either kill or avoid. In this primative stage of transformation, they are also very slow.

CERBERUS

This is the result of infusing the T-Virus with a dog. They can attack either singularly or in packs, and the best way to defeat them is by using a shotgun. Not too much trouble to kill, but dangerous if you have low health.

Origin: Dog | Attack: Quick | Infection: T-Virus | Danger Level: 2/5

CROW

The result of crows being infected with the T-Virus, in which they have become very hungry for human flesh. It’s easier to shoot them with the handgun as then they’re permanently out of your way.

Origin: Crow | Attack: Quick | Infection: T-Virus | Danger Level: 2/5

SPIDER

Spiders which have mutated because of the T-Virus being let loose in the sewers. It’s better to kill them as they can poison you and cause a lot more trouble than they are worth.

Origin: Spider | Attack: Quick | Infection: T-Virus | Danger Level: 2/5

LICKER

A stage of evolution from a zombie. After becoming a Crimson Head, a Crimson Head evolves into a Regis Licker, and then a Licker. Lickers are completely blind, so they must rely solely on their great sense of hearing. They are capable of climbing walls, have very long claws and can kill you immediately if you’re cautioned. The next stage of evolution is the “Super Licker”.

Origin: Human | Attack: Very Quick | Infection: T-Virus | Danger Level: 4/5

MR. X

A T-103 model of Tyrant that is issued with a scent program to track the G-Virus sample, however this model is not sentient. He is deployed with a protective coat which houses a limiter device, as a pre-caution so Umbrella can take control, if he were to get out of control as evident in the T-002 model. However when falling into lava, the limiter device was burnt off and the Tyrant was damaged, resulting in a strong mutation into a more traditional Tyrant, which then had no sense of its mission and attacked anything in sight.

Origin: Human | Attack: Normal | Infection: T-Virus | Danger Level: 3/5

ALLIGATOR

This alligator lurking in the sewers was mutated to be over 50 feet long as a result of the T-Virus leaking into to the sewage system. Do not fight it with normal weaponry, rather, unleash a canister into it’s mouth and finish it with one shot.

Origin: Crocodile | Attack: Quick | Infection: T-Virus | Danger Level: 3/5

GIANT MOTH

The moth is a result of a normal moth being infused with the T-Virus and mutating to many times it’s original size. It’s rumoured to once be a pet of William Birkin.

Origin: Moth | Attack: Quick | Infection: T-Virus | Danger Level: 2/5

POISON IVY

Even plants mutate if they are getting liquid forms of the T-Virus. There are two forms of the Poison Ivy. While you usually can avoid the poisonous cloud from the first version, the second one always gets you.

Origin: Plant | Attack: Normal | Infection: T-Virus | Danger Level: 2/5

G-CREATURE

Product of a G-Virus mutant implating an embryo into an incompatible host. The embryo will reject itself out of the host bursting through the victim’s chest, leading to the host’s death. After sprouting out and short time, the embryo will suffer a fast mutation, reaching an adult stage, becoming a bipedal creature, with the abbility to vomit embryos that attempt to attach themselves to any living creature in the area. The creature will attempt to injure the victim for an easy implant of the embryos by attacking with it’s tail or arms.

Origin: Human | Attack: Slow | Infection: G-Virus | Danger Level: 3/5

G-TYPE

After injecting himself with the G-Virus following a near-death experience as a result of a battle with Umbrella’s special unit, Birkin has mutated into “G”. He gets less stable over every mutation. He is a very effective mutant and seeks to reproduce in the form of implanting embryos, however the G-Virus’ failure was proven when G became more and more unstable with every mutation, to the extent of becoming an amorphous blob.

Origin: Human | Attack: Quick | Infection: G-Virus | Danger Level: 5/5

The post Resident Evil 2 Enemies appeared first on Rely on Horror.

Combat Knife

Only use this as a backup. Don’t use it unless you have no other choice, as it will soon render you dead.

Heckler & Koch VP-70M

Your best bet is to use this weapon on enemies such as: Cockroaches, Crows, Zombies, Cerberus and Lickers -to a certain degree-. Also, to conserve Ammunition, use the Tri Burst mode only when necessary.

DETAILED INFORMATION

This handgun was the first weapon to employ the Polymer Frame. Developed by Heckler & Koch Germany during the late 60’s, it soon became a standard issue Police Agencies throughout Europe. Then once America heard news of this weapon, they soon wanted to test it in through select Police Departments throughout America. But soon afterwards, most Police Departments soon disregarded the VP-70 for more favorable units. The Police Version as well as the Military version of this handgun had 2 prominent features. A large magazine capacity which held 18+1 rounds; also attachment the when applied to the handgun, allowed for Semi- Automatic Fire, as well as a 3 Round Burst mode of fire. In short, this handgun was very advanced for its day in age. It is a double action only pistol. It had a fair amount of recoil, and accuracy was slightly off do to the rather long Trigger pull.

Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum/ Luger | Magazine Capacity: 18+1 round -s-

Browning Hi-Power

Much like the VP-70, but avoid the Lickers with this weapon unless you have to, as its lower mag capacity will render you useless in close quarters.

DETAILED INFORMATION

The history on this weapon dates back to its original creator, John Browning. But after his death, his patents were bought by FN Browning of Belgium. It was mainly used by Axis powers during World War II. But then after the war, was picked up by both Military an Law Enforcement by both Europe and America. It was the first military weapon to feature a staggered column, hi-cap magazine. Most HP’s are chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, but some law enforcement models as well as military model feature a .40 S&W round and 7.65mm Round. Some variants of this model feature a removable sight. A good weapon to anyone as it definitely stood the test of time.

Caliber: 9×19 Parabellum | Magazine Capacity: 13+1 round -s-

Remington Model 1100P and Combat Model

Recommendation for large groups of zombies, and Cerberus. Also, deploy its upgraded firepower on Lickers, Spiders, Moth -s-, Ivys and the Young G-type.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Announced in 1968, this replaced most, if not all of Remington’s previous autoloaders. Developed using most of the parts from a Model 870, it only differed in that it was gas operated. It soon became popular with hunters, law enforcement and with military organizations. It was very versatile and had reliable firepower. It could be modified to fit the needs of the operator. It is a gas operated, auto-loading shotgun, which has a tubular magazine -which can be modified- underneath the barrel. It can be modified using certain parts from a 870 shotgun. It also features an array of sights as well as stock options.

Caliber: 12 Gauge | Magazine Capacity: 4+1 round -s- for Personal Model, 6+1 (7+1 Upgraded) round -s- for Combat

Magnum Research. Desert Eagle .50 Action Express

All enemies, due to the knockdown power of this weapon, you can virtually take on any enemy, even without the additional 10in barrel. But use it wisely as ammunition for this magnum is very scarce.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Developed in the late 70’s early 80’s, this weapon has become one of the most prominent magnums in the world. Mainly used by Israeli Special Forces, and used by target shooters around the world. It has truly become a great for any avid firearms collector. This version is the Mk. VII, which features a enlarged safety, larger slide release, and improved trigger. It also has a very unique firing system. This weapon truly revolutionized the way most people look at handguns in general as it is a very unique design altogether. The Custom 10 inch is mainly used for hunting big game. It has a far greater accuracy and knockdown power due to the longer barrel, but with this comes a downside. The recoil on this weapon is tremendous, and most people are barely able to control it with 2 hands.

Caliber: .50 Magnum (a.k.a. Action Express) | Magazine Capacity: 7+1 (8+1 Upgraded) round -s-

Bow Gun (Manufacture Unknown)

Unfortunately, this weapon has little if any use, it can be loaded with more than one bolt for larger groups of zombies, but is highly unadvised. Use only on small groups of zombies.

DETAILED INFORMATION

This type of Crossbow has dated back to early medieval times. It has been updated to fit the needs of hunters, as well as archery marksman. Unfortunately, not much information can be found on a crossbow like this.

Caliber: Crossbow Bolts | Magazine Capacity: 1 bolt -s-

M79 Grenade Launcher

Primarily on large groups of zombies and Cerberus, also in extreme cases use on the T-103 Tyrant

DETAILED INFORMATION

Used extensively during the Vietnam conflict, but after the war, it was phased out and replaced by the M203 40mm Grenade launcher. Remaining M-79’s were then sent to foreign military organizations as well as Homeland Law Enforcement for riot control purposes. This is a single shot, crack open, breech firing grenade weapon. It features a cut stock. If used in the right situation, this could become a very lethal and versatile weapon.

Caliber: 40mm HE Grenade, Acid, and Napalm| Magazine Capacity: 1 round -s-

Umbrella Incorporated Spark Shot

To conserve ammunition, use on zombies and the occasional Cerberus.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Not much is known on the spark shot other than it was created for use in Subject stun and control.

Caliber: Electric Spark/Volt -s- | Magazine Capacity: None, battery powered

Ingram / Military Armament Corp. MAC-10 (with integrated flash suppressor)

Considering that the Rate of fire is good, equip and use on large groups of Zombies, Cerberus, single Lickers, it is recommended that you do not use on any other enemy as it becomes rather useless against more powerful enemies.

DETAILED INFORMATION

One of the most notable SMG’s of all time. Developed by Gorgon Ingram, it soon became a must for Military Special Forces as well as Police Units in the US as well as other countries. It features a number of different manufactures that make this same weapon. It is a recoil operated, open bolt, select fire sub-machine gun. It has a cocking handle on the top of the weapon that load ammunition in to the bolt. It has an extreme rate of fire, reaching upwards of 1100 Rounds per minute. Many confuse this weapon with its counter part the MAC-11, or the world famous Israel Arms UZI, and Mini- UZI. The MAC-10 is very reliable under extreme conditions and is still used despite is age.

Caliber: 9×19 Parabellum | Magazine Capacity: 32 round -s-

General Electric M-134 Vulcan Mini-Gun

No enemy can withstand to firepower of the Vulcan M-134 Mini Gun. Use on any and all enemies.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Developed for use in Helicopter gun-ships and Jet aircraft. This weapon became widely popular. Developed for the military by General Electric, this single weapon has spawned numerous clones. This is a chain/chute fed Machine Weapon, and has a devastating 2000-3000 Round Per Minute. It is rather heavy and the recoil is tremendous. You can acquire a weapon like this if you are a CLASS-VI weapons dealer, and have BATF and FBI green lights, as it is a destructive devise.

Caliber: 7.62mm NATO | Magazine Capacity: Unlimited

General Electric/ Hughes Missile System Company STINGER Missile Launcher

Like the M-134 Vulcan Mini-Gun, this will destroy any and all enemies, but use it wisely.

DETAILED INFORMATION

This weapon was spawned from the United States Marine Corps. “REDEYE†integrated missile system. It began it’s service in 1982. It is also in service with all branches of the US Military, and certain foreign Military Organizations. It is a fire and forget Missile System, and has either Surface-to-Air, or Air-to-Air capabilities These CAN be attained by either Black market, or by a CLASS-VI Weapon license, from which you have to get BATF and FBI green lights.

Caliber: 5 1/2 inch Heat Seeking/ IR Missile | Magazine Capacity: 1 missile

The post Resident Evil 2 Weapons appeared first on Rely on Horror.

About one year after the release of RE, Capcom showed first preview videos of the sequel. You could see Elza Walker and Leon S. Kennedy as the main characters. Later on it was told that they cancelled the game, because it was too much like the original RE. The designer who was responsible for it left and so we got RE2 like we have it on our shelves now.

Two years after the first RE, Capcom released Resident Evil 2 on January 21st 1998.

The only questions was if the sequel could live up to Resident Evil. The answer was yes and it also was a million-seller all over the world.

Release Dates: Japan: December 31st 1997 | US: January 21st 1998 | PAL: Mid 1998

The post Resident Evil 2 About appeared first on Rely on Horror.

This letter is just to inform everyone about the recent move of equipment that has happened during the precinct’s rearrangements. The safe with four digit lock has been moved from the S.T.A.R.S. office on the second floor, to the eastern office on the first floor. 2 2 3 6 Raccoon Police Liaison Dept

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PATROL REPORT

September 20th 9:30pm Reported : Sgt. Neil Carlsen

We received a report of a suspicious individual skulking around the sewer in the outskirts of Raccoon city. I searched the area and located the individual, but he ran away before I had a chance to question him.

I recovered the following items :

– A small amount of C4 plastic explosives – An electronic detonator – 9×19 parabellum rounds – Infrared scope (broken)

End of report.

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OPERATION REPORT 1

-Operation Report- September 26th

The Raccoon Police Dept was unexpectedly attacked by zombies. Many have been injured. Even more were killed. During the attack, our communications we have decided to carry out an operation with the intent of rescuing any possible survivors as well as to prevent this disaster from spreading beyond Raccoon city. The details of the operation are as follows :

Security of armaments and ammunition

Chief Irons has voiced concern regarding the issue of recent unresolved incidents. On the very day of the zombies’ attack, he made the decision to relocate all weapons to scattered intervals throughout the building as a temporary measure to prevent their possible seizure. Unfortunately, this decision has made it extremely difficult for us to locate all ammunition caches. It has become our top priority to recover these scattered ammunitions.

To unlock the weapons storage.

As stated earlier, it will be extremely difficult to secure all ammunition. However, a considerable supply still remains in the underground weapon storage. Unfortunately, the person in charge of the key card used to access the weapon storage is missing and we have been unable to locate the key. One of the breaker’s went down during the battle and the electronic locks are of functioning in certain areas. It has become a top priority to restore the power in the power room and secure those locks. Recorder : David Ford

September 27th 1:00pm.

The west barricade has been broken through and another exchange ensued. We sheltered the injured in the confiscation room on the first floor temporarily. Twelve more people were injured in the battle. Reporter : David Ford

-Additional Report-

Three additional people were killed following the sudden appearance of an as yet unknown creature. This creature is identified by missing patches of skin and razor-like claws. However, its most distinguishing characteristic is its lance-like tongue capable of piercing a human torso in an instant. Their numbers as well as their location remaining unknown. We have tentatively named this creature the “Licker” and are currently in the process of developing countermeasure to deal with this new threat.

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OPERATION REPORT 2

-Operation Report-

September 28th Early Morning 2:30am.

Zombies overran the operation room and another battle broke out. We lost four more people, including David. We’re down to four people, including myself. We failed to secure the weapons cache and hope for our survival continue to diminish. We won’t last much longer… We agreed upon a plan to escape through the sewer. There’s a path leading from the precinct underground to the sewage disposal plant. We should be able to access the sewers through there. The only drawback is that there is no guarantee the sewage disposal plant is free of any possible danger. We know our chances in the sewers are slim, but anything is better than simply waiting here to die. In order to buy more time, we locked the only door leading to the underground, which is located in the eastern office. We left the key behind in the eastern office since it’s unlikely that any of those creatures have the intelligence to find it and unlock the door.

I pray that this operation report will be helpful to whoever may find it. Recorder : Elliot Edward

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CHRIS’S DIARY

August 8th

I talked to the chief today once again, but he refused to listen to me. I know for certain that Umbrella conducted T-virus research in that mansion. Anyone infected turns into a zombie. But the entire mansion went up in the explosion; along with any incriminating evidence. Since Umbrella employs so many people in town, no one is willing to talk about the incident. It looks like I’m running out of options.

August 17th

We’ve been receiving a lot of local reports about the strange creatures appearing at random throughout the city. This must be the work of Umbrella.

August 24th

With the help of Jill and Barry, I finally obtained information vital to this case. Umbrella has begun research on the new G-virus, a variation of the original T-virus. Haven’t they done enough damage already ? We talked it over, and have decided to fly to the main Umbrella HQ in Europe. I won’t tell my sister about this trip because doing so will put her in danger.

Please forgive me Claire.

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MAIL TO CHRIS

Mr. Chris Redfield Raccoon City Police Dept S.T.A.R.S. division

As per your request, we have conducted our internal investigation and discovered the following information : 1) Regarding the G-virus currently under development by Umbrella Inc. So far it is unconfirmed that the G-virus even exists. We’re continuing with our investigation. 2) Regarding Mr. Brian Irons, Chief of the Raccoon Police Dept. Mr. Irons has allegedly received a large sum of funds in bribes from Umbrella Inc. over the last five years. He was apparently involved in the cover up of the mansion case along with several other incidents in which Umbrella appears to have direct involvement. Mr. Irons had been arrested under psychiatric evaluation as a result of the charges but released due to circumstantial evidence as well as his phenomenal academic standing.

As such extreme caution advised when dealing with him.

Jack Hamilton Section Chief Internal Investigation United States Federal Police Department

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CHIEF’S DIARY

September 23rd

It’s all over. Those imbeciles from Umbrella have finally done it…Despite all their promises, they’ve ruined my town. Soon the streets will be infested with zombies. I’m beginning to think that I may be infected myself. I’ll kill everyone in town if this turns out to be true !!!

September 24th

I was successful in spreading confusion among the police as planned. I’ve made sure that no one from the outside will come to help. With the delays in police station, no one will have the chance to escape my city alive. I’ve seen to it personally that all escape routes from inside the precinct have been cut off as well. There are several survivors still attempting to escape through the lower levels, but I’ll make sure no one gets out.

September 26th

I’ve had a change of heart about the remaining survivors inside the precinct. I’ve decided to hunt then down myself. I shot Ed in the back through the heart less than an hour ago. I watched him writhe in pain upon the floor in a pool of his own blood. The expression on his face was positively exquisite. He died with his eyes wide open, staring up at me. It was beautiful. I wonder if the mayor’s daughter is still alive ? I let her escape so I could enjoy hunting her down later…I’m going to enjoy my new trophy. Yes, frozen forever in the pose I choose to give her.

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INVESTIGATE REPORT ON P-EPSILON GAS

This report demands immediately attention. The P-Epsilon gas has been proven capable of incapacitating all know B.O.W.s. As such, it has been designated for emergency usage in the event of a B.O.W. escape. Report based on data collected during the prior incidents indicate the potential for negative side effects.

The P-Eplison has proven to weaken the B.O.W.s cellular functions. However, prolonged exposures will result in the creation of adaptive antibodies to the agent. Furthermore some species have been observed to absorb the P-Eplison gas as a source of nutrition and use the toxins extracted against anything that is a threat.

Use of P-Eplison gas should be severally limited to extreme cases only. We strongly request the authority to re-evaluate the P-Eplison gas development system. We would like this re-evaluation take place immediately.

2nd R&D Room/Security Team

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SECRETARY’S DIARY A

April 6th

I accidentally moved one of the stone statues on the second floor when I leaned against it. When the chief found out about it, he was furious. I swear the guy nearly bit my head off, screaming at me never to touch the statue again. If it’s that importantly, maybe they shouldn’t have put it out in the open like that…

April 7th

I heard that all the art pieces from the chief’s collection are rare items, literally worth hundreds of thousand of dollars. I don’t know which is the bigger mystery : where he finds these tacky things, or where he’s getting the money to pay for them.

May 10th

I wasn’t surprised to see the chief come in today with yet another large picture frame in his hands. This time it was a really disturbing painting depicting a nude person being hanged. I was appalled by the expression on the chief’s face as he leered at that painting. Why anyone would consider something like that to be a work of art is beyond my comprehension…

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SECRETARY’S DIARY B

June 8th

As I was straightening up the chief’s room, he burst through the door with a furious look on his face. It’s only been 2 months since I’ve started working here, but that was the second time I’ve seen him like this. The last time was when I bumped into that statue, only this time he looked even more agitated than ever. I serious thought for a moment that he was going to hurt me.

June 15th

I finally discovered that the chief has been hiding all along…If he finds out that I know, my life will be in serious danger. It’s getting late already. I’m just going to have to take this a day at a time…

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MAIL TO CHIEF

To : Mr. Brian Irons, Chief of the Raccoon City Police Dept

We have lost the mansion lab facility due to the renegade operative, Albert Wesker. Fortunately, his interference will no lasting effect upon our continued virus research. Our only present concern is the presence of the remaining S.T.A.R.S. members : Redfield, Valentine, Burton, Champer and Vickers. It comes to light that S.T.A.R.S. have any evidence to the activities of our research, dispose of them in a way that would like purely accidental. Continue to monitor their progress and make certain their knowledge does not go public. Annette will continue to be your contact throughout this affair. William Birkin

To : Mr. Brian Irons, Chief of the Raccoon City Police Dept

I have deposited the amount of $10000 to the account for your services this term as per agreement. The development of the G-virus scheduled to replace the T-virus, is near completion. Once completed, I am certain that I will be appointed to be a member of the Executive board for Umbrella Inc. It is imperative that we proceed with caution. Redfield and the remaining S.T.A.R.S. members are still attempting to uncover information on the project. Continue to monitor their activities and block all attempts to investigate the underground research facilities.

William Birkin

To : Mr. Brian Irons, Chief of the Raccoon City Police Dept

We have a problem. I have received information informing me that Umbrella HQ has sent spies to recover my research on the G-virus. There are a number of unknown agents involved. They must not be allowed to take this project away from me as it represents my entire life work. Search the city thoroughly for any suspicious persons. Detain any such individuals by whatever means possible and contact me immediately through Annette. With these precautions, any possible threat should be eliminated. I will not allow anyone to steal my work on the G-virus. Not even Umbrella…

William Birkin

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WATCHMAN’S DIARY

August 11th

I finally had the chance to see blue skies for the first time in ages, but did a little to lift my spirit. I was reprimanded by the chief for neglecting my duties while I was up on the clock tower. There’s only one thing I still don’t understand : the chief seemed more concerned about the fact that I was up on the tower rather than that I was neglecting my duties. Why was access to the tower prohibited in the first place anyway ?

September 5th

I recently talked to the old man who works in the scrap yard out back. His name is Thomas. He’s a quiet man and really seems to enjoy chess. He even went so far as to design a special key and lock engraved with chess pieces on them for one of the doors in the disposal yard. We made plans to play chess tomorrow night. I can’t help but wonder how good he is. One thing that’s been bothering me about him is the way that he’s always scratching himself…Does he have some sort of skin disease or is he rude ?

September 9th

Thomas is a much better player than I has imagined. I used to think of myself as a fairly decent player, but he did a pretty good job of humbling me. About the only thing I imagine that could match his skills in chess is his appetite. All the guy did was talk about food throughout the entire game. He sounded fairly healthy, but he didn’t look quiet right…I wonder if he’s okay.

September 12th

I was supposed to play another game of chess with Thomas, but we had to cancel because he hasn’t been feeling too well. He stopped by to see me, but I told him to go back and rest since he literally looked like the walking dead. He insisted he was just fine, but I could tell he was really having problems. Come to think of it, I haven’t been feeling too good myself lately…

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SEWER MANAGER FAX

User List of the Connecting Facility

On the first and third Wednesday of the month, Angelica Margaret, chief of maintenance, will make use of the facilities. Be sure to reduce the moisture levels in the facility by activating the fan, as the equipment she will be using in susceptible to the effects or water vapours. On the 28th of every month, the chemical transporter Don Weller will use the facility. The chemicals he will be transporting are extremely volatile. Extreme caution should be observed throughout their transport. On the 6th and 16th of every month, police chief Brian Irons will visit the facility to attend the regular meeting that take place in the lab. On the 4th Friday of every other month, William Birkin will use the facility to conduct a training seminar for the Chicago branch of Umbrella Inc. as the probability of an attack upon William Birkin will be high, take every measure conceivable to guard his life. You will be informed of all other potential visitors and times they will arrive as needed. Guide these individuals to their destination safely. We expect nothing but the best for you.

Charles Coleman Secretary Chief Umbrella Headquarters

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SEWER MANAGER’S DIARY

June 28th

It’s been a while, but I saw Don today and we talked after completing our work. He told me he had been sick in bed until yesterday. It really doesn’t come as much of a surprise given how long he’s been working here. He was sweating like a horse and kept scratching his body while we were talking. I asked if he was hot, but he just looked at me funny. What’s wrong with him anyway ?

July 7th

Chief Irons has been visiting the lab quite often lately. I don’t know what he’s doing over there but he always looks grim. The expression on his face has been even more unsettling than usual… My guess is that it’s because of Dr. Birkin’s impossible requests. The chief has my sympathies though. After all he’s done for the town, he doesn’t deserve this.

July 21st

I rarely drink because I’m on the graveyard shift, but I don’t suppose I have much to complain about it since this is how I make my living.

August 16th

Chief Irons came in late today, looking grimmer than his usual self. I tried to joke with him to cheer him up but he wasn’t amused. He pulled his gun and threatened to shoot me ! I was able to calm him down, but that guy must have some serious problems. He knows he can’t enter the lab without my help and my medal. This is what it means for the chief “to serve and protect” !?

August 21st

William informed me that the police and media have begun their investigation on Umbrella’s affair. He said that the investigation will be citywide and that there is a possible they’ll even search through the sewer. He asked me to suspend all Umbrella sewer facility operations until the investigation has concluded. The sewer will still be used for passage, but he stressed that I have to be extremely cautions and that I’d lose my job if anyone finds out about this operation.

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LABORATORY SECURITY MANUAL

-Security measure in case of an emergency-

In the instance of an uncontainable biohazardous breakout, all security measures will be directed toward the underground transport facility. In the instance that any abnormalities are detected among cargo it transit, designated high-speed train. At which point, all materials will be isolated and disposed of without delay. In the instance of a Class 1 emergency, the entire train will be purged and disposed of without delay. In the instance that the lab itself becomes contaminated, the northern most route currently used to transport materials to and from the facility will be designated as an emergency escape route. This route will secure passage to the relay point outside the city limits. Disclosure about any information regarding research conducted here, or the existence of this facility, is strictly prohibited. Since it is top priority to keep all research classified, escape access may be denied under certain extenuating circumstances.

——————————————————————————–

USER REGISTRATION

Temporary User Registration for the Culture Experiment Room. User Name : “GUEST” Password : None Valid for 24 hours.

——————————————————————————–

INSTRUCTION FOR SYNTHESIS OF THE G-VIRUS ANTIGEN : G-VACCINE CODE NAMED “DEVIL.”

Any beings infected by the G-virus will reproduce through the impregnation of an embryo within another living being. Unless rejected by the host, the embryo will undertake a process of gradual cellular invasion, infecting the host’s cells on a molecular level as it rewrites their DNA. Once the metamorphosis is complete, the host will be capable of continuing this cycle of self-replication. The duration of time for the process to run its course will vary from subject to subject. In the early stages of cellular invasion, it is possible to hart progression of the metamorphosis through the administration of the G-vaccine antigen. The following procedure details its synthesis. The vaccine creation requires the base vaccine. This can be arranged by the activator VAM. First set the empty cartridge to the VAM and activate it. After the several moments the process will be complete and the white-color base vaccine will be set in the cartridge automatically. Then confirm the green light is on, remove the cartridge and proceed to the next step. Once the base vaccine has been prepared, set it in the vaccine synthesis machine located in the P-4 level experiment room. The machine is fully automated and only requires the user to push the sequence start switch. At this point, the program will run automatically and synthesis will be complete within approximately 10 seconds. As the synthesis of DEVIL is an extremely delicate process, the quality will vary with slight shocks or changes in temperature. Careful handling is required for the proper results.

The post Resident Evil 2 Files appeared first on Rely on Horror.

How could this have happened, Barry? The town’s been overrun by zombies and has literally become a nightmare on Earth.

As you know, my concern for the town is as great as your own. I have waited for your arrival on the assumption you were still in the area, but the threat of my shop being overwhelmed by zombies has become too great.

I’ve already distributed the majority of weapons and ammo to the town’s survivors including the Raging Bull you special ordered. I hope you understand, given the circumstances.

At any rate, I have no intention of pointlessly sacrificing my life and will be retreating to Stone Ville.

If you get this message, meet me there. We’ll go fishing…

Robert Kendo

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JILL’S NOTE
(File 08/16)

It all began as an ordinary day in September. An ordinary day in Raccoon City. A city controlled by Umbrella.

No one dared to oppose them. That and the lack of strength would ultimately lead to their destruction.

I suppose they had to suffer the consequences of their actions but there would be no forgiveness. If only they had had the courage to fight…

But it’s true that once the wheels of justice began to turn, nothing could stop them. Nothing.

It was Raccoon City’s last chance… And my last chance, my last escape…

——————————————————————————–

JILL’S REPORT
(File 01/16)

July 24th, 1998

Raccoon Forest:

The following documents were obtained at a sanitarium owned by Umbrella Corp.:

“Umbrella Bio Organic Weapon Publicity Material”
Dev. Code: MA-39 Cerberus
Dev. Code: MA-121 Hunter
Dev. Code: Fi-3 Neptune
Dev. Code: T-002 Tyrant

In addition to the above, it is believed that several other B.O.W. were created by means of accidental infection.

During the course of the tests, it was discovered that the contagion is not limited to human beings, and may pose a hazardous risk to plant and animal lifeforms.

Effective means of controlling this contagion have yet to be found.

Raccoon City Police Department
S.T.A.R.S. Alpha Team
Jill Valentine

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JOURNALIST’S NOTE
(File 12/16)

As I write this, my hands shake with anger and fear. The civilians of this town have been blockaded by the military. And though I sigh for the survivors of the town, I still
feel that it’s the best decision. They cannot take the chance of the disease spreading any further.

I am going to make it my top priority to discover what has caused this incredibly dangerous incident. So far, I have only found out that the disease is not airborne.

——————————————————————————–

OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
(File 03/16)

Orders for Special Agent Hunk are as follows:

Penetrate Umbrella research facility located outside of Raccoon city.
Recover G-virus sample from Dr. William Birkin.

You are authorized to use any means necessary to secure this sample.

Upon recovery, sample is to be delivered to Loire Village.
Failure on this mission is not an option.

French Division
R&D Facility Head Manager
Christine Henri

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OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
(File 06/16)

September 1st

Following six months of intensive training, my body’s edge had returned.

I was a good soldier, but they ordered my execution with no reason given. I was tortured and forced to give a false confession.

But on the morning of my execution, a miracle happened. The company had helped me out, giving me a second lease on life.

September 15th

I ended my vacation short and returned to the HQ office. It looks like my UBCS unit’s been called into action.

Umbrella maintains its own paramilitary unit to counter corporate terrorism and V.I.P. abduction. In addition, they have nightmen who specialize in handling problems caused by
illegal products.

I’m currently a member of the latter.

September 28th

Dawn’s here, but we’re still slogging through this nightmare. There are no provisions of any kind here. The undead walk the streets feeding upon the flesh of the living.

Given the choice again, I would rather have been executed.
Death row was a heavenly asylum compared to this place.

I’ve chosen to pull the trigger myself, in the hope that my dead body won’t come back to life.

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BRAD’S NOTE
(File 10/16)

No!!

It’s that monster in the black suit again! Why does that thing keep chasing me?! What did I do? This must be someone’s sick idea of a joke.

If I knew things were going to end up like this, I would have left the S.T.A.R.S. team a long time ago.

But whining won’t help me now. I know I’m finished…

Oh… In my hometown Delucia, I bet the flowers are in bloom.
If I could only see them once more before I die…

Brad Vickers

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WANTED AD
(File 15/16)

NEW POSITIONS AVAILABLE!!
Umbrella Inc. Raccoon Branch FULL TIME (Includes benefits)

WHO ARE WE?
As the number one pharmaceutical corporation in the world, we are constantly reaching for new ways to expand and grow.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR?
We’re looking for healthy, dedicated, and single individuals of any race, religion, or sex.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE:
Sales, Service, Production, etc.

Requirements:
No Experience needed, but you must have a clean bill of health.

Overseas positions are also available!

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MA-121 PROGRESS REPORT
(File 02/16)

As a result of the scheduled product improvement plans for the MA120, productions of the latest multi Purpose B.O.W. MA121-Hunter has been completed.

Although the Hunter has demonstrated high performance exceeding expectations as a B.O.W., in the interest of producing improved products with higher levels of usability and enhanced power, Hunter-R and additional enhanced B.O.W.s are currently under development.

There should be no shortage of practical applications for current products under development.

William Birkin

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DARIO’S NOTE
(File 05/16)

I can’t help but wonder if anyone will read these words, but writing them will help me maintain my sanity if nothing else.

After I’ve become a meal for those undead monsters, will the G.I.s responsible for sealing off the town laugh upon discovering my corpse?

So is this how it’s supposed to end? I don’t want to die. I’m just not ready…

My wife, daughter, mother…
My entire family has been killed. But none of that matters anymore. Right now, my life is the only important thing.
That’s all that matters.

I never would have pictured my end to be like this. I had so much left to do. Rather than becoming a salesman, I should have tried my hand at being a novelist. It’s what I’ve always wanted, but my mother would only tell me you have a long way to go.

Why did I ever listen to her?

But this looks like the end for the great Dario Rosso, novelist extraordinare. Cut down before his prime…

——————————————————————————–

UMBRELLA MEMO
(File 11/16)

Dear Dr. Birkin,

It has come to my attention that we are currently experiencing a shortage of APL-14. To counteract this problem I am asking you and several other labs to donate five cases of APL-14 to our facility immediately.

For your information, we have discovered, that our base in the South Pole is primarily responsible for this shortage.

We are currently taking steps to prevent this from happening in the future. And don’t worry, the Ashford’s reputation is now irreparably tarnished.

Your quick response is greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Joel Allman
Vice-president
USA Branch
September 15

——————————————————————————–

RACCOON CITY PAMPHLET
(File 16/16)

City Guide No. 12
–A Brief Look–

Hello and welcome to Raccoon City! As you will notice, our city is a clean and private town dedicated to families. Raccoon City has partnered with our friends at Umbrella Inc., in order to generate unprecedented growth and stability. Umbrella Inc. is a highly regarded and well funded corporation that cares about its employees. They have helped to create many public facilities to make this city a better place for everyone.

As we look to the future, I will continue to support Umbrella Inc. in terms of new business developments.

Please enjoy your stay in my lovely city. Thank you.

Michael Warren
Raccoon City Mayor

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DAVID’S LETTER
(File 07/16)

My sanity is at its end… I still can’t believe this is happening. We lost another man yesterday. Meyer; one of our better marksmen. He saw me panic once we were overrun by the zombies but he came back to save me.

But when the time came to return the debt, I ran.

I can still hear him calling out my name. I can still hear the screams coming from behind. The sound of his flesh being stripped from its bones. I was afraid… terrified…

It’s the 27th. The fight to stay alive continues. I took out several zombies who managed to break through the barricades. Now I’m cutting through the chill with whisky, unloading my
Mossberg on anything undead. That shotgun’s become a close friend of mine. I’ve blasted many a zombie into fertilizer with it.

We’ve lost 12 men as of yesterday. In 3 hours, we’ll bicker about trivial things in the meeting room. It’s a total waste of time. When I finish this bottle, my old friend Mossberg will be turning one last body into fertilizer.

Peace at last.
I can hardly wait…

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REBECCA’S REPORT
(File 09/16)

On July 23rd, an MP vehicle was found inside the Arklay Mountains. Corpses of MP members and an unidentified body were found near the vehicle.

According to the information from military authorities, the unidentified body was identified as former ensign Billy Koen, who was sentenced the death penalty following a court-martial on July 22nd. While Koen was on transfer via Navy MP escort, they must have experienced some kind of accident.

The corpses were severely mauled, apparently torn apart by unidentified wild animals.

The following day we returned to the location to recover the bodies but they were nowhere to be found.

Military authorities have requested that we turn over Koen’s body as proof of his death. But due to the circumstances described above, it will be a difficult task to recover the corpse.

I am requesting that this case be temporarily closed until further notice.

Raccoon City Police Department
S.T.A.R.S. Alpha Team
Rebecca Chambers

——————————————————————————–

CHRIS’S REPORT
(File 14/16)

Dear Chief,

Below is my account of what led up to the explosion of the mansion:

On July 23rd, S.T.A.R.S. Bravo team, led by Captain Marini, went to investigate the bizarre homicides that occurred in the Arklay Mountains. After contact with team’s chopper was lost, S.T.A.R.S. Alpha team, lead by Captain Wesker went in.

We found the remains of Bravo team’s helicopter on the ground. After landing we were immediately attacked by bloodthirsty dogs. We later discovered that these dogs were
actually zombie dogs as they did not even feel our gunfire. After Joseph Frost was killed, we were forced to retreat to a nearby mansion.

After further investigating the mansion, we learned that it was actually a secret laboratory of Umbrella Inc..

All researchers were turned into zombies by some type of unknown virus. We also discovered that Umbrella was using that lab as a testing area for new Bio Organic Weapons.

We found the dead bodies of some of the Bravo team members including Enrico Marini, Kenneth Sullivan, Forest Speyer, and Richard Aiken. We believe that those Bio Organic Weapons caused their deaths.

After that we discovered that Captain Wesker was actually working with Umbrella and that both Alpha and Bravo teams were being used as live test subjects for the Bio Organic Weapons. Wesker had betrayed us!

We barely managed to survive that nightmare. However, since the mansion exploded, there is no evidence to support our claims of Umbrella’s secret lab or the Bio Organic Weapons.

The zombie phenomenon that has been occurring in the city is extremely similar to the zombies we saw at the mansion. We suspect that Umbrella is somehow linked to all this.

In order to solve this mystery and put an end to the zombies that are roaming the city, I propose we launch a formal investigation into Umbrella.

Thank you for your attention to this extremely important matter.

Chris Redfield
S.T.A.R.S. Alpha Team

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MOTHER VIRUS REPORT
(File 13/16)

The Mother Virus was first discovered by Ozwell E. Spencer.
And it was him, who founded Umbrella Inc.. As time passed, Spencer’s research was succeeded to Dr. J. Marcus. However, Dr. Marcus abused his power and had to be fired.

Following Dr. Marcus came Dr. William Birkin. Dr. Birkin’s experiments delivered many outstanding results including the T-virus. It is presumed that that he will be finishing work on the more powerful G-virus in the near future.

Currently, research on the Mother Virus takes place at our laboratories all over the world. In the near future, we hope to discover many new viruses.

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