Model of a survival horror game.
So why this games holds up so well? First of all, it looks good to the eye, from the graphics point of view. It's ironical, the pre-rendered background images that RE2 uses, and which were considered as already out-dated at the late 90's, in favour of environments created by the graphics engine of the game itself, like in Silent Hill, or Metal Gear Solid, they now proved to be the wisest choice. The then technically out-dated games managed to survive the test of time, unlike those which used the game's graphics engine that haven't aged so well.
Secondly, and most importantly, the premise of the game itself. It plays pretty much like the original Resident Evil game, takes place in similar indoor locations, poses similar challenges to the player, but RE2 seems to have really mastered the "Resident Evil way". It's twice as big, it's so wisely conceived, and so perfectly materialized, that makes it a true model for survival horror games. Resident Evil 2 is a pure-blooded survival horror experience without the slightest deviation from this principle. It isn't a shooter, and it doesn't feels like one at any point. The game encourages you to play methodically and patiently. With limited save points, limited items carriage capacity and scarce ammunition, this game is basically a lesson of survival. Each time that you face an enemy, each time that you have the option to save, each time that you are wounded and need to use a healing item, you are always in doubt, what to do, which is the wisest choice, that will take you further in the game. When you play it for the first time, the game is so unpredictable, and sneaky with you, that you never know when to expect the worse to come, and you can't really decide, if it is wise to take some risks and be awarded later, or be extra cautious, survive now, and see what are your chances later. In my opinion, it's not so much the creepy creatures, the spooky environments, or the bosses, but exactly this feeling of insecurity and tension, that makes this gaming experience so fearsome.
It's funny, but I've tried so many times to release the tension saying to myself: "it's an old Playstation game after all, what are you afraid of? can't you see that it isn't real?" But no luck...this game has a special power over me. And still each time that I climb down that ladder to the sewers, it always gives me the creeps the idea that I'm going to see those spiders again. Every time I start playing RE2, even if I know like the back of my hand the rooms, the corridors, the keys, and the whereabouts of the monsters, yet I always feel that sweet mixture of excitement and stress at the same time.
If you enjoy survival horror games, and you have missed playing this one, I recommend it heartily. In fact all three PS1 Resident Evil games.