Few words can describe the genuine survival-horror feel of Resident Evil 2.
In other words, Resident Evil 2 carries on the survival-horror DNA of its predecessor - along with pretty much everything else that made that game so great. This game is not an experience to be missed, and anyone with even the slightest interest in zombies, a cool cop and a biker chick will sure enjoy Resident Evil 2.
A history lesson to note, for those not familiar with Resident Evil: the whole franchise revolves around zombies, or any life-form that comes in contact with the virus that causes organisms to become "zombified". Just putting that out there, in case you thought this was some sort of slasher film. It also revolves around conspiracy, and uncovering the mystery behind the shady Umbrella Corporation. If there's a zombie outbreak, someone's got to be responsible.
The story in Resident Evil 2 does walk across that familiar line of the storytelling aspect of the series, but it does things differently this time around. You play as two characters, just like in the first game, except Jill Valentine and Chris Redfield aren't back for this one. This time around, the main characters are Leon S. Kennedy - a rookie cop on his first and only day as a Raccoon City police officer, and Claire Redfield - the sister of Chris. I'm not going to spoil much, other than the fact that they get separated in the beginning. This is where the innovative "Zapping System" breaks the mold. The Zapping System is a Resident Evil invention - if I may put it that way - and it works with two playable characters that both have to be played as to understand the whole story. For example, if you play through the game as Claire, you might find out hidden plot details you didn't know about when you played as Leon. Several actions within the game that you make as one character can affect the conditions of the next character on the next playthrough. If you open a locker with a submachine gun as Leon, you can choose to take it with you or save it for Claire - should she ever find it.
I'm just letting you know that if you've played any Resident Evil title after the second one, you're missing out on some serious story here. Many characters from the later games have their origins explained here.
The gameplay's relatively the same as well, though more additions have been added to make Resident Evil 2 a much more immersive experience. For one, the pre-rendered backgrounds are of a much higher caliber than the previous game, and character models look sharper and details on zombies have been increased - from blood stains on their shirts to missing limbs. Other changes have been made as well. If your character is hurt (in this case, Leon), he'll start attempting to clot open wounds by putting his arm to his stomach. If he's seriously wounded, he'll start limping and his running speed is greatly decreased. This all adds to the realism of this game, and the feeling of eluding a zombie whilst limping and hoping to get away is chilling. Many mechanics from the first game, such as the use of herbs to recover health, and the puzzles have returned in this installment.
In the sound and music department, Resident Evil 2 is flawless. The gritty sound effects of zombies moaning, the tinkering of shell cases on the ground and the crackling flames of the grenade launcher are all believable. Music-wise, Resident Evil 2's soundtrack is Hollywood-worthy - especially in the ambient and action sequences of the game. Moody and minimalist dark tones set a great mood for an unfortunate police department that got overrun by zombies, and heavily orchestrated music gives the Hollywood feel to the more fast-paced setpieces. Many complain about the crummy voice-acting of the game, but I found it rather forgivable. The script was at least better-sounding than the first one.
The game is scary as hell, and numerous times throughout the game I was caught off-guard by the more jumpier moments. The obscure camera angles hide what's around the corner, and the sound of a zombie moaning around the corner and not being able to see it is terrifying. Each and every zombie looks realistic for its time and the animations for them are enough to give you nightmares - even daymares. It isn't limited to humans either - even animals such as dogs and birds seem hostile, and mutated experiments are ferocious. The first time I found the game particularly frightening, but the second time around playing as Claire, I felt even more afraid. Because the game expects you to know what scares await from the experience as Leon, the game finds different ways to scare you. Very few games succeed to provide an even more enjoyable experience the second time, especially in the horror genre.
Long after both playthroughs are completed, it isn't over yet. There are two scenarios for each character, which could potentially mean four playthroughs, and unlockables such as extra missions and gameplay options elongate the replay value of this already-massive game (depending if you have the DualShock version). An unforgettable story with believable characters, a disturbing atmosphere coupled with unsettling music makes Resident Evil 2 the best Sony PlayStation game I've ever played. Few words can describe the genuine survival-horror feel of Resident Evil 2.
I could go on and on, and continue praising this masterpiece. But I can't write forever. So I'm going to let Resident Evil 2 speak for me.