Picking up major traction with both fans and critics as well as succeeding exceptionally on a financial level, Resident Evil 2 turned out to be one of the most acclaimed entries in the Resident Evil franchise to date. It was unanimously praised for managing to recapture the tone of the original Resident Evil 2 perfectly, using new visuals and mechanics to spruce up the iconic story. However, while a host of new features were used to bring the PlayStation classic to modern consoles, it appears Capcom’s recent remake left a fair amount on the cutting room floor.
Discussed in a recent round table discussion about Resident Evil 2, the game’s developers revealed a number of cut features for the new game. These included a variety of alternate perspectives that could be used instead of the over-the-shoulder angle used in the game and even brand new areas.
The former would’ve seen the return of the first-person perspective utilized in Resident Evil 7, seeing the player take on an even more immersive viewpoint as they traveled throughout the eerie hallways of the Raccoon City Police Department. Capcom also considered implementing the classic fixed perspective used in Resident Evil 2. Both would no doubt have their supporters, with some praising the shift to a first-person perspective in Resident Evil 7 and diehard fans of the original three titles often citing the fixed perspective as the tensest to date.
The discussion also highlighted the potential for a few levels surrounding the player escaping Raccoon City, with a number of ideas apparently coming to fruition before the plan was scrapped. Supposedly, there was a driving mission in development and some sequence involving a cable car, although not much more was decided upon before Capcom opted to drop the idea. With Resident Evil 2’s expanded technical proficiency, there’s no denying these ideas could’ve made for interesting new insights into the Raccoon City outbreak, but perhaps Capcom will keep the features locked away for a future new title or remake.
Of course, Capcom will attempt to repeat the rampant success of Resident Evil 2 when they release a remake of the franchise’s third entry in just a few months’ time. While it remains to be seen what the core gameplay of Resident Evil 3 will look like, some of the trailer sequences appear to hint that some form of Resident Evil 7’s first-person camera might be making its way to the game. Although it's just speculation, perhaps the feature might’ve been saved to implement into the remake of the third game. Luckily, fans won't have to wait long to find out.
Resident Evil 2 is available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.