Latest Batch of Short Resident Evil 2 Clips Shines the Spotlight on the Birkin Family
Capcom has released another set of video previews to get you hyped for the upcoming remake.
By Chris Morse
Capcom's "RE:2 Report" continues with another five preview videos that show off specific elements of the upcoming game in very brief fashion. We've already seen these short clips highlight certain items, enemies, or characters, but this latest round focuses in on the Birkin family, whose individual fates closely intertwine with the narrative of the game.
In these clips, we have the married scientists, William and Annette Birkin, as well as their daughter, Sherry, who is unfortunately wrapped up in the nightmare her parents helped set into motion. You've already seen gameplay footage of William's mutated forms as well as some story previews involving protagonist Claire Redfield and Sherry, whose journey brings her into the crosshairs of the extremely creepy police chief, Brian Irons.
Perhaps the most interesting video in this batch is the fourth, which shows Leon going up against William G1, the first form of the mutated scientist in a very similar setting that Claire fights the battle in, based on earlier clips. If you are a fan of the original game, you might remember that the game had A and B scenarios that play out a little differently depending on which character you tackle first. Could this video hint that something like that is making it into the game after all?
There is not yet any official word that the remake might feature a similar system but it is certainly curious to see such a change-up from previous footage a month or so away from the game's release. This could also indicate that the two characters' campaigns might overlap or repeat in ways that the original did not but the footage we have seen so far has made that seem unlikely. For now, we'll hold out some optimism that there might still be a few secrets the fine folks at Capcom have held close to their vests. In the meantime, let's check out the new clips, shall we?
[relatedArticle-0]In case you missed it, you can find a recap of the game's bonus content below, including a look at the deluxe edition, which features additional costumes, reversible slipcover artwork, a special weapon, and even a throwback to the original game’s soundtrack. All pre-orders will also include the classic Jill and Chris models of the Samurai Edge handgun.
The most interesting bonus costume for the deluxe edition, in our opinion, is Claire’s "Elza Walker" outfit. Long-time fans of the series may remember this name and look from the unreleased beta version of Resident Evil 2, dubbed Resident Evil 1.5 by fans. Back then, the game was far along in development before the concept was scrapped and Capcom settled on the classic game we all know and love, which is, of course, the one now being remade.
Claire also has a military outfit while she and Leon both have a special "Noir" costume. The latter very much gives us a vibe for The Evil Within. Leon's other bonus costume, the "Arklay Sheriff" outfit, pays homage to The Walking Dead and gives our rookie police officer the more polished look of Rick Grimes.
Also included in the deluxe edition is Albert Wesker's Samurai Edge, which seems to always make an appearance in newer Resident Evil games, a reversible slipcover featuring Leon on one side and Claire on the other, and finally, a retro soundtrack swap that allows you play through this remake while listening to the classic ambience of the original game
Resident Evil 2 arrives on January 25th, 2019 and will be available on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
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