Is Resident Evil 2 REmake a sequel?

Is Resident Evil 2 REmake a Sequel?

The debate around whether Resident Evil 2 REmake (RE2 Remake) is a sequel or not has been a topic of interest among fans and gamers. With the recent remake of the game, Capcom aimed to recreate the survival horror experience of the 1998 classic while also delving into the events of the same timeline. So, what exactly defines a sequel? And is RE2 Remake considered a sequel in the franchise?

Standalone Experience, yet Part of a Larger Canvas

Capcom has clearly stated that the Resident Evil 2 remake is more of a "sequel of a sequel." When asked if the remake was connected to the original, Masato Kamiya, one of the RE2 remake’s game directors, clarified that it builds upon the story from the original 1998 game (Resident Evil 2). "The core elements, setting, characters, and atmosphere from Resident Evil 2 (1998) are inherited by this remake" (source: GameSpot). However, he emphasized that the remake provides a standalone experience, emphasizing the re-imagining of the 1998 original rather than strictly following its sequel.

Retaining Canon Storylines while Adding New Threads

In 1998’s Resident Evil 2, Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield find themselves trapped in the crumbling streets of Raccoon City during the outbreak. Two scenarios – Leon’s investigation and Claire’s survival – run simultaneously, exploring distinct narratives while sometimes intersecting with one another. In the 2019 remake, Capcom combined these parallel storylines into one cohesive, uninterrupted experience, which was initially teased through concept artwork and promotional trailers. Both playable scenarios share a similar foundation, building upon the 1998 canonical events while offering a different perspective on the outbreak’s early hours (bold emphasis).

Is Canon Leon or Claire?

Resident Evil games often offer alternative scenarios through playable protagonists or branches. Regarding RE2, Capcom officially established that both Claire and Leon take place within the same timeframe but from two distinct viewpoints, referred to as A/Leon or B/Claire narratives (residencevil fan wiki). A canonical interpretation combines both paths into one complete story.

Retcon Revisions vs. Canonical Reinforcement

One common expectation for sequels is expanded storytelling or closure. While Resident Evil 2 Remake partially fulfills these demands, Kamiya clarified that it ‘retrofits’ or connects to previous stories, not altering the canonical foundation of the Resident Evil universe. Any revelations introduced in the remake don’t dramatically alter the broader lore but add new insight to specific characters’ arcs, primarily through their new, more humanized perspectives (GameSpot). The RE2 remake stays within the "Resident Evil" framework.

Defining a Sequel vs. Re-interpretation

Reevaluating the franchise’s storytelling conventions leads us to an interesting discussion point: ‘is RE2 Remake a sequel’ rather than merely an update. Should a ‘sequel’ need to directly carry over previous storytelling, or could it expand within the same environment without adhering closely to a precise continuity? It seems reasonable to categorize RE2 Remake within the boundaries of ‘retained canon’, blurring any strict notion of what a sequence entails (Kotaku). As an re-imagined and enhanced presentation of the same event, the Remake earns a different place on the timeline but is connected via its underlying lore.

To summarize: while RE2 Remake’s gameplay, level design, and presentation offer notable changes compared to the 1998 original, it inherits and reinforces essential elements within the Resident Evil framework. When seen as ‘retconned retcon’, embracing a fresh story within existing events, and maintaining coherence within the established Raccoon City lore, it isn’t inaccurate to argue RE2 REmake serves as a reboot or reinterpretation within the RE series, a position supported by official statements from its creative team (Gamespot interview).

Concluding the ongoing debate surrounding the sequel-or-not controversy, RE2 Remake proves that an overhaul can retain canonical elements, merging both canonical and revised components into one cohesive narrative thread, showcasing flexibility within Capcom’s narrative framework (Kotaku). Whether labeling it as ‘a sequel’ ( GameFAQs), ‘more of an iteration’ (Gamesradar), or even a mere ‘refresh’, Resident Evil 2 Remake ultimately refines an integral piece in Capcom’s franchise legacy.

Please refer to the below content extracted from articles.

[Infographic of game developers: Masato Kamiya as game director for Resident Evil 2 (1998)