Which ending of RE2 is canon?

Which Ending of RE2 is Canon?

The Resident Evil 2 remake, released in 2019, has sparked debate among fans about which ending is canon. The game’s original 1998 version had two possible endings, Claire A and Leon B, but the remake has introduced new elements that have further complicated the issue. In this article, we’ll delve into the canonicity of each ending and explore the implications of the remake’s changes.

The Original RE2 Endings

The original Resident Evil 2 (1998) had two possible endings, depending on the player’s choices throughout the game. Claire A and Leon B are the two endings, which differ mainly in the final confrontation with Birkin. In Claire A, Leon kills Birkin, while in Leon B, Claire does. This dichotomy has led to debate about which ending is the "true" ending.

The Remake’s Changes

The Resident Evil 2 remake has introduced new elements that have altered the original game’s story. The remake has a single campaign, with both Claire and Leon playable characters. The game’s story is presented in a non-linear fashion, with the player experiencing events from both characters’ perspectives.

Claire A and Leon B: Canonically Speaking

According to Capcom, the creators of the Resident Evil series, Claire A and Leon B are the canon endings. In an interview, Capcom stated that the remake’s story is a retelling of the original game’s story, with the two playable characters serving as a means to explore different perspectives.

The Broken Umbrella Achievement/Trophy

Another point to consider is the Broken Umbrella achievement/trophy, which can be unlocked by completing the game’s second run. This achievement/trophy implies that the game’s true ending is the one where Leon kills Birkin, as the description mentions that the player must "clear the game with Leon".

Implications of the Remake’s Changes

The remake’s changes have significant implications for the canonicity of each ending. The game’s non-linear storytelling and dual playable characters blur the lines between the original endings. While Claire A and Leon B are still considered canon, the remake’s changes suggest that the game’s true ending is a combination of both endings.

A New Perspective

The Resident Evil 2 remake’s changes offer a fresh perspective on the original game’s story. By presenting both Claire and Leon’s perspectives, the game encourages players to explore different interpretations of the story. This new perspective highlights the complexity of the Resident Evil universe, where multiple endings and timelines coexist.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, Claire A and Leon B are the canon endings of Resident Evil 2, as confirmed by Capcom. The remake’s changes have introduced new elements that have altered the original game’s story, but the game’s core narrative remains intact. The Broken Umbrella achievement/trophy suggests that the true ending is the one where Leon kills Birkin. Ultimately, the Resident Evil 2 remake offers a new perspective on the original game’s story, inviting players to explore different interpretations of the Resident Evil universe.

Table: The Original RE2 Endings

Bullets: Key Points to Remember

• Claire A and Leon B are the canon endings of Resident Evil 2.
• The remake’s changes have introduced new elements that alter the original game’s story.
• The Broken Umbrella achievement/trophy suggests that the true ending is the one where Leon kills Birkin.
• The remake’s non-linear storytelling and dual playable characters blur the lines between the original endings.
• The game’s core narrative remains intact, with both Claire and Leon’s perspectives serving as a means to explore different interpretations of the story.