In this day and age, we are constantly bombarded by various forms of movie reboots, video game remakes/remasters, and fashion trends that make a comeback. I mean, bucket hats made a comeback… think about that for a second. It seems to be difficult to attain something original and unique as it feels like a large majority of what makes something successful has already been done. As a result, we can’t help but continuously look back to successful past events and yearn to experience them in today’s day and age. One successful past event that is continuously asked to make a comeback, is Resident Evil 2.
Not only is it the sequel to a game that made a mark on the survival horror genre, but it in itself was a game changing instalment in the Resident Evil series. However, as years went by, other RE games were produced while others were given the remake/remaster treatment – RE2 has yet to be touched upon. The original RE game was given a director’s cut, remake, port to the DS, AND an HD remaster of the remake. So what’s the deal? Why is there no love for RE2? Instead of trying to understand why there isn’t any love for RE2, let’s try to see if there’s hope for it to actually make a comeback. With some of the things that have been going on, it’s hinting towards a possible announcement for an HD remake/remaster of RE2. What are these things you ask? Well, allow me to tell you 5 of them in hope that we may be seeing it soon.
Capcom’s Focus on HD Remasters
“HD remasters of our catalogue hit titles will be one of our key business activities” said Capcom in a Q&A as part of a financial briefing. “Catalogue hit titles”… what could that entail? For one, it was recently announced that a Mega Man Legacy Collection – which includes the original six Mega Man games – will be hitting digital stores in the summer. We also got RE HD Remaster, and then the announcement for RE 0 HD Remaster. Not only is Capcom bringing back unexpected, classic games, but also ones that have been sought out for. It’s even more of an indication with two RE HD remasters made, that other RE games – like RE2 – may get the same treatment. All I can say is I’m ready to swim in a pile of HD remasters in the near future.
The Push for Digital Sales
Again, in the same Q&A above, Capcom states that they have “started aggressive digital download sales activities” because of the difficulty to sell retail versions of HD remasters overseas. While I do prefer physical copies for my game purchases, it’s becoming difficult to justify when the digital versions are constantly on sale and obtainable with a mere click of a button. Even now, many games have digital-only releases which gives you no choice but to ask yourself only one question – “do I want this game or not?”. Given the push for digital sales, it will be easier to not only distribute future titles, but also obtain them. In addition, it may just be cheaper to purchase as well, given the popular and reoccurring flash sales and seasonal deals digital stores employ. It gives a glimmer of hope for an easier and more likely access to an HD remake/remaster of RE2.
Record Breaking Sales for Resident Evil HD Remaster
Resident Evil HD Remaster is currently the fastest selling digital game in Capcom’s history. This is great news, if not amazing news. With great sales like this, especially for an RE game, it’ll definitely open up more doors for future RE games to get the same HD treatment. If sales are happening, money is flowing in, and fans are happy, this approach will inevitably influence future plans Capcom could possibly act upon. Fans are showing what they want by supporting this approach to HD remasters by purchasing it. The original RE had a director’s cut, remake, port to the DS, AND an HD remaster of the remake – five different versions of the same game and yet still was able to achieve record breaking sales on its fifth rendition. If this isn’t a display of fan support, or at least a sign of success, I don’t know what it is. Nonetheless, record breaking sales for an HD remaster (with four other versions prior to it) is a pretty good sign an HD remake/remaster of an untouched game that is constantly being asked for could, again, break sale records. Just imagine how many people would jump at the chance to get their hands on RE2 in HD?
The Fans’ Lust for an HD Remake/Remaster is Still Going Strong
Did you know that there’s a fan remake of the RE2 game in the works? It’s being done by the people at Invader Games called Resident Evil 2 Reborn HD, which you can check out HERE. It’s looking pretty slick so far, and truly shows how dedicated and passionate fans of RE2 can be to kick start something all on their own. Similar to fan translations, this sort of work done by fans may spark Capcom to officially produce an RE2 HD remake/remaster. There’s been countless of times fans have translated certain games, only to later be presented with an announcement of an official localized release of it. While it is a bit saddening to have to go to that sort of extent just to get attention and be noticed by the official company, it shows the support of people dedicated to such a project and indicator on whether taking the action for an official release is a good one.
Taking Action Instead of Just Knowing That Action Is Yearned For
As outlined in my previous RE editorial, I have hope for the RE series for its progressive grasp on balance. It’s not a surprise that fans want the survival horror genre to make a return, and it’s definitely not new that an HD remake/remaster for RE2 is being yearned for. It seems that instead of just “knowing” fans want something, Capcom is starting to slowly act on it. Bringing back the survival horror elements in the RE Revelation games and producing HD remasters gives us hope that Capcom is starting to tend to the fans’ cries. Eventually, hopefully to the loudest cry of all – an HD remake/remaster for RE2.
While this all may sound intriguing, it’s just my two cents on the matter. However, I want to know what you think – Do you yearn for an HD remake for RE2? Do you think it will ever happen? Or are you hoping for a different RE game to be remade/remastered? Let us know your thoughts and feelings in the comments section below!