Resident Evil 2 places players in a survival horror experience on PC where action and tension define every encounter. The Claire Costume: 98' option lets users switch Claire Redfield to her original low-polygon 1998 appearance directly from the costume menu, adding a layer of retro visual style to the modern remake.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on exploration through the Raccoon City police station, sewers, and surrounding areas while managing limited ammunition and healing items. Players control either Leon Kennedy or Claire Redfield in third-person perspective, engaging zombies and other threats with firearms, knives, and environmental objects. Inventory management requires frequent decisions about what to carry or discard, and puzzles involve finding keys, combining items, and activating mechanisms to progress.
Stealth elements appear when facing the relentless Tyrant pursuer, who cannot be permanently defeated and forces players to hide or run rather than fight. Supporting characters briefly become playable in certain sections, shifting focus to different abilities such as stealth or gadget use. Resource scarcity and enemy placement encourage careful planning over direct confrontation in most situations.
Game Modes
The main experience consists of separate campaigns for Leon and Claire, each with a first run that sets up the story and a second run unlocked after completion. The second run alters item locations, enemy placements, and puzzle solutions while providing the full conclusion to the narrative.
Difficulty options include Assisted for more generous item drops and easier enemies, Standard for balanced challenge, and Hardcore which increases enemy strength and removes autosaves in favor of limited ink ribbon saves at typewriters. Additional standalone modes become available after the main campaigns, including The 4th Survivor and Tofu Survivor scenarios that task players with surviving gauntlets of enemies as specific characters. The Ghost Survivors mode offers alternate what-if scenarios featuring side characters attempting to reach extraction points with unique enemy types and resupply options.
Costume Integration and Nostalgia
Selecting the 98' costume for Claire replaces her standard model with the blocky, low-detail design from the original 1998 release. This change affects only her visual appearance and does not alter gameplay mechanics or animations. The option sits alongside other unlockable outfits and provides a direct visual callback for players familiar with the classic version.
Access happens instantly through the dedicated costume menu once the DLC is installed, allowing seamless switching at any point during a play session. The low-polygon style stands out against the remake's detailed environments, creating a deliberate contrast that highlights the evolution of the series.
Is It Worth Playing?
Players who enjoy single-player survival horror with resource management and puzzle-solving will find the experience rewarding, particularly when the 98' costume adds personal nostalgia. The campaigns deliver multiple playthroughs through the first and second runs plus bonus modes that extend replay value without requiring online features.
Those seeking pure action or multiplayer elements may find the deliberate pacing and inventory focus less appealing. The game remains fully supported on PC with the costume option available as a standalone addition that enhances replay for fans of the original 1998 title.
