A few days ago, Capcom and GOG surprised fans by announcing that they would be re-releasing the original Resident Evil trilogy on PC. In addition to providing easier, DRM-free access to the original trilogy, GOG also revealed that the original version of Resident Evil 2 is based on the 1998 Windows PC version.
It was difficult to keep it a secret, but I’m content to announce that GOG is doing the impossible and bringing back the classic Resident Evil trilogy! I played the RE1/2 ports and here are my thoughts on my experience! I really appreciate RT! https://t.co/lh4dHfsnYd photo:twitter.com/p15HI87qTO
— Suzi Hunter (@TheSphereHunter) June 26, 2024
The message was first reported by YouTuber The Sphere Hunterwho revealed that she had the opportunity to play the first two games ahead of time — revealing that Resident Evil 2 classic was based on the original Windows PC version, not the Sourcenext version. A GOG spokesperson also confirmed this detail to IGN in an emailed statement.
If you’re unfamiliar with these two ports, the first one was released in 1998 for Windows 98, while the second one, developed by software company Sourcenext, was a WindowsXP-compatible port released exclusively in Japan in 2006.
The biggest difference between the two versions is that the Sourcenext version provided higher quality full-length movies (FMV). Many Resident Evil fans claim that the Sourcenext version was the definitive way to play Resident Evil 2 on PC. Although this version was only released in Japan, according to content creator Ultra Creed indicatedfans have used the Resident Evil 2 Classic REbirth mod to not only translate the Sourcenext version into English (without FMV), but also add support for state-of-the-art controllers and add optional gameplay features that can be enabled, such as quick turns and tactical reloads.
In our review of the original Resident Evil 2 PC version, IGN wrote, “It’s just too shallow for the average PC gamer. With so few changes from the PlayStation version, you wonder why it took Capcom three months to release it on PC.”
The original Resident Evil game is now available on GOG. Resident Evil 2 and 3 are not available yet.
Taylor is a reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
