In the few weeks since the remake of Resident Evil 2 has been released, we’ve seen the speedrunning community have a field day with it. Don’t get me wrong, the game is very challenging, but it’s possible to cruise through it if you know which corners to cut and are good at dodging.
Of course, mastering such techniques is what you’ll need to do in order to achieve the elusive S+ ranking. Believe me, it won’t be easy, but here are the requirements for those bragging rights:
- Complete Scenario A in under 2.5 hours or Scenario B in under 2 hours
- Save your game only three times or less
- Don’t use any infinite ammo weapons, aside from the unbreakable combat knife
- Limit use of First Aid Sprays
The first thing you probably noticed there was being asked to achieve quite the impressive clear time, with Scenario B (or 2nd Run, if you prefer) having stricter guidelines. Actually, that’s not much more to ask because you get a higher caliber of handgun and your path through the Police Station is shorter the second time around. Still, you’ll have Mr. X on your tail more than usual.
Speaking of the sharply dressed Tyrant, you’re going to have to face him head-on if you’re hoping to blaze through the game. Normally, it’s acceptable to wait it out in a save room or some place else he can’t enter until he gives up his search for the time being, but you’re going to have to pump him with enough lead to drop him to one knee so that you may escape if you want the S+.
Now, you could argue that one can just simply evade Mr. X, though it should be noted how he has more pep in his step on Hardcore difficulty. And if you want to unlock the infinite rocket launcher (Leon) or the infinite minigun (Claire), you’re going to have to get the S+ on Hardcore. Hey, I said this wouldn’t be easy.
As stated earlier, this is all within the realm of possibility if you know which corners to cut, so it’s advised that you map out your own personal strategy after clearing the game a few times. In fact, there’s nothing wrong with playing through on Assisted in order to get a lay of the land. But much like the original Resident Evil 2 from 1998, your adventure can be generously streamlined.