Resident Evil 2 Remake - Platinum Review #3
March 16, 2026
Resident Evil 2’s Platinum is an enjoyable experience but only for survival horror fans. The numerous trophy challenges require you to know the game through and through with no shortcuts. But what comes out of this experience is a deep appreciation to the well crafted level design, replayability and tense action the game delivers.
A guide will likely be needed for some collectible locations and details on the most efficient playthrough needed. With existing knowledge the Platinum can be completed in 4 playthroughs otherwise 6+ playthroughs will likely be needed. The first two playthroughs, covering collectibles, story and miscellaneous trophies. The next two focused on the last few remaining collectibles, difficulty and true ending trophies. With the last two aimed at the hardest difficulty. Some clean up runs for other challenges may also be needed. Totalling in about 30 hours.
Main Story
Resident evil 2’s main story trophies are split between 2 characters, each with a first and slightly different second run. Its an incredible journey that is just almost perfect.
In the midst of a zombie outbreak in Raccoon City. Playable characters, Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield find some solace in the R.P.D police station. The writing quality in story and characters is far from any award winning material but the charm is undeniable. The b-movie plot is straight out of a 80’s hollywood action film that never takes itself to seriously, giant monsters, evil corporations and mad scientist are all delivered with a straight face.
The key and defining feature of this game is in its stellar level design. Every bit of Resident evil 2’s progression is shrouded in mystery. It’s never straightforward on how or where you will complete your main objective. Forcing you to explore each area deeply for new key items and knowledge for puzzle solutions. Many areas will have to be visited more than once but it never feels cumbersome. Each objective is perfectly placed on the map which maintains the enjoyable balance of new discoveries and tense combat. While some locations are designed better than others they all look and feel distinct.
Resident Evil 2 leans closer to the survival horror nature then it’s action counter parts, leading to terrifying moments you will never forget. The constant presence of danger surrounds you and will never be given enough resources to fully cool your sanity. Conserving limited ammo is a must when it takes a lot of bullets to take down one zombie. The gameplay focuses more on strategy and navigating around enemies rather then a direct approach.
Where it falls short is in its mandatory second runs. The locations of key items and enemy locations have been changed adding some variety. But for the most part feels far too similar to the first playthrough. These second runs try to show what the other character was doing during your initial run, but the game never fully commits to this idea. Resulting in a sequence of events that feels inconsistent and only partially realized.
Side Content
Side content trophies mainly lock you in to specific play styles. It can feel rewarding but won’t be for everybody unless you’re truly enjoying the game and willing to stomach more playthroughs. Fortunately, with how the game is designed subsequent runs will be dramatically shorter than your first. Now that key item locations and puzzle solutions should already be known.
Getting all collectibles will be needed for the platinum. Thankfully, each collectible is worth obtaining even if trophies are not your main objective. Most offer useful in game rewards or small pieces of story for Resident Evil lore fans. Getting max inventory slots for A Waist of Space - Expand inventory slots to max. , or weapon upgrades through unlocking all safes and locks for Master of Unlocking - Open all of the safes and locks in the game is a great asset regardless of trophies.
There are four difficulty related trophies. The first two trophies Leon "S" Kennedy - Complete Leon's story on "Standard" or "Hardcore" with an S rank , and Sizzling Scarlet Hero - Complete Claire's story on "Standard" or "Hardcore" with an S rank . Since time is the only factor in ranks, obtaining this trophy on “Standard” is trivial. It’s unlikely you will obtain these trophies blind on your first run, but almost certainly on your second. There is still some satisfaction in returning to areas and breezing your way to one key item location to another. But it’s definitely not showing you anything new.
The Hardcore trophies Hardcore Rookie - Complete Leon's story on "Hardcore" mode , and Hardcore College Student - Complete Claire's story on "Hardcore" , can be fun because it forces you to think about the game in a different way. It won’t be fun for more action-oriented players who can’t help but kill everything in sight. It’s a large jump in difficulty with even regular zombies becoming a major threat. Enemies have a lot more health, deal more damage, you have no auto saves and even less resources.The game becomes more about avoiding enemies as much as possible and planning every route you take to prioritize safety. Some unlockable weapons earned through other trophies can lighten the intensity but running away from everything will still be top priority.
Unique to many Resident Evil games are full playthrough challenges. These trophies can be enjoyable in a similar fashion to the Hardcore playthrough, where you play the game in a different light. Again, these trophies are not for everyone, but worthwhile for big fans. Trophies like Frugalist - Complete the game without using a recovery item , forces you to be extremely cautious with every enemy encounter. Minimalist - Clear the game without opening the item box , requires you to think twice with every item you pick up because of your limited inventory space. It is possible to complete multiple challenges at the same time it can be difficult to manage all these constraints all at once.
The 4th Survivor is an extra mode that is pure action. This trophy for Grim Reaper - Complete "The 4th Survivor" extra mode , is perfect for breaking up the slower pace of the main story. Your goal is to reach your destination within the time limit but have a plethora of zombies in your way. You will be unloading a full arsenal of weapons but will still need to play it smart. Your still very vulnerable and the end is a lot further then you think.
Resident Evil 2 Remake’s Platinum trophy is rewarding for overcoming challenges unique to its series. Its main story lacks variety at times but its progression and tension is immaculate. Side content is supplemented with plenty of replayability for those who can’t get enough.