2. Resident Evil 2
Oh, this was such a hard choice. With RE2 at number two, you guys should be able to guess the number one game. But while RE2 didn't top this list, don't take that as a sign of it being inadequate. On the contrary, RE2 certainly has some elements going for it that at times makes it better than the number one game, but the overall package can't quite beat the top game. Where RE1 brought fans to the RE universe, RE2 made them stay. Sequels tend to have a lot to live up to, but RE2 delivered. The plot follows Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield as they enter Raccoon City only to find that the city has been turned into a zombie infested nightmare. It was easier to connect to Leon and Claire, as opposed to Jill and Chris from RE1 who were part of an elite group, since they never received special training of any kind at all. Leon was a rookie cop, while Claire just a young woman searching for her brother (Chris). This game was full of drive and purpose, mostly brought on by a pretty good plot and story, complemented by interesting side-characters. The best part of the game, was that you got to experience both main characters' struggle through their ordeal. Say you finished the game with Claire, you'd be able to then play as Leon and see the events that unfolded during Claire's progress from his perspective. It even brought on gameplay and story changes, where items, equipment and bosses would be different in either playthrough. You could also start off using Leon and then continue on to Claire, basically meaning you had FOUR different playthroughs to experience. And whilst there were a lot of similarities within the playthroughs, there was enough variety in the gameplay and story points (some only available through one particular playthrough) that playing all four didn't feel like a chore. RE2 still shared the same basic formula as RE1, the good and the bad. It was just bigger and better. Heck, you even get to play as a little child briefly, the epitome of survival horror. And if you don't have much issue with the tank-like controls or awkward cameras (I never did really), it's a fine game to play. Overall, RE2 probably has the best plot progression in the series, which is a big driving force behind the game's enjoyment. If you can stand the old-school issues, you'll easily fall in love with this game.