Capcom’s iconic Resident Evil 2 has made a return to arcades with a new twist, as Resident Evil 2: Dead Shot takes center stage in a lightgun-based, on-rails experience. Developed in collaboration with Bandai Namco, this fresh arcade version is already up and running at Namco Funscape in Romford, UK.
Players can now step into the shoes of Leon and Claire as they fight their way through the infamous Raccoon City police station, battling zombies and uncovering hidden horrors.
The game splits the original Resident Evil 2 narrative into five episodes, with the first two available to play. The initial episode, titled Prologue, sets the stage for a heart-pounding journey through Raccoon City. The second episode, Hunted, kicks things up a notch with more intense action as players join forces to fend off the zombie horde.
Graphically, Resident Evil 2: Dead Shot pulls from the 2019 remake of the game, offering a visually enhanced experience that stays true to its roots. As players progress through the police station, they face familiar foes like zombie cops and even zombie dogs, all while taking in the iconic setting.
Controls are simple yet satisfying, with a lightgun for aiming and shooting. Like many classic arcade lightgun games, you’ll need to manually reload by pointing the gun away from the screen and pulling the trigger. This adds an extra layer of strategy, making reloading faster when done manually rather than waiting for the automatic reload.
The game is currently available for testing at Namco Funscape, but it’s unclear how long it will remain in place. If you’re lucky enough to catch it, look for the neon red-lit cabinet featuring Leon, Claire, and Ada Wong’s images. With the franchise’s 30th anniversary approaching, Resident Evil 2: Dead Shot serves as a fun nod to the roots of this survival-horror series, ahead of the upcoming Resident Evil: Requiem, which will continue the narrative of Raccoon City.
The world of arcade games may be shrinking, but Dead Shot offers a fantastic throwback for those lucky enough to experience it. It’s an experience many are eager to revisit, especially with the return of familiar characters and settings.