When a video game character is used over and over again, they tend to be tied to a specific look. This goes especially if they’re used for a franchise with an ongoing story, and thus character development is expressed through how they look at times. Leon S. Kennedy has been a major part of the Resident Evil franchise since its second entry and has appeared several times afterward. But, with the arrival of the Resident Evil 2 Remake, Leon has to be remade with modern graphics to reflect his “rookie look”.
This was a key detail for Capcom, which they explained on the PlayStation Blog.
“Compared to later entries, the goal was to give him more of a fresh-faced rookie look in contrast to the hero that he becomes later on in the series,” said Kellen Haney.
Which makes sense, as this isn’t the hardened warrior that is barely phased by anything, but rather, a young cop who is trying to survive the impossible.
The team worked hard to make both Leon and Claire Redfield, who also got a visual overhaul, feel natural in the game itself, and they went to big lengths to do so.
“As a result, the team created a physical version of Leon’s costume, using photogrammetry technology to scan his clothes into the game and added minor details and changes afterwards.”
The setting of Raccoon City was also important to Capcom, as they wanted to make it feel depressing:
“Using the powerful RE Engine, the team has been able to achieve their goal of creating a sense of dread through these visual cues. The events ofˆResident Evil 2 take place on a rainy day in Raccoon City, causing puddles and flooding in parts of the city, while others areas are covered in the grotesque aftermath of clashes with the undead and other terrors lurking in the gloom.”
The Resident Evil 2 Remake arrives next January.
