(This article contains minor Resident Evil 2 spoilers)
Damn, how scary is Mr X in the Resident Evil 2 remake :vintydread:? Scary enough to make me quit a session early, I must confess. Nonetheless, after overcoming my fears, I started to take notes. Since I am working on Clea, the lessons will no doubt be relevant.
Note: I will refrain from sharing screenshots of Mr X, since I may not have permission to do so.
1. Audio:
Mr X’s footsteps truly put me on edge. Impressively, his footfalls sound different depending on whether he and you are in the same room. When he is in another area, his steps contain more of an echo. Great not only for realism, but also for gameplay.
I have long struggled with this in Clea. If the footsteps sound too soft, players may mistakenly think the Chaos Servant (Clea’s hunter) is a safe distance away. Make the footfalls too loud, and players may hide in closets, not daring to move even though the foe is nowhere near.
Thank you, Mr X. I too will implement different footstep types into Clea.
Players can use sound to predict the Chaos Servant's location.
2. Clarity:
In some rooms, Leon’s footsteps (or Claire’s I assume) sound similar to Mr X’s. Thanks to this, I would freeze at times because of my own footsteps. Adds to the terror, though strategy wise, it caused me some confusion.
One YouTuber said the Chaos Servant has “wet feet”. Indeed, that decision was intentional. Clea has relatively normal footsteps, so there is no chance for any mix ups.
The Chaos Servant's footfalls are distinct, so there is no need for any stoppage in the action.
3. Doors:
As far as I can tell, Mr X never reacts to doors opening/closing (could be wrong). Alien Isolation was the same way from memory. Somehow, as a gamer, this instinctively makes sense. If these villains reacted to every drop of noise, they would turn into irritants more than terrors.
Initially, I had experimented with Chaos Servants who reacted to the creaks of doors. As expected, this resulted in too much stoppage in the action, and the idea was soon scrapped. I am happy to see Resident Evil, a series I admire, appears to agree.
Feel free to open/close doors even if the Chaos Servant is nearby (subject to change).
4. Fairness:
There may be scripted bits when Mr X will pinpoint your location, but when he plays fair, it is such a thrill.
One time, I entered the library, and based on his footsteps, I knew he was in the same room. I peeked through the bookshelves, and there Mr X was, climbing a ladder as he patrolled the mansion to hunt me down. At least for one moment, I felt like I had out smarted him. These emergent moments are worthy of praise.
The Chaos Servant always plays fair.
5. Breathers:
In a game of hide and seek, moments of safety must be provided to players. Otherwise, they will never be able to make progress.
Here is a quick tip for Clea. When the Chaos Servant is in the same room but fails to locate you, he will often venture farther away so you have time to explore. Treat it as a form of reward or bonus.
After a chase like this, give players a chance to breathe.
One time, Mr X had spotted me and was on the hunt. I managed to lose his line of sight by hiding in a room. Once the tense music faded, I peeked out the door and watched as Mr X wandered nice and far away, affording me down time in the same way the Chaos Servant would. Just imagine the smile I had on my face.
Then I made too much noise, and Mr X spun right back around to clobber me :vintywhy:.
Seriously, though. Loving the hell out of Resident Evil 2, and I look forward to Claire’s route next. Clea has been progressing daily, too. Thank you for your support so far :yoyo:!