A new arcade version of Capcom’s classic survival horror game, Resident Evil 2, titled “Resident Evil 2: Dead Shot,” is currently in development and an early test version is now playable at Namco Funscape in Romford, UK.
This on-rails lightgun game is the result of a collaboration between Bandai Namco and Capcom, aiming to create a fresh arcade iteration of the popular title. IGN recently visited Namco Funscape to experience “Dead Shot” firsthand, providing the first footage of the game in action.
“Dead Shot” reimagines Resident Evil 2’s narrative, splitting it into five distinct episodes. The first two episodes are currently unlocked for play. It is believed that the arcade cabinet has been installed at Namco Funscape specifically for testing purposes, allowing developers to iron out early bugs based on public play feedback.
The first episode serves as a prologue, while the second is titled “Hunted.” The prologue sets the scene, introducing players to Raccoon City where “Leon and Claire find one another on the streets of Raccoon City. Chased by zombies, they evacuate to the police department only to discover further horrors within.” The game’s visual style appears to be based on Capcom’s critically acclaimed 2019 Resident Evil 2 Remake.
The gameplay begins with Leon and Claire fighting their way into the Raccoon City Police Department, confronting zombie cops and zombie dogs. Once inside, they encounter Marvin Branagh, a just-about-still-alive cop, who provides some exposition before the action continues. The game features characters familiar to fans of the series, including Leon S. Kennedy, Claire Redfield, and Marvin Branagh.
As with traditional arcade lightgun games, players reload by pointing the gun away from the screen and pulling the trigger. While automatic reloading occurs when ammunition runs out, manual reloading offers a faster option. The cabinet itself is distinctive, featuring neon red lighting and images of Leon, Claire, and Ada Wong.
The duration of “Resident Evil 2: Dead Shot’s” availability at Namco Funscape remains unclear. The re-emergence of Raccoon City within the Resident Evil series is particularly noteworthy, especially with the franchise’s 30th anniversary approaching next year and the anticipated launch of “Resident Evil: Requiem.”
Capcom has hinted that “Requiem” will mark a return to the “overarching narrative” of Resident Evil, which began three decades ago. An early trailer for “Resident Evil: Requiem” has already showcased the reappearance of the Raccoon City Police Department (RCPD), even though it was depicted as destroyed in Resident Evil 3. While fans speculate about Leon’s appearance in “Requiem,” Capcom has remained tight-lipped on the matter.
