This game is so split. Fans of the series either love it or despise it. Delving into reasoning further it seems that those that dislike it, simply feel so on the front that it is designed poorly or at a level making completion almost impossible without starting over at some point or another. Which isn't a reason to hate it (but don't get me wrong, not having the grenade launcher or the bowgun for Chris in the second half--simply from a lack of 'being in the know' about Noseferatu is fucking annoying).
But as for the narrative, I think it's deserving of the occasional masterpiece accolades that it receives from longtime fans and curious new gamers.


My biggest personal proof of this is in the characters of Claire and Steve. Claire has by no means been my favorite RE character at any point. I tend to avoid her runs on RE2 og and remake. And I'm never disappointed when her character isn't featured in the latest RE release...but this game changed that. I think you (anyone) has to play Code Veronica to really appreciate Claire. She's badass. I love her.

As for Steve? What an annoying brat? Even up to the point of witnessing his father die, and then realizing he has feelings for Claire, I just wanna punch the guy in the face for being so annoying. But by the end I'm totally moved by his character's progression and ending. I so wanted more from Steve in the future. And was thoroughly disappointed when realizing that's unlikely at any point.

I didn't find Claire and Steve's bond contrived, and in fact, I thought it was more interesting than Claire and Leon's. And I think as a sibling switch off for a game, it's pretty original in my realm of knowledge. And I think as far as Resident Evil games go, I think it's clever and fun.
This one is a win in my book and another RE game I'm proud to have completed.