When Capcom brought in a professional screenwriter for the original Resident Evil 2, it was his idea to fully embrace the series' goofy puzzles: 'We’ll just have to make the police chief a weirdo!'
PC Gamer
by Wes Fenlon February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Capcom's *Resident Evil 2* narrowly avoided becoming a much more serious—and potentially forgettable—experience, thanks in part to the creative input of writer Noboru Sugimura. During development, the game underwent significant changes after early builds were deemed too realistic and sterile compared to the original *Resident Evil*. sugimura joined the project midway and immediately recognized that the game needed a more absurd, over-the-top direction to align with the series' signature style. His bold suggestion to transform the police chief into a bizarre, corrupted figure helped redefine the game's tone and set the stage for its iconic puzzles and quirky narrative.
Sugimura's contributions included adding Brian Irons, the eccentric police chief, who became a fan-favorite character known for his sinister grins and bizarre behavior. Initially met with skepticism from the development team, sugimura pushed for consistency in the game's weirdness, ensuring that even the most nonsensical elements felt cohesive within the story. For example, he introduced hidden rooms and absurd details like Irons using torches to perform rituals, which added layers of humor and depth to the game.
This shift not only saved *Resident Evil 2* but also cemented the series' identity as a mix of horror and absurdity. sugimura's approach demonstrated that embracing creativity and breaking free from strict realism could lead to a more engaging and memorable experience. The game's success proved that blending humor with horror could resonate deeply with players, influencing future survival horror titles and solidifying *Resident Evil*'s place in gaming history.
For fans of gaming, this story highlights the importance of creative freedom and the impact of individual contributions on shaping iconic franchises. sugimura's willingness to take risks and inject personality into the game's characters and puzzles not only saved *Resident Evil 2* but also ensured that the series remained a playful, unpredictable force in the survival horror genre. His approach continues to inspire developers to experiment and innovate, proving that sometimes, embracing the weird is the key to creating something truly memorable.
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/25/2026