Biohazard 2 Beta 1 (Very first beta)

[Guest]

Because, on occasion, someone posts this thinking it's real. Just like in this thread. It's educational.

If he had enough "educational" level to search for this picture, he would know that it's fake.
Still, he would know that no one has uploaded Beta 1 yet.

[Carnivol]

I wish we had recorded the Skype chat from about five years ago where a ton of us were laughing at these and "that member". I forgot how brilliant these are.

Pretty sure that was recorded, but just never used for anything ... since we failed to stay on topic long enough for any of the content to be salvagable for the podcast... (ie. not too different from recent attempts at a revival... but we're almost there!)

[randomwab]

Pretty sure that was recorded, but just never used for anything ... since we failed to stay on topic long enough for any of the content to be salvagable for the podcast... (ie. not too different from recent attempts at a revival... but we're almost there!)

I think we just need a proper topic of discussion and enough people. Our previous attempts have been foiled by alcohol, sleep deprivation and not knowing what to talk about.

Perhaps the betas for Resident Evil 2 would be a nice jumping off point to try and get us in the swing of things again. Maybe expand from that into a Resident Evil 2 podcast. I have so much love to give that game.

Also; John. But, you know...Warcraft.

[Rick Hunter]

So if I understand correctly, the only beta we're still looking for is the one with the lickers dropping the cop head?

[Guest]

So if I understand correctly, the only beta we're still looking for is the one with the lickers dropping the cop head?

There are four Biohazard 2 betas that we know about, in chronological order:

Beta 1
Trial Edition
Beta 2 Loen
Beta 3 Claire

The ones underlined are the ones we know about but don't have access to.

[Guest]

Beta three claire would be the debug info one ... Correct?

[Guest]

Beta three claire would be the debug info one ... Correct?

Yes that's the one. It was debated about where this build falls in the development timeline, some people said earlier than beta 2, some people said later, but in the end it was determined that it comes later than beta 2 due to the fact that is uses the retail backgrounds in the taxidermy room, evident by the absence of the bear statue present in beta 2.

[Rick Hunter]

Have these versions been known to float around or are the only informations available coming from press events or things like that?

[Guest]

Have these versions been known to float around or are the only informations available coming from press events or things like that?

I've never heard of either of these builds in the wild, but then again things often exchange hands in private behind closed doors so who knows where they might be. All I can really say is that the source for the beta 3 (Claire) images/footage is IGN, so whether that means there is a copy in the west, I don't really know, but it's a possibility.

http://m.uk.ign.com/games/resident-evil-2/ps-504

[Guest]

Its safe to say the debug info claire build willlnever leak. We've seen nothing on it since those pictures and videos.

[Ys1]

I know this has been discussed many times before, but hopefully here's some "new" supporting and counter evidence on the subject.


Here's some comparisons of the verifiable pre-Trial build of the second version of the game, shown at E3 1997, June 19-21 1997:





However, there is one supposedly pre-Trial version screenshot that's a bit infamous, the "door screenshot":

Yes, that "door."


Now, on the Biohazard 3 Dreamcast version GD-ROM, there are many overhead development maps for the series dating back to Biohazard 2 since it shares locations with it. One such map is of that very room, and it may lend credibility to the "door screenshot."

Layout map, dated May 8 1997.



The unit against the wall is in fact in the same position as the screenshot, blocking the door that is in the final. The blood stain is either covered by additional debris or not present.





While I think that lends credibility to the "door screenshot," it takes away even more from the TRG screenshots. I know the leading opinion is that it's fake, and for good reasons, but the above map lets us have yet another look at it:

As you can see, in this section of the map, the bookshelf in the office is in the same place you'll find it in all versions of the game dating back to the Trial version (actually, the backgrounds were last modified July 9 1997.)




In the TRG screenshots this bookshelf is missing.



Another nail for it's coffin? Here's a screenshot from the E3 1997-era with the bookshelf in the same place it is all the way to the final version.



Again, not only has the bookshelf gone missing from the office, it's moved to a different room!

[Guest]

Great detective work! I have to agree, I think the fact that the boiler, or whatever it is, is still in the same position from beta 1 lends a lot of support for the door. I've got no explanation for why it's there in that map though as like you pointed out there are some obvious differences that don't match up to either builds of BH2. It's strange, it's like they recycled old maps and made changes while at the same time making massive oversights. :/ either that or it's a map from an even earlier map we don't know about. What is the large object on the floor in the upper right corner?

[doriantoki]

It looks like a collapsed locker, facing down, with one of the locker doors open.

[SonicBlue]

Maybe?

[Guest]

Maybe!