After Capcom's smash hit "Resident Evil" was released back in 1996, the producer Shinji Mikami, started work on Resident Evil 2. About 70% into the project, Mikami decided to scrap the entire prject and start from scratch because the game just wasn't up to par.

At this point, the game was deemed too similar to Resident Evil and Mikami began work on the new version of Resident Evil 2. Three features of RE 1.5 that didn't make it into the final version of Resident Evil 2 were the modern concrete buildings that housed much of the RE2 action were very bland and repetitive looking. In an effort to get more zombies on the screen, Capcom simplified the models making the zombies less frightening. And finally, a professional writer was brought in to review RE 1.5's storyline and was disgusted.

The backgrounds became the first to change. The game held onto the urban setting, however, but the R.P.D. became the first building to change. It was tranformed into an aging, western-style building still grasping hold of a spooky atmosphere. Next, Capcom replaced Elza Walker with Claire Redfield for the sole purpose that Elza didn't have enough storyline and background.

One of the greatest aspects of Resident Evil 1.5 was its comstume change system. Both Leon and Elza could pick up and wear items such as bullet proof vests which offered extra protection in addition to extra carrying capacity. Another feature that didn't make it into RE2 was the way Leon and Elza's outfits would become tattered and blood-stained as they ventured throughout Raccoon.

As work on the final cut came to a close, however, some features from Resident Evil 1.5 seem to have made it into the game.