Capcom’s Kota Suzuki discusses newly-available Resident Evil Revelations 2 original soundtrack

Capcom’s Kota Suzuki provided insight into the sound design of Resident Evil Revelations 2, coinciding with the release of the game’s original soundtrack. The composer detailed the core philosophy behind the game’s score, which was built around the concept of sonic duality and the creation of unique instruments to heighten the horror atmosphere.

The Duality of Sound

According to Suzuki, the central theme for the soundtrack was a “duality of sound” achieved through the use of original instruments. This approach involved blending two distinct types of sound to create a complex and unsettling audio experience for the player. The goal was to produce music with a broad, atmospheric quality while simultaneously using acoustic instruments to introduce deliberate gaps and silences.

“We assembled this compilation with two distinct genres of sound in mind,” Suzuki stated. “Aiming for the overall music to deliver a broad, airy feel, while at the same time introducing acoustic instruments to create gaps within the sound, the composition reduces how quickly players grow accustomed to the music, and allows for sound effects to easily create the game’s desired atmosphere.”

This method was intended to prevent players from becoming desensitized to the score. In many horror experiences, a constant, looping track can inadvertently signal safety or predictability. By creating a sparse and unpredictable soundscape, the team ensured that crucial sound effects, the scuttling of an unseen creature, a distant moan, or the creak of a floorboard, would have maximum impact. The silence between musical cues becomes as important as the music itself, keeping the player in a constant state of tension.

A Collaboration with Nima Fakhrara

To realize this unique vision, Capcom collaborated with film composer Nima Fakhrara, known for his work on movies such as Gatchaman, The Pyramid, and The Courier. Suzuki explained that Fakhrara’s style was a perfect match for the project’s goals, bringing a specific quality that complemented the game’s tone.

“We always kept aiming to provide players with a new sense of suspense and surprise with this installation,” Suzuki said. “His productions possessed that particular element of darkness that worked perfectly with our[s].”

The collaboration led to a series of brainstorming sessions where the team developed unconventional methods for generating sounds. Two core concepts, “iron” and “water,” were chosen as the basis for creating new, custom instruments. This involved recording the sounds of these elements and then digitally editing and mixing them with other tracks to produce a soundscape that was entirely unique to Resident Evil Revelations 2.

This experimental process was key to giving the game its distinct audio identity. Instead of relying solely on traditional orchestral or synthesized instruments, the team built a library of sounds from the ground up. The resulting score is filled with textures that are difficult to place, blending metallic resonance with fluid, aquatic tones to create an unnerving and organic atmosphere. Suzuki credited Fakhrara’s contribution as essential, noting, “His touch was exactly what we needed to give our sound the definitive edge.”

Soundtrack in Context of an Episodic Game

Resident Evil Revelations 2 was released with an episodic structure, a relatively unique model for the series at the time. The game was first distributed digitally in four weekly installments, beginning on February 24, 2015, for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. Each episode advanced the story, leaving players on a cliffhanger until the next chapter arrived.

Following the digital release of all four parts, a complete physical disc version was launched on March 17, 2015. This retail edition bundled the entire season of content along with additional bonus material, offering a comprehensive package for players who preferred a physical copy or waited for the full story to be available. The soundtrack’s release followed this cadence, providing a complete collection of the music that defined each chapter of Claire Redfield and Barry Burton’s harrowing journey.