Resident Evil 2 began development in mid-1996, shortly after the release of the first game. However, as Resident Evil 2 was approaching its release date, Capcom dropped the project and started again. This scrapped version was later dubbed Resident Evil 1.5. This prototype version starred Leon S. Kennedy and an early version of the Claire Redfield character named Elza Walker. Other supporting characters from the released game also appeared in Resident Evil 1.5. The game was 65% complete before Capcom decided to stop development.