Resident Evil Outbreak File #2

"Could potentially become the best resident evil ever. (offline review)"

The outbreak games of Resident evil are strange, in that they feel very much like the original resident evil games, but so much different at exactly the same time. This is the second outbreak game, and though it could have been better, it is still fearsomely entertaining and unpredictable, just like its predecessor.

Firstly, let's get one thing straight - the concept of this game is fantastic. It really is survival horror. The player goes through the game events as means of escaping the zombie infested city. And now it isn't just zombies you're looking out for. Elephants, crocodiles, hyenas, lions, all of which are infected by the zombie virus, are out there to hunt you down.

Secondly, we have to understand that the outbreak games already released are currently not meeting the standards set by the likes of Resident 4. Resident Evil 4 was amazing, but the tables will turn dramatically in the near future because the outbreak games will be able to improve, and continue to improve until it becomes the greatest survival horror ever.

There are eight characters just like before. Each is very different and will affect the player's gaming style. Characters have items and special abilities unique to their profession and physique. And you will pity these characters, because they are placed in a very normal world, where guns have been replaced with brooms and iron pipes, and the amount of inventory space has been halved. They are in a normal world, but in an extreme situation where holding the wrong items could mean life or death. And when you get trampled over by the zombie elephant, you will begin to wonder the overwhelming odds that are against you, which makes you realise that holding a mere stick weapon wont be enough to get you out of here.

And this where teamplay comes into the game, and it is perhaps the most exciting feature. Although its execution isn't strong, it is easy to imagine that on the PS3 or future consoles, the future outbreak games will be able to handle AI capable of delivering a realistic teamplay experience, which will be amazing for a concept that involves a bunch of strangers locked within a zombie-infested town, trying any means to escape. Though the AI in this game is slightly off the wall, it is bearable enough for the player not to get overly frustrated by it. The characters are capable of surviving by themselves, but they will find themselves in situations where they will need your help. But dont assume you're safe. At any point during play, you could be attacked by the game's enemies and be placed in a life or death situation, where the only option left is to rely on the other characters. It is exciting and adrenaline-pumping stuff, and it makes the player realise that they have been sucked into a cinematic film, except they are playing it and deciding the routes their character will take. Brilliant!

Graphically, the game is outstanding. There are five scenarios to play, and each has an authentic graphical taste, with the zoo being littered with palm trees and lush vegetation, whilst the police station creates claustrophobia with its tight corridors and underground sections. I wont spoil the other scenarios for you.

The sound is sensational. The music is themed well according to the scenario you're playing. The music when the zombie elephant arrives is filled with strong beats that psyche up the player to either stand and fight or run for their life. It is very epic. The zombie groans and background noises too are excellent, and they are integrated into the gameplay to make the whole world come alive, and thus create a horror experience. On the downside, the characters' voices are awful, and I don't see why they couldn't have just used the voices from the first game, which were acted superbly.

Gameplay, although briefly explained above, has room for a lot of improvement. It is bearable, lets put it that way. Characters control like they are nothing more than planks of wood. The enemies, however, are extremely agile and it's so easy for them to catch up to you. The scenarios are paced well, and have huge variety that keeps the player engaged and entertained. Replay value is set to extreme, as each attempt on a particular scenario will be different, whether that means a character dies early on, or you find some other way to escape your current situation. As a result, context based cut scenes show your way through each scenario, and these can be unlocked as well as gallery images, new characters, scenarios and modes in the extensive collection mode, which allows the player to gain reward points from their progress in the main game and spend those points on whatever is available. There is so much content, and new things are constantly being added making the player feel rewarded and satisfied.

To conclude, this is an excellent game but still has room for improvement. I do believe that the first outbreak game is superior, and feels much more violent and less cheesy than this one. But because this is an improvement over the original, it is technically the better. If you're new to the series, get this game because you'll like it. If you're an outbreak fan, then this is a definite buy.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/01/06