Resident Evil: Outbreak
Braaaaains!! If the sound of that wets your gaming buds, then you are either a fan of all things zombies or have become a zombie yourself. For the latter try Capcom's new Resident Evil: Outbreak
Resident Evil
Outbreak
By: ConnDestn
Resident Evil Outbreak seamlessly blends all the elements that made the series so popular and combines them with everyone’s favorite friend “online”. The graphics in outbreak are that of those on par with Resident Evil 0. Character models and cut scenes are made life like with the enormous amount of polygons used. Those who are familiar with the game play style and controls of previous RE games will find themselves right at home with Outbreak.
The game controls exactly the same from moving the character to firing a weapon though new controls are used for new abilities that have been added. The game is essentially the same both online and off except for the added ability to be able for four real people to play with each other making it a blast to play online. The game is broken up into scenarios. Each scenario presents the player or players with a variety of difficulties to overcome. For instance in the first scenario titled “Outbreak” the survivors all start off in a bar that is being taken over by zombies. The players must work together to navigate through the bar, out into the streets of
As easy as that may sound in theory it’s the challenge that makes the game so much fun. When playing offline the computer takes over for the other three characters, while online other people are playing. Outbreak stresses the role of teamwork. Players could try and break away from their teammates, but working together their chances of success increase dramatically. There are also many different events you can choose to do or not do to make your goal easier for instance if you push those barrels in front of that door you’ll be giving yourself more precious time before the zombies break in, or instead of trying to find the key to the door why not just break it down? It’s these options that make Outbreak such a different experience each time you play it. While each scenario has a story complete with its own real time/cg scenes they don’t necessarily blend all together, but that fact does not hurt the game.
Outbreak also hosts numerous bonuses that can be unlocked using points that are obtained by completing scenarios with certain conditions met. These extras include character portraits, character outfits and more. There are 8 scenarios in all which must be first beaten in order to play online, so either you have to play offline and go through the stages or find someone who has already online and join their game. The game is not nearly as jump out of your seat scary as its predecessors but it does have its moments.
One complaint that has been heard often about Outbreak is its lack for voice chat, or in game typing for that matter. You are able to chat in a room before you actually start the scenario, but it is true that during the game there can be no real communication. Instead you must use the right analog stick and button combinations to say preset text accompanied by your characters voice. Such things as “Help me”, “I think I found something” and “Let’s go” will be used over and over. While this may seem like a big flaw in the game it often works to an advantage. By just allowing these presets saying it keeps an ambience to the game much like previous RE games. Those who get use to it can easily use a combination of preset text to get their point across to their teammates, though I will say more presets would be welcomed. At least such things like asking a teammate for an item he/she has or offering one are made easy by the start menu and one or two clicks of the button.
I’m not sure I would recommend Outbreak to those not planning on playing it online, but I guess to any die hard fan it would be a welcome addition. Besides who knows when Sony fans will get another go at it?
Rating: 4/5