Resident Evil Outbreak took the series into new territory, while also retaining the things
that made the series so gripping.
It introduced the world to the concept of online Resident Evil, where you and three
other friends could fight to survive in Raccoon City.
But the game wasn’t such as a dramatic change as Resident Evil 4 would be.
It kept the story in the city with the same gameplay, with the static camera angles and
the love it or hate control scheme.
It was great to go back to the incident that made the series, but seeing everything from
a very different point of view.
Not too long after its release, this sequel came out, which didn’t really change much.
The gameplay is practically unchanged from RE Outbreak.
So much so that the game feels a lot more like an expansion pack instead of a legitimate
sequel.
So if you didn’t like the approach to survival horror Outbreak took, this will not change
your mind.
The game is always a multiplayer experience, so when you are not playing online, the other
survivors are controlled by the computer.
You still select from one of same eight characters as the first, with each one bringing something
different to the scenario.
Kevin is a cop so he is strong and has a gun, George is a doctor so he can craft herbs and
medicine, Alyssa can pick lock, etc.
Actually, depending on which character you are, the scenario will unfold differently,
which brings incentive to replay levels with a different one.
The scenarios are where the fun really is.
The five levels will have you exploring new areas of Raccoon City while also returning
to some favorites from the past.
Each scenario takes place in a different location, with one taking place in the Raccoon City
Police Station, another having you going down into the subway, another into an Umbrella
lab, and even going into the forest.
But my favorite is going to Raccoon City Zoo where you fight against zombie animals including
a huge elephant.
The gameplay is that of classic Resident Evil, which I how I believe the series should be.
You navigate through the changing camera angles as you solve puzzles and fight for your life.
There are many situations where it is better to run and conserve ammo and health than to
fight.
And all the environments are dark and detailed, giving the game that eerie feel that made
the originals so memorable.
There are some problems with the computer AI, with partners randomly running around
constantly.
And it would have been nice to see some improvements instead of just more of the same.
But when the same is entertaining and survival horror at its best, there isn’t much to
complain about.