Resident Evil: Outbreak
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| Resident Evil: Outbreak | |
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| Developer(s) | Capcom Production Studio 1 |
| Publisher(s) | Capcom |
| Aspect ratio | 480i (SDTV) |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 2 |
| Release date | JP December 11, 2003 NA March 31, 2004 EU September 17, 2004 |
| Genre(s) | Survival Horror Third Person Shooter Science Fiction |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
| Rating(s) | ESRB: Mature PEGI: 16+ |
| Media | DVD-ROM |
| Input methods | DualShock 2 |
Resident Evil: Outbreak, known as Biohazard: Outbreak (Baiohazādo Autobureiku?) in Japan, is a single player game with online playability for the PlayStation 2 initially released in 2004. This game is the first in the Resident Evil series to feature online multiplayer support; however, online support was not available for European and Australian versions of the game. Outbreak was produced by Tsuyoshi Tanaka. Outbreak depicts a series of canonical episodic storylines in Raccoon City set during the same general time period as Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. It was followed by a sequel, Resident Evil: Outbreak: File 2.
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[edit] Plot
Outbreak begins a couple of days after the initial outbreak in Raccoon City, moments before the crisis erupts into complete chaos. The game ends in the final moments of the incident, with the player attempting to escape Raccoon City before the US government launches a missile strike to eliminate the threat posed by the T-Virus. The player controls one of eight characters, or numerous supporting characters who can be selected in their place. Events transpire across various regions of Raccoon City and over a period of several days.
[edit] Main characters
- Kevin Ryman is a Raccoon City police officer. He carries a .45 caliber pistol and his powerful kick allows him to destroy zombies even while unarmed. He can also take time to aim carefully, which allows him to deal more than normal damage to an enemy with a single shot. His friendly, casual nature caused him to fail the S.T.A.R.S. entrance examination twice he also has the most health in the group.
- David King is a plumber with a violent, troubled past. Tough and taciturn, David is a skilled knife fighter. He carries a toolbox which contains a small folding knife and several small wrenches which may be thrown at enemies. The toolbox also contains junk parts which can be used to repair damaged firearms and duct tape which allows David to combine mundane items into formidable weapons.
- Mark Wilkins is a war veteran who moved to Raccoon City after the Vietnam War. He later became a security guard, and carries his own customized Beretta 92FS. Furthermore, he is skilled with melee weapons. One of Mark's prominent features is his "Block" ability, which prevents most forms of damage but does not prevent infection.
- George Hamilton is a recently-divorced surgeon at Raccoon General Hospital. George's skill is transforming the healing herbs found in the various scenarios into pills which can be stacked and therefore more easily carried than herbs.
- Cindy Lennox is a waitress working at J's Bar in Raccoon City. Her special attributes include a case for carrying herbs, healing others with them, and being able to duck to avoid attacks.
- Yoko Suzuki is a quiet college student with a mysterious past. Yoko can hold twice as many items in her inventory as other characters by using her backpack, and she is the least susceptible character to infection. She has a quickspin-crawl move, which is used to dodge attacks.
- Alyssa Ashcroft is a newspaper reporter with the ability to pick locks and evade her enemies' attacks. By aiming more carefully, Alyssa can do extra damage with handguns. She has a quick backstep move to avoid enemies.
- Jim Chapman is a subway employee who can fool enemies into thinking he is already dead by throwing himself onto the ground. Jim is highly superstitious, often flipping a coin to see if his luck will change for the better. He can easily determine the location of items in a room, although they show up as question marks on the map.
[edit] Development history
Outbreak was originally known as Biohazard Online. Capcom released various pieces of media under this name in 2002, including pictures featuring the eight main characters wandering around the Arklay Mountains and a trailer demonstrating the ad-lib system and character communication.
The title was later changed to Network Biohazard and information was given that the game included over twenty scenarios. The final title became Biohazard Outbreak (Resident Evil Outbreak overseas) with the number of scenarios reduced to five.
[edit] Communication
Outbreak received low ratings from various websites and gaming magazines for its use of a command and ad-lib communication system.[citation needed] As opposed to using USB headphones or a computer keyboard, players would use a command "ad-lib" system which consisted of ten key command phrases, used with the right joystick on the PlayStation controller, and a button which shot out lines depending on the situation (E.g. Announce the status of the player). The player can select items from their teammate's inventory and request it, or ask them to use it. While some people preferred this type of system, many despised it with people claiming the phrases would not cover enough during gameplay. The commands and ad-libs themselves only covered the basics. (E.g. if a character was using a stronger weapon on a weaker enemy, the player has no option telling the player Stop using it. The player could only shout various phrases such as No or Wait hoping the player would understand.) The system was also criticized on how the ad-libs were integrated into the control scheme, with the player often removing their fingers from the controls to give these commands. However, one helpful feature included was an option to ask a teammate to use an item, such as a health item if wounded, or a weapon during a battle.
[edit] DVD and HDD
Outbreak can be played on either DVD or through a Hard disk drive. DVD mode loads everything off the DVD-ROM and is the only way to play if a PS2 hard drive is not available. HDD mode installs around one gigabyte's worth of files onto the hard drive so that the game loads characters, items, textures and such off the Sony Hard Disc Drive while sounds are spooled from the DVD-ROM.
The player can host both of these versions online, and switch between the two (if they own the HDD).
[edit] Scenarios
The player chooses a scenario, difficulty, and a character. The difficulty is tied to what enemies and items the player sees as they progress through the game. Each scenario has an event checklist which consists of special actions the player must perform to reach 100% completion. Upon doing so, the player will unlock Infinity Mode, where all weapons never break or run out of ammunition.
Each scenario also has SP Items. These are invisible items hidden throughout the level. They are randomly generated on two paths. If the player finds them all, they receive special items for their gallery. There are twenty scenario items for each scenario, and twenty items specific for each character hidden across the five levels. If acquired, unlock new costumes and the option to listen to their ad-libs.
[edit] Network mode
If the player wishes to do so, they can connect to the internet using a broadband connection and a network adapter. When they connect for the first time, they must register an account using the in-game web browser.
Once the player connects and logs on, they can then choose between Free Mode and Scenario Mode. Free Mode takes place in a lobby and allows the player to create their own game, scenario, and difficulty. Scenario Mode chooses the scenario and players automatically. When the player first starts out, they begin on the Outbreak scenario and go off from there. If the player wishes to stop playing, they can save their data and start off from the scenario they were to play. If the player beats the scenarios, they acquire a star by their name.
As of December 31st, 2007, Capcom has shut down the US servers for Outbreak. Capcom claims the decision was a result of its online service provider's decision to leave the business entirely. In a statement on its community boards, a representative of Capcom claimed that they tried to move the servers elsewhere, but the provider had no interest in helping Capcom move them.
[edit] Reception
The game was initially a success worldwide despite gathering poor reviews in Europe due to its lack of previously promised online support. Various gaming magazines and websites gave low reviews for poor gameplay, such as the shortness of the game, seeing as there are only five scenarios, and poor artificial intelligence.
[edit] External links
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