Resident Evil: Outbreak

The Good
Resident Evil is my favourite franchise. You are placed in claustrophobic locations and are dogged by Zombies, Cerberi and various other hideous mutant aberrations looking for a feast. Outbreak is no exception. You can play as one of 8 characters through 5 horrific scenarios beating back Umbrella corporations twisted creations while working in a 3 man team to overcome your T-Virus infection which you slowly succumb to in real time. This is the first Resident Evil that incorporates melee combat as well as fire arms as well as the ability to hide from enemies in closets and under beds and benches. Players can also kick down doors or nail them shut in some instances to halt advancing zombie hordes.

The Bad
Outbreak however isn't always a walk in the zombie infested park. Load times are hideous and sitting with the "Now Loading" icon on the screen becomes a maligned ritual. Characters "Ad-libs" which are used to communicate with each other are also badly translated, sometimes not corresponding with the onscreen display at all. The North American and European versions were actually intended to have online play like the Japanese version but this was cancelled for some unknown reason. My last gripe is the fact that the new inventory and map are in real time so while you are examining either you can be attacked, annoying.

The Bottom Line
Outbreak is how Resident Evil should be. Full 3D with gorgeous graphics and the same atmospheric, cinematic camera angles synonymous with the earlier titles. The new team work system, T-Virus infection and heightened environmental interaction are all welcome and refreshing features however the load times, crappy translation and stupid real time inventory and map stop the game from being one of the best in the series. I would recommend Outbreak, its a necessity to own it. But don't expect this game to be as good as 1,2,3 or even to a lesser extent 4.