Resident Evil Outbreak
Publisher: Capcom
Platform: PS2
There is a reason why Resident Evil is one of the most popular survival horror games in existence. First off, it defined and catapulted the genre into the mainstream, particularly after the release of the cult movie. Also, it has spawned a vast amount of imitators, sequels, and spin-offs. With the fourth official edition on the horizon, you may ask, "Is Outbreak enough to keep me satisfied until then?" The simple answer is yes, as the online play truly makes this game worth checking out.
Also, astute readers will imagine that the game's title might also refer to something beyond its online component. It also means that your character can become infected with the deadly T-Virus and become a zombie. In online play, that means that instead of trying to survive, you're trying to annihilate others without being killed yourself.
As there have been countless iterations of Resident Evil, there have also been many obscured, convoluted, and downright confusing plots and plot twists. Heck, I don't think I really even remember much about the original except the following: Raccoon City, T-Virus, and lots of freakin' zombies. Yep. It's the same in this game.
Except now you have to cooperate with other people. In my experience, I found the online mode to be the best aspect of this game. The single player mode is somewhat difficult in that you have to rely on an oft brain-dead AI to assist you and carry certain items that you cannot carry yourself. Gee, and I thought the zombies were the ones who were supposed to be the brain-dead flesh-eaters.
Anyway, the aspect of the game that impressed me the most was the graphics. As is to be expected from Capcom's flagship titles, RE: Outbreak touts some of the most gorgeous graphics seen on PS2 to date. The game blends well even with the cut scenes. Overall, the package is damn good. And truthfully, the game is best played online. Also, I would recommend investing in the PS2 HDD peripheral. It significantly decreases load times between scenes. Long-time Resident Evil fans will have already purchased this title. Newcomers with network adapters should seriously consider picking this one up.