Ughhh. Aaaarrrrrgggghhh.

No, I'm not a zombie. I'm a game reviewer using his keyboard to communicate the terrifying boredom that Outbreak File #2 has inflicted upon me. What the hell is wrong with Capcom? I'm not even being colorful - I really want to know! They fixed nothing in #2 - and trust me when I say number two is the perfect way to describe this game - that would have, could have, improved upon a concept that in theory should work, but in execution fails miserably.

Problem #1. No online realtime communication with your partners except in the lobby. This was explained to us by Capcom last time and they suggested the game is scarier this way. It's not scary this way. It's limiting. It's frustrating. It's bushleague (thanks Ron Burgundy). Being able to communicate with your partners would have been very cool.

Problem #2. It's like Resident Evil....played with 3 other people. Is that a problem, you might ask? Yeah. Big problem. Think of it like this: The Resident Evil series up until the first Outbreak was a one player game. One person could handle it. Outbreak #2 is a four player game and there just isn't enough for everyone to do. So you just stand around while one guy goes through doors or opens closets. If we could talk, that would be something. But we can't. See Problem #1.

Problem #3. It's like Resident Evil....but online. This means that there are even longer load times when you go through a door or enter a new area. There are the same herbs to combine. The same zombies to shoot. The same keys to find. The same ridiculous puzzles to solve. At least if I could make fun of someone while they were trying to turn around on that big sloppy dullwitted axis that Capcom insists placing their characters on, that would be something to while away the boredom. But I can't. See Problem #1.

Problem #4. The graphics are beautiful. Why is that a problem? Because the game has never looked better, it fools my mind into wanting to play it. But my thumbs know better than my eyes, yet my eyes still keep tricking my hands into picking up the controller. I can't even say to my online companions "Hey, check that out! Doesn't that look cool?" because....see Problem #1.

I know you might disagree with me but this game will only be done correctly on the next gen machines. No load times. Communication via headset. Expanded gameplay not limited by 5 year old technology. That's the way it should be. So avoid until then or frustrate yourself at the limitations at every - slowpaced - turn.

While the last RE game was successful on the GC system, the last RE Outbreak for the PS2 had some die-hard fans pretty upset. I don't blame them at all. Why Capcom and Sony would take a game that was planned for playing online and launched in Japan as an online adventure game and then release the North American version stripped of the online feature still has me scratching my head. For many the Outbreak game was the weakest RE game in the series. Well, it looks like the North American players will get their chance to finally experience the RE series online.

You will play as a team of 4 and have to use the sound cues as the only form of communication since there is no USB headset support. While some may think this is a bit odd I think this part is rather cool. You start out rummaging around the virus torn city and try and find weapons, ammo and other useful goods. The game is made to separate the team. In short another teammate may be fighting one of the ugly creatures and you will need to run and help out.

So basically you're going to have to pay attention to every sound in the game as this is the way it will give clues. Capcom has stated this one will be a lot bigger and more intense for fans of the series. They also have tweaked the controls and now you can walk and shoot at the same time, which is very useful. Why they did not allow players to do this in the last game is also a mystery. For those who went out and bought the Hard-drive for the PS2. this game will allow you to save and allow for faster gaming experience. Okay-the last one needed work, however, it was very popular in Japan and Capcom is hoping with the added online features and tweaked controls, North American players will get hooked on it as well. The question is will gamers give this RE version another shot? I guess we will see in April. Take a look at the screen shot and features and see what they have in store for fans of the series.

Press:

Resident Evil Outbreak File #2 continues the dramatic story of an outbreak caused by a secret biological weapon infecting the people of Raccoon City. Citizens are turning into flesh-eating zombies that swarm the streets. In the shadow of this nightmare are a few desperate survivors. They must find a way to get out of the city before they fall victim to the hordes of undead creatures and before the government has a chance to wipe out the entire area to prevent the disaster from spreading.

Join the eight characters from the first game in all new terrifying scenarios, with assorted locales, different enemies and further details of the truth behind the catastrophic events. Players can experience the unique concept of fear experienced in groups with up to four concurrent players in network mode or one-player offline accompanied by two computer AI characters. The key to survival will be cooperating with and helping fellow characters as they fight to survive the various scenarios.

Features:

• · Unique cast of eight playable characters - all are ordinary residents in Raccoon City, each with different strengths, special abilities and perspectives of the storyline
  
• All new scenarios
  
• More unexpected twists and turns, new challenges, never before seen
• nemies and much more!
  · A variety of non-playable characters (NPC's) encountered throughout each scenario
  
• More freedom than past Resident Evil games with multiple options for progressing through levels
  
• Two control schemes - D-pad for classic Resident Evil fans and new analog option for Devil May Cry type control
  
• Random, unpredictable placement of enemies that changes players' experiences
  
• Result point system which can be used to unlock items in the extensive collection mode including unlockable characters, art gallery and more
  
• Use of ordinary items found throughout the scenarios as weapons
  
• In-depth profile which tracks player statistics including play time, types of weapons used, distance walked and more
  
• HDD hard drive support enhances gameplay