Post by JPController on Mar 28, 2004 15:15:53 GMT -5
Gameplay
Though their storylines are a little on the thin side, the diverse selection of characters is probably Resident Evil Outbreak's most compelling new gameplay element. As not only is each and every one of them completely different in terms of appearance and background, they're overly dissimilar in play style as well. As a general rule each of these eight different heroes-in-training are provided with a unique personal item in addition to their own set of special actions to round out their abilities. Kevin Ryman, for instance, doesn't need to find a weapon in the beginning as he initiates his adventure with a .45 pistol right off the bat. Complimenting that attribute, he also has the ability to kick over oncoming enemies and take extended but powerful pot shots for extra damage.
Plumber David King, on the other hand, can utilize his toolbox for all sorts of helpful functions. Whether it's a folding knife to slice enemies into ribbons or duct tape to create a specialized arsenal, his skills definitely lend themselves well to the more creative players. Individual character abilities don't stop there either, as users of Jim Chapman can avoid zombie attacks by lying on the floor and playing dead while Yoko Suzuki has increased item storage and an extended back step that can be used to avoid danger. This variety in character selection is not only fun to exploit and experiment with, it's also extremely well-balanced -- with just about every known play style accounted for.
Another welcome element to the series is the analog control that Dreamcast users were enjoying years ago. With this new addition, maneuvering around enemies is a hell of a lot easier to perform with much quicker reactions and better navigation in tight spaces. Of course, the constantly changing camera perspectives may still pose a problem for detractors of the franchise's classic digital control (i.e.: pushing in a specific direction doesn't necessarily move you that way), but we've pretty much come to expect that kind of control scheme by now.
We do have to say, though, that Capcom's decision to allow gamers to interact with backgrounds and other players was a wise one; as it really helps to supply pre-rendered stages and environments with a little more life (oh the irony). In fact, interaction with characters is really what Resident Evil Outbreak is all about -- to help other people survive the forthcoming massacre. There are all manner of ways to interrelate with other players too; be it picking them up from the ground when they're injured or grabbing their arms as they dangle about from dangerous ledges. You can even trade and exchange items or weapons and give basic pre-recorded vocal commands with the right analog stick, and whether or not your fellow survivors are computer controlled or human it doesn't matter -- a good mix of skills and teamwork is still what it takes to make it.
But the interesting and compelling additions to Resident Evil Outbreak don't stop there. New status effects like the bleeding affliction will draw enemies to you as they pick up on your scent and follow your trail. Nail guns can either be used offensively as a projectile weapon or defensively as a tool by pinning boards to doorways in order to keep things from coming through. Furthermore, players will be able to crawl through airshafts, hide inside lockers and other secretive places, or even create barricades with the various objects around them. Long story short, there's a nice amount of variety and plenty to be said for the efforts made to improve on the series.
Source-Ign
Though their storylines are a little on the thin side, the diverse selection of characters is probably Resident Evil Outbreak's most compelling new gameplay element. As not only is each and every one of them completely different in terms of appearance and background, they're overly dissimilar in play style as well. As a general rule each of these eight different heroes-in-training are provided with a unique personal item in addition to their own set of special actions to round out their abilities. Kevin Ryman, for instance, doesn't need to find a weapon in the beginning as he initiates his adventure with a .45 pistol right off the bat. Complimenting that attribute, he also has the ability to kick over oncoming enemies and take extended but powerful pot shots for extra damage.
Plumber David King, on the other hand, can utilize his toolbox for all sorts of helpful functions. Whether it's a folding knife to slice enemies into ribbons or duct tape to create a specialized arsenal, his skills definitely lend themselves well to the more creative players. Individual character abilities don't stop there either, as users of Jim Chapman can avoid zombie attacks by lying on the floor and playing dead while Yoko Suzuki has increased item storage and an extended back step that can be used to avoid danger. This variety in character selection is not only fun to exploit and experiment with, it's also extremely well-balanced -- with just about every known play style accounted for.
Another welcome element to the series is the analog control that Dreamcast users were enjoying years ago. With this new addition, maneuvering around enemies is a hell of a lot easier to perform with much quicker reactions and better navigation in tight spaces. Of course, the constantly changing camera perspectives may still pose a problem for detractors of the franchise's classic digital control (i.e.: pushing in a specific direction doesn't necessarily move you that way), but we've pretty much come to expect that kind of control scheme by now.
We do have to say, though, that Capcom's decision to allow gamers to interact with backgrounds and other players was a wise one; as it really helps to supply pre-rendered stages and environments with a little more life (oh the irony). In fact, interaction with characters is really what Resident Evil Outbreak is all about -- to help other people survive the forthcoming massacre. There are all manner of ways to interrelate with other players too; be it picking them up from the ground when they're injured or grabbing their arms as they dangle about from dangerous ledges. You can even trade and exchange items or weapons and give basic pre-recorded vocal commands with the right analog stick, and whether or not your fellow survivors are computer controlled or human it doesn't matter -- a good mix of skills and teamwork is still what it takes to make it.
But the interesting and compelling additions to Resident Evil Outbreak don't stop there. New status effects like the bleeding affliction will draw enemies to you as they pick up on your scent and follow your trail. Nail guns can either be used offensively as a projectile weapon or defensively as a tool by pinning boards to doorways in order to keep things from coming through. Furthermore, players will be able to crawl through airshafts, hide inside lockers and other secretive places, or even create barricades with the various objects around them. Long story short, there's a nice amount of variety and plenty to be said for the efforts made to improve on the series.
Source-Ign
