Capcom has been killing it with Resident Evil games lately, with some truly incredible titles like Resident Evil Village and Resident Evil 2 Remake. However, they've also tried making a few multiplayer-focused RE titles. First, there was Umbrella Corps, one of the most critically panned games of 2016, then Resident Evil: Resistance, and the soon-to-be shut-down Resident Evil Re:Verse. All three of these games missed the mark and got old pretty quickly.

The answer to making a great multiplayer Resident Evil title is a game that already exists. That would be the first online Resident Evil game ever made, Resident Evil Outbreak. Outbreak Files 1 and 2 were released on the PS2 and remain the most underrated RE titles ever. The games are phenomenal for many reasons, and while fans want a remake of other games like Code: Veronica, Outbreak deserves a remake more.

Outbreak Is Classic Resident Evil But With A Twist

It Takes More Than One

On the surface, Resident Evil Outbreak is very much akin to classic RE. In fact, these games were the final titles in the series made in the original style, and Capcom went out with a bang. Despite playing like classic Resident Evil, there are many changes. The most obvious one you'll notice immediately is the removal of traditional tank controls.

It may surprise you, but for a game that's had its servers shut down for more than a decade, it still has a decently sized online playerbase on PC

In Outbreak, pushing up on the stick actually moves you up, and this makes sense, considering Outbreak was meant for online multiplayer. This control style is much more natural for people to get accustomed to, and the game's built around it, similar to Silent Hill 4. RE veterans will get used to it pretty quickly. The other significant change is that you're now in a squad comprised of either AI-controlled NPCs or other players.

Like Left 4 Dead, teamwork and managing resources are key to survival, and this can be felt even in single-player ,as most characters can only hold four items. You'll have to trade with other characters due to inventory space. Sure, you can go solo via the No Partner unlockable option, similar to Left 4 Dead 2, but it plays best when in a group. It may surprise you, but for a game that's had its servers shut down for over a decade, it still has a decently sized online playerbase on PC, a testament to its greatness.

Tetsuya Shibata also worked on Resident Evil 5, which has a great soundtrack as well.

One incredible aspect of both Outbreak games is the soundtrack. Composed in part by Tetsuya Shibata, who composed Devil May Cry 3 and 4, Outbreak has one of the best soundtracks in the franchise, hands down. From the emotional tragedy of the main title theme to the grand and epic Thanatos final boss track, the OST pulls no punches. I would argue that the final boss music is one of the best tracks ever made in the series.

Another huge change is the level design. It's much bigger and more complex than prior RE games, and there are numerous ways to complete objectives. This leads to probably Outbreak's best aspect: its replay value.

These Games Are Stacked With Replay Value And Content

So Many Reasons To Keep Playing

Like Left 4 Dead, Outbreak Files 1 and 2 have many scenarios/campaigns to pick from. While Left 4 Dead has the randomization element to keep things interesting, Outbreak has a ton of stuff to do in any given scenario. Many optional objectives give additional rewards, multiple ending paths, or key choices, like using daylight in "Decisions, Decisions." Each scenario has a checklist, and it's tempting to go for 100% because certain ones are that fun to replay.

Playing as different characters spices things up as well. It's advantageous to play certain characters during specific scenarios, like Yoko in "Below Freezing Point," due to her status as a former Umbrella employee. There's also a ton of unlockables, including secret playable character skins. A few can only be accessed with a cheat device, and you can play as Hunk, one of the coolest and most underrated Resident Evil characters.

Outbreak File 2 introduces bonus scenarios with Elimination 1 through 3 and Showdown 1 through 3. These bonus scenarios are challenging, especially the brutal boss rushes of Showdown. Outbreak File 2 is one of the hardest Resident Evil titles to 100% because of this. However, they're a fun challenge and add even more juicy content to this already stacked title.

At least for me, the original Resident Evil games tend to get stale after a while. Once you've mastered the game and figured out the best routes, they get boring, but Outbreak always stays fresh. That is what makes these games such fantastic Resident Evil titles, and Capcom must remake them.

Resident Evil Outbreak Needs More Love

More People Need To Play It

There's a reason why GOG pushed so hard to re-release the classic Resident Evil trilogy on PC. Most modern gamers have only played the remakes and cannot access a DS, GameCube, or PS3 to experience the original titles. The same applies to Resident Evil Outbreak, but it's even more than that. Outbreak deserves a full-on remake similar to Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2, updating the game and its online multiplayer for a new generation. A lot of cut content could be put back into the game.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 is adding brand-new content, so why not add new scenarios with a remake of Outbreak 1 and 2? Unfortunately, most Resident Evil fans haven't played the spin-offs, but the two best have to be the Outbreak games. At a time when Capcom is struggling to make a successful Resident Evil multiplayer title, they already have the perfect one with a potential remake of Outbreak. I know I would much rather play Resident Evil Outbreak than all the other recent multiplayer games, and I'm sure many fans will agree.

Source: MuggyDmC OST/YouTube