Capcom announced today the release of Resident Evil Outbreak exclusively for the PlayStation 2. While set in the familiar location of Raccoon City, Outbreak, unlike its predecessors, allows players to work together as survivors of the Umbrella virus to escape the zombie-infested city before the government quarantines the area via a missile launch. Whether played with friends online or alone offline, gamers will be able to enjoy the horrifying elements that have made the Resident Evil franchise such a hit.



"Resident Evil Outbreak marks the return of the award-winning and multi-million unit selling Resident Evil franchise to the PlayStation 2," beamed Todd Thorson, director of marketing, Capcom USA. "With the release of this innovative title, Capcom delivers a new gaming experience that expands the possibilities of the franchise and the survival horror genre itself."



Here's an extensive rundown of the game's features:

[list][li]Unique cast of eight playable characters – all are ordinary residents in Raccoon City, each with different strengths, special abilities and perspectives of the storyline[/li]

[li]Five unique scenarios[/li]

[li]A variety of non-playable characters (NPC's) encountered throughout each scenario[/li]

[li]More freedom than past Resident Evil games with multiple options for progressing through levels[/li]

[li]Two control schemes – D-pad for classic Resident Evil fans and new analog option for Devil May Cry type control[/li]

[li]More than 260 special items scattered throughout the game[/li]

[li]Random, unpredictable placement of enemies that changes players' experiences

[li]Result point system which can be used to unlock items in the extensive collection mode including unlockable characters, art gallery and more[/li]

[li]Ability to play as a zombie once virus gauge reaches 100%, in network mode[/li]

[li]Use of ordinary items as weapons such as brooms and pipes[/li]

[li]In-depth profile which tracks player statistics including play time, types of weapons used, distance walked and more[/li]

[li]HDD hard drive support enhances gameplay[/li][/list]To accompany the release of Resident Evil Outbreak, Capcom has also launched a massive marketing campaign. This includes print, online and television advertising, even in-theatre campaigning to appeal to movie goers. From April 1 to April 3, Resident Evil zombies will be roaming the streets of New York, Los Angeles and Chicago to get the word out on the game. In addition, a public launch event for Outbreak will be held on April 2 at the Sony Metreon in San Francisco.



"To mark the exciting return of the Resident Evil franchise to the PlayStation 2, we are rolling out the most comprehensive marketing program ever for Resident Evil Outbreak," added Thorson. "A game of this caliber deserves the star treatment and we will use multiple avenues to let the millions of Resident Evil fans know about the most remarkable survival horror game to date."



Resident Evil Outbreak should be available now in a game store near you. If you plan on taking the game online, though, be sure to have a Network Adapter.