Ever since Capcom announced those Resident Evil exclusivity plans with Nintendo, PS2 owners have gotten the shaft. While GameCube fans were enjoying RE0 and the spectacular remake of the original (and we all know they're doing somersaults because of the recently-released RE4), PS2 owners have been on the outside looking in most of the time, and I say that because Capcom did decide to throw them a couple bones in the form of Resident Evil Dead Aim (which is all right), and the online-enabled Resident Evil Outbreak (which is not too good). Outbreak was especially disappointing because it failed to live up to its hype, and with an update on the way with Resident Evil Outbreak File #2, we're all hoping that it blows the original away.

Resident Evil Outbreak File #2 perplexes me. Announced almost immediately after the release of the first game, it's not a true sequel. Rather, it's merely an update, a game that includes the same eight playable characters, controls, and graphics from the original, so at its core it appears to be almost the exact same game, save for a few new additions, the most important being five all new scenarios. In case you never played the first game, Outbreak takes place in the infamous Raccoon City, which is the site of most of the Resident Evil games. Overrun with zombies and other assorted horrors, the place is set to be wiped out by the military. Unfortunately, there are several survivors still in the town, eight "normal" people (police officer, reporter, plumber) who must band together and use teamwork to make it out alive. The game can be played online and off (with 2 AI partners), though online is its real draw because playing with three other people gives the game an added strategic element.

The original Outbreak was built on a fantastic concept but it ultimately failed to impress, in part because the load times while offline were inexcusable and you couldn't communicate to your partners using the USB headset. Also, the game didn't do much different than what's been seen in other Resident Evils. The gameplay mechanics were the same old crusty stuff we've been used to, so it felt more like a side project than something Capcom was serious about.

File #2 sort of feels the same way, though the game's scenarios are a lot more diverse than the original's. Of the ones that I've seen, the zoo is the by far the most appealing. Populated by undead animals that include lions, dogs, and elephants (oh my!), it's definitely an interesting situation because, since zombies are rather easy to kill, these creatures should be a lot quicker and more powerful. There's also a subway and hospital setting, as well as the Raccoon City police department. Details are sketchy, but it appears you'll have to race against the clock at the station to avoid a giant cloud of nasty toxic gas. Finally, an unlockable fifth level will force you to escape a research facility.

I'm not sure how long the scenarios will last, but I'm happy to see that Capcom's including different monsters in the game. Giant wasps and a huge flea are some of the monsters you'll encounter, but naturally there will also be legions of zombies shambling about.

Just like the first game you'll be able to trim the load times with use of the Sony HDD, and the game's lobby is supposedly being overhauled, which should allow you to match up with players of comparable skill levels and hop into games quicker than before. In addition to that, enemies will be randomly switched around every time you play a scenario, so that should help to keep things fresh and exciting, and Capcom is promising a greater sense of freedom, so there will be multiple ways to complete levels. Finally, a result point system will measure how well you performed and award you with unlockable goodies such as new characters and an art gallery.

I definitely have some doubts with File #2. While the little improvements are appreciated, the game looks more like an append disc or something you should be able to download to enhance the original than a standalone adventure. However, it certainly deserves a chance, which is why I'll line up this April like the undead freak that I am to pick up a copy. Trapped, on the run, and under attack, it's time to re-enter the world of survival horror. Good luck!