Capcom was apparently very cautious with the title. Having seen other major franchises' online only games sell considerably less in the Japanese market, they naturally added the offline mode in Outbreak. The offline and online modes are in fact very similar as far as content goes with the same five scenarios, but there are some differences. The online mode lets you play as a zombie for a brief period of time after the gauge maxes out, and there are a total of 4 players online (until someone dies of course) in comparison to the offline mode's offering of 2 AI partners. The AI is reportedly a bit more aggressive and there are more enemies on screen in the offline mode. In short, if you aren't able to go online with your PS2 (the game's broadband only by the way), you're not missing a lot so don't hesitate to get the game for the offline mode alone. You won't be experiencing only half the game if you don't go online; you'll basically miss out on co-operating with human partners and the short-lived zombie mode.

As far as replay value goes, there isn't much to complain. Aside from the replay value provided by the non-linear scenarios, the game has a collection mode where you can buy movies, music, playable NPC's, extra modes (new difficulty levels, solo single player etc.) and so on. The points are earned upon completing each scenario, and naturally, the better the rank, the more points you get.

The game certainly isn't flawless by any means, and I've already mentioned some of the graphical issues. However, the main problem is that the loading system is designed with the HDD in mind, without it, the loading time is about 12 seconds on average between rooms (it's less sometimes at 8 sec depending on the area). It's not something that can't be coped with after half an hour; if the loading takes more than 12 seconds, I advice you to run through a lens cleaning disc with bristles. The scenarios themselves are satisfying to play through the first time; afterwards, four out of the five can be completed in less than half an hour. Of course, you'll have to take several shortcuts and skip on some items to achieve the best times, and you get rewarded with points to buy several items as I explained earlier. The problem is that the game's enhanced gameplay engine makes you crave more scenarios, and of course, if the game's replay value options aren't your cup of tea, then the excitement might not last long.

Even with its flaws, Biohazard Outbreak is a great game with the most enjoyable gameplay in the series, even though it's still a side story that takes you back to Raccoon city. If you're a fan of the series, you'll love it but even if you're not, chances are that you'll like this one since it fixes the control issues of the past games and adds more to the gameplay. I highly recommend it even if online play isn't your cup of tea or are unable to take the game online, because the offline play is sufficient enough. If you are able to go online, then check it out to get a taste of online survival horror, a one of a kind experience.