Resident Evil Outbreak remake unites fans

Once again, fans of Capcom’s survival horror series are calling for a remake of Resident Evil Outbreak, but will it ever happen?

Fans have been calling for a remake or a remaster of Resident Evil Outbreak for years, and despite there being snippets of hope from time to time, it feels like Capcom isn't all that interested in making it happen, at least publicly.

I’ve made my feelings known about a return, as I feel Resident Evil Outbreak would thrive in the modern era and would not only be pleasing to veteran fans, but it would surely garner a new generation of fans too.

When Resident Evil Outbreak was released in Japan in 2003, then in the West the following year, it was a multiplayer game ahead of its time. Resident Evil Outbreak is a four-player co-op game with players having eight characters to choose from.

Each of the eight characters had a unique backstory, skills and personality traits. Events took place just before a nuke was dropped on the zombie-infested Raccoon City during the events of Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3.

Sadly, unlike in Japan and North America, Resident Evil Outbreak wasn't playable online in Europe, and that sucked.

Sure, it was still fun to an extent, being able to play on your lonesome with AI controlling the three remaining characters, but it was a disappointing feeling knowing that a large chunk of fans weren't able to play this game as intended.

The following year, Resident Evil Outbreak: File #2 was released, which was basically a console expansion before console expansions were a thing.

Resident Evil Outbreak: File #2 brought back the same eight characters but with an improved communication system (albeit no voice) and new scenarios. Better still, players in Europe could finally play it online.

However, back then, online gaming on PlayStation wasn't anywhere near the level of today. That being said, PC was way ahead of the game, and so too was the original Xbox, compared to the PlayStation 2.

What’s more, for those that were able to play Resident Evil Outbreak: File #2 online, not only was the online player base as shallow as a kids inflatable paddling pool, the connection sucked with major lag and frequent disconnects.

The servers for Resident Evil Outbreak: File #2 were shut down in 2007, and we haven't seen the series return since. Though, PC modders have kept the game alive of sorts via emulation, which is at least something.

To no surprise whatsoever, fans are pleading with Capcom once more to bring back the Resident Evil Outbreak series.

“Capcom, for the love of god, remaster Outbreak already,” exclaimed Velvetblizzard. “So many Resident Evil multiplayer attempts, yet they’re sitting in gold and can’t see it.”

Velvetblizzard is no doubt referring to the colossal flops that were the asymmetrical multiplayer game Resident Evil: Resistance (free with the 2020 Resident Evil 3 remake) and the multiplayer shooter Resident Evil Re:Verse (free with 2021’s Resident Evil Village).

“Look, we’ve heard you. Here’s another PvP game literally no one asked for,” joked vacodeus in response.

“OMG, this is so true. Why are all Resident Evil spin-off games crap compared to Outbreak?” asked ShortViewBack2daPas.

“Resident Evil Outbreak File #1 + #2 Remaster is my dream,” declared underkappa.

“They should remake it. Capcom in 2025 is doing so much right,” suggested Dogesneakers.

Will Capcom ever give fans what they want when it comes to the Resident Evil Outbreak series? Only time will tell, but I wouldn't recommend holding your breath.