Moving a cursor over an item in the inventory will show a brief description below the EKG (heart monitor). However, one helpful feature included was an option to ask a teammate to use an item, such as a health item if wounded, or a weapon during a battle. The system often requires the player removing their fingers from the controls to give these commands. The player could only shout various phrases such as 'No' or 'Wait' hoping the other player/players would understand. The commands and ad-libs themselves only covered the basics, for example if a character was using a stronger weapon on a weaker enemy, the player has no option telling the other player/players to stop using it.

While some people preferred this type of system, many despised it with people claiming the phrases would not cover enough during gameplay. The player can select items from his/her teammate's inventory and request it, or ask them to use it. As opposed to using USB headphones or a computer keyboard, players would use a command 'ad-lib' system which consisted of ten key command phrases, used with the right joystick on the PlayStation controller, and a button which shot out lines depending on the situation. Resident Evil Outbreak uses a command and ad-lib communication system.

Resident evil outbreak file 3