STATE OF EMERGENCY (PS2) IN SOUTH AFRICA

State of Emergency (PS2) Platform: PlayStation2 Condition: New Other versions of this game available from us: Platform: Pre-Owned/Used: Very Good Condition copies available Product Information WARNING: Violent content and mature themes make this game inappropriate for anyone under 18 Hundreds of rioters on screen simultaneously, each with their own AI Two modes: Revolution and Chaos 4 sprawling levels Play as Spanky, Libra, or other characters who aren't going to take it any more Also available: Official Strategy Guide Product Description Like Grand Theft Auto 3 --also by Rockstar Games-- State of Emergency offers the player virtually unlimited scope for mayhem and huge, sprawling urban environments to explore through missions or non-linear action. But this time the level of chaos has been upped considerably, with the potential for hundreds of rioters to be onscreen at once, each one with his or her own AI, set of motivations and loyalties. The environments are intricately interactive: almost any object (including body parts) can be picked up and used as a weapon. There are two game modes, Revolution and Chaos. Chaos allows for freelance havoc-wreaking, while in Revolution you will be sent on hundreds of missions--ranging from fire-bombing to gang warfare--all with the ultimate purpose of toppling the tyranical "Corporation" that runs the city. The violence in this game is cartoony but extreme and for the mature gamer only. Children should in fact not even be allowed to be in the same room where this game is being played. For the mature gamer, though, State of Emergency will forever change the concept of what a video game can be. Review The publishers of Grand Theft Auto 3 are back with another game geared towards a mature audience. But fans of GTA3 should note that while State of Emergency also contains adult themes and extremely violent gameplay, that's pretty much where the similarities end. Whereas GTA3 was about creating a deep experience unlike any other video game, State of Emergency is a throwback to arcade beat-'em-ups like Smash TV and Double Dragon. However, the game takes the genre to a new level with mind-blowing graphics. You play as one of five selectable characters that's going up against The Corporation--a tyrannical group that has the city in an iron grip. The city is in an utter state of disarray and the citizens are rebelling. Amazingly, up to 250 characters can be rioting on screen; it's very surprising that the developers were able to render so many moving characters while keeping a smooth frame rate. Basic gameplay consists of picking up numerous weapons and objects to cause as much damage as humanly possible. Providing context to the mindless violence are Revolution and Chaos modes: the former is the game's story mode, with over 175 missions, while the latter is a single-session mode with a few variations. For the most part, State of Emergency is an enjoyable cacophony of senseless violence, but there are some flaws: although Revolution boasts an impressive number of missions, they do get repetitive; the game screams for a multiplayer mode, but it's strictly one-player. In spite of these flaws, the game remains addictive and fun. It bears repeating that gamers looking for another GTA3 will not find it here: this game provides an arcade-like experience that's excellent, but in a very different way. Parents should note that this game carries an 18 rating for violence and gore. --Raymond M Padilla