State of Emergency
Jul 29, 2003 23 years ago
In State of Emergency, the player can choose from one of five different characters: Spanky, an ex-gang member; McNeil, a disgruntled ex-cop; Bull, a criminal in prison; Libra, a lawyer; and Phreak, an orphan. The player must complete a variety of missions, ranging from Rescue missions to "Kill This Person" missions to "Blow Up This ..." missions. The player has many different weapons at his or her disposal, including shotguns, machine guns, pistols, knives, rocket launchers, tear gas launchers, flame-throwers, gatling guns, pepper spray, molotov cocktails and more. It is even possible to use street props, such as boxes, construction cones, benches, signposts, trashcans, and more. Breaking and entering stores allows the player to use the items there as a weapon, such as a DVD player or a television. There are many different enemies such as gang members, skinheads, and The Corporation forces.
What it’s like
State of Emergency delivers a chaotic, arcade-style beat 'em up set in a dystopian city under martial law. The premise is simple: choose one of five distinct protagonists and unleash mayhem upon the streets, fighting off gangs and corporate forces with an arsenal ranging from mundane props to heavy weaponry. The experience is defined by its frenetic energy and satirical tone, prioritizing visceral destruction over narrative depth. Combat is fluid and responsive, encouraging players to master environmental interactions and weapon variety for maximum carnage. While the story serves merely as a backdrop for the action, the character selection offers varied playstyles that keep the repetitive mission structure engaging. The game excels in atmosphere and audio design, creating a loud, immersive riot simulation. It is designed for short, intense bursts of gameplay rather than long-term commitment, offering a satisfying loop of destruction that rewards skill and reflexes over strategic planning.
Strong in Audio / MusicCombatAtmosphere / MoodCo-op / MultiplayerDifficulty / ChallengeGameplay / MechanicsPacingPolish / PerformanceVisuals / Art
Keep in mind The campaign is notably short, leading to rapid replayability needs without substantial new content. · Difficulty spikes can be punishingly high for casual players, potentially causing frustration rather than fun.
AI-generated from catalog data, informed by reviews from metacritic.com, en.wikipedia.org, ign.com, rpg.net.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 2 | Worldwide | Full release | Feb 12, 200225 years ago |
| Xbox | Worldwide | Full release | Mar 26, 200323 years ago |
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Jul 29, 200323 years ago |
