Summary
- Release Year: 2002
- Genres: Adventure, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2, Xbox
- Developers: VIS Entertainment
- Publishers: Rockstar Games
State of Emergency (2002): A Chaotic and Thrilling Open-World Action Game
Released in 2002, State of Emergency was a groundbreaking open-world action game that let players take on the role of a variety of characters in a city under siege. With a huge arsenal of weapons and destructible environments, it was a chaotic and thrilling experience.
The game is set in a fictional American city called Capitol City, which has been ravaged by a series of natural disasters and terrorist attacks. The city is now under martial law, and the government has deployed the National Guard and private security forces to restore order. However, these forces are often as brutal and corrupt as the criminals they are supposed to be fighting.
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
- Phreak, an orphan
Each character has their own unique backstory and motivations, and they all play differently. For example, Spanky is a fast and agile character who is good at close-quarters combat, while McNeil is a more powerful character who is better suited for ranged combat.
The player must complete a variety of missions, ranging from rescue missions to “kill this person” missions to “blow up this…” missions. The missions are often very challenging, and the player will need to use all of their skills and resources to complete them.
One of the things that makes State of Emergency so unique is its destructible environments. The player can use a variety of weapons to destroy buildings, cars, and other objects in the environment. This can be used to create shortcuts, take cover from enemy fire, or simply cause chaos.
The game also features a variety of different weapons, including shotguns, machine guns, pistols, knives, rocket launchers, tear gas launchers, flame-throwers, gatling guns, pepper spray, molotov cocktails, and more. The player can also use street props, such as boxes, construction cones, benches, signposts, trashcans, and more, as weapons. 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 in State of Emergency, including gang members, skinheads, and The Corporation forces. The enemies are all very aggressive, and they will often attack the player on sight. The player will need to use all of their skills and resources to defeat them.
State of Emergency was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its open-world gameplay, destructible environments, and variety of weapons and characters. The game has been cited as an influence on many other open-world action games, such as Grand Theft Auto and Saints Row.
Gameplay
State of Emergency is a third-person action game. The player controls one of five characters from a third-person perspective. The player can explore the city of Capitol City, which is divided into several districts. The player can complete a variety of missions, which are given to them by NPCs. The missions range from simple tasks, such as delivering a package, to more complex tasks, such as rescuing a hostage or assassinating a target.
The player can use a variety of weapons to complete the missions. The weapons include firearms, melee weapons, and explosives. The player can also use the environment to their advantage, such as by taking cover behind objects or using vehicles as weapons.
The player’s health is represented by a health bar. The player can lose health by being attacked by enemies or by being exposed to environmental hazards. The player can regain health by using health packs or by eating food.
The player’s stamina is represented by a stamina bar. The player can lose stamina by running or by using melee weapons. The player can regain stamina by resting or by using stamina packs.
Characters
There are five playable characters in State of Emergency. The characters are:
- Spanky: A former gang member who is trying to go straight.
- McNeil: A former police officer who was fired for excessive force.
- Bull: A criminal who is trying to make a name for himself.
- Libra: A lawyer who is trying to help the innocent.
- Phreak: An orphan who is trying to find his place in the world.
Each character has their own unique backstory, motivations, and abilities. The player can choose to play as any of the characters, and they can switch between characters at any time.
Setting
State of Emergency is set in the fictional American city of Capitol City. The city has been ravaged by a series of natural disasters and terrorist attacks. The city is now under martial law, and the government has deployed the National Guard and private security forces to restore order. However, these forces are often as brutal and corrupt as the criminals they are supposed to be fighting.
The city is divided into several districts, each with its own unique look and feel. The districts include:
- The Slums: A poverty-stricken area that is home to many gangs.
- The Business District: A wealthy area that is home to many businesses and corporations.
- The Industrial District: A working-class area that is home to many factories and warehouses.
- The Waterfront: A rundown area that is home to many docks and warehouses.
- The Suburbs: A middle-class area that is home to many families.
Critical Reception
State of Emergency received positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its open-world gameplay, destructible environments, and variety of weapons and characters. The game was also criticized for its repetitive missions and lack of polish.
Commercial Performance
State of Emergency was a commercial success. The game sold over 1 million copies worldwide. The game was particularly successful in Europe, where it sold over 500,000 copies.
Legacy
State of Emergency has been cited as an influence on many other open-world action games, such as Grand Theft Auto and Saints Row. The game’s open-world gameplay, destructible environments, and variety of weapons and characters have been praised by critics and players alike.
Conclusion
State of Emergency is a classic open-world action game that still holds up today. The game’s open-world gameplay, destructible environments, and variety of weapons and characters make it a unique and
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
