State of Emergency - PlayStation 2

The publishers of Grand Theft Auto III are back with another game geared towards a mature audience. But fans of GTA III should note that while State of Emergency contains adult themes and extremely violent gameplay, that's pretty much where the similarities end. Whereas GTA III was about creating a deep experience unlike any other video game, SOE 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. In State of Emergency, 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 a state of disarray and the citizens are rebelling. Amazingly, up to 250 characters can riot onscreen at once. It's shocking 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 the revolution and chaos modes. The former is the game's story mode and features more than 175 missions, while the latter is a single-session mode with a few variations. For the most part, the game is an enjoyable cacophony of senseless violence, but there are some flaws. Although the revolution mode 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 GTA III will not find it here: this game provides an arcadelike experience that's excellent, but in a very different way. Parents should note that this game carries a Mature rating for its blood, violence, and gore. --Raymond M. Padilla Pros: Amazing number of characters onscreen simultaneously Simple beat-'em-up gameplay A vast arsenal with which to inflict damage Cons: Missions get repetitive No multiplayer mode Bland soundtrack Product Description Start a riot in your living room. Picture this: the Corporation, a sinister power-mad organization, takes control of your country and is attempting to liquidate opposition to authority. Suddenly, an underground rebel movement has formed, inciting the general public to protest in the name of freedom. A state of emergency has been declared. Now it is time to fight the good fight using hand-to-hand combat, over-the-top weapons and anything you can find on the street. You can choose from two completely different styles of gameplay-either try to topple the Corporation or simply cause complete chaos. You have an extensive (and we do mean extensive) collection of hand-to-hand fighting moves and tons of super-destructive weapons at your disposal. Choose from among 5 rebels, each with different strengths and psychological issues to work out. Why, you can even pick up stray bricks off the street to fight if you want to. Corporation death squads or ruthless gangs; fight them all to protect your rights!

Amazing number of characters onscreen simultaneously Simple beat-'em-up gameplay A vast arsenal with which to inflict damage