Mercenaries

 PlayStation 2
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 112 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 97 out of 112
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 112
  3. Negative: 5 out of 112
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  1. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Sep 11, 2023
    8
    An entertaining GTA-like action game that is set in a war-torn Korea. You start out by selecting one of three mercenaries. There are 52 evil leaders that must be either killed or taken into custody. Besides the main story missions, there are several side-activities to engage in and vehicles that you can steal. Expect plenty of big explosions and mass destruction. This game will appeal toAn entertaining GTA-like action game that is set in a war-torn Korea. You start out by selecting one of three mercenaries. There are 52 evil leaders that must be either killed or taken into custody. Besides the main story missions, there are several side-activities to engage in and vehicles that you can steal. Expect plenty of big explosions and mass destruction. This game will appeal to fans of "Far Cry 3" and "Saints Row". Great fun. I would rate it with an 8.4 out of 10.… Expand
  2. The_D4RknesS
    Sep 6, 2022
    9
    the destruction of the scenery is impressive for a 2005 game and I think this one is better than the second in the series
  3. Bottlecaps
    May 19, 2021
    9
    Mercs 1 has no right to being this good in 2021 it didn't age like fine wine but its aged like cheese still good but you can taste how old it is , there is a level of clunk in this game but for the most part that's just the hardware limitations but man oh man is this game fun and deeper than i thought possible

    Story: OK seriously i did not expect a story about blowing stuff up and    Mercs 1 has no right to being this good in 2021 it didn't age like fine wine but its aged like cheese still good but you can taste how old it is , there is a level of clunk in this game but for the most part that's just the hardware limitations but man oh man is this game fun and deeper than i thought possible

    Story: OK seriously i did not expect a story about blowing stuff up and killing dudes to be this good , all story is done in game play ( a rare sight even now a days YAY no tusdo narrative dissonance :D, you play as a mercenary sent by a pmc as a single operative into the warzone of north Korea sent for the bounty of the "deck of 52" 52 bounty's on the north Korean military members ending with the ace of spades general song who threatens the world with nukes . there is many factions in this game all with their own agendas that cross with one another even going to full on war with one another because by taking down the Korean military you've actually created a power vacuum causing the other factions to realistically fight over the remaining territory , south Korea thinking the rest of the country is rightfully theirs , china believing the country should remain communist , Russians who just want money , and the allies who are just after the deck of 52 and Korean military although they are supplying the south Koreans as they have similar equipment , the only cut scenes are news casts of your actions catching the bounty's although the news convenient leaves out the fact that you are a merc , and the other waring factions. the story is really engaging because it takes a level of thought to figure out what's really going on
    Story: 10/10

    World building: i like the world or mercs alot of thought went into this world , friendly factions will fight along side of you ,you hit a fence well it will lean over unless you're in a tank then it will flop over while you just drive on over , vehicles all behave as they should even if some are clunky but thats just the ps2 , you can blow up any building in the game you just need the ordinance to do so , need a tank hijack it , need a helicopter HIJACK IT take what ever you need its all free if you kill for it ,on top of the fantastic faction system that really should be replicated , you can see the infighting even when you aren't on a mission, i think the best small detail about this game is depending on who you play as certain languages will be translated , plays as jen she knows Chinese cause she was born in hong kong , Chris knows Korean because his mom is Korean , Matias knows Russian because hes a violent warmongering swede who knows Russian
    world building: 10/10

    Graphics: now this is a hard one to judge because of how old the game is , so i ushaly see what else came out around this time for similar consoles and while 2005 is not a a graphicly insane year mercs dose not really stand out for looking very good with its short draw distance and muddy textures but the destruction physics work well only losing frames during huge explosions , the game looks decent enough and excels in other areas , how ever the character models look fantastic very detailed , i played as jen and yeah i could stare at her ass all day
    graphics 8/10

    Gameplay: the game shows its age for the most part here , you cant sprint (although that wasnt a common feature in games till the ps3 era ) reloads are on a weird button , so is jump minor gripes with controls aside this game was a hell of a lot of fun ,, the gunplay can feel like gun kata when you get good enough , i do wish it was on pc so i could aim better but AH i digress , all guns behave differently weather it be missal launcher m4 carbine , ak47 or a Russian pps-38 smg they all have different quirks and fighting styles, all the vehicles control great or well they are clunky but the controls are intuitive you just have to get use to them . plus all the story missions are in the game play , i know i already said that but that makes the game much more special
    Gameplay: 9/10

    Sound design: the sound would cut out a few times while i played again i think this is a hard ware limitation as the rest of the sound was amazing , voice acting was on point , the music was fantastic felt like a big budget movies music like starwars ( OH HEY THIS IS A LUCAS ARTS GAME ) , gun sound affects are *MUAH* even for a ps2 game thats impressive
    sound design: 9/10

    10+10+8+9+9= 46
    46/5= 9.2/10    … Expand
  4. Kyle_Katarn92
    Nov 30, 2020
    8
    A must have for the PS2. A great sandbox game, the map may not have a plethora of detail, never the less, it is still a lot of fun to explore the environment. The missions may get a little repetitive at times, but overall, the game is enjoyable
  5. Rick-Cast
    Jan 29, 2020
    9
    Another one of LucasArt's masterpiece.
    It sucks that it shut down. Like a mix with Grand Theft Auto but on the battlefield
  6. 0007
    Jun 15, 2019
    10
    Best game ever. Other than the dates driving and lack of fast travel, it remains a masterpiece
  7. merc12347
    Dec 9, 2015
    10
    Its not a pretty game, and the AIs as stupid as they come. That said it is in my opinion the best game I have ever played, and Ive played quite a lot. Of course that's nostalgia talking, but really at the time it was the most open and fun open world games out there. You could destroy buildings, fight with multiple different factions, and take on actual bounty hunting missions that actuallyIts not a pretty game, and the AIs as stupid as they come. That said it is in my opinion the best game I have ever played, and Ive played quite a lot. Of course that's nostalgia talking, but really at the time it was the most open and fun open world games out there. You could destroy buildings, fight with multiple different factions, and take on actual bounty hunting missions that actually made you feel like you were hunting down major faction leaders. The stories so so, but it never built itself on it, instead it offered fun explosive action and in that sense it succeeded in every way.… Expand
  8. RealmCopier
    Mar 14, 2014
    9
    I incredibly enjoyed Mercenaries due to the Open World experience only before seen in Grand Theft Auto. The thought that there are other things than the main story was mind-blowing when I first played it, having not played any Grand Theft Auto game at that time. The dynamic environment was what sealed the deal for me. The ability to blow up buildings, hijack helicopters and call inI incredibly enjoyed Mercenaries due to the Open World experience only before seen in Grand Theft Auto. The thought that there are other things than the main story was mind-blowing when I first played it, having not played any Grand Theft Auto game at that time. The dynamic environment was what sealed the deal for me. The ability to blow up buildings, hijack helicopters and call in airstrikes? This game was amazing!

    The only reason this is a 9 and not 10 is because there were a few annoying Glitches I found in the game.    … Expand
  9. Rox22
    Sep 12, 2013
    8
    While it is a little rough around the edges, it's still a ton of fun. It's basically GTA: War

    Graphics are decent, but the desolate landscape feels so lifeless and bland it does give it a little bit of a sterile look when nothing is blowing up. Luckily there is almost always action in the game, so this is a minor point. Main characters are very well voiced and give varied enough    While it is a little rough around the edges, it's still a ton of fun. It's basically GTA: War

    Graphics are decent, but the desolate landscape feels so lifeless and bland it does give it a little bit of a sterile look when nothing is blowing up. Luckily there is almost always action in the game, so this is a minor point.

    Main characters are very well voiced and give varied enough performances to warrant you playing through more than once just to hear the dialogue. Particularly Mattias, who is just awesome!

    Overall:
    It isn't perfect but is allot of fun and worth a go.    … Expand
  10. drlowdon
    Aug 3, 2013
    5
    Mercenaries advertised itself as a more extreme Grand Theft Auto and, for a short while at least, there is certainly some fun to be had traversing to game world causing as much destruction as possible. Unfortunately the limitations of the PlayStation 2 and a lack of imagination on the part of the developers mean it can never live up to its ambition.

    The gameplay itself changes very    Mercenaries advertised itself as a more extreme Grand Theft Auto and, for a short while at least, there is certainly some fun to be had traversing to game world causing as much destruction as possible. Unfortunately the limitations of the PlayStation 2 and a lack of imagination on the part of the developers mean it can never live up to its ambition.

    The gameplay itself changes very little from start to finish and the repetitive nature of the missions means it is often actually more enjoyable to just not bother with them. Add to this some terrible enemy AI and you have an ambitious title that just doesn't quite work the way it should.    … Expand
  11. KieranS.
    Dec 15, 2008
    10
    I first played this great game when I was 10. Right now I am 11 and I have had the most fun in the world playing this game!! The game itself has very good graphics and great sound effects!! For any people out there who like a challenge, you have come to the right game. Although, you might not like it if you hate killing, because let me tell you: "There is a whole lot of it going on in I first played this great game when I was 10. Right now I am 11 and I have had the most fun in the world playing this game!! The game itself has very good graphics and great sound effects!! For any people out there who like a challenge, you have come to the right game. Although, you might not like it if you hate killing, because let me tell you: "There is a whole lot of it going on in this game!!" I personally don't like killing, but this is a great game.… Expand
  12. AMttJ.
    Nov 29, 2008
    10
    Perfection on PS2; it's not often people say that in 2008, but it truly is. Shame that the sequel looks like a sloppy port that I won't even consider purchasing.
  13. kieranH
    Jul 6, 2008
    9
    A fantastic game and is a great alternative to gta, infact its better in my opinion. I spend half my time during the game just blowing up NK soldiers and cars with all sorts of weapons and t if u need help during the game use a airstrike to blow the crap out of it . Heaps of replay value. u can even hijack helicopters!!!
  14. [Anonymous]
    Feb 26, 2007
    10
    One of the best games ever. Sooooooooo glad they're releasing the sequel for the PS2 too. That'll be the day. See a little oil puddle under that truck full of troopers? Throw a match and blow the "living crap out of it."
  15. TheoK.
    Sep 29, 2006
    10
    It is a fab shooting game. Best one yet!
  16. AndyM.
    Jul 31, 2006
    9
    Do what you want. Kill who you want. Side with who you want. Steal what you want. It's like GTA only without language, blood, and as much violence. In other words, a 10-year-old-kid friendly GTA.
  17. OliverW.
    Jul 9, 2006
    10
    ten out of ten. Its a great game flawless graphics, great gameplay. Overall very fun game buy it now!
  18. PjotrK.
    Dec 31, 2005
    10
    Huge game. Always nice to see a very playable and enjoyable game, especially when it gives lots of missions for the money. How many games are out there that give you the task to hunt down 52 baddies and on top of that give you another 32 missions? And if that isn't enough to entice you.... don't forget that you not only can drive anything, fly the helicopters but can destroy Huge game. Always nice to see a very playable and enjoyable game, especially when it gives lots of missions for the money. How many games are out there that give you the task to hunt down 52 baddies and on top of that give you another 32 missions? And if that isn't enough to entice you.... don't forget that you not only can drive anything, fly the helicopters but can destroy anything, vehicles, buildings, bridges. Anything, except trees. I've just tried "battlefield 2: modern combat" and although it is much younger it doesn't allow that and that really detracts from the realism and enjoyment. Are their games that are more realistic? Sure. Are there games that have better graphics? Sure. Is it silly that you're character can't stand water or that the trees are undistructable. Ofcourse. But you'll be hard pressed to find any game in it's genre that give you that much enjoyment for that much time.… Expand
  19. Gazcomsat
    Nov 19, 2005
    10
    Probably my all-time favourite game. Well balanced missions combined with great animation and freedom to do anything and go anywhere makes this a truly wonderful game. This is the only game I've ever wanted to go back to and complete a second time. The explosions are some of the best I've seen in any game with debris seemingly coming right at you in 3D! Great weapons, huge Probably my all-time favourite game. Well balanced missions combined with great animation and freedom to do anything and go anywhere makes this a truly wonderful game. This is the only game I've ever wanted to go back to and complete a second time. The explosions are some of the best I've seen in any game with debris seemingly coming right at you in 3D! Great weapons, huge selection of cars, helicopters tanks etc to steal and blow up. Superb, almost flawless game that I can't recommend highly enough.… Expand
  20. AndyO.
    Nov 1, 2005
    8
    You gotta respect a game like this, especially when everyone knows it will be compared to the GTA series, now I am one of those hardcore gamers and at one time GTA was very appealing and fun to play... And then I had kids all of a sudden the having sex with hookers or stabbing a guy in the head and watching blood spew out was still cool but my conscience kicked in and I figured do i You gotta respect a game like this, especially when everyone knows it will be compared to the GTA series, now I am one of those hardcore gamers and at one time GTA was very appealing and fun to play... And then I had kids all of a sudden the having sex with hookers or stabbing a guy in the head and watching blood spew out was still cool but my conscience kicked in and I figured do i really want junior watching dad play this. But alas here comes mercenaries blood is like a off red kinda brown cloud that appears for a second and the concept of CQC is not a option especially when you could give a little hello with a RPG instead, this game really takes the fun stuff and puts a teen rating on it, with sub missions and primary missions and the more you destroy the more money you earn, penalty for killing innocents so the conscience is in the wallet and the ability to finish any mission almost anyway. The steal, kill anything similarities between GTA and mercs ends right there, but for the gamer that is not fond of the unneccessary violent images and brutal language this takes all the fun aspects of the GTA and creates its own game out of it, it is perfectly done and is not GTA with a different name. I expect more games with the "freedom format" as I call it to emerge because the interactive abilities really draws you into the game. This game is not ground breaking but who cares it is alot of fun, your a dork if you think every game has to break new ground and set monumental standards there is always games like that and they flop or go sky high but whats wrong with the ability to pick a controller up and just have fun for a few hours? Something new isn't always superb sometimes its just a pain in the ass.… Expand
  21. SamF.
    Oct 6, 2005
    9
    Mercenaries at first glance might look and play like the GTA games, but once you start playing you realize only the Freedom of go anywhere do anything is the same. You have the ability to call in airstrikes, Airdrops, and destroy anything you see in the envirement. this game's only flaw is the sometimes difficulty you have when in close prroximty on foot Trying to shoot. Not your Mercenaries at first glance might look and play like the GTA games, but once you start playing you realize only the Freedom of go anywhere do anything is the same. You have the ability to call in airstrikes, Airdrops, and destroy anything you see in the envirement. this game's only flaw is the sometimes difficulty you have when in close prroximty on foot Trying to shoot. Not your average game as this one really lets every possible scenerio you could imagine a reality...steal any vehicle and go about missions anyway you choose...Truly an amazing achievement!… Expand
  22. FrameWork
    Aug 20, 2005
    10
    Blow stuff up Blow it up some more hard day at the office this is the perfect tool.
  23. George
    Aug 10, 2005
    9
    This game was awesome and has a lot to offer. The bad thing is that there is little to explore and you cannot go back to veryfying people on the deck of 52 that you already passed.
  24. ChrisT.
    Jul 22, 2005
    10
    Is one of the best games i have ever played if it moves you can steal it or kill it. it is like Gta in korea.
  25. JesseS.
    Jun 18, 2005
    7
    If you can imagine Grand Theft Auto, but in a war setting, where you do missions for the different factions, then you have imagined exactly what this game is. The graphics are the standard PS2 graphics you have come to know, but there are some nice particle effects. The gameplay is fairly simple, and there are a lot of fun things to do. However, the main thing you do in this game is blow If you can imagine Grand Theft Auto, but in a war setting, where you do missions for the different factions, then you have imagined exactly what this game is. The graphics are the standard PS2 graphics you have come to know, but there are some nice particle effects. The gameplay is fairly simple, and there are a lot of fun things to do. However, the main thing you do in this game is blow things up. After that, you may steal a car or kill a few people. And then blow things up. It gets boring fast. The story isn't much too inticing, either. Its a fun game, but only worth a rental, as it tends to get old REALLY fast.… Expand
  26. ThorB.
    Jun 6, 2005
    9
    I'm playing this game right now and it is terrific. I havent gotten very far, ive only completed about 7 missions or so. But it's one of my top games right now. GTA meets the war series is what this game is and i love it.
  27. MikeS.
    May 14, 2005
    7
    Basically if we have to compare it to GTA, Merceneries has the better physics, controls and firepower. It lacks in driving segments, sound effects, and map design. Overall a fun game, but if you've been spoiled by GTA it might lessen some of your appreciation.
  28. Tim
    Apr 22, 2005
    8
    I rented this game and intend to buy it when the price drops, so I think it's one of the few that don't get old within a week. While there isn't much of a storyline, it does provide a great open environment and a number of ways to go about doing the missions, and some things--like calling in air strikes--can be insanely fun. There are some parts, though, like the final I rented this game and intend to buy it when the price drops, so I think it's one of the few that don't get old within a week. While there isn't much of a storyline, it does provide a great open environment and a number of ways to go about doing the missions, and some things--like calling in air strikes--can be insanely fun. There are some parts, though, like the final mission, which starts out great, but keeps going and going and going and can get a bit tedious towards the end. But all in all, an awfully good game.… Expand
  29. KeithL.
    Apr 12, 2005
    9
    Outstanding Game. Nice graphics. Good game physics and game play. I'm going through a second time to see if I can catch all the cards without killing any of them. Tons of game play possibilities and experimentation. If it had a bit more plot and a tad stronger stealth element, I'd give it a ten. It deserves a ten, anyway.
  30. Hades
    Mar 20, 2005
    8
    I finally got around to playing Mercenaries and I have to say it is an enjoyable SINGLE player game, though a bit over-praised.. The game strikes me as a mixture between Hitman and Grand Theft Auto, which would seem to be a stunning melding of two great series.. and it is really really good, but I think you might get the general enjoyment or 'use' from this title with merely a I finally got around to playing Mercenaries and I have to say it is an enjoyable SINGLE player game, though a bit over-praised.. The game strikes me as a mixture between Hitman and Grand Theft Auto, which would seem to be a stunning melding of two great series.. and it is really really good, but I think you might get the general enjoyment or 'use' from this title with merely a rental. Definitely a good game, though not neccesarily 'great'... Driving becomes tedious rather than fun, and the cars handle a bit clumsily at times (or is it more realistically?) Granted, the interface to the various menus is implemented very well, and the graphics are pretty good (though the PS2's hardware is definitely beginning to show age...) The main thing the game has definitely going for it as greatly unique is the destruction you can cause, the physics of destroying things is pretty impressive. Though, I found for me the novelty seemed to wear off a bit quicker than I'd have hoped after reading most reviews.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best PS2 Game of 2005
16
#16 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2005
57
#57 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 44 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 44
  3. Negative: 0 out of 44
  1. GameZone
    90
    A rare gem that surpasses expectations and stands as an extremely fun and engaging action game.
    Read full review
  2. My Gamer
    60
    In the end, a pared-down multi-player extravaganza does not a great single-player experience make. This game has a lot of good things going for it, but they exist in departments that ultimately don’t matter.
    Read full review
  3. PSX Extreme
    86
    One of the few games that has a lot of flaws but still manages to be a blast to play. There are numerous glitches and bugs, and the game’s pacing can be a bit slow (driving from area to area), but once you get in a big ol’ firefight, those things become distant memories.
    Read full review
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