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. 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
  2. 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!!!
  3. 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
  4. Zach
    Mar 2, 2005
    10
    Best game i have played in a while.It is like grand theft auto but better.The plot is fairly realistic too.
  5. D.
    Jan 22, 2005
    3
    First of all, you can't kill innocent people, when you're shot at it looks like the bullets are going 12 miles per hour. Just not that good.
  6. 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.
  7. Kenny
    Jan 22, 2005
    5
    It's pretty much crap. It would have been good BEFORE Grand Theft Auto. But as far as compared to GTA, awful. The blowing up of things sucks. The graphics are mind-blowingly bad. The shooting system sucks, and the map is bland and boring. Vice City was made fun of for killing you if you went in the water, this is the same, but with a crappier animation. Overall, this game provides no It's pretty much crap. It would have been good BEFORE Grand Theft Auto. But as far as compared to GTA, awful. The blowing up of things sucks. The graphics are mind-blowingly bad. The shooting system sucks, and the map is bland and boring. Vice City was made fun of for killing you if you went in the water, this is the same, but with a crappier animation. Overall, this game provides no fun. I'd rather play a game that's ACTUALLY free roam. Like maybe.....Grand Theft Auto?… Expand
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. G.Weeks
    Jan 6, 2005
    10
    This will revolutionize the GTA genre with things like evrything is destroyable, and there's pretty much n e thing to steal.
  12. RyanG.
    Feb 23, 2005
    10
    It's one of the best games i ve played better than san-andreas.
  13. MikeB.
    Mar 8, 2005
    10
    This game is the best game i have ever played. It's like a cross between GTA and SOCOM. It's whole plot, and the ability to free roam are awesome!
  14. GarettElmer
    Jan 5, 2005
    10
    Must Buy Instantly!
  15. UberMench
    Feb 1, 2005
    10
    Best game in the world i loved it.
  16. EfeB.
    Feb 20, 2005
    9
    I usually dont believe in hype, so i was skeptical before hand. now that i have played for 2 full days in a row, i must say that mercenaries is as fun a videogame can ever be. the structure is like GTA...meaning, you can do your own thing and goto specific houses for "missions". actually, GTA san-andreas kicks mercenaries butt in terms of freedom and variety, but mercenaries is a warI usually dont believe in hype, so i was skeptical before hand. now that i have played for 2 full days in a row, i must say that mercenaries is as fun a videogame can ever be. the structure is like GTA...meaning, you can do your own thing and goto specific houses for "missions". actually, GTA san-andreas kicks mercenaries butt in terms of freedom and variety, but mercenaries is a war game...so, you know...you cannot actually call an airstrike and blow up everything you see in GTA, that is for mercenaries exlusive!. you get to control 3 "heros", yet you get to pick one only at first. there are lots of vehicles and armored military stuff to drive as well as helicopters. the controls on the helicopters could have been better since you cannot pan the camera around the vehicle...this bothers me aaah....so much. but the flight controls are good. the weather is kind of muddy all the time...when you take off with the chopper and get a medium altitude, you cannot even see whats below...its so muddy, foggy and...anyway, why can't it be sunny?...i dont know. now, another thing...i like "rag-doll" effects alot in games, such as hitman and punisher, i still havent figured out if this game uses rag doll system, sometimes it kind of looks like it does but in most times the enemy dies the same way (especially when shot with a gun). so, thats another complaint of mine...it also would have been better to go inside bulidings...am i asking too much?...well...the game HAS alot going for it though, i mean there are lots of things to do and almost all of it are fun. i love the "fugitive capture" missions, where you go and hunt down wanted people, similar to the iraq war "playing cards...ace of clubs, 8th of spades" kind of thing. cool.… Expand
  17. DaveA.
    Feb 5, 2005
    9
    Mercenaries is one of the greatest games that I have played (Thus Far). It has its strengths and its weaknesses. More strengths that the alternative. Here is a list of each: Strengths: Large-Scale detailed environment Almost fully destructable environment Constant war to keep you on you toes tons of weapons and vehicles weaknesses: Not-so-good stealth system weather never changes and Mercenaries is one of the greatest games that I have played (Thus Far). It has its strengths and its weaknesses. More strengths that the alternative. Here is a list of each: Strengths: Large-Scale detailed environment Almost fully destructable environment Constant war to keep you on you toes tons of weapons and vehicles weaknesses: Not-so-good stealth system weather never changes and there is no night time (except in certain missions) Overall it is an excellent game and is 100% worth the price.… Expand
  18. BuddyLee
    Feb 7, 2005
    10
    I love this game. It reminds me of Grand Theft Auto, but militarily based. I love stealing vehicles and calling in drops for cars, supplies or air strikes. i just got this 2 days ago and have played it none stop.
  19. JoshC.
    Mar 12, 2005
    9
    This game is incredible!!! the detail and airstrikes! its faultless!!! if you dont buy this game there is something actually wrong with you....
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. FrameWork
    Aug 20, 2005
    10
    Blow stuff up Blow it up some more hard day at the office this is the perfect tool.
  24. OliverW.
    Jul 9, 2006
    10
    ten out of ten. Its a great game flawless graphics, great gameplay. Overall very fun game buy it now!
  25. TheoK.
    Sep 29, 2006
    10
    It is a fab shooting game. Best one yet!
  26. 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
  27. JohnnieL.
    Jan 17, 2005
    10
    Awesome shooing action. If you like a game were you can just go shoot to kill this is the one for you.
  28. PhilM.
    Jan 23, 2005
    10
    I know it's easy to make the GTA comparisons but they don't really stick. This is much more a free-roaming extreme arcade game. Most fun I've had in ages.
  29. CoryM.
    Jan 27, 2005
    9
    Seems like it runs off of a GTA engine, but propably not. It is a very fun game and action packed.
  30. GregS.
    Feb 17, 2005
    10
    This game fetchin rocks. i just rented it and i havent been able to do my homework since i picked up the controller to play it. i love the missions and how much you can do with the game. it is a big interactive game and i love it. go out and buy it!
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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.
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  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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