- Publisher: Rockstar Games
- Release Date: Feb 12, 2002
- Also On: PC
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- Critic score
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It's way too short, but the game does go over the top in both the action and the premise, and it is fun.
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The visuals are awesome, the sound is great, and the gameplay is good, though it could have been much better. You're likely to get frustrated a lot (and I mean a LOT), but the game is still great fun.
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It operates reliably, frantically, and smoothly enough to offer a kind of arcade zen experience once you've reached a certain level of proficiency. It's definitely a sick game.
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The best part about State of Emergency is the way every facet of the game comes together to form a perfect feeling of panic.
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This poorly designed camera cannot keep up in many situations.
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Chaotic, violent, and oh so naughty, State Of Emergency is a fun title marred by some truly annoying camera and control problems.
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A tried and true beat-'em-up, and it doesn't offer the stunning replay value or depth of some other Rockstar titles. It's very different...[yet] the addiction level in this game is extremely high.
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For the kind of game it is the hype was worth it: the most unique beat-em-up in years. For people expecting a GTA3 (like some were), it will disappoint, but for the people who went in knowing what they were gonna get I'm sure most will be pleasantly surprised.
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Manic, frenzied and violent gaming at it’s gripping best.
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TotalGames.netThe sheer amount of people and the speed of the action really pumps home a great sensation of hysteria.
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Game InformerMore of a throwback to classic arcade shoot-em-ups like "Berserk" and "Smash TV," than a cinematic epic like "Grand Theft Auto III." [Apr 2002, p.70]
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A very fun game whose premise wears thin a bit too fast. However, you’ll have a blast with it before you reach the saturation point.
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This new "bad boy" of the video game industry is extremely fun to play — for those old enough and mature enough to purchase it — as a campy stress releaser at the end of a bad day.
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Play MagazineMore fun than a post-game Laker riot. [Apr 2002, p.57]
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I find it a real shame that the whole tactical side was dropped, as not only would controlling a mob add more depth it now seems that the use of hundreds of AI characters has been a complete waste of time.
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Simple, engaging and spot-on in terms of presenting controversial material in a humorous and tongue-in-cheek manner.
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It begins to get old quick.
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A brilliant renaissance for the once dominant beat-em-up genre...[but] you realize that this is an extremely short title posing as an epic undertaking in its revolution mode.
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A disappointment. It lacks the charm that "Final Fight," and "Streets of Rage" had before it and it doesn't make up for it with the lack of depth and the lack of a 2 player mode! Shame on you Vis!
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The sheer pandemonium and brutal weapons can be pretty amusing, at least until the gimmick of all the explosions and rioting wears off. Unfortunately, that can wear off fairly quickly.
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Despite its limited depth, State Of Emergency is a lengthy beat-em up that truly shines in short bursts.
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Electronic Gaming MonthlyAfter the blood-soaked honeymoon is over, you'll see the game in the harsh morning light and wonder if it was worth it.
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PSM MagazineWhen you strip away the high-tech hijinx, what's left will leave most players saying, "That's it?" all too quickly. [May 2002, p.30]
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If you’re looking for depth, look elsewhere, but those who miss the style of games made popular on the Dreamcast should welcome this with closed fists.
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Official U.S. Playstation MagazineThe word "frustrating" doesn't even begin to describe it. [Apr 2002, p.108]
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Such virtual destruction may once have seemed innocent, but these days the whole thing hits a little close to home.
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netjakThe gameplay, although amusing at first, is far too shallow to be interesting in the long run and you’ll end up feeling cheated even if you rent the game.
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The thing I hate most about the way this game looks has to be the overall cartoon-like appearance of the characters. Add that to the blatant lack of style (i.e. fog, ambient lighting effects, etc.), and what you get is a colorful "Fighting Force 2" clone with added gore.
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Entertainment WeeklyFour levels are too few to stay interesting for all 175-plus missions, which are too bloody repetitive. [22 Mar 2002, p.114]
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The overwhelming amount of on-screen activity reduces greatly the overall resolution of the game to a saucy mess at times and the many independent characters running around all seem to have the collective I.Q of a Pringle.
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Though packed with more bloodshed than a European soccer match, there's not enough actual gameplay in this one to qualify it as a good game.
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There's not nearly enough depth or substance to the game to recommend it. SoE is a game full of sound and fury, signifying a rental at best.
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Wasted potential.
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It’s like on your 16th birthday where you’re expecting a set of keys that will unlock a brand new car but instead you get an all-season bus pass. Except multiply that disappointment by about fifty times and you have what it feels like to play State of Emergency.
Awards & Rankings
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36
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#36 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2002
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93
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#93 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2002
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User score distribution:
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Positive: 10 out of 37
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Mixed: 18 out of 37
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Negative: 9 out of 37
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DaManFeb 7, 2002This game kicks ass.
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Aug 22, 2023
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May 13, 2023