State of Emergency

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 34
  3. Negative: 4 out of 34
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  1. Hot Games
    90
    It's way too short, but the game does go over the top in both the action and the premise, and it is fun.
  2. Media and Games Online Network
    88
    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.
  3. Electric Playground
    85
    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.
  5. GameSpot
    85
    The best part about State of Emergency is the way every facet of the game comes together to form a perfect feeling of panic.
  6. GameZone
    83
    This poorly designed camera cannot keep up in many situations.
  7. XenGamers
    83
    Chaotic, violent, and oh so naughty, State Of Emergency is a fun title marred by some truly annoying camera and control problems.
  8. IGN
    83
    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.
  9. Into Liquid Sky
    83
    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.
  10. FHM
    80
    Manic, frenzied and violent gaming at it’s gripping best.
  11. TotalGames.net
    80
    The sheer amount of people and the speed of the action really pumps home a great sensation of hysteria.
    All this publication's reviews
  12. Game Informer
    80
    More 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]
    All this publication's reviews
  13. GamePro
    80
    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.
  14. Cincinnati Enquirer
    80
    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.
  15. Play Magazine
    80
    More fun than a post-game Laker riot. [Apr 2002, p.57]
    All this publication's reviews
  16. Total Video Games
    80
    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.
  17. Yahoo!
    80
    Simple, engaging and spot-on in terms of presenting controversial material in a humorous and tongue-in-cheek manner.
  18. Cinescape
    75
    It begins to get old quick.

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2002
93
#93 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 37
  3. Negative: 9 out of 37
  1. DaMan
    Feb 7, 2002
    10
    This game kicks ass.
  2. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    6
    When i first played this game, i never saw anything like it before. The pure chaos, the decent graphics, all the options, and the sheerWhen i first played this game, i never saw anything like it before. The pure chaos, the decent graphics, all the options, and the sheer political incorrectness of the core concept. Nowadays, it has been completely forgotten, and i cant say it hurts me tbh. Its a product of its time.… Full Review »
  3. Alex_Pilgrim008
    May 13, 2023
    7
    This is a guilty pleasure. It's a mindless, carnage-filled party game. You could call it Rockstar's version of "Smash TV". The levels play outThis is a guilty pleasure. It's a mindless, carnage-filled party game. You could call it Rockstar's version of "Smash TV". The levels play out like bigger versions of GTA's Rampage missions. It's a highly chaotic beat 'em up/shoot 'em up that can quickly wear out its welcome. The best way to play "State" is in small intervals due to its repetitive nature. It's great when you're in the need to just blow crap up. I would rate it with a 7.2 out of 10.… Full Review »
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