The Shield: The Game

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Aspyr
  • Release Date: Jan 9, 2007
Metascore
36

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 22
  3. Negative: 19 out of 22
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  1. GamesRadar+
    60
    The Shield has some unique things going for it, but the spotty enemy (and friend) intelligence and monotony keep it from achieving anything close to greatness.
  2. GameDaily
    60
    The Shield's graphics look average and it brings nothing new to the action adventure genre, but the foul language and story should entertain people like a trashy novel. While not especially well conceived, people will always crave the next, ridiculous scene.
  3. VGPub
    57
    I really wanted to like The Shield. Unless you’re a Shield enthusiast like me, you’ll be safe passing on this one.
  5. Cheat Code Central
    44
    For a storyline that is both pointless and lame, considering it takes place almost three years ago according to the show's storyline, The Shield leaves a lot to wish for. Better gameplay, more responsive controls, no bugs or glitches or, even better, for games like this never to be made.
  6. Game Revolution
    42
    I was happy that The Shield made great use of its police officer premise, but the game really wore me down. It probably doesn’t deserve a critical thrashing, but the gameplay and story can’t compete on today’s shelves.
  7. Game Informer
    40
    Worst of all, the game is glitchy; I phased through a few walls and got gunned down after getting stuck behind some invisible cover.
  8. G4 TV
    40
    Much of the game may be poorly designed, cruelly difficult and obnoxiously unfair, but none of these flaws are necessarily show-stopping.
  9. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    40
    Fans of the show might want to give it a quick rental. [Aug 2007, p.93]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. GameSpot
    39
    Neither quality fan service nor a good action game on its own merits, The Shield fails miserably to live up to its license's pedigree.
  11. Gaming Target
    37
    Sparse level designs and first-generation-like PS2 graphics are combined with unintelligent and unoriginal gameplay for the most corrupt television-to-game package in a long time.
  12. PSX Extreme
    37
    In the end, The Shield really can't even cater to its target audience due to committing one cardinal sin: it couldn't recreate the stylish, immersive atmosphere of the show.
  13. 1UP
    35
    The Shield is too little, too late; what would've been a merely mediocre license tie-in is now, due to its very late birth, simply a bad game.
  14. PSM Magazine
    35
    Sadly enough, the allure of running wild as detective Vic Mackey can't survive the beating the rigidly scripted and stupidly simple gameplay gives the player. [Apr 2007, p.88]
    All this publication's reviews
  15. PSM3 Magazine UK
    31
    Even the most rabid of fans will be disappointed. [Sept 2007, p.80]
    All this publication's reviews
  16. GameZone
    30
    Sadly, The Shield: The Game plays like a bad episode of the show and there is hardly anything here that will entertain fans of the show or gamers who are looking for a gritty action game.
  17. GameSpy
    30
    This is one game that should have never been let out of a holding cell.
  18. Digital Entertainment News
    30
    The Shield, in the end, is a game that will only appeal to the true hardcore fans. If you love the TV series rent it, otherwise take a pass.
  19. Eurogamer
    30
    You've lost a lot of respect and you've ruined the enjoyment of hundreds of your admirers. Look me in the eye and tell me you're not ashamed.
  20. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    30
    Did the developers even watch the show before they made the game? [Aug 2007, p.112]
    All this publication's reviews
  21. Worth Playing
    30
    It's deeply flawed, with awful game design and mechanics marring the entire experience.
  22. IGN
    22
    The Shield is one of the most boring, generic games we've ever played, even with a strong character like Vic Mackey. There's really nothing about the gameplay, visuals, sound, or story that can justify a purchase.
  23. Jolt Online Gaming UK
    12
    An unmitigated disaster. Terribly designed both technically and in terms of gameplay, it’s a miserable, useless, joyless experience entirely bereft of fun.

Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2007
42
#42 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
5.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 5 out of 11
  1. AidenDaniel
    Jun 19, 2017
    10
    I remember playing this on my ps2 when it came out i still think it gave me a blast
    i remember spending hours on end, It very much reminds me    I remember playing this on my ps2 when it came out i still think it gave me a blast
    i remember spending hours on end, It very much reminds me of The 50 cent game on ps2
    Its a great game    … Full Review »
  2. spencerh.
    May 7, 2007
    1
    I rented this game because my friend likes the show. It sucked the life out of me in a way that was almost humorous. I thought it was a I rented this game because my friend likes the show. It sucked the life out of me in a way that was almost humorous. I thought it was a difficult game until I realised that it was (and remains) a broken waste of time.… Full Review »
  3. Rob
    Jan 18, 2007
    8
    The game is much better then I expected it to be. It may not be the greatest game in the world but it has its strong points. You will love The game is much better then I expected it to be. It may not be the greatest game in the world but it has its strong points. You will love the game if your a fan of the show. If you've never seen the show, you may be a fan after playing the game.… Full Review »
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