State of Emergency

Review

by T.J. Deci

When State of Emergency was first released for the PlayStation 2 in February of 2002, it failed to meet some unrealistic, though prevalent expectations. Published by Rockstar and featuring an amoral, violent theme, just like Grand Theft Auto III, many gamers found it difficult not to hope that State of Emergency would be the next truly great "M"-rated release. It was not, of course, and opinions of the game suffered in the backlash. State of Emergency comes to the Xbox with much less ado in 2003. This is probably for the best. We already know this game is not the next GTA3. We already know it is more often goofy than serious. We already know just what we're going to get: huge crowd scenes, fast-paced violence, and little depth. Considering that the original PS2 version came out over a year earlier, and that this Xbox version was initially released alongside the PS2's "Greatest Hits" reissue of State of Emergency as a third-tier value title, one might not expect anything more than a straight port, and hope it's at least as good. As it turns out, the Xbox version of State of Emergency is better than the original PS2 version, in a number of significant ways. Much has been added and elements that were overlookable in the original seem renewed. In addition to overall graphical enhancement in the move to the more powerful system, new features and options have been included that make the game even more fun for an hour or two of mindless violence. The Xbox version offers several multiplayer options, allowing up to four players to cooperate or compete in a number of different scenarios. This is especially welcome in a title that emphasizes action over adventure. The single-player game is enhanced as well, with new options and bonuses. One new power-up allows player characters to take on henchmen, who will follow them around and attack their foes. Thankfully, the enhancements do not alter any specifics of the game's presentation, which was one of its strengths on the PS2. Many gamers saw the original version of State of Emergency as triumph of style over substance, so it's good that the personality of the PS2 version has been carried over -- complete with the cheery color scheme, Orwellian undertones, and satirically enthusiastic Jello Biafra-esque voice-overs ("Kill Corporation forces for bonus score!"). In more general ways, the game's presentation is improved on the Xbox. The Microsoft console pumps out screens full of colorful carnage at a solid frame rate that never seems to falter, and it also allows a few other special features. Support for custom soundtracks is a boon to any Xbox game, and State of Emergency is no exception. For some reason or another, the non-stop, cartoonish violence of State of Emergency is even more engaging when accompanied by the proper selection of the player's familiar, favorite music. Of course, even with these improvements, State of Emergency is still a relatively shallow game that focuses on in-the-moment action, offering no real depth or continuity. The game is still more about the chaotic crowd scenes, and much less about story or character development. Yet it's also still a lot of fun to jump in there and raise some hell, shooting up buildings and beating down punks, with no regard for rights or repercussions. It's more fun than ever, actually, in this fine port. For strict action fans who missed it the first time around, State of Emergency will make an excellent rental, and if the price is right, a worthwhile addition to their permanent Xbox libraries.