State of Emergency Critic Reviews

It's way too short, but the game does go over the top in both the action and the premise, and it is fun.

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.

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.

The best part about State of Emergency is the way every facet of the game comes together to form a perfect feeling of panic.

This poorly designed camera cannot keep up in many situations.

Chaotic, violent, and oh so naughty, State Of Emergency is a fun title marred by some truly annoying camera and control problems.

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.

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... the addiction level in this game is extremely high.

Manic, frenzied and violent gaming at it’s gripping best.

The sheer amount of people and the speed of the action really pumps home a great sensation of hysteria.

More of a throwback to classic arcade shoot-em-ups like "Berserk" and "Smash TV," than a cinematic epic like "Grand Theft Auto III."

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.

More fun than a post-game Laker riot.

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.

Simple, engaging and spot-on in terms of presenting controversial material in a humorous and tongue-in-cheek manner.

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.

It begins to get old quick.

A brilliant renaissance for the once dominant beat-em-up genre... you realize that this is an extremely short title posing as an epic undertaking in its revolution mode.

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!

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.