State of Emergency

Unleash urban chaos in a fast‑paced, multi‑character beat ’em up.

gameHack & Slash hack and slash beat 'em up adventure

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Our Verdict

Best for

Fans of chaotic multiplayer beat‑em‑ups wanting weapon variety

Skip if

You prioritize cutting‑edge graphics or polished AI

What is State of Emergency?

State of Emergency drops you into a riotous city where you pick one of five distinct characters—each with their own backstory—to complete a range of wild missions, from rescues to targeted assassinations. The game blends hack‑and‑slash combat with open‑world mayhem, letting you wield everything from shotguns to improvised street props. With split‑screen multiplayer on PC and PlayStation 2, you can team up or compete in destructive mayhem, using an arsenal of weapons and environmental objects to crush gang members, skinheads, and corporate forces. The game’s gritty urban setting and varied mission design keep the action fresh and relentless.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

msrp$49.99

developerVIS Entertainment

publisherRockstar Games

age ratingESRB M, PEGI 18

multiplayerSingle player, Split screen

critic score67/100

release date2002-02-12

Key Features of State of Emergency

Choose from five uniquely themed characters, each with their own motivations and abilities.

Access a wide arsenal including shotguns, rocket launchers, flamethrowers, and everyday objects like trashcans as weapons.

Complete diverse mission objectives such as rescues, targeted kills, and demolition tasks.

Engage in split‑screen multiplayer, allowing two players to wreak havoc together on the same screen.

Interact with the environment by breaking into stores and repurposing items like TVs and DVD players as weapons.

Fight against varied enemy factions, including gangs, skinheads, and corporate security forces.

Experience fast‑paced, urban combat across both PC and PlayStation 2 platforms.

Use Cases for State of Emergency

Solo Campaign

Play through the story missions alone, mastering each character’s playstyle.

Co‑op Mayhem

Team up with a friend in split‑screen mode to cause double the destruction.

Weapon Experimentation

Test different weapon combos and improvised items to find the most effective tactics.

Speedrun Challenges

Compete against the clock to complete missions as quickly as possible.

Pros & Cons of State of Emergency

Pros

Huge variety of weapons and improvised tools
Five distinct playable characters
Split‑screen multiplayer adds replay value
Diverse mission types keep gameplay fresh

Cons

Graphics are dated by modern standards
AI can be inconsistent during large crowds
Level design can feel repetitive after many hours

Frequently Asked Questions

What platforms is State of Emergency available on?

It was released for PC and PlayStation 2.

Is there online multiplayer?

No, multiplayer is limited to local split‑screen only.

Can I use any object as a weapon?

You can interact with many environmental props, such as boxes, benches, and TVs, to use them as weapons.

What is the ESRB rating?

State of Emergency is rated M for Mature by the ESRB and PEGI 18.

Pricing Overview

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Paid (One-time)

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

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State of Emergency 2

Verified

State of Emergency 2 drops players into a dystopian city ten years after the original, where riots and rebellion erupt across the streets. Developed by DC Studios and published by SouthPeak Interactive, the game expands on its predecessor with new modes and an enhanced engine for both PC and PlayStation 2. The title offers both single‑player and multiplayer experiences, letting you cause mayhem solo or with friends in fast‑paced shooter action. Despite mixed reviews, it remains a notable entry for fans of over‑the‑top chaos shooters.

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