State of Emergency - PC

Avoiding the usual flood of sequels that dominates the release schedule for most of each year, 2003's State of Emergency is one of the first games in the "riot" genre to hit PC gaming. The concept alone is one of the most original we've come across, and we give even more credit for pitting gamers in thick of a chaotic riot. Looting, destruction and flame-throwers are all part of the norm here. Just be sure not get yourself thrown into jail for your crimes.

In the near future, the oppressive American Trade Organisation has declared a State of Emergency. The authorities are trying to eliminate organised resistance; they are restricting movement across the city to stop the spread of revolt. The game puts you deep within the riot scenes, with the intention of smashing everyone and everything to overthrow the State Authorities.

Like the incredible Grand Theft Auto, this controversial title lets you go anywhere and do anything. Let's face it, it's a riot game. Players can use anything in the game as a weapon, and that includes bits of scenery like bricks and pipes and even dismembered limbs. Urgh! Be mindful of rival gang members - they'll attack without provocation.

State of Emergency is a massive game that will take many happy hours to play through. There are four districts, each with over 30 missions to complete. There is method to the madness: missions include assassinating key American Trade Organisation members, avoiding peacekeeping death squads and rescuing Resistance sympathisers. Playing State of Emergency feels like you're taking part in a truly special experience, a quality that many games fail to capture.

State of Emergency, then - it's a riot laugh! more