PS2 Waaaaaaarrriiiiiiiiior rrsssss........... (The Warriors (PS2))

Member Name: eggerman

Product:	The Warriors (PS2)
Date:	21/04/06 (84 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Best adaptation from film to game I have ever seen

Disadvantages: Can't be fully appreciated unless you have seen the movie

If you have seen Walter Hill's 1979 movie "The Warriors" and enjoyed it then this is the game for you.
If not then it tells the tale of New York gangs and their goal to unite and fight against the NYPD in order to rule the city. Unfortunately before this can happen, the leader of the biggest gang is assassinated, and The Warriors (a small time group from Coney Island) are blamed. They must defend themselves as they face every gang whilst trying to return home. It becomes a looooong night.

I have always enjoyed buying game adaptations of films that I have seen to compare and contrast, and in the past I have been very disappointed. But no longer. Not only does the game open with the same introduction (only graphically portrayed) but you work your way through every level, situation and gang shown in the movie, with the consequences depending on your gaming ability. And that doesn't even cover the side-missions.

The mini-games are great fun, and horribly addictive. It involves many two-player modes and spans situations such as king of the hill, last man standing, hell theres even a wheelchair racing event!

All of these aspects are accessed from an incredibley realistic gang hideout, found when the warriors are simply "hanging out" in between missions.

The freedom in the gameplay is critical. I love being able to run about and do what you want (not just on the playstation lol)and the multiple weapons make it a little more exciting. Although some items are difficult to see, the way you obtain them is very realistic and a new and popular technique.(includes flash, knives, spray, bottles in bins etc)

There is little music as the extensive speech takes the limelght, and its so much fun to listen to. Multiple characters have long, expansive conversations which are great for player involvement. Where there is music, it is the same songs from the film, and fits the game chronologically as well as suiting the genre.

There are multiple difficulties depending on your capabilities with fighting RPGs, and an autosave feature which is questionable but can be overlooked for gameplay quality this good.
The button configuration takes some getting used to, but you are taken through an important tutorial (intergrated nicely into the story) and once you have covered that, you can evolve to fight like a master.
Obviously you need a love for the genre. Certified as an 18, the Warriors contains endless violence and adult language (also some confusing but amusing slang), minor drug use (for health replenishment) and sexual references. But to be honest, what best selling game doesnt these days.

If you are a fan of this types of game (think PS2 Grand Theft Autos) then you will not be disappointed. I completed this game in just under 3 months, but I did play it intensely as my young cousins were better than me and I didn't want to be embarassed. Also I am yet to complete all of the mini games so there is much life in it yet. Even for the pros who sail through games, this is a great beat-em-up to come back to just for pure 'physical' satisfaction.

The positive points about this game are on an endless list, and the only complaint I can make is only one of personal preference. (I am not keen on autosaving). Great movie, great game, great fun.

Summary: Film = awesome. Game = identical. Buy them both. Now.