The Warriors (PS2)

RockStar Games/ RockStar Toronto

The Warriors, well if you haven’t seen or heard of this title before then I suggest some research is in order. The original film, made in 1979, has since grasped the imagination and sense of adventure of many a fan. The iconic dialogue, ground breaking fashion and underlying themes of gang loyalty have all continued as solid cult themes. Now, with the dawn of the Warriors game, there is a whole lot of life left in the concept yet. Created by renowned developer Rockstar Games, you can first expect some pretty gritty gameplay. Couple that with the amount of detail that Rockstar put into their games and you well on the track to another classic Rockstar release. 

So the game is based on the movie but there is a whole lot more than that. Rockstar have developed a 3-month prequel to the movie that you must play through to get an idea of where the Warriors are up to before the actual events of the movie take place. You start in Coney Island, your base and make your way around the city fighting with rival gangs, throwing up pieces and generally letting people know just who the Warriors are. This is the background; it’s engaging, challenging and fun. The fighting can be pretty intense and the characters are developed. You really get a sense of ‘getting to know’ the Warriors in this part of the game. Then, after the preliminary action you head to the meeting (the part that takes place in the film) and once the gang has been set up, the chase begins. 

For those who don’t know, here is a quick vague background. The Warriors are framed for the murder of a gang kingpin and must escape being caught. They must make their way from Manhattan all the way back to Coney Island – that is, the length of New York, in one night. They encounter numerous gangs and get in quite a few scuffles as they are divided and must fight their way home to survive and to prove their innocence.

The Warriors is a 3D third person fighting adventure. And an adventure it is, the game is long, involved and challenging. After an initial training level you are sent to your hideout and go about making your gang known to the neighbourhood. This can be as simple as tagging The Warriors in rival gangs territory or going as far as beating up the leader of rival gangs. It’s fun and juicy. The fighting is pretty deep without too much fancy hard to pull off moves. It is a combination of punches; kicks, throws, grabs and melee weapons, there are no guns in the Warriors. There are some advanced moves and combos, which tend to flow quickly, easily and intuitively once the system is worked out. There is also an anger metre that allows you to execute even fiercer blows and special moves once activated. This is more than a modified GTA engine, there is some real depth in the fighting aspects, especially once you really learn how to use weapons while fighting.

You also need to survive within the mad world of the Warriors so what better way that to mug, steal and rob. This is no simple push a button to execute an action, Rockstar have made us work for the booty. If you steal a car stereo you must first break the window, then with the right analogue stick you must unscrew the stereo, it takes time and if there are cops around, best be quick. Same for breaking into shops, you must pick the lock and it takes time, this is a great aspect to the game, it’s not just the process of working through an action, there is planning that must be done as well. Same for mugging, if you get a strong victim they can overpower you if you are too slow in collecting their cash. Again, once a mugging is initiated you must use the right analogue stick to “find the vibration” and thus freeing up the cash. Alternately, if the fuzz take you down you can escape by avoiding the vibration with the right stick. This is true for most actions. If you are throwing up a piece it’s a matter of actually tracing a line onscreen to complete your art. This is truly interactive gaming.

Back at the hideout. Once you start the story missions you can open up flashback missions, which explain how the Warriors first began as a gang and other background type missions that involve recruiting and claiming territory. You can also head outside and do extra mission like mugging people for cash and fighting off rival gangs in order to open extra moves and special features. There is a heap to do, both story and free roaming. This game just has so much potential. And seeing as you get to play as all the Warriors at different times you can really get a feel for the gang. While you play as each character it is also possible to issue commands such as “watch my back” and “get them all”, there are six commands in total and you will use them. They make things a little deeper but it’s great when you can actually ask for backup.

Graphically there is little to query. The characters all look just like the characters in the movie and you can tell who’s who when in combat. Things are just a little blocky but it doesn’t really take that much away from the game. Occasionally when there are loads of people onscreen you can get a little lost in the action but a kick or punch can usually give you a bit of space. The actual areas are brilliant; they have crazy atmosphere and look gritty and disturbing at the best of times. The locals are pretty entertaining too; the rich people are usually on the street and look good while poor, drunk bums wander the back alleys. The detail is fantastic and the realism well thought out. I really like the darkness and seedy underbelly of this release. The character graphics aren’t going to blow your mind but in a fighting game, graphics aren’t always the most pressing aspect.

The sound is pretty much on the money. All the voice acting is great and I found it easy to follow without subtitles. The fighting sounds are realistic and getting beaten up really sounds like, well, you’re getting beaten up. The music is straight from the movie, all the weird sound effects and soundtrack are exactly the same and play at the exact right times. If there is action, the music amps up, if you’re sneaking, bring on the suspenseful background sounds. It’s all perfectly set and translated from the film. 

There is so much to say about this release, Rockstar have made some clever references to older fighting games like Double Dragon and King of Fighters too so keep an eye and ear out for some funny scenes and lines. Although I have also read that the Warriors game is a testament to the Double Dragon style games of the 80’s and while it does seem reminiscent at points, don’t be fooled, this game is so much deeper than the 80’s arcade classics.

I’ve probably forgotten something because there is a heap to take in. The Warriors is engaging, challenging, fun and exiting. The story is great, the background even better. The interaction level has never been seen in a game like this before and simply picking up and playing just the story only is a brilliant adventure and that is forgetting about the brilliant other stuff to keep you interested. If there is one thing you do this summer, get the movie, play the game and be happy. The Warriors is a blast. 

I should also mention that this game can also be played as a two player beat em up style arcade fighter. As well, you can play it as a single player fighting game in an arena. Just for those who like to bash heads with no real agenda. NICE.

Rating 4.5/5

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