The Warriors

ESRB Rating: M for Mature

It's New York 1979. The Warriors, a street gang wrongly accused of killing a rival gang leader, are outnumbered. Thousands of street gang members are out for blood and The Warriors must get back to their own turf.

Rockstar Games' The Warriors, based on the movie of the same name, is a cinematic journey through the tough streets of New York. The graphics are slick, the gameplay is tight, and the atmosphere pulls you right in.

Overview

Far more than a simple beat 'em up game, Rockstar Games' The Warriors takes the cult classic movie and translates it to the video game world. Think of it as a combination of Grand Theft Auto and Final Fight with better enemy AI and an easy, mission-based game design.

Causing destruction, mayhem and anarchy are the names of the game. However, this isn't a mindless button masher. It's an interactive story, believe it or not, and that is never shadowed by the destruction happening all around.

The story actually begins months before the plot of the movie does, filling in backstory and other such details that will delight fans and educate newbies. It isn't until the last few missions of the game that the movie and video game plots match up.

To enhance the mood of the game, Rockstar's artists spent time staring at old photographs of New York City from 1979. The buildings look dated and dirty, hairstyles match the year, as do clothes, graffiti tags and even advertisements. There's a great deal of detail in the environments and on the characters themselves, and the cutscenes are a visual treat.

Combat In The Warriors

Storyline and visuals aside, The Warriors features an extensive and deep combat system that allows you to do almost anything you please. Grapple opponents to the ground, smash enemies into obstacles and destroy the environment almost any way you please.

A strong combo system links various attacks, special movies and finishing throws together into dramatic sequences of brutality. The camera takes on a mind of its own when some of these take place, giving a very cinematic feel to the game. But be warned: your opponents are not just throwing dolls. They'll fight back with a smart vengeance!

More Mayhem

The Warriors is much more than just a beat 'em up. As Rockstar Games made Grand Theft Auto famous for its wide and interactive environments, this game follows somewhat in suit. You can steal stereos, mug people for cash and pick locks for some old fashioned thievery.

A multiplayer mode has been included in this already stunning game. In arcade-style play, additional players can join for missions as long as they like simply by pressing start. If you split with your friends, the screen splits as well to allow each player to explore on his or her own.

Rockstar Games' The Warriors is a dramatic, mood-setting game that features a deep combat system, varied gameplay and lots of extras. It's available now for your Xbox and PlayStation 2, so head out there and experience the gang life Rockstar-style!