Review Krauzer 4/5 · Jul 10, 2025
This is a gritty, first-person tactical shooter developed by Rocksteady Studios, set in a crime-ridden city torn apart by riots, the MC is called Nick Mason, a member of an elite anti-riot police unit. The game emphasizes brutal, up-close action with a mix of lethal and non-lethal weapons, riot shields, and squad-based tactics, which back in the day was one …
This is a gritty, first-person tactical shooter developed by Rocksteady Studios, set in a crime-ridden city torn apart by riots, the MC is called Nick Mason, a member of an elite anti-riot police unit. The game emphasizes brutal, up-close action with a mix of lethal and non-lethal weapons, riot shields, and squad-based tactics, which back in the day was one of it's selling points because this level of violence was not very common at the time.
Its gameplay is intense and fast-paced, blending arcade-style shooting with tactical decision-making, such as rescuing hostages, securing areas, and working with AI-controlled allies like firefighters or paramedics. The use of riot shields and stun weapons adds a unique flair, encouraging you to disarm rather than always kill. I'm a fan of the bonus missions you had to perform in order to unlock new tools to help you progress the main mission, this gives you a little extra level of complexity and replayability, and they are definitely not a walk in the park.
While it delivers a satisfying and aggressive combat experience, it falls short in areas like enemy and ally AI, repetitive mission structure, and average visuals for its time. Still, it's responsive controls, and adrenaline-pumping action make it a cult favorite among fans of tactical shooters. It’s not a masterpiece, but it has a distinct style that sets it apart from more conventional military games of the era, didn't set any standards but it is still one of the best titles of the PlayStation 2 platform.