The Warriors
Genre: Action
Platform: XBox
Rating: M (MATURE)
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Developer: Rockstar Toronto
Release Date: 10/18/2005

Video games based on movies have been a decidedly mixed bag. For every Spider-Man 2 or Goldeneye there’s been 10 E.T.s and Fight Clubs. So when Rockstar announced they were making a video game based on the classic cult flick The Warriors many people shuddered. Would Rockstar be able to make a good game based on a gang who spent the entire movie running for their lives?

Thankfully, the answer is a resounding yes.

1. Story

The Warriors, both the movie and the game, tell the story of a gang form Coney Island who traveled to the Bronx for a big gang meeting organized by the biggest gang in New York City, the Gramercy Riffs. Their leader, Cyrus, has a proposal for all the gangs: unite and take over the city. Before he can finish his proposal, however, he is shot and killed by Luther, leader of the Rogues, who then claims that Cleon, the leader of the Warriors, was the one who killed Cyrus. Cleon is killed, and the rest of the Warriors must make a mad dash all the way back to Coney Island while every gang in the city is looking to kill them.

If this were all the game was about, it would still be a solid story. Rockstar, however, has taken it a step further, starting the game three months before the fateful night, as the Warriors are feuding with another Coney gang, the Destroyers, while trying to build up a big enough rep to be made a part of the Riffs network. In addition, there are also missions based on the back-stories of all the main characters, from how Cleon and Vermin started the Warriors to how the rest all joined up. It all adds up into a rich, deep story that’s one of the best you’ll find in a video game.

Score: 10/10

2. Graphics

The game offers solid graphics. Character modeling is well done, with each one looking remarkably like their movie counterparts. The game also does an excellent job of capturing the look of each gang, down to their “colors”, or gang uniforms. There’s never a moment where one gang looks like another. In addition, they’ve done a good job of giving each gang multiple looks, so they don’t all look like the same model. Apart from the oven-mitt hands indicative of pretty much every Rockstar game, it’s a good job.

The environments are also strong. There’s an incredible amount of detail, from the cars on the street to the graffiti on the walls. There’s a huge amount of interactivity with the environment, as boxes and benches can be destroyed and the rubble used as weapons. Fences can be shattered so that you can move to the next area. Windows can be broken so that you can rob a store. It all combines to create a fully interactive environment that really enhances gameplay.

Score: 8/10

3. Sound

Rockstar went all out here, rounding up most of the original actors to reprise their roles for the game, including Michael Beck, James Remar, and Deborah Van Valkenburgh. And the roles where the actors were unable to return have been filled by voice actors who sound remarkably like their movie counterparts. As a whole, the voice acting is very well done, and really helps to capture the mood of the movie.

Rockstar has also made a name with its soundtracks, and this one doesn’t disappoint, as they were able to get the rights for the vast majority of the music from the movie. This helps to complete the tone, as the music was one of the big driving forces of the movie. Combine that with the usual impressive environmental sound design that Rockstar is known for, and you have one of the best-sounding games on the market.

Score: 10/10

4. Control/Gameplay

The controls are simple and intuitive. The X button is your quick attack, while the A button is your strong attack. B allows you to grab people, while the Y button jumps and climbs. The left thumbstick moves you around, while the right thumbstick controls the camera. The left trigger is used for sprinting, while the right trigger allows you to lock onto targets.

Combat is at the heart of this game, and it doesn’t disappoint. The system is both simple and deep, as you can put together a variety of combos to help in fighting. Grappling with your opponent also allows you to do a series of powerful moves, and hitting the A+X buttons will allow you to do a special grapple move that is shown in close up. Other members of your gang can also grab opponents, allowing you to execute double-team maneuvers. In addition, beating up enough people will allow you to enter Rage mode by pulling both triggers. In Rage mode, your attacks do more damage, your power combos will change, and you’ll take no damage. Overall, it’s one of the best combat systems to come down the pipe in ages.

The gameplay is just as deep. Each mission will have you controlling a different Warrior, and each one has different proficiencies in six skills: mugging; resisting arrest; lock picking; tagging; stealing; and uncuffing. You’ll go out on missions with a group, and you can issue commands, a la Rainbow Six. Have your crew watch your back while you rob someone, or send them out to trash the neighborhood.

After each mission, you’ll come back to the gang’s hideout in Coney. Here, you’ll be able to do bonus missions around the neighborhood, work out to build up your stamina, and even participate in flashback missions that tell how each of the Warriors joined up. While the game is mission-driven, there’s still a lot of open-ended play offered.

The only real complaint there is about the game is the camera, which can have you fighting blind in a corner. However, it’s not an overwhelming issue, and for anyone who’s ever played 3-D games, something you’ve dealt with before. In the end, it’s not a major distraction. This game immerses you in the Warriors’ environment so effectively that you’ll feel like you’ve gotten to know them all.

Score: 9/10

5. Replayability

There are a ton of bonus missions, and you can go back and replay any level after you’ve beaten it to see if you can improve your high score. There are varying missions in and around Coney that you can do. Once you beat the game, you unlock Armies of the Night, an old-school side scroller that’s extremely fun to play. And you have Rumble Mode, where you can pick an existing gang or create your own from members of other gangs and go to battle in a variety of modes, from straight up fights to King of the Hill battles. Overall, there’s a lot of stuff here to keep you playing once you’ve finished the story.

Score: 8/10

6. Balance

The game is extremely well-balanced. Your first few missions will be easier than the rest, allowing you to get your feet wet. As the game progresses, things will get tougher, but not ridiculous. There’s a solid curve here that more games should try to emulate.

Score: 7/10

7. Originality

Well, it’s a beat ‘em up, which is a venerable gaming genre, and it’s based on a film. So that knocks things down a notch. However, there’s been a dearth of pure beat ‘em ups released on the newest generation of consoles. And, by delving into the back-story of the Warriors, it’s not just a clone of the movie. So while it’s working form some dated source materials, it does enough things to make it fresh.

Score: 5/10

8. Addictiveness

Once again, Rockstar has created video crack, as I just can’t seem to put my joystick down at all. You’ll find yourself playing for hours at a clip, and when you’re not playing you’ll be thinking about playing. It’s a winning combination.

Score: 10/10

9. Appeal Factor

It’s a game published by Rockstar, who already has a large built-in audience. It’s also based on a cult classic film that has gained in popularity over the years. Add it up and you have one of the more anticipated titles of the year.

Score: 8/10

10. Miscellaneous

Video games based on movies are usually something to be dreaded. The ones that stand out often do so because they offer a fresh, innovative take on something, such as Riddick’s first-person fighter and Spider-Man 2’s GTA-like environment. The Warriors brings back a venerable genre and combines it with a deep fighting engine and open-ended gameplay that makes it one of the year’s best releases.

Score: 8/10

Story: 10/10
Graphics: 8/10
Sound: 10/10
Control/Gameplay: 9/10
Replayability: 8/10
Balance: 7/10
Originality: 5/10
Addictiveness: 10/10
Appeal Factor: 8/10
Miscellaneous: 8/10
Total Score: 83/100

Final Score: 8.5/10 (GREAT!)