Developed by: Mucky Foot Published by: Eidos Interactive Official website Genre: Action ESRB: Mature 8 Graphics:....................9/10 Sound:.........................8/10 Documentation:.........9/10 Getting Started:.........8/10 Gameplay:..................8/10 Value:..........................8/10 The Good Press: Detailed environment, solid graphics and gritty ambiance make this game a solid action experience. The Bad Press: The freedom of character control and open environments illustrate the sometimes choppy and linear storyline. System Requirements: • Windows 95/98 • Pentium II 266 or higher • 32MB RAM • 500 MB uncompressed hard drive space • 8X CD-ROM • DirectX 6.1 • 4MB DirectX compliant video card

Despite featuring an already outdated storyline (cultists wreaking havoc circa December 31st, 1999), this unique, free-roaming, gritty-city shoot-'em-up hits its mark almost flawlessly.

The one truly apparent flaw in this otherwise impressive title is the timing of its release. I find it tough to feel nervous about the whole transition from 1999 to 2000 anymore, especially now that we've passed that little momentous occasion. I'll be the first to admit that I was wearing a flashing alien-head T-shirt on New Year's Eve, you know, just in case. Of course, if looks aren't quite as deceiving as they say, it would seem we're all still here. No extraterrestrial invasion, no four horsemen of the apocalypse, no messianic tribunal, no nuclear attack prompted by some crazed third-world dictator, and not even a hint of anthrax in Times Square. It's safe to say that we can go on partying like it's 1999.

If you're looking for a premature dose of nostalgia for an era just gone by--in the form of a gritty and appropriately paranoid action adventure game--Urban Chaos is for you. The narrative places you in the center of an unprecedented crime wave set during the closing months of 1999 in the fictional metropolis of Union City. (You can tell it's fictional as there are no Starbucks shops whatsoever.) Since early autumn, the Union City Police Department has had to contend with a massive surge in suicides, muggings, vandalism, theft, and murders. Making matters worse, the streets are now plagued by a sinister underground cult intent on causing the destruction of the world. Too bad they couldn't get Britney Spears to do the soundtrack. It would have felt like the '90s all over again.

You start the game as D'arci Stern, a rookie cop who lacks the overall vavoom factor one might rightfully expect from an Eidos gal, but who makes up for this lack of titillation with her physical prowess. One of the most impressive aspects of this game is the freedom of movement you'll encounter. D'arci can climb fences, scale skyscrapers, crawl on all fours, slide James Bond-style from building to building by latching onto telephone cables, and the list goes on. Walk cautiously in front of a minivan, and it will stop as you climb to the rooftop before it takes you for a spin around town. You can also leap over small obstacles, slide-tackle enemies, or pick up trash and throw it. You can even outrun traffic. Just be careful while you sprint, as D'arci isn't exactly the Terminator. Get hit by a car, and you'll be knocked out cold for a brief stint.

Of course, when you're behind the wheel the rules change quite a bit. I've never had so much fun running over pedestrians and wreaking general havoc in a game. Remember how frustrated you were when you found out you couldn't hit pedestrians in Driver? You'll encounter no such sorrow here. Hit a fire hydrant, and it gets torn from its foundation, spewing water onto the street. Swerve onto the sidewalk, and plow away as businessmen, prostitutes, and other Union City inhabitants unsuccessfully attempt to avoid getting hit. Keep in mind that your vehicle adheres to the laws of physics. It will eventually die if you smack it around too much.

Oh, but you ought to be upholding the peace anyway, right? Well, that's fun too. Once you've knocked a criminal to the ground (preferably without using a car), you can get up close and hit the action button to slap on the cuffs. Climb to the top of a skyscraper, peer over the ledge, and check out your catch, wriggling with his face down to the pavement. The missions are extremely varied, so you'll be doing a lot more than just chasing down small-time thugs, but not until you've become somewhat seasoned as a cop.

The graphics are dazzling. Running through the streets on a rainy night, you'll notice the full moon reflected in puddles touching the edge of the pavement as raindrops generate ripples on their silvery surfaces. Run through a puddle, and you'll leave shoe prints. You'll also see your own distorted image in the puddle as you pass through it. Car headlights are appropriately glaring, and alleyways are dank and creepy. Buildings have nice touches such as fire escapes, air conditioners jutting out of windows, and boilers and antennae on rooftops. The park in the center of town has the foreboding yet pretty feel of Central Park late at night. Again, the list goes on.

Once you get further into the game, you'll encounter Roper McIntyre, an ex-military man and former felon diagnosed as having severe psychiatric problems. Apparently, this GI Joe-lookalike deems himself some sort of vigilante. Of course, you'll need his help to save the world, and you'll be able to switch between controlling D'arci and Roper for later missions in the game. Roper is extremely strong, but he's a bit sluggish compared to D'arci. He can't jump as far, nor can he sprint when necessary. But as they say, he takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

The missions are presented in a choppy linear format, detracting from the otherwise vast, fluid, free-roaming feel of the game. In that respect, I didn't enjoy it quite as much as Omikron: The Nomad Soul, a similar Eidos title also reviewed on Happy Puppy. The controls here are generally superior to those in Omikron, but the storyline, music, and general presentation aren't. Still, this is a well-produced game that will have you coming back for more.

Tips:

• To duck an attack, back away from an enemy while pressing the action button. When ducking, perform a foot sweep with the kick button.
• If you accidentally (or deliberately) cause the death of an innocent civilian during the course of your duties, you will receive a citation for disciplinary violation. After five citations, you'll be removed from duty and forced to start the mission over from scratch. Can't we all just get along?