Finally launching in nearly two years after its initial release on the Playstation 2 and Xbox, The Warriors takes beat ‘em up action on the road with Rockstar’s recent port. While the port-over brings almost nothing new to the table and measures pound-for-pound with its above average console predecessor, it proves that a PS2 to PSP conversion doesn’t always end in disappointment.
Re-releasing at an attractive $20 price tag, the PSP’s attempt at housing The Warriors should warrant at least a consideration from those who never played the console releases. Fans of the console versions will notice a handful of nuances thanks to the control scheme change and a small hit to the game’s appearance, but, nonetheless, the title fills in the gap of niche genres and further aids the recent surge of quality PSP titles.
The Warriors re-accounts the story of a New York gang of the same name that star in the 1970s cult classic film. The game starts akin to the movie with a meeting of all the gangs in the city, gathered by the Riff’s leader, Cyrus. He points out with a unified gang front, the attendees of the meeting far outnumber the city’s police front and the city is theirs for the taking. However, amidst Cyrus’ rallying, a concealed gunman opens fire and takes him down for the count.
Unfortunately for The Warriors, through the chaos that ensues, the deadly deed is stamped on them and the quest for redemption begins - at least in the movie. The best thing Rockstar did for the scripting and story telling of The Warriors is through the decision to not just re-tell the story, but also expand it. Following the cinematic event of the rally, the game actually rewinds time in order to explain the formation of The Warriors and detail its rapid rise in street cred.
Through the course of being introduced to the members of the gang, players will actually be able to control a variety of characters who not only feature their own fighting styles and moves but also strengths and weaknesses in tasks such as lock picking, spray painting and other illegal activities. Much like a player would expect out of a Rockstar title, breaking the law is the way of survival in The Warriors, requiring thefts of car stereos, muggings and breaking and looting in order to scrape up the cash needed to purchase goods.
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