The Warriors First Look:

[Nights]

Making a game based on a cult '70s film for modern consoles may seem like a tall order. Although today's audiences may not connect with its source material, Rockstar Games has managed to make 2006's The Warriors work. The PlayStation 2 and original Xbox title offered an updated twist on the old-school brawler formula and married it to the classic film. The game even went the extra mile and scored the participation of some original cast members to voice original content that expanded on the movie. The fine folks at Rockstar are bringing the console experience to the PSP with a portable version of the adventure for those who might have missed it. We had the chance to check out a near-final version of the game to see how it's shaping up on its new home.



The Warriors invade the PSP in a sharp-looking portable version of the console game.
If you're unfamiliar with the game or film it's based on, here's a quick primer on just what The Warriors is all about: The game is based on the 1970 Walter Hill movie that adapted Sol Yurick's 1965 debut novel. The movie and novel focus on a night in the life of a gang struggling to get back to its turf after being marked for an unpleasant death. And why is this gang marked for death? It seems that it has been framed for the murder of Cyrus, a gang leader who was attempting to unite the gangs under one banner to fortify their cumulative power into a formidable collective that could run the city regardless of police opposition.

Unfortunately, Cyrus is right in the middle of his pitch at a massive gang meeting in the Bronx--which draws representatives from every major gang in the five boroughs of New York--when he's shot. The real killer, not being a fool, quickly frames the unsuspecting Warriors, which subsequently leads to their being marked for a painful retribution. Outnumbered in an epic way, the Warriors have no choice but to make their way back to the Bronx by the only means open to them, the subway, which leads to the longest and most painful walk of their lives.

The game offers a hybrid experience that draws on material from Yurick's book and original content to tell a much more fleshed-out story. Though the Warriors' run from the Bronx to Coney Island is still a core part of the game, it's not the only story there is to tell. You'll play through levels based on the game, as well as flashbacks. The PSP version of the game will feature all the aforementioned content from the console game but with a tweaked delivery. You'll find everything from the console game, such as story and flashback levels, minigames, and multiplayer modes, all intact. The multiplayer modes will now support ad hoc Wi-Fi options for up to two players. In addition, the unlockable armies-of-the-night mode, a side-scrolling Double Dragon-esque homage, is open from the start. Outside of that, you won't find anything totally new or exclusive to Sony's handheld. However, Rockstar is hoping the game's $19.99 price tag helps make the game appealing to fans who are eager to take the action on the go or anyone who might have missed out on the console game.



Yes, this passed for a gang in the '70s, and we realize the similarities to the Village People lineup.
The game's presentation on the PSP offers an impressive approximation of the PS2 game. The stylized visuals have all made it over intact and do a good job of capturing the game's unique look. The audio also makes the trip over, offering all the sounds heard in the console game. We noticed a few rough spots in the game, such as ghosting when the action got hectic and some frame rate inconsistencies, which we hope are ironed out in the final version. However, for all intents and purposes, The Warriors on the PSP captures the sights and sounds of its console cousins and manages to keep the loads close to par as well, which is nice to see.

Based on what we played, The Warriors is a solid conversion of the console game to the PSP. If the rough spots we mentioned are smoothed over, the title should shape up nicely on the portable system. Though the game doesn't sport any truly new content, its adapted multiplayer modes and its ability to have the unlockable mode open from the start, as well as its price, should make it an appealing purchase for PSP owners who are hankering for something to play. The Warriors is slated to ship next month for the PSP.

Source: http://uk.gamespot.com/psp/action/wa...s&subj=6164603

[dementia]

yay more ports

[Nights]

True...but a $19.99 port.

[dementia]

Granted that has little meaning when the Console version can still be found for less.

[Fats]

Though, the console version isn't... Portable... You know?

[Shadow Voa]

I love the second image, we are all one voice, one body, one power!!





Except the guy in the middle...

[dementia]

Though, the console version isn't... Portable... You know?

What is the purpose of playing a console game on a handheld? The DS is so successful because it embraces the philosophy that people want to play games in short bursts when traveling. Something a game designed for extended play on a console can't emulate.

but lol sleep mode, right?

[Fats]

I'm not saying that there is a point, but to some, there may be i.e those who haven't purchased the original version. I understand the "short bursts when traveling" (There are games just like that on the PSP, not a lot, but there are a few) sentiment though but when I owned a PSP playing it on long flights was absolutely awesome.

[seahorse]

th warriors is my dasds favouitrot film

[masteratt]

If you haven't got it on the PS2, get it on the PSP is all there is to say about this.

Great game.
I should buy it one day ¬_¬

[Pumpkin Head]

http://psp.ign.com/articles/763/763622p1.html

9.0 Presentation
Vintage 70s style, faster loading times and a strong storyline can go a long way. A great example of how the identity of your license isn't as important as how you use it.
7.0 Graphics
The visuals were a little dated in 2005 and still are. Decent character models and cool environments are supported by a solid framerate with the occasional slowdown.
7.5 Sound
A strong soundtrack and an even stronger score supplement full voice-over work and a nice selection of sound effects.
8.0 Gameplay
One of the better Rockstar combat engines is packed with plenty of moves and good enemy AI. Though the controls are sloppier than its PS2 counterpart, the game's sheer depth helps you forget it.
8.0 Lasting Appeal
Bonus characters and ad hoc multiplayer support should keep you playing beyond the 20-hour quest. The side-scrolling Armies of the Night feature is as fun as ever.
8.2
Impressive OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average)