Click Here - Orb Audio Speaker Sale
GameSpot editors' review
-
CNET editors' rating:
stars
Good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 02/26/2003
- Released on: 02/15/2003
- Originally published on GameSpot: Disaster Report (PlayStation 2) Review
Often, it seems developers are very eager to adhere to well-worn premises and gameplay mechanics out of fear of alienating potential customers. This was obviously not a concern for Irem when it was developing Disaster Report, which has an original premise and some unique gameplay mechanics and takes inspiration from a myriad of sources. Disaster Report is a straight adventure game that's also a stealth action game and often a survival horror game, though you'll be fighting natural elements rather than flesh-starved zombies. All told, it's a unique and entertaining game that's over too soon and is shouldered with some unfortunate blemishes.
As the story begins, you're put in the role of Keith Helm, a newspaper reporter on his way to the first day of his new job.
As the story begins, you're put in the role of Keith Helm, a newspaper reporter on his way to the first day of his new job. Keith has just moved to Capital City, a bustling metropolis on Stiver Island, which is a small man-made island. As Keith takes the train across the bridge from Airport Island to Stiver Island, the area is rocked by a savage earthquake that derails the train and knocks Keith unconscious. When he finally regains consciousness, he finds himself completely alone on this crumbling bridge, until he discovers a girl trapped in the far end of a train car, which is teetering dangerously over the water.
This is the first of many item-based puzzles you'll encounter in Disaster Report. If you try to walk down to help the girl, you, the train car, and the girl will go tumbling into the drink. But, if you do a little exploring, you'll find a length of rope on the bridge, which can be used to safely lower yourself to the damsel in distress. This is the most basic variety of puzzle you'll find in Disaster Report, and as you progress, they become more complex, often consisting of multiple steps and sometimes requiring you to combine some of the items in your inventory to create entirely new items.
One of the key pieces of inventory is the water bottle. Keith has a standard health meter, as well as a stamina meter. Any sort of physical activity will slowly deplete your stamina, and if that meter goes empty, simply moving around will start eating away at your health. The only way to replenish your stamina is with fluids, which is why staying hydrated is so essential. Water is also important because the sinks, spigots, and fountains you'll encounter serve as regular save points. The water flows pretty freely on Stiver Island, and as you progress you'll pick up plenty of extra water bottles, which makes this mechanic less punishing than it could've been.
Continue reading
Where to buy
Disaster Report (PlayStation 2):
$29.99 - $49.99
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
|---|---|---|---|
|
$49.99 | Yes |
|
|
$29.99 | Yes |
|
%20PlayStation%202%20Game%20reviews%20-%20CNET%20Reviews&srcUrl=http://reviews.cnet.com/playstation-2-games/disaster-report-playstation-2/4505-9581_7-30984324.html){kind=small}