it's still a good game, but gets really repetitive
SOE has two basic modes: Chaos, a score based free-for-all where all the fun is to be had and Revolution, the story mode in which you act out the middle-man in a Littleguy vs. The Man war.
Actually I think I'll despence with the story now and answer the ultimate question: Will I (I being you that is) like this game? In answer I will ask you a question: Did you like the Rampages in GTA3? If you nod in the affiritive then so will I. That's the meat and potatoes of the game: running around and punching/kicking/shooting/blugeoning/burning/exploding ect... everyone in your path. While the skin of the game differs depending on your choice gaming mode (Revolution gives no penalty for civvie death, while in Kaos (one of the chaos games) you lose points for doing it) you'll spend the whole game killing humans, be they innocent bystanders, security cops, or mobsters.
Now onto other crap
GRAPHICS
They get the job done. While not too flashy, VIS (the makers of the game) has made everything look as they should (although I really think the flamethrower looks like a Super Soaker). Good, but not great.
SOUND
Alright. The music is fine; doesn't get annoying. And the backround sounds (people screaming) don't either. Weapon FX are great, as are shouts from you're pursuers (cops and such), buuuuuuuuut I must say that the combination of the mall intercom lady (who contrantly repeats the same friggin five phrases) and that little 'swishy' in the options screen have driven me buggy. Okayokay, better than alright.
CONTROLS
Adequete, old son. Adequete. Action controls are right on, being a dose of Streets of Rage with a chaser of Dynasty Warriors 2. They are very simple, though it took me a few minutes to stop hitting the pickup/drop button. Only thing that sucks here is the worthless strafe buttons (you must hold one in THEN move your analog stick)and the absence of a lockon (which actually could be a blessing considering the number of targets to chose) are my only complaints... that is if somehow you manage to ignore the camera control (right analog). Grrrrrr.
REPLAY
Not too sure about this one. From what I can tell everything can be gotten the first time around, and after the frustration only the diehard elite will play through it a second. 175 missions you say? Bah, says I. Most will play Revolution Mode long enough to get the three hidden characters then happily surrender to Chaos land. Nonexistent.
GAMEPLAY
This is where SOE shines. While I do thing Revolution mode is mearly a means to an end (secret characters and all), Chaos will have you killin til the sun comes up. I'm not sure how, but I've yet to get tired of the different weapons and their various effects on the poor people in this game. Truly a sadistic masterpiece.