Emergency (video game)

Emergency video game cover

Emergency is a series of real-time strategy (RTS) video games developed by the German studio Sixteen Tons Entertainment. The series focuses on the simulation and management of emergency services from a global perspective, including firefighting, ambulance services, and police operations. The primary objective in the Emergency series is to manage emergency units to deal with various disasters and incidents, ranging from natural disasters like earthquakes and floods to man-made crises such as terrorist attacks and industrial accidents.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Emergency revolves around strategic and tactical management of emergency services. Players must coordinate a variety of units and resources to address urgent situations that arise within the game's scenarios. Each level presents a unique challenge where the player must assess the situation, dispatch the appropriate emergency services, and manage those units on the scene to mitigate the disaster or resolve the crisis. Success in the game requires quick thinking, efficient resource management, and an understanding of how to best utilize the different emergency services at the player's disposal.

Development

The Emergency series was first introduced in the late 1990s, with Emergency: Fighters for Life being the first title released. Over the years, the series has evolved, with each installment introducing new features, improved graphics, and more complex scenarios. The development team at Sixteen Tons Entertainment has consistently worked to make the series more realistic and engaging, incorporating feedback from players and consulting with real-world emergency service professionals to enhance the authenticity of the game experience.

Reception

The Emergency series has received mixed to positive reviews from critics and players alike. Fans of the series appreciate the depth of strategy, the realistic scenarios, and the comprehensive management aspects of the game. However, some have criticized the series for its steep learning curve, occasional technical issues, and the high level of difficulty of some scenarios. Despite these criticisms, the Emergency series has maintained a loyal fan base and has been praised for raising awareness about the importance and complexity of emergency services.

Titles in the Series

• Emergency: Fighters for Life
• Emergency 2: The Ultimate Fight for Life
• Emergency 3: Mission: Life
• Emergency 4: Global Fighters for Life
• Emergency 5
• Emergency 2016
• Emergency 2017
• Emergency 20

Each title in the series builds upon the last, offering new missions, units, and gameplay improvements. The later titles, such as Emergency 5 and beyond, feature updated graphics engines and more sophisticated AI to create more dynamic and challenging scenarios.

Community and Modding

The Emergency series has a vibrant community of players and modders who create and share custom scenarios, units, and modifications. This modding community has significantly extended the lifespan of the games, adding a wealth of new content and features that enhance the replayability of the series.

Conclusion

The Emergency video game series offers a unique blend of strategy, management, and simulation, providing players with a challenging and rewarding experience. Through its detailed portrayal of emergency services, the series not only entertains but also educates players on the critical role these services play in society.