Metascore
66 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 28
  2. Negative: 2 out of 28
  1. Add to that some late-game plot twists, several path-altering choices, a wide variety of obstacles to overcome, multiple endings to discover, and a wealth of small touches (like your character's clothing deteriorating with each narrow escape) and you've got a progressively energetic game set in a fantastic locale: one step beyond everyday life.
  2. 80
    The best way to describe Disaster Report is "Silent Hill without the monsters."
  3. A much-needed change of ammo in the way-overused gun barrel of 'survival horror.'
  4. The brains over brawns gameplay make Disaster Report a fun and unique title that'll keep you hooked from start to finish.
  5. Despite its blemished presentation and short-lived overall game time, Disaster Report manages to stay entertaining on a by-the-moment tension-inducing level, and without the benefit of gratuitous violence or paranormal gimmicks to boot.
  6. 76
    The game's events are portrayed with such stark realism that sometimes after playing I almost felt like I had experienced the events alongside the characters.
  7. What it will do is make you use your brain in order to survive and escape from the wrecked and sinking city. For that, Disaster Report gets a thumbs up!
  8. Long on innovation, the game is unfortunately quite short in playing time. [7 Mar 2003, p.79]
  9. One of the coolest things I noticed though was the fact that, as you progressed through the game, your clothing would become more and more torn.
  10. An original game that feels almost as tense as "Resident Evil," but with a realistic premise. [Jan 2003, p.32]
  11. Lacking in the production department, with awful slowdown at times and a camera that makes life difficult. [Feb 2003, p.70]
  12. Judged on a visual basis SOS: The Final Escape is average and rarely rises above this level, thereby becoming immediately devoid of gloss, and lost amidst countless other Playstation 2 titles.
  13. It won’t keep those with short attention spans entertained, however, as this game requires patience and has only limited action.
  14. It's more of a puzzle-solving game, yet it somehow remains completely thrilling throughout. [Feb 2003, p.99]
  15. The game looks like a late generation PS1 title that was switched mid-way through development to PS2, but they simply forgot to update the graphics.
  16. One of the best adventure games I have ever played on the PS2.
  17. Ultimately a flawed game, but its original premise and varied mix of gameplay create a refreshing experience nonetheless.
  18. What works so well in the game is the spontaneity of the destruction. You never know when it’s going to happen on an epic scale or create a small tremor.
  19. 63
    Clunky, ugly, and yet bizarrely progressive, Irem's latest survival attempt earns a couple of points for ingenuity and a handful of legitimate thrill-ride type moments. What it doesn't earn, however, is my recommendation.
  20. Just as Dark Angel is guilty of repetitive character models and backgrounds, the game design is guilty of repetitive action, which is unbelievably stagnant.
  21. Has some great ideas, which are sadly letdown by poor execution and sloppy presentation.
  22. From stiff control to appalling graphics and horrible English voice-overs, Disaster Report is a small-scale disaster in and of itself... It’s surprisingly fun to play despite its numerous flaws.
  23. 60
    To make matters worse, the game slows down dramatically when there's too much happening on screen. It's almost like the building is collapsing in slow motion.
  24. It flexes its muscles with artistic creativity, much like "Ico" and even "Rez" before it. But those two were much, much stronger in the gameplay department.
  25. With a slightly bigger budget, a lot less slowdown, and better dialogue, Report wold be a great game. As it is, it's just a good survival-horror game without the horror. [Mar 2003, p.116]
  26. There is simply no reason for a PlayStation 2 game to look this bad. I mean, the framerate chugs when you're walking, fer Chrissakes! [Mar 2003, p.83]
  27. 42
    If only it were more polished, this could've been a fantastic sleeper hit. [Mar 2003, p.46]
  28. I've played better games on the PSX, in terms of appearance, gameplay, sound, graphics and re-playability.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. 8
    Despite it's many flaws, I actually really enjoyed this game. On a bigger budget, this could have been a huge hit, alas it was not. A good game held back by budgets. Full Review »
  2. MarkV.
    9
    Not the best of graphics but an awesome game none the less. Not many games around this fun anymore without a ton of cussing tagged along with it. Hearing foul language truly saddens and sickens me but this game is a pretty clean game that I own and really enjoyed a lot. Full Review »
  3. Dieubussy
    10
    Truly a different game. It is easy to point out its major flaws: the graphics are simple, the soundtrack is minor, there are gameplay issues mainly when it comes to the camera. But we must also have in mind that this is a small-budget game which, at times, beggs for a bigger dimension. Although it is unique at depicting what it sets out to depict: a city falling in front of your eyes due to aan earthquake. Your character is one of a few who has been left behind, fallen asleep. If you like to try out different games, which aren't completely impossible to play, then this should be a great pick. Not only does it have a great eastern taste to it, as it pays an homage to one of videogame's best creations: ICO. I hope that the "sequel" makes its way to Europe! Full Review »