Mercenaries
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😊 8.0/10
(Playstation 2 - US, Action & Adventure)
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Developed_By:
Electronic Arts
Published_By:
LucasArts
Released On:
11 Jan 2005
Also available on:
During the last years of his reign, the North Korean president Choi Kim attempted a reconciliation with the country's southern neighbor, with the ultimate goal of reunification. However, his son, General Choi Song, and the military clique under his leadership, strongly disagreed with the old man's views. Eventually, Choi Song orchestrated his own father's assassination, took control of North Korea, and severed ties with the outside world.
Then the Australian Navy intercepted a North Korean freighter carrying nuclear weapons intended for sale to terrorist cells. In response, China, South Korea, the Allied Nations send troops into the troubled region to topple Song's regime. The Russian Mafia also bases itself in North Korea to take advantage of the situation. A bounty of a hundred million dollars for General Song was declared. This is where the mercenaries enter the playfield.
Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction is a free-roaming war action and driving game with open-ended gameplay in a large world. The player can choose to control any of the three mercenary protagonists, each with their own strengths: North American Chris Jacobs can sustain higher damage; Jennifer Mui from Hong-Kong is proficient in stealth; Mattias Nilsson from Sweden can run faster than the others. Each of the mercenaries also speaks different languages, which makes him or her more or less suitable for work with particular factions.
Players have free reign of a massive landscape to take bounties on the "Deck of 52", a list of most wanted people in General Song's regime. Four factions have moved in to take advantage of the coup for personal gains; each faction will offer the player resources such as vehicles and supplies, as well as missions that the player can use to make money. If the player completes missions for a faction, they will offer intel on the locations of various bounties from the deck, although it is possible to track down the bounties without them.
Players have a vast array of resources available to them to get the job done. It is possible to commandeer tanks, choppers and any other military hardware to blow up the game's destructible landscape across the North Korean countryside. Helping out various factions provides access to numerous vehicle drops, supply drops, and air strikes.
UPC-A:
014633157499 (United States)
UPC-A:
023272663353 (United States)
eBay Product ID:
56257276 (United States)
eBay Product ID:
8070879387 (United States)
ASIN:
B000QAVV70 (United States)
Sony PN:
SLUS-20932 (United States)
Sony PN:
SLUS-21650 (United States)
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Media Type:
DVD-ROM
Gamepads Supported:
DualShock 2
Number of Offline Players:
1 Player
Save Game Methods:
External Storage
Sound Capabilities:
Dolby Pro Logic II
Input Device Features Supported:
Vibration
Miscellaneous Attributes:
Pressure/Touch Sensitive
Controller Types Supported:
Analog Controller, Digital Controller
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Typical $11.50–$12.63 (last 90 days)
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Manual
Game Guide
Extracted from the original game manual
This is an open-world action game where players take on the role of a mercenary in a war-torn North Korea. Players complete contracts for various factions, influencing their standing and access to resources, all while hunting down General Song and his nuclear weapons program. The core gameplay involves combat, vehicle hijacking, and strategic faction management.
Story
The Coup
General Choi Song staged a coup, storming a ceremony and eliminating North and South political leaders, including his own father. He then expelled all foreign personnel and cut off communication with the outside world.
The Discovery
When the Royal Australian Navy rescued a North Korean freighter, they found nuclear weapons bound for a terrorist front. This discovery, combined with Chinese intelligence revealing North Korea's advanced intercontinental missile capabilities, shocked the Allied Nations.
The Task Force
An Allied Nations Task Force invaded North Korea, capturing launch sites in Yongbyon. However, documents revealed North Korea was building 30 more nuclear warheads at an unknown site, set to be ready in three weeks.
The Hunt for Song
The A.N. forces launched an urgent mission to find and capture General Song. They distributed a "most wanted" list, the "Deck of 52," with Song as the Ace of Spades. An "open bounty" of one hundred million dollars was announced for General Song.
Current Situation
You are on a cargo plane heading to the Demilitarized Zone, preparing for a drop into a dangerous area, following a situation report from Fiona Taylor.
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CREW LIST - MISSING/DEAD?
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MUNITIONS LOCATIONS 1343452-532
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FIONA-
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2508F J102-501Jz
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CONTRACT WLK EXECUTE
FACTIONS
You can undertake contracts for various, often opposing, factions. Your actions, both in and out of contracts, can affect your standing with them. Negative standing might lead to them withholding "goodies" or becoming hostile. You can improve your standing by making a "friendly contribution" to the bouncer outside their headquarters.
ALLIED NATIONS TASK FORCE
The A.N. Task Force aims to remove General Song and neutralize his nuclear threat. It's a military organization, but its committee-controlled nature leads to indecision. They have significant firepower but are spread thin. They pay the bounty for each member of the Deck of 52.
A.N. Leader: Colonel Samuel Garrett
Garrett is a cool-headed leader who views mercs as a necessary evil. He wants the Deck eliminated quickly and efficiently.
CHINA
China is part of the A.N. Task Force but operates autonomously, having sent its own army into North Korea. They want to absorb North Korea after Song's removal. They can provide armored vehicles, artillery, and air strikes if you maintain a good relationship.
Chinese Leader: Colonel Peng
Peng is cold, professional, and a staunch party member who recognizes his government's weaknesses. He sees mercs as useful but untrustworthy foreign agents.
RUSSIAN MAFIA
The Russian Mafia seeks to control North Korea's illicit markets, regardless of who is in power. They oppose all other groups but avoid direct military conflict, having a minimal military presence. They control the black market and can provide supplies. They also maintain back-channel communications, allowing you to buy support options from other factions through them.
Mafia Leader: Sergei Voronov
Voronov is a young, ambitious Russian punk, eager to make a name for himself apart from his powerful ex-KGB crime lord father.
SOUTH KOREAN UNION
The South Korean Union is a military organization heavily influenced by the CIA. They desire peace and reunification, aiming to install a Western-friendly government. This puts them in opposition to China and, to a lesser extent, the Russian Mafia. They rely on CIA-arranged air support and can provide stealthy and precise air strikes.
SK Union Leader: Special Agent Mitchell Buford
Buford is a burnt-out CIA agent determined to establish a strong pro-American democracy in a unified Korea. He sees Korea as a gateway to democracy in China and harbors an old-fashioned hatred of Communism. He views mercs as "good guys" and is generous with Western comforts.
NORTH KOREA
Under General Song, North Korea strives for stability and aims to conquer South Korea for reunification. Their ultimate goal is to become a world player through nuclear capability. The Deck of 52 identifies key leaders within this faction.
NK Leader: General Choi Song
General Song is a brash military tactician with a deep lust for power and a talent for hiding his true intentions. Despite his careful planning, he didn't account for a skilled mercenary undermining his leadership, one Card at a time.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ACTION HIJACKING
You can hijack hostile vehicles mid-attack. Press the button at the right time.
•
Ground vehicles with turrets cannot be hijacked until the gunner is killed.
•
Helicopters can only be hijacked when close enough to jump and grab them.
AIRSTRIKES
You can call in various types of air support from different factions. Sometimes provided for specific contracts, they can also be requested anytime via the Merchant of Menace, but they are expensive. See also "Designation."
ALARMS
Enemy soldiers will try to summon reinforcements by triggering an alarm. Preventing this can save you trouble.
ALLIED MASH
Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. The A.N. maintains a field hospital in each province. If you take too much damage, you'll be medivaced here, with charges applied.
AMMO
To refill ammo, run over a weapon of similar type or find an ammo pickup. Most supply crates from the Merchant of Menace include ammo pickups.
BASH
See "Melee Bash."
How to Play
THE BASICS
GETTING STARTED
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MEMORY CARD slot 2
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MEMORY CARD slot 1
•
disc tray
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RESET button
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OPEN button
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USB connector
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controller port 1
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controller port 2
*Note: Illustration may not match all PlayStation®2 console types. For owners of SCPH-70000 series PlayStation®2 consoles, refer to the setup instructions supplied with your system.*
Set up your PlayStation®2 console according to the instructions in its Instruction Manual. Make sure the MAIN POWER switch (located on the back of the console) is turned ON. Press the RESET button.
When the power indicator lights up, press the OPEN button and the disc tray will open. Place the Mercenaries™ disc on the disc tray with the label side facing up. Press the OPEN button again and the disc tray will close.
Attach DUALSHOCK 2 analog controllers and other peripherals, as appropriate. Follow on-screen instructions and refer to this manual for information on using the software.
MEMORY CARD [8MB] [FOR PLAYSTATION®2]
To save game settings and progress, insert a memory card (8MB) (for PlayStation®2) into MEMORY CARD slot 1 of your PlayStation®2 system.
You can load saved game data from the same memory card (8MB) (for PlayStation®2) or any memory card (8MB) (for PlayStation®2) containing previously saved games.
MAIN MENU
NEW GAME
When beginning a new game, first select a mercenary. For information on the three mercs, see page 10.
CONTINUE
This option appears if there is already a saved game on your memory card. Selecting this continues the game from where you left off in your latest save game.
OPTIONS
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Game:
•
Invert Y: Toggle YES or NO to invert the Y-axis for aiming.
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Aim Speed: Increase or decrease sensitivity of the right analog stick.
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Vibration: Toggle ON or OFF.
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Subtitle: Toggle Subtitles ON or OFF.
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Audio: Change modes, or adjust various sound volumes.
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Load Game: Load a previously saved game.
PAUSE MENU
Pausing the game brings up the following options:
WHEN ON A CONTRACT
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Continue: Return to the game.
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Controls: View context sensitive controller map.
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Cancel Contract: Select this to abandon the current contract. You will be given the option to retry.
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Options: Access the GAME and AUDIO options.
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Quit: Exit to the main menu.
BETWEEN CONTRACTS
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Continue: Return to the game.
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Controls: View context sensitive controller map.
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Save Game: Save your progress. It's a good idea to save after each contract.
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Load Game: Load a previously saved game.
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Medivac: Select this if you need to be rescued from a tight spot. Medical expenses will be deducted.
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Options: Access the GAME and AUDIO options.
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Quit: Exit to the main menu.
faction standings change. You can check your faction standings at any time through the PDA (press the SELECT button).
THE PDA
ExOps issues all field agents a military spec ruggedized PDA. It's your source for all vital information. Press the SELECT button to access the PDA, then use the L1 button and the R1 button to switch to the different modes:
MAP
Provides a map of the area. The flashing green arrow shows your current location and heading. Primary and secondary objectives, faction HQ flags, and Deck of 52 members are all shown on the PDA map. Use the directional buttons to scroll the map view. Press the X button to zoom in and switch current focus. Press the Δ button to zoom back out, or close the PDA.
Displays any emails received. Check here for messages describing requirements and rewards for contracts accepted. Sometimes additional emails are sent during a contract. Always check the DECK OF 52 folder after completing a contract; a lead on a Deck of 52 member is often part of the contract payment. Finally, check the HELP folder if you forget anything.
SHOP
Visit the Merchant of Menace website. Once you've proved your worth to the Russian Mafia, this is where you can buy weapons, air strikes, supplies, and vehicles. If you get in good with a faction, you may receive a discount on supplies they offer. If you get into bad standing with the Russians and they stop selling you goodies, you may be able to persuade them with a "donation." Hint: press right on the directional button to quickly access the shop.
STATUS
Here you can check your status for the following:
DECK OF 52
Displays your progress towards verifying the key players in the conflict. A card will be marked with "jail bars" to indicate capture, or an X if they have been killed. Press the X button to view detailed information on any Deck of 52 member. If you have received an intel email on the selected card, press the X button again to read it. The Intel bar on the left fills up as you capture cards.
MISSION INFO
PLAYING THE GAME
Opportunities to earn $100,000,000 don't come along every day, but you're going to earn every penny of it. That's the price on General Song's head - the problem is that no one knows where he is. The A.N. can't find
Enemies & Characters
Chris Jacobs
An American mercenary with 5 years of ExOps experience, fluent in English and Korean. He is known for his exceptional endurance in combat.
Jennifer Mui
A British ex-M16 member with 7 years of ExOps experience, fluent in English and Chinese. She excels at avoiding detection and sneaking into restricted areas.
Mattias Nilsson
A Swedish mercenary with 1 year of ExOps experience, fluent in English and Russian. He is exceptionally fast on the battlefield, which helps him survive combat.
Fiona Taylor
An Australian ExOps technical officer with 1 year of experience, fluent in English. She is your contact to the outside world, providing intelligence from satellites and hacked communications.
Items & Weapons
YAH-56 Gunship
A type of gunship vehicle.
Mi-17 Transport
A type of transport vehicle.
MD-530 Scout
A type of scout vehicle.
LHX Light Attack
A type of light attack vehicle.
Frog 7
A type of vehicle.
SUV
A type of vehicle.
Sungri Scout
A type of scout vehicle.
TOW Technical
A type of technical vehicle.
Type 80 Tank
A type of tank vehicle.
K200 APC
A type of APC vehicle.
Type 96 Tank
A type of tank vehicle.
M1126 APC
A type of APC vehicle.
Light Machine Gun
A type of weapon.
Rocket-Propelled Grenade
A type of weapon.
Covert Submachine Gun
A type of weapon.
Sniper Rifle
A type of weapon.
Anti-Air Missile
A type of weapon.
Shotgun
A type of weapon.
Anti-Tank Missile
A type of weapon.
Bunker Buster
A type of weapon.
Cruise Missile Strike
A type of weapon.
C4 Charge
A type of weapon.
Frag Grenade
A type of weapon.
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