The Corporation has complete control over society, with people generally living in happiness and order, except for those part of the resistance group Freedom who oppose their dictatorial rule.
State of Emergency allows players to choose from five unique characters: Spanky, an ex-gang member; McNeil, a disgruntled ex-cop; Bull, a criminal in prison; Libra, a lawyer; and Phreak, an orphan. The player must complete various missions, including Rescue missions, "Kill This Person" missions, and "Blow Up This ..." missions.
Players have access to numerous weapons, such as shotguns, machine guns, pistols, knives, rocket launchers, tear gas launchers, flame-throwers, gatling guns, pepper spray, molotov cocktails, and more. Additionally, using street props like boxes, construction cones, benches, signposts, trashcans, and other objects can be used as weapons. The player can also break into stores to utilize items within for combat, such as a DVD player or television.
Multiple enemies are present, including gang members, skinheads, and Corporation forces, providing a diverse range of challenges in the game world.