Hooligans: Storm Over Europe

Hooligans: Storm Over Europe is a video game recreating the hooliganism which often accompanies international football matches throughout much of Europe.

The game was released in 2002 on the PC platform to immediate controversy due to its violent content and the perceived promotion of criminal behaviour in football, with some politicians calling for it to be banned. A similar media and political reaction had occurred on release of other controversial video games at the time such as Grand Theft Auto, Postal and Carmageddon. The Dutch producers of the game, Darxabre, defended the title stating that it rewarded strategic thinking rather than violence (see BBC News).

Overview
The game is played out the over a football season and the object of the game is to become the most notorious group of hooligans in Europe. In order to achieve this the player proceeds through a variety of levels set in different locations and must maim or kill every opposing hooligan gang.

During play the members of the gang must be sustained by administering drugs, alcohol and violence on a regular basis. Failure to keep the gang members fueled will see them drift off to more peaceful and legal activities. Looting of the local shops during the game can provide funds for the gang, and the player must overcome resistance from both rival gangs and the police forces to achieve victory.