Hooligans places players in control of their very own hooligan gang, or “firm” as they are known in Europe. Players begin by choosing the name and team allegiance for their firm and then set off to wreak havoc, as they battle rival firms and law enforcement for the right to be called the toughest firm of all. The game, however, is not all fun and beatings. Players manage their units and use strategy to build out their firm and take over territory from rivals. The hooligan firms must loot nearby shops in order to gather more money, and then take over local pubs, where they recruit new units and acquire loyal supporters through buying rounds of beer for the patrons and leading raucous chants. Additionally, the hooligans have to contend with the local law enforcement and riot squads without getting “pinched” and thrown in the “clink.”
Hooligans offers 11 action-packed single player missions that span the continent of Europe. The missions range in objective from getting the player’s firm into a football (soccer) stadium controlled by a rival firm, to protecting his or her team’s bus from rival fans in France. The game can also be played in “riot mode,” where up to four players can challenge each other.
