Numerous reviewers commented on the retro-futuristic atmosphere of the first game: the setting is reminiscent of Escape from New York, while the music owes a great deal to the films of John Carpenter. And of course, the very premise presupposes some kind of violent, lawless society. Yet incidental dialogue in the last mission makes it abundantly clear that the game is meant to be set in 2003. Perhaps the game is actually set in an Alternate History or something to that effect.