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Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror
After a very successful
initial run on the PS2, Syphon Filter and Gabe Logan make their way onto
the portable PSP system. I was really wondering how this game would fare
after the hits taken on the series in the subsequent sequels on PS2. I
am pleased to say that this game is fantastic, and possibly one of the
best on the handheld thus far.
As with previous games in the series, you as Gabe
take over when the situation gets too much for regular troops or there
is a need for deniability. As a result there is high risk missions where
your arsenal of cool gadgets and weaponry will come into play in a very
handy and innovative way.
In this particular title, there have been a number of
terrorist attacks on chemical plants that call Gabe into action from the
secluded base he has been at in Alaska. As the plot thickens, with more
and more twists as we go along, we discover even more treachery is
afoot, setting the pace for an explosive game.
Graphically this game is extremely impressive with
tons of detail and well animated cutscenes that propel the story along
nicely. There has been a lot of thought put into scripting this so even
though the drama is high, you can really get into it and feel as though
you are a part of the action.
The controls are intuitive and make sense. There is
only really a short period of time in which you will master the controls
and then be able to wreak havoc. The neat thing you will notice as you
get to use these weapons is that they appear on Gabe’s body as you get
them until he is one well-equipped mofo. The detail in the game
environments is lush and even the character models have been given the
once over so that clothing and equipment looks as good as possible.
Even projectiles have not been overlooked in the game
with some excellent particle element work being put into explosives and
other environmental effects such as smoke. The gaming environment will
also react in some instances to your weaponry with barrels blowing up
and other flammable devices ready to help you out against the bad guys.
It’s just a really well put together title that players are going to get
a real blast out of in both single player and multiplayer modes that are
available.
I do think that this game is one of the first that
shows the real potential of a handheld to provide an enthralling
experience in this genre. Don’t get me wrong, there are other titles
that are a ton of fun too, however in terms of “serious” games, Dark
Mirror has it nailed.
High Recommendation. |
