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Publisher: Sony
Category: Action, Adventure games
Platform: PS1
ESRB Rating: Teen Release Date: January 1999
Overall Rating:
4 Stars out of 4
Review by JeremyD
4 Stars out of 4
Syphon Filter will likely draw comparisons to Metal Gear Solid, an
extremely popular infiltration/action game released at about the same
time. Whereas MGS put its emphasis on slick graphics and a dramatic
storyline, however, Syphon Filter takes a different approach. Except
for a rare few missions where stealth is important (actually, very
important!), the action in SF mainly consists of a simple cycle: shoot,
find keycard, open door, repeat. Diverse backgrounds and weapons, decent
enemy AI, and a very usable aim and sidestep feature keep this pattern
interesting.
First, I should make a cursory attempt to describe the plot. The plot
primarily evolves by CGI scenes and mission briefings before each level;
however, frequent objective changes in the course of each mission keep
things lively. The plot itself is a fairly common mix of betrayal and
aspirations of world domination, but it complements the action well.
Players expecting the Tom Clancy novel that was MGS may be disappointed.
The graphics are fairly good, and have a sort of Tomb Raider aspect which
should be familiar. The camera takes some unexpected turns, but behaves
itself for the most part, allowing the player to concentrate on mastering
the controls.
The controls are complicated, and the hero seems to have a little trouble
with precision movement (or actually, with precision anything!) The autoaim
feature is nice, but veternan will want to practice the fatal head shot
techniques. By far the nicest control element is the ability to hide behind
wall, and then duck out to fire. Players who master this strategy have
a chance of making it through the game. The game gets challenging fast;
players shouldn't expect to make it through a stealth mision the first,
or even the twenty-first time. The realism of the weapons and enemy
reactions keeps the player engaged - fumbling for a head shot on a fully
armoured guard charging you with a blazing shotgun should get anyone's
pulse up. Overall, this a must have for fans of the action/infiltration
genre.
Review by Tom Allen
4 Stars out of 4
People will think we're crazy, but Syphon Filter is actually better than its closest
competitor on the N64, GoldenEye 007. Send your hate mail now and get it out of your
system. Although Syphon Filter's control is only average, it's the game play as a whole
that is more exciting than GoldenEye.
This game actually has plot development, as well as some of the best mission guidance
in any game ever. Don't you hate games where you have no clue what to do next?
Well, Syphon Filter has a helpful lady to direct you through your orders via radio.
Also helpful is the training video you can watch before playing the game. All the
controls in the game are clearly and visually explained. For example, the R2 button
activates automatic targetting. What a treat that is!
With unlimited lives, explosions that literally lift you off the ground, and hordes of
weapons like pistols, rifles, and shotguns, Syphon Filter is a lot of fun. This is not just
another shoot 'em up action game. You won't be able to stop playing, and it's not every
day a game like that comes along.
Syphon Filter is the first "A" game of 1999. Just wait until the bomb in the subway goes
off. Those mangled trains make for a mighty cool level.
k
For info on how to beat the game in 12 minutes, scroll up or visit the Hints area of this
web site.
To purchase Syphon Filter from Amazon.com use the button below, or use the
search box at the top of the left column
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