Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror

"A great, but short (kind of) PSP game"

I just bought Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror after I traded in Monster Hunter Freedom.
And, I loved it. I have devoted many hours to this game. I first played through it on easy, then moved on to normal, hard, is hard. The reason I said this was short, is because, you can beat it (easy mode that is) in about a day. But online play and the ability to easily replay the story mode on normal or hard, easily makes up for this. Sorry for waisting your time with my mindless ramblings, but here comes the bulk of the review:

Story: 8/10
This is what I believe to be the most important part of any game, and this game does well. The story has a few plot twists and is well written for a third person shooter. Some parts of the story are cliche but it does good enough to stay away from being to standard.

Gameplay: 10/10
This is definitely the best part of Syphon Filter: DM, you have many gameplay features to choose and to use. The training missions do exactly what they say, train. The standard game is challenging, you will die a lot. There is also online which I would have included as a separate score if I played it. The elements of play are very nice also, you can duck for cover peek around corners and use boxes, pillars, walls and other things as shelter. You also have a vast supply of weaponry and gadgets to use. The controls are well done, by digitally converting the face buttons (x, circle, triangle, and square) into a second analog stick.

A.V.: 9/10
The audio and video of this game is terrific, in game graphics look very nice and the cut scenes are easily the best shooter cut scenes on the PSP. The guns and voice overs in this game are also well done, and is very realistic.

Replay: 10/10
The replay value of this game is excellent, and that's an understatement. From collecting secret evidence to online play (which I have yet to be privileged with) and playing through the story mode on normal or hard. (which you get to use the equipment you unlocked during gameplay in) This game is very entertaining, and will keep you entertained for weeks, if not longer.

Rent or Buy: Buy
I would buy this game again in a heartbeat, if you are even a remote fan of the series or of third person shooters in general, this game will always throw a new challenge at you and keep you entertained. It's a definite must have.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/27/06