Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow

"Good old Action/Stealth Espionage, along with a great series, in the palm of your hand!"

The Syphon Filter series has always had its unique sense of gameplay compared to other mission-based shooters. With a wide variety of weapons and the ability to play the game any way you want without consequence is always a strength in a video game. I have been a fan of the Sphon Filter series ever since the very first game came out for the PSX. It always has the feel of a goal based espionage action game without stressing situations. You can sneak through a part of the game, and if worse comes to worse, you can blast your way through without consequence, unlike games such as Metal Gear Solid where you need to maintain stealth throughout the majority of the game. That's not to say that 90% stealth isn't a bad thing, but Syphon Filter has always mixed things up. I was skeptical about a hand-held version of the game possibly lacking, but it manages to deliver beautifully, through both online and story mode. With that in mind, let's start going!

Gameplay - 9/10
Same old Syphon Filter, same old fun. You are Gabe Logan, an anti-terrorist private military contractor. Your missions involve infiltrating enemy territory and taking down the terrorists. The wide variety of weapons is very appealing to just about any shooter audience. The integrated stealth tactics are also wonderful and fun to use when you don't want to raise hell or start a ruckus. In short terms, think of Syphon Filter as a Metal Gear Solid/Splinter Cell game integrated with specific mission tactics that don't rely on stealth, but doesn't limit you to how you want to play, although, combat in the majority of the cases is inevitable. The difficulty of the game, is perfect. Many shooter games now rely on your health regenerating over time, which most people critique about, but Logan's Shadow does it in a way which is challenging, but not too easy. Nevertheless, the game will be challenging, but not stressfully challenging. The Story, well, you might not understand what is going on unless you have played the previous games, but it isn't hard to catch on. Either way, it's just plain fun.

Controls - 6.5/10
This is the game's only real flaw here. I will be reviewing the standpoint using the default configuration. It takes awhile to learn how to use the controls effectively and execute what you want to do exactly with perfection. With the limited amount of buttons on the PSP, it does the best it really can, though to make it seem like a dual analog stick action game. You use the analog stick to move, and the Symbol Buttons to control your point of view and to aim, which is very tricky to get used to at first, but is easy to master after you get used to it. You change equipment and climb objects/duck using the directional pad, which -can- be tedious in tight situations, where an action needs to be executed quickly.

Sound - 10/10
I have never played a handheld game with such wonderful sound quality, dialog , voice acting, and music as great as this. The weapon sounds are very clear and have no static at all. The voice acting is professionally done as it always has been with no cheesy dialog at all. Every moment is a treat and you will want to watch every single cutscene just because of the terrific voice acting. The music is intense and can get you pretty pumped up, which says a lot about a handheld game. The SE team did a really good job of bringing this game to life.

Graphics

In Game - 8/10
I had to split this into two different sections for good reason. The in game graphics are great, some of the best I have seen in a hand-held. I am honestly surprised that all of the content was crammed onto the UMD disc. In Game, the graphics are very well drawn, the framerate is very smooth, and they look great. The only con about them is that some textures are a bit pixelated, but that is to be expected. Nothing is perfect, but Syphon Filter does a wonderful job of it's visuals.

Cutscenes/FMVs 10/10
Beautiful, just beautiful. The fact that a handheld can display such crisp movies, whether they be rendered or video is just amazing. Along with the integrated dialog, they are a real treat and worth playing the game just to see. The graphics are very smooth and well-designed and textured and are impressive.

Multiplayer 7/10
Multiplayer is fun, I'll say that much. The Cell system is a very interesting integration, but it is a bit lacking. It could have a few more features and there might be some updates some day, but the online community is rather small. Whenever I play, there are usually 50 or so people online which isn't bad. The only real flaw with multiplayer would be the lack of players but that isn't the game's fault. As far as lag is concerned, there is a little bit of it, it's inevitable of course. Playing online is relatively balanced as well. I have yet to encounter one person who seems to be able to maul down everyone quickly, which is good. It's very tactical based and team dependant. The lack of communication is a bit of a flaw though. For those who don't have headsets, should be allowed to at least hear what their other team mates are saying.

Rent or Buy?
If you are a fan of the Syphon Filter series, definatley buy. It will be fun to play over and over again in Story Mode, and you might even start a nice Cell someday and have some people dedicated to playing over and over again.

If you are a fan of shooters, MGS, or other objection based games, definitely pick it up.

If you are a bit skeptical, or are new to shooters, give it a rent, chances are, you'll probably buy it. This is a game that is definitely worth a crack at, whether you are into shooters or not.

I hope you all enjoyed my small review of a cult-based video game franchise and hope you all discover the glory and fun of what Syphon Filter is!

Final Score: 8/10 (Not an average)

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/04/08

Game Release: Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow (US, 10/02/07)