"Viva la Syphon Filter!"

To begin with, this is a damn fine title. Compared to the other games out on the PSP, this one trumps them all and helps to return Syphon Filter to its former glory.

Story:
After SF2, the once well-developed plot of the Syphon Filter series faded into obscurity. Random foreign-sounding terrorists, with no real motivation or cause seemed to just appear to cause trouble. Sadly, Dark Mirror continues that ignoble tradition of cliche plotlines. In fact, it isn't even until after you beat the final mission that you find out what it was exactly that you were fighting to stop. This isn't by some strange plot twist; it's just when the developers saw it fit to tell you what the hell was going on after you beat the game. While there really are some genuine revelations in the game, poor dialog can detract from the experience.
5/10

Gameplay:
Ah, the meat of any game. This is where Dark Mirror truly shines. While it does away with many of the conventions of the past SF games, for the better, it does still keep the feel of the original titles. Control of the crosshairs is managed through the face buttons, and the analog stick moves the player. The d-pad selects weapons and gadgets for your use. One of the best new additions it the introduction of the snap-shot; that is, the ability to line up and take shots around corners. If you've ever played paintball, this is something you've been dreaming for a videogame to implement. It works seamlessly, although some may argue to facilitates a bit too much in getting headshots.

While some aspects of the game, such as the new vision modes and the MB-150 dart rifle, do reek of other franchises, SF:DM draws them into new and different uses. While yes, admittedly, those gadgets will remind you of games like Splinter Cell, this game has a way of tying their use into action-puzzle solving, something SC never really did well. It does borrow from other games, but SF does new things with the toys, so there is no penalty.

There are some flaws in the formula, however. At times, the game can grow a bit repetitive; players will ask themselves why they keep fighting more and more waves of enemies in relatively mundane scenarios. The level designs are quite weak compared to past titles, but they still allow for a great deal of enjoyment. Escort missions, while not ever being too difficult, are still a bit of a hassle and pop up far too often in the single-player game. Overall, though, the good far outshines the bad.
9/10

Online:
Where to begin? While the online mode unfortunately boasts only 5 maps, they are well-done for the most part and offer good variety. Games can be won by either side if they play intelligently, and it is pretty balanced. There is a beefy ranking system that rewards your digital killing sprees with new weapons and upgrades. While it may take some time to get used to the pace of the online, once you do, you will love it. The decision to remove auto-lock online by default was a good one, and that allows players to develop true aiming skills. Not to worry, however; auto-lock is still available should the host decide to turn it on.
9/10

Graphics:
Wow. Truthfully, there is really not much to say here. This game is so mind-numbingly gorgeous, there is really no issue to be had. It honestly looks like a PS2-level title. One small fault could be the lack of draw distance on some online maps, but otherwise, it is sheer perfection
10/10

Sound:
The music... is beautiful. It is well-orchestrated, and should ring a bell for anyone familiar with the series. Gunshot noises are usually impressive, but the suppressed weapons just don't seem to sound right. Voice-acting is terrific, and is only marred by the noticeable lack of quality dialog. However bad the lines are, though, they are delivered convincingly.
9/10

Overall:
9/10

While this latest title in the Syphon Filter series regains some of its predecessors' hard lost credibility, it is not perfect. It does get closer to perfection than many games, or any PSP game so far, though. I highly recommend a purchase of this title.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/24/06