"Quite possibly the best of the Syphon Filter series so far."

Syphon Filter is back and ready for action! This takes place right after Syphon Filter 1, so I suggest you play through the first game before you play this one.

Syphon Filter 2 has more weapons, new characters, some characters returning, and a multiplayer mode! Some of the new weapons are cool. Like the H11 which is like an automatic sniper rifle, and the crossbow to sedate guards.

Like I said earlier, the story takes place right after Syphon Filter 1. So don't enter the series with this game, or the plot may confuse you. The story is pretty cool too. In the beginning, Lian is captured by agents and taken to a lab for testing since she was affected by the Syphon Filter Virus back in Roemer's Stronghold. The plot has many more twists, and you get some new allies in the game besides Lain.

The gameplay is the same as it was for Syphon Filter. Which is a good thing. The target lock-on is back, and throwing grenades is easier. The controls are also the same. They are easy to get used to.

A big change in the series that it is more voilent. This game is a lot more bloody and violent than the first Syphon Filter. It makes the series more deep and compelling. It's a good thing though.

Muliplayer is something new to the Syphon Filter series. It isn't spectacular, but it is still cool. You can unlock characters from Syphon Filter 1 and some in this game by finding hidden items. There aren't many multiplayer options, which is kind of dissappointing.

Graphics: 8/10

The graphics are great for the Playstation. Even though they are the same during gameplay, they are different during cutscenes before and after levels. The graphics are much better during those scenes. There are some glitches in the game, but not many.

Sound: 7/10

The music to this game is good. And gunshots sound cool. The voice acting, however, is pretty bad. It isn't the best for a game. Lian sounds different(and sounds even worse), but Gabe still has his voice from the original Syphon Filter.

Control: 10/10

The controls are dead on. They are easy to get used to, and they feel great. The controls are the same as they were from the original Syphon Filter, but that is a good thing.

Story: 7/10

The story can be hard to follow if you haven't played all the way through Syphon Filter 1. The story isn't that compelling, but it's a pretty good story.

Gameplay: 8/10

Gameplay is the same from the original. You do get new features though. Multiplayer is pretty cool, but there isn't many options for multiplayer. The missions in the single player mode are really tough. Especially the stealth missions. The stealth missions are really tedious and difficult. It can take you hours to complete them.

Replayability: 8/10

With 21 missions, multiplayer, and some secrets in the game. You will be playing this for a long time. The missions are really hard to beat, so you will be dying a whole lot and continuing a bunch.

PROS:

+Great gameplay
+New weapons and characters
+New Multiplayer mode

CONS:

-It's really freaking tough
-Not many multiplayer options
-Lousy Voice Acting

Final thoughts

If you loved the first one, then you should definitely buy this one. This is a great action game that anyone can enjoy. This is the perfect game for those that are looking for a very tough action game. It isn't perfect, but it is still fun.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10 | Originally Posted: 06/27/03, Updated 06/27/03

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