Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror (Sony PlayStation 2, 2007)

The original Syphon Filter was an exceptional game, when released on PS1; however, each subsequent rendition was easily forgetable,- no doubt in part due to the cutting edge next-gen game release of Tom Clancey's Splinter Cell, with which Syphon Filter was no competion in terms of graphics, gadgetry or gameplay.

Syphon Filters' latest release, Dark Mirror,- developed for the PSP was a welcome return to what made the original great,.. at least for play on the PSP. In spite of an inspired and captivating storyline and some good but not great gadgetry, the genre has already been taken to such levels on current generation hardware, that it is a hopeless and even pointless waste of time to take a direct port of a PSP game that can only be said to be 'good' on PSP (though it was awarded 2006 PSP 'Game of the Year'),-.... and reformat it to play exactly the same PSP game in its entirety on PS2 console. There are literally dozens of better PS2 games of the genre. While it may be a great game for Syphon Filter fans and collectors to add to their PSP library, it is sure to dissapoint anyone expecting to recapture the excitement of the original PS1 experience of the first in the series. To recap; PSP, good,.. PS2 a solid NO CHANCE (especially at current retail of $39.99 for PS2, and as low as $14.99-$29.99 for PSP). Of course, if you own a PSP and have media manager software, you can link this game and most other PSP games to a PS2 or PS3 console so you can play PSP games fullscreen on your television monitor, with at decent high resolution. Don't know which PSP games allow use of the PS2 or PS3 console dual-shock game controller rather than the PSP as controller, or which PSP games are coded for forcefeedback vibration on PS2/PS3 consoles,- which is also something to consider with the quality of gameplay experience when linking PSP to console.

I love the storyline of the game, granted it does not pick up where the last, The Omega Strain, left off. The graphics are loads better than the previous game, and the characters are further explored, so that there is a sense of who they are.

The ability to switch weapons is different, and the addition of different modes of vision are a good thought. The enhanced combat is a bit confusing at first, if you are used to the old controls from the first 4 games. Easy to adapt to, though.

All in all, I really love this game, and reccommend it to anyone who is familiar with the Syphon Filter Franchise.

The PSP version of Dark Mirror was truly an incredible experience, but its port to the PS2 leaves a lot to be desired. Some grainy visuals, removed gameplay elements and easier sections makes the title somewhat weaker. The largest issue, of course has to be the missing multiplayer, which added so much replay value. While it's still an enjoyable title, particularly for the incredible story and the presentation of the game world, this is by no means as solid as its UMD counterpart.

If you are a huge fan of the series, still buy it, but for casual gamers, I'd look elsewhere.

It seems the syphon filter series has strayed far far from the original in terms of controls graphics and even storylines, but maybe thats a good thing. This latest installment is alot of fun, you rarely get frustrated with it like you would the old ones *cough cough* (omega strain). The new cover system is quite useful too and you will find yourself in cover throughout most of the game. Overall this is very nice looking and easily controllable game considering it's a psp port. As usual, there are loads of different weapons to choose from and aqquire later on in the game (which is actually quite short I might add). Now onto the bad stuff. First and foremost, the a.i is pretty terrible, they follow very specific patterns of running back and forth and it makes it just that much easier to kill them. They have horrible accuracy as well, even snipers from close range will have a hard time hitting you. I also didnt like the fact that they took out rolling which makes it feel even less like a Syphon Filter game. For the price you cant go wrong, its still way better then omega strain.

1.) Great price
2.) One one of the best shooter games in it's Series
3.) Everyone has to buy the most sophisticated and most intellegent shooter ever.

What I liked about the game is that when your moving along with your partner, they automatically ask you for help with something they can't lift or need a boost. I also liked how when your partner needs to hide they find a great hiding spot so you won't blow your mission. What i love about the game is the arsenal of weapons you get to unlock and use against your enemies. The main reason why I purchased Dark Mirror because I watched as the Syphon Filter grow from PSone to the great game it is today. This is one videogaming franchise that is going to be to explode within the next few years. So untill next time "true believers" keep the gaming world alive and I'll be right there beside you thank you all for your time and have fun.


Your truly,
TQ1