Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror
Mar 13, 2006
Since the days of the original PlayStation, Syphon Filter has been noted for deep content and tough gameplay. It migrated late to the PS2, but has jumped on the PSP with relative speed. Even more so than the PS2 release, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror keeps all of the series' difficulty and content intact, and even packs one of the best multiplayer experiences for the portable set.
As long-time lead Gabe Logan, players once again set out to take down a shady terrorist organization with global ambitions. The narrative is par for the course, but Dark Mirror features excellent cutscenes and some top notch voice acting, along with detailed mission briefings to set the scene.
Once into the game, there is a learning curve to hurdle. The controls harken back to the original PlayStation (which lacked analog sticks) so that players use both the nub and face buttons to move and aim. It can take some getting used to, but a couple of alternate schemes have been included, and one of the set should satisfy almost any player.
Once the basics are conquered, you'll find that Sony Bend has made incredible use of the PSP's controls, packing in the means to switch vision modes, ammo types, and weapons along with context-sensitive movements and attacks. After a couple of hours, every other shooter control set on the handheld might feel anemic.
The solo game seems somewhat short, but there is so much content to ferret out that it's well worth playing through each mission several times. There are multiple paths through many areas, and many cool setpieces that can typically be used to take out enemies. Even escort missions become playable, especially when Gabe must use his flashlight to illuminate dark areas so his "guest" can proceed.
As with past entries, bonuses (typically more powerful weapons) are doled out for using weapons and stealth techniques efficiently. That the stealth component of the game is even worth working toward makes Syphon Filter stand out among PSP titles. Since Gabe's weapon set can be customized before each mission (after earning a few bonuses), the experience can change noticeably from one run through to the next. Old favorite gadgets (like the taser) also return, and Gabe's principal weapon, a rifle featuring various utility darts, adds great flexibility to each level.
Sony Bend has also outdone almost every PSP release in terms of presentation: Dark Mirror is gorgeous and nearly without hitches. The levels aren't huge, but feature a wonderful variety of locations, textures, and multi-tiered design, complete with scalable surfaces, ziplines, and dark corners for hiding.
The last Syphon release, The Omega Strain, was heavily geared towards multiplayer, and Dark Mirror is no different. Through a very elegantly designed and easy to use lobby, gamers jump into variations on deathmatch, a couple of team-based objective games, and Rogue Agent, a version of tag. What makes it work is thoroughly implemented voice communication (with a USB headset) and (in the case of Rogue Agent and the team games) a simple yet very entertaining sense of design.
That sense of design pervades Dark Mirror, making it the best shooter yet released for the PSP. Don't be put off by the learning curve, which demands a bit more effort at the front than most action titles. Once Syphon Filter's rhythms are familiar, you'll find depth and replayability in spades.