Syphon Filter 2 fallows up the tradition of excellency started by Eidetic with its first Syphon Filter. Unfortunately, some details that made the first one an almost perfect game were dropped in this new episode. Yet, the fun is still the same!

The scenario of Syphon Filter 2 takes on immediatly where the first episode had left us. While Gabe just prevented a Third World War by stopping the destructive aims of terrorist leader Erich Rhoemer, his partner Lian Xing, who had been infected with the Syphon Filter virus, gets kidnapped by some agents. Gabe will hunt them down in search for the vaccine that will save her. On his way, he will meet new allies as well as new enemies, some closer to him than he had thought.

Syphon Filter 2 lets you play as Gabe Logan and Lian Xing, switching from one to the other. Along with them, you will go through twenty or so missions and travel throughout various locations in the world : the colorado mountains, a moscow club, a secret laboratory underground New York are just a few of them. The variety of environments is still wide and revives the interest of each mission. If action overflows in Syphon Filter 2, a big part of the game also leans towards infiltration missions that will sometimes require a lot a patience to go through.

The game offerts again a impressive arsenal, includinf the classic 9mm, M-16 and Shotgun. Since the game has more infiltration sequences than ever, a few new stealth weapons are introduced, like the Hand Taser or the Laser Crossbow. Also, in addition to the traditionnal flashlight, you will have at your disposal new gadgets like the binoculars or the nightvision goggles that will give you a serious advantage over your enemies.

The quality level of graphics is similar to Syphon Filter, yet some details, although they seem trivial, have been crossed out. For instance, when the character switched weapons, we saw him reach out to his belt and draw his new weapon, whereas now it just appears in his hands. Unfortunately, it is this kind of elements the brings a game on top of the mass. The cinematic sequences have increased in number and in length compared to the last episode. They have lost that kiddy look they had, but sometimes they lack of finish. Most of them are dialogs that brings new elements to the plot. As for the motion captures, it is as solid et allows the game to carry on with the same level of realism on this point.

The interaction with the environment remains a strong point that create this feeling of authenticity that only few games can pretend to offer. Fire up a source of light, a window or any other element of that kind, and it'll break up in pieces. You will even hear the sound of glass breaking on the ground.

The sound in general is another strong point of the series. The music is still as great, but whereas the first Syphon Filter had characterised music for each environment, this one sometimes reuses the same music, taking away the personality of some missions. Other sound effects are as rich as varied, and dialogs, that are more important than in the last episode, are still played with the same conviction. On the other hand, some problems may occur regarding the sound level of voices you hear during the game. Thus you will whispers like you were beside the source, whereas as it is actually far away. These flaws are isolated and rare.

The gameplay of Syphon Filter 2 is on all aspects similar to Syphon Filter, although it is more accute and 'square'. A slight adaptation is thus necessary for those accustumed to the first game. Yet it remains perfectly suited for this type of game. Gabe and Lian can also perform a new move : they can leap over gaps. However this jump is set off automatically depending on the spot and does not rely on any action from the player.

The great inovation of Syphon Filter 2 is the introduction of a multiplayer mode. You will now be able to face your friend one on one in a death-match formula of which you can decide the length (based on a time or point limit). You can choose from about ten locations and among many characters all inspired by the two games.

If the first game lacked bonus material, it is definitely not the case this time. The addition of the multiplayer ask for the player to work hard to discover how to unlock secret arenas and characters. Some challenges are tougher than other, but they will be a good reason to play the game over again!

In short, if Syphon Fitler 2 does not reach the same level of perfection than the first one, it is still a game of high quality that fans of the original will want to purchase without second thoughts.

by Gabe Logan

Last update: 2008-02-17