Syphon Filter returns for the PSP....And it's packing some serious heat.
Dark Mirror takes place a couple of years after the incidents surrounding the Syphon Filter conspiracy which was the core story surounding the first 3 games. In Dark Mirror you reprise the role of Gabe logan as he once again has to save the world from an unknow terrorist plot known simply as Dark MIrror.
Gameplay:
Dark Mirror is an extreamely well put together game. Controlling Gabe is very simple as you move him and the aiming crosshair around with the analog stick which allows the player to aim and shoot while moving around to dodge enemy fire. Syphon filter has also solved the problem concerning the absence of a second anaolg stick by incorporating the Circle, sqaure, triangle, and X button to be used to control the Camara. In all this system is very responsive and takes very little time to get use to.
Gabe has also learned a few new moves such as the ability to take cover and peer around walls. This is a very useful tool as it makes getting into a firefight more tactical rather than going in with guns blazing. Syphon filter has also seemed to taken have a cue from splinter cell games by giving Gabe a boat load of new toys to play with: such as night vision, EDSU and IR goggles. Plus a sniper rifle that comes equipped with 6mm, Sticky shockers, Explosives, and gas rounds.
The best thing about Dark Mirror is that it allows the player to choose how he wants to advance through the game as you can either choose to be stealthy of go in fighting. While the stealth part of the game is not like Splinter cell it does however present itself in many situations where it would be best to avoid an all out gun battle.
The story in Dark Mirror is pretty standard issue for these types of games but the way the story is played out is done exceptionaly well. Much of the games story is divulged through ingame conversation between Gabe, Lian and terresa by means of voice acting. However, their is at least one CG movie per chapter that gives more detail to the story. And these GG movies look wondeful on the bright PSP screen.
Graphics:
This game is beautiful. The characters and enviroments are done very well and there is alot of attention to detail put into this game. Simply put it looks like a PS2 game. Also the game has no real frame rate issues or blurry movememt that has plagued some other PSP titles
Sound:
The musical score for the game is great and seems to change to represent the action thats going on during the game. However, I did find issue with how the guns sounded. Not enough Bang! Thats minor though
Value:
While the game is somewhat short (6-8 hours) It does however provide 3 diffrent modes of diffuculty, tons of unlockables which will keep you playing the game for weeks, and a few other unlockable side missions. ( ever wonder whaat ever happend to Mara Aramov...)