Awe-inspiring.............dare I say the greatest PSP to come out so far or to EVEN ever come out???
Not only is Syphon filter MORE than an excellent game, it is THE best Playstation Portable game to date. I don't care if you dislike stealth or action titles, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror is a must-have for anybody with a PSp.
First, lets talk about the gameplay. The developers have managed to sqeeze features taht some console games cannot even fathom of involving. The easy auto-lock system can be used or manual aim. Unlike Socom, Syphon Filter allows you to look up and down without the use of another *free look*. The addition of auto-lock is amazingly useful. For those who prefer not using it, the auto-lock can be exchanged for a over-the-shoulder view, common of games such as Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter and somewhat close to the aiming mechanic used by Call of Duty 2. There are several gadgets that can be used with 3 different view modes and a flashlight. All have their own use but usually are not forced on you to use. Although the gameplay is overall superb, the controls can be confusing at first. Also, when being rushed by foces the somewhat sluggish controls may make it too difficult to shoot a target quickly. Not perfect, but about as good as an accurate shooter on the Playstation Portable as it is going to get. It makies it through without the use of a 2nd analog stick.
Now, we all know that the PSP is capable of rendering truly phenomenal graphics. However, I never expected to see such gorgeous views as this. Syphon Filter provides arguably the best visuals of any other handheld game ever created. With some exceptions such as Wipeout Pure, Syphon Filter truly is the best looking game to date for this system. Yes, some of the in-game cutscenes don't look too spectacular at times, but you know what these graphics are still awesome. Coupled with pre-rendered movies look-wise Syphon Filter will make your jaw drop.
The sound in Syphon filter is about as good as the graphics. So much voice work, more so than even the best console games. There is almost always SOMEONE talking in the game. Whether its a guard yelling and throwing an angry tantrum about how a pop machine stole ihis money, or the radio chatter from Teresa who is your guide in the missions, the voice work only adds to the immersive world. Yes there are a few lines in the game that crack you up because they're so bad or the actors did a terrible job, but the vast majority is extremely well done. I would have given the scpre fpr sound a 10 if not for the weak-sounding guns. Some of the guns sound like toys bought from the Kids section at Toys R' Us. Its somewhat disappointing that a game of thsi magnitude would have gun sounds so weak, but nothing is perfect.
To date, I have spent hours and hours pouring over my PSP trying to unlock everything after the initial campaign. I have only taken the game online once. and only for about 5 minutes simply to see what it was like. Since then I have only been playing single player. I have yet to unlock even half of the extras. Playing through mission mode duel-wielding pistols (must be unlocked) and sneaking up behind unsuspecting foes for a quick knife to the throat, you will not only want to play the campaign on all difficulty levels, you will wan to unlock everything there is. It is that addicting and mind-blowing.
I love Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror and I probably always will. Socom had dissapointed me with its poor graphics and lock-on strict gameplay. Now with Syphon Filter I am given a choice, with superb graphics and more than enough voice work. Everything about this game is superb, with just the minor sound issue of weak-sounding guns.
If you STILL have yet to pick up a Playstation Portable, now is the time my friends. The initial campaign will take you a good 7-12 hours to complete, but the unlockables and online will continue to absorb your mind to the point where you will play this in your sleep.
Get this game. I know you will love it.