-
Developer: Sony Bend
Publisher: SCEA
Genre: Shooter
Region: NTSC
Format:
Release Date: 14 Mar 06
User Rating
9 (4 votes) -
- Sony's other stealth-actioner favorite debuts on the PSP with an impressive story and gameplay mechanics, backed by a solid control scheme and plenty of game modes.
Overview
When the blockbuster Metal Gear Solid made its appearance on the original PlayStation, Sony releases one title that takes some inspiration on the stealth-based gameplay ideas behind Konami's game. While some have dubbed the Syphon Filter series as a poor man's Metal Gear Solid, it thrives by concentrating on a no-nonsense and solid gameplay rather than being distracted by the cinematic and pretentious philosophical overtones. It was not what I would consider one of the blockbuster titles on the platform, but it was one of those games that gathered quite a sizeable following to leap itself to this generation of consoles and now onto the PSP. The big question surrounding this game was not so much what would it be, but rather how would it take this series to a portable platform and still bring the same sort of success. Sony had a big challenge and could they possibly manage to fill those shoes? Read our full review to find out!
Gameplay
Syphon Filter and the series surrounding it has always been a very entertaining experience, but one that would have to be changed in order to be successful on the PSP. What Sony managed to do with Dark Mirror was create a game that was both true to the series but also playable on the PSP. The game puts you in the shoes of Gabe Logan, who is really just a very slick spy character (a little less hard nosed then Splinter Cell's Sam Fisher) that has always been a great asset to the series. The story isn't going to surprise anyone, but it is good enough to just keep you interested in the experience, and for a handheld game you really cannot complain.
Thus far the PSP has struggled in a big way with creating a good action experience. Sports games have been doing well, racing games fine, but action games I don't know what it is but developers have not managed to successfully use the PSP. Well in Dark Mirror all these problems are literally dealt with and done better than any other before. The game offers up some different control schemes at your disposal if you don't find one comfortable there are others to choose from. The control scheme is very intuitive, and although it takes some time to get used to the control scheme it is one of the most effective that the PSP has to offer.
The combat in the game is very satisfying and kind of mixes up some great action sequences with some stealth, and combines all of this to a very neat and impressive package. The game flows at a very smooth pace with a very good storyline that drives the gameplay. You will have a lot of action in this title and everything in the game just moves together so nicely that it is really just a very entertaining experience. I should also mention that the game does have a good deal of variety in mixing up pure action with stealth sequences and vice versa.
One of the other really neat features outside of the single player is the multiplayer, which has a few modes to whet your online handheld appetite. There are four modes to speak of, which are Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Rogue Agent, and Objective. All of these modes have been done before in one way or another, but this game does a nice job of really putting everything together and making the online experience a very positive one. I have to say that Sony did a nice job of making a very entertaining and yet simple online experience that added a ton of depth to the game. In the end Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror is just a great action game for the PSP. It does so many things right and just offers up such a fun experience that it is hard not to sit back and love everything about this game.
Graphics
The PSP may not have had the most enjoyable games on the market, but it has had its fair share of good-looking games, and the presentation of Dark Mirror is still one of the elite. First off, for such an action packed game, the frame rate holds up very nicely while managing to show off a lot of the great detail. I should also mention that Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror does a great job with the character models, which are nicely detailed and offer up a very impressive appearance. In the end you will really have to play this game to appreciate the hard work that was put into the great visual style of the game.
Fun Factor
The Syphon Filter series has had its ups and downs in the past, but 2006 is definitely a year where the series is on the up. I was so worried that this PSP game was going to be terrible and manage to really put a huge damper on an otherwise solid series. But alas Sony impressed me in so many ways with this game offering a very entertaining single and multiplayer experience. The game just manages to be successful on all levels and this makes for a very entertaining experience.
Overall
Many have had their doubts about the potential of this game but I think it proves to be a great experience on the PSP. To me it is obvious that Sony has a lot more room to grow with this series both on the PSP and future consoles like the PS3. I think Dark Mirror not only didn't let down the series, but took the series to an even stronger level. If you have enjoyed these games in the past, go out and buy a copy of Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror - it is definitely worth the money.
- Gameplay
9.0 - Graphics
9.0 - Fun Factor
9.0 - Overall
9.0
