Product Description
-------------------
This next installment of Syphon Filter takes everything you've
loved about the series to the next level. Battle through this
intense, international story with four-player cooperative,
peer-to-peer online play (requires PS2 Network Adapter)! Features
a bevy of high-tech, lethal weaponry at your disposal, lush,
detailed environments for surrounding gameplay and a deep
character customization feature.
Review
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This wildly ambitious release offers two different ways that
players can work through the game. You can simply play through it
as a single player, which offers up an experience that is very
similar to the PSone trilogy, or you can hop online and partner
with up to three additional human players for an action-packed
extravganza that is quite unlike anything you've come across
before. Interestingly, the content for both methods of play is
virtually identical. In such, you can bounce back and forth
between online and offline play with the same save data. I found
this to be extremely beneficial. Of course, I'd prefer to work my
way through the game with teammates, but I did find that if my
friends are not logged in and the only people I can partner with
give new meaning to the word "annoying," I'll play offline.
Sticking to its s, the gameplay hasn't changed too much over
the years. Heads are once again highlighted with text, the
lower shoulders are used for strafing, and you still have the
luxury of tapping into a handy auto targeting system for frenzied
fightss. The one area where you will see significant change is in
the missions. In past Syphon Filter games, you had to complete
most of the objectives and be mindful of parameters to progress
to the next stage. In The Omega Strain, the theory has changed to
"anything goes." Usually, there is only one critical objective on
each stage that must be completed to move on. The remainder of
the goals (which can number close to 15 for a level) are more or
less optional for the player(s). The game won't come to a
screeching halt if you ignore them. You can even finish a level
by disregarding all parameters (like don't shoot the good guys)
and still move on. So why would you even bother messing with
additional feats? Simply because the rewards that they bring
couldn't be more delicious.
All of your accomplishments and performances are tracked.
Everything from accuracy to time you spend in a level are
taken into consideration. Much like a role-playing game, your
character will gain levels as experience is accumulated. You'll
begin the game as a Field Agent and can eventually work your way
through 21 additional ranks to Commander in Chief. Through
extensive play, you can also earn medals, commendations from the
NPCs, and Special Agency Ratings. Each one of these attainments
(which number close to 100) rewards the player with a new weapon
or power-up.
The density of unlockable armaments that you can wrap your hands
around is truly unheard of, and is reason enough for players to
work their way through the game over and over again. Although
Omega Strain is the same, playing solo and with a group of
friends produces two completely different results. Given the
gargantuan size of the levels, never before has vocal
communication (via the headset) been so necessary and constant.
Also, you can reach areas that are not accessible in single
player with teamwork.
Some of the missions are a bit ambiguous, the respawn points
don't work as well as they should, and the visuals really haven't
evolved too much since the previous installment, but as a whole,
The Omega Strain emerges as one of the PlayStation 2's most
irresistible online titles.
Concept:
Amusing single-player and four-player co-op mixed with
traditional run-and- Syphon Filter gameplay and role-playing
elements
Graphics:
This game won't win any beauty pageants. Some of the effects are
decent, but the lighting, animations, and texturing lack
significant detail
Sound:
Does a great job of forcing gamers to use voice chat
Playability:
Smooth controls and tons of weapons, but missions can be
confusing
Entertainment:
Both methods of play are enjoyable and loaded with unlockable
material
Replay:
High
Rated: 8.5 out of 10
Editor: Andrew Reiner
Issue: May 2004
2nd Opinion:
I've been eagerly anticipating Omega Strain as a bold new
beginning for the Syphon Filter franchise. I'm happy to report
that, while this is clearly a groundbreaking game, it does keep
most of the strengths (and some of the weaknesses) of its
forebears. The way this title manages to meld the multiplayer and
single-player portions into a cohesive whole is quite amazing,
and I think this may well point to the direction that many games
will head in the future. I love the fact that, while you can
tackle the missions alone, playing in co-op actually creates a
different experience, allowing you to access previously
inaccessible areas and use teamwork for both strategy and to more
quickly complete level goals. It's great fun, if a bit uneven. If
not for the unimpressive graphics, sometimes suspect
auto-targeting, and its irritating habit of re-spawning your
character in seemingly random locations; this could have been an
all-time classic. As it is, it's another great addition to the
PS2 online library.
Rated: 8.5 out of 10
Editor: Matt Helgeson
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Review
- Create your characters, with a host of customizable options -- the character you create will be a new recruit training under Logan.
- Stop terrorists from destroying a mall, taking out a SWAT team and carrying the injured to safety.
- Work through puzzle elements and use strategy to think ahead, when picking up weapons -- the game challenges your mind and your reflexes.
- Vast options for cooperative play -- multiple solo missions combined with two-person gameplay.
- Online play with nine fantastic multiplayer levels - Lay down cover fire while your teammates go in after the terrorists.