[PSP] FIRST GLANCE: syphon filter: LOGAN’S SHADOW
- 26th October , 2007 by KNDY in Video Game Reviews: PSP
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GAME: syphon filter: LOGAN’S SHADOW
ESRB RATING: T for TEEN (Language, Violence)
GAME INFO: 1-8 Players, Memory Stick Duo, PSP Headset Compatible, Wi-Fi Compatible (Ad Hoc and Infrastructure)
This is a first glance review of “syphon filter: LOGAN’S SHADOW” for the Sony PSP, the second game continuing the storyline of Gabe Logan on the portable system.
The “syphon filter” games feature a game similar to the Metal Gear Solid and Tom Clancy “Splinter Cell” games but not too intense on the stealth but yet still features a very cool storyline and a game that has you controlling Gabe (or his partner) by taking down enemies ala 3rd person shooter and using a bit of stealth to accomplish your mission.
One of my favorite games on the PSP is the first syphon filter game “DARK MIRROR” which was an enjoyable game because of its cool storyline and was critically acclaimed for its gameplay, visuals and what was packed into a single UMD at the time.
With “LOGAN’S SHADOW”, so far I have completed the first three chapters and near the end of the fourth and loving it! In the first game for the PSP, the game was intense and a drew you in as the storyline was intense and emotional as characters from the original game are in it and the game was a bit had an emotional side to it as Gabe’s former love is involved.
In the second game, Gabe Logan is brought in for a secret mission by the government but it appears he has been setup. Gabe learns that his partner maybe a double agent and he goes out to search for her to find out the truth. The game is more action-based and the AI are not as dumb as the previous game.
One thing that you will notice is that many missions take place underwater in the first two chapters. Also, a bit more complex than the previous game. Graphics are the same but still look good in game and the cut scenes still look awesome. Audio is similar and still sound great!
Controls are the same. use the R to shoot. Use the analog nub stick to control. Use the directional pad (press left to go to the mode where you select a flashlight or specific goggle - night vision, infrared, etc. and press right to select a weapon). You can stock up to four types of weapons and grenades. L button is used for camera viewing.
The featured modes are:
SINGLE PLAYER MODE: In this mode, you start out with training and when beating the training mode, the game begins in which you play as Gabe and complete missions.
MISSION MODE: Mission mode is where you can play the missions that you have beaten in Single Player Mode but by replaying it, you can improve your career ratings. This will allow you to explore different play styles and experiment with alternate stealth paths, discover environmental skills and unlock more darts for use with the MB-150 Agency Sniper Rifle.
The benefit of replaying is to find the hidden files which will unlock concept art, audio files and bonus movies.
CAREER RATING: This menu displays the status of Agency Ratings. This keeps track of stats for stealth kills, combat knife kills, elite weapons kills, survival skills (ability to complete a mission without dying), tactical weapons (dart kills) and sharpshooter skills (head shots). Each rating has four ranks.
INFRASTRUCTURE and AD HOC ONLINE PLAY: There are different types of online gameplay. Ad Hoc allows two or more individual PSP systems to communicate directly with each other. Infrastructure allows you to go into a lobby, host a game, join in on hosted games and be part of a community. Games available are:
- TEAM DEATHMATCH - Team based. Be the first to reach the score limit or have the most kills when time expires.
- RETRIEVAL - Team based. First team to reach the capture limit.
- SABOTAGE - Locate the detonator code, arm and detonate the emy team’s nuclear warhead.
- ROGUE AGENT - No teams. Capture the rogue agent credentials and eliminate the opposition.
- DEATHMATCH - No teams. Be the first agent to reach the score limit.
I don’t really play multi-player (which are the big reasons people like first-person or third-person shooters) but I’m more of a single player (love it for the storyline) gamer but from what I’ve played, the developers turned up the notch for each mission.
One mission has you trying to sneak on pirate boats and eliminating everyone on the boat and blowing up the ships with C4. Another has you underwater and taking on an enemy underwater vehicle. Definitely more intense and the enemy AI, they are ready for you and you need to keep on your toes.
So, far I’m enjoying the “syphon filter: LOGAN’S SHADOW” and I’ll be back with a final review after completion.
Tags: Sony PSP, syphon filter: LOGAN’S SHADOW