.co.uk Review

In a nutshell:
After two disappointing sequels on the home consoles suddenly it’s down to the PSP to save Syphon Filter, as hero Gabe Logan saves the world from terrorists in this superior portable action game.

The lowdown:
With only one analogue stick making camera control a real problem the PSP has struggled when it comes to decent third person action games. This though is easily the best yet with superb graphics and presentation and tons of voiceovers for a great cinematic feel. Just like the earlier games this is a more action orientated spin on Metal Gear Solid as you use a wide range of gadgetry from thermal imagers to motion sensing grenades. Combat works great too, especially the way you can aim from behind cover and quickly jump out, guns blazing. A solid lock-on control system also helps to keep frustration at a minimum in this real return to form for the series.

Most exciting moment:
On top of the lengthy single player campaign the game also has an eight player online mode, including full voice chat. This lets you play the game as anything from a deathmatch style free-for-all to an objective based co-operative version of the story mode.

Since you ask:
Although there’s still no word of whether a new Syphon Filter game will appear on the PlayStation 3 a PSP sequel is strongly hinted at in the final cut scene of Dark Mirror.

The bottom line:
The best action game on the PSP and the best Syphon Filter for years.
HARRISON DENT

Manufacturer's Description

An increasingly dangerous world filled with terrorist threats needs a safety measure and that safety measure is Gabe Logan. National security is so sensitive he's working for a black ops US agency that doesn't officially exist, and having being listed M.I.A after his previous mission, Gabe returns to put his life on the line to save the world.

Take control of this deadly Precision Strike Operative as he is inserted into the field to uncover the latest threat to global security a project known only as Dark Mirror. Confronting a woman from his past who reveals the shocking truth about Red Section, a para-military group who have stolen Dark Mirror, Gabe Logan knows he's the only man for the job. Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror is the most exciting episode yet in the Syphon Filter franchise with an all-new story, new weapons and Gabe Logan firmly in control.

Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror is packed with explosive real-world action adventures. From Finland to Bosnia, Alaska to Peru, Gabe's objective is to recover the elusive Project Dark Mirror which sees him embroiled within the darkness of the world's Secret Services. And where the Russian Mafia, MI6 and Washington are involved, Gabe can't rely on conventional means&Armed with a host of weapons including a new rifle which uses the latest darts technology and a range of vision enhancement goggles, Gabe must infiltrate enemy territory.

An immersive single-player adventure that also delivers an evolving online multiplayer experience, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror features melee attacks, target lock, precision aiming, vision enhancements, improved artificial intelligence (AI), and high-tech weaponry, as well as five unique online maps using both Ad Hoc and Infrastructure connectivity, and four types of gameplay modes in multiplayer.