Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror

The Syphon Filter can be seen as an alternative to the more popular Metal Gear Solid series. The first time I played Syphon Filter I did not know what hit me. While the story wasn't that special it was compelling and cinematic enough to draw you in. This series was much more action based and actually less forgiving then Metal Gear Solid was. When I think about Syphon Filter I think about skill. Mastering head shot were essential. And with the controls on the PSX that was a very hard thing to do. I can't tell you how often I died before I could advance. But when you did,you really felt you accomplished something. (And yes,you can lock on targets and just shoot them. Only this way you will run out of bullets you definitely need for tougher battles.)The graphics and cut scenes never looked that great. What it lacked in graphics it compensated in experience. Syphon Filter:Dark Mirror for the PSP not only has improved in graphics it also provides much better game play. The only thing that still doesn't make sense is the story.(But that can be overlooked since the game play is so much fun.) With all the new gadgets and weapons there are more than one way to advance in levels. You can barge in and shoot everything that moves or you can take the stealthy approach which is recommended. The only flaw I could think of using stealth was that in some levels you are required to do things that make a lot of noise which can't be heard by the enemies. Which does look a bit odd when sometimes they can hear your footsteps even when you are sneaking up to them. The sniper rifle is the most fun since you can shoot different darts (gas,explosive and electricity) with it besides the normal bullets that provide alternative ways to take out targets. For example the explosive dart can take out multiple enemies when shot right. Mastering head shots is still a skill that I would recommend but is not necessary because of the alternative ways to eliminate targets. I do think that the controls on the PSP are much more intuitive than the PSX controller. If there is a game that you need to own for the PSP than Syphon Filter:The Dark Mirror is the one.

If you own a PSP and are looking for something to sink your teeth into, Dark Mirror is that something. It corrects all the control problems that Omega Strain provided, you play as Logan again, and stealth is actually present in this game. You get to use a much better variety of weapons, you can actually use the environment to prolong stealth, the storyline is not only much easier to follow, but is a great storyline as well. The music in this game is provided by JD Mayor, Lior Resner, and once again Mark Snow, and trust me, this game has without a doubt, some of the best and most dramatic sounding music you will ever hear in a PSP game, or any other game for that matter. So do yourself a favor, and purchase this game.