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Shooters, either first-person or third-person so far have not been a good genre for the PSP. This is mostly due to the missing 2nd analog stick which makes control of the main character very difficult. Anyway, this doesn't mean that it is impossible. Just recently some good examples have been released like SOCOM and on the platform front Daxter. Both games show how a good character control can get away with the deficencies of the missing stick. Now with Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror another candidate enters the stage with a hugh legacy on the PS one and a not so good history with its only appreance on the PS2. So how is Syphon Filter doing on the portable platform? In a nutshell, it's most probably one of the best action games on the PSP in general. Sony Computer Entertainment did almost everything write with this game, ultimately showing off the great potential of the PSP as the most advanced hardware platform these days. Starting from the story centered around good old Gabe Logan, the visuals both rendered on in-game, the sound and as already mentioned the controllability of the game, everything seems to be close to perfect. Given the complexity of what Gabe and his comrades are able to do, the way you control the character and its equipment is easy going and almost flawless. Sure, it would be much better if you could control Gabe with a second stick, but the usage of the 4 right buttons is almost a perfect replacement as soon as you've got used to it. The controls are accompanied by a target lock feature that makes it really easy to make your way thru sets with a number of foes where you wouldn't been able otherwise to achieve the needed accuracy. Thru out the 7 main missions you'll reprise the role of super-spy Gabe Logan as you investigate the mysterious attacks on chemical plants by a terrorist organization. The adventure starts off at a base in the chilly tundra of Alaska, but as the convoluted plot unravels, you'll discover the usual fare you'd expect from a techno-thriller. There's secret-weapons development based off genetic-engineering experiments, double-crossing, and even a visit with an old flame of Gabe's. Each of the main missions, which are taken place in different location around the world, you'll be faced with 2 to 5 sub mission which are of a decent size for a portable game: not to small and not to large. In addition to those 28 sub missions you are also able to unlock 5 additional bonus missions, which are a nice addon. Even though there is an online multi-player mode it is more of an add-on rather then a full-fledged counterpart of the story mode. Nevertheless, it is very intuitive and features all the things you need for going online. It even supports the SOCOM headset for online voice chats. As already mentioned also the graphics stand up to the level that has been achieved on the game mechanics and the story side. Most of the environments are very nicely designed with some hires textures (at least for a portable game) and the render movies come into play between the missions as a nice addon. Some of the missions are very challenging as the objectives are most of the time non repetitive. It's not always the same kind of "clean that place" goal but requires sometimes some nice tactics. In some of the missions it is also required to command a second character. To sum it up, I must say we wanna see more of those high quality games that really push the PSP's boundaries. If you want quick action with some depth, go for it. Pros - Nice graphics
- Good sound
- Good number of mission and bonus mission
- Almost perfect character control
- Lots of different weapons
Cons - You have to get used to the control first
- Short multi-player mode
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