Before Jack Bauer could save the world in 24 hours, there was only Gabe Logan. And even if Bauer had shown up, Logan probably would have tased him to death… This is Syphon Filter.

From 1999, this Editec release fits into a broad category of original IP PlayStation 1 games that share responsibility for defining 3D action-adventure gaming along with the likes of Tomb Raider, Resident Evil, and Metal Gear Solid to name a few. (Though time has not been as kind to Syphon Filter as it was to some of those other franchises) The series would see two more PS1 releases is 2000 and 2001 respectively, as well as several more, albeit less assertive, installments on later consoles.

Syphon Filter is a third person shooter first and a stealth game second, but a close second. Only in some missions is stealth a requirement, in others an option, and in several an impossibility.

The story follows Gabe Logan and his partner Lian Xing (in this installment, unplayable), who serve the world as operatives in “The Agency” – an elite intelligence bureau that specializes in both counter-terrorism and vagueness. Gabe and Lian find themselves engaged with terrorist who possess a powerful bio weapon, the titular Syphon Filter; a fatal virus capable of targeting specific demographics through genetic programming.

To contain the virus and stop its spread you’ll have to stealth, shoot, and tase your way through 20 missions of slightly less than tactical espionage action. The story is interesting but it can be hard to follow at times as there isn’t really enough background to provide a foundation for its presentation. There may be a traitor in The Agency for example, but while this is clear its importance and how we should react sometimes isn’t. Still, the objectives for individual missions are always clear, and as my Mission Impossible poster says “Nothing but the Mission Matters.”

The voice acting isn’t half bad for the time and can compete with titles like Tomb Raider and Resident Evil, although at times it does sound hurried. Everyone seems to be talking uncomfortably fast in the cut scenes, as though the voice actors were only getting paid for the first five minutes.

Graphically Syphon Filter isn’t terrible, but it’s not the best on the PlayStation either. The opening cut scene in particular is worth a laugh when you see a close up of Lian Xing who looks like her face was literally stapled onto her head. It seemed like they wanted her to have some sex appeal, but this is not Fear Effect and unless you have a Lego fetish she won’t do much for you.

The environments don’t look bad, and the character animation in-game is decent enough that you can tell if someone is looking in your direction or not from a distance – an important point for this game play style and an impressive feat for a PS1 game with this much content on a single disk. I’d put the game play graphics on par or just a little above that of Metal Gear Solid for a good reference point.

The game play could either make you smile or give you an anxiety disorder, depending on your sensibilities.. The aspects that make Syphon Filter unique are Mission Objectives and Parameters. You will start each mission with a set of one or more Objectives you must complete. Typically though, this will change in the course of the mission as new information or situations arise, forcing you to redirect quickly and adjust to new circumstances. It really gives you the feeling, even with so-so AI, that the terrorist aren’t going to just sit back and let you ruin their plans. They have plans of their own.

Parameters alter the game play even more. These are limitations on how you can conduct the mission. A common one you will run across is that you cannot be seen, making it a stealth mission. At other times you’ll be warned against causing casualties or using explosives, and some scenarios contain a timer. Whatever the parameter may be it always creates a sense of urgency that wraps you into the game.

Some may have a very different choice of words – most of them expletives – to describe parameters. If you break one, the mission is a failure, and it’s treated just like death. You will restart from the last check point which may be three or four very challenging obstacles back. The good news is you have unlimited lives, the bad news is that you may be repeating the same short segment over and over and over until you get it just right. It may be frustrating but the frustration can be part of the fun, as playing through a previously difficult mission without any mistakes makes you feel like one badass super spy.

The controls have little learning curb. You’re given three methods for dispatching ammunition. You can shoot wildly with the square button alone, hold down R1 to auto target, or L1 to go into a cross hairs view for a more accurate shot. Unlike many other games a scope is not a requirement to view in cross hairs but scoped weapons do allow you to snipe more efficiently. The manual targeting is a must for enemies with bullet proof vests who must be shot in the head (the game is nice enough to let you know when you have the head securely in the cross hairs).

The controls do force you to be a bit of a finger contortionist. At one point I found myself holding down X to sneak, L1 to manually aim, using my analog stick to place the cross hairs, and then square to fire my silenced 9mm. It’s not terrible, but there are times I did wish the stealth mode was a toggle button and not something that must be held down.  I can see it the other way around too. Everything is harder when you’re trying to be stealthy and holding down X does make you take a more active role in Gabe’s attempt to go unnoticed.

Many of the weapons felt exactly the same despite caliber or size. The one unique option however, and one of the most gratifying aspects of the game, was the Taser.

The Taser never runs out of ammunition and can fire from a surprising distance. While using it you make yourself vulnerable, but there are plenty of good scenarios for it. You can use it briefly to stun and incapacitate a target, or you can take the fun (aka middle finger to the Geneva Convention) route. The Taser can be held down almost indefinitely. After a moment, your victim will begin to smoke and will soon burst into flames.

The developers must have known we’d love this, because whenever the Taser latches on to someone the camera switches frames and focuses on a close up of the victim. For all the violent gimmicks of the GTA series I still found this to appeal far more to the homicidal sadistic maniac in me. Firing the Taser at a roof sniper and hearing them howl in pain as they fall, now a flaming pile of flesh and item drops, onto the streets bellow is an addictive hobby.

This is an excellent PlayStation 1 title for fans of the stealth and espionage genres. While it can be frustrating at points, it’s also addictive and you’ll find yourself playing the same mission over and over no matter how much sweat accumulates on your palms. This one comes packed with adrenaline, and completing the missions perfectly just to stroke your own ego offers plenty of replay value.

Syphon Filter is generally not an expensive title. New copies have gone down in price from the mid 20’s to the lower teens sense the release of the title on the PlayStation Network. Used copies may only run you a couple of dollars American. This is a popular espionage romp on the PS1 that Bond and Snake fans alike should enjoy.

“Don’t Tase me bro!”

-          The VA Shogun



The Silverspoon Reviews is a new concept of reviewing by our long time member Silverspoon. How did an old classic stand the test of time and how would you review it by today’s standards? The first review in the series is the best selling PS1 game of all time Gran Turismo! Continue reading →