Reviewer
Dustin Chadwell

Date
10/17/2007

Review Data
Platform: PlayStation 2
Publisher: SCEA
Developer: Sony Bend
Medium: DVD-ROM
Players: 1
Online: No
Also on: (n/a)
Grade (Guidelines)
B- Good
 Media
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 Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror
Stripped down, censored port of a great game. Buy a PSP.
When Syphon Filter first released on the PSP a while ago, nobody really knew what to expect. In fact, it had been quite some time since anyone really considered the series a viable contender to anything. However, Dark Mirror took a lot of people by surprise (myself included) and ended up being one of the most highly praised titles released on the Sony handheld.

It makes pretty good sense that this would then be ported over to the Playstation 2, but what doesn't fit is why certain options have been completely omitted, especially considering the ridiculous price point of $40. However, lets talk about what they've done right, and if you haven't played the PSP original, I'll give you some idea of what's in store for you.

You play the role of operative Gabe Logan, the recurring character from the Syphon Filter franchise. The over-arching story of Dark Mirror has Gabe attempting to thwart a plot that involves the end of the world as we know it, which is a little over the top, sure, but if you're at all familiar with the series you'll pretty much be expecting it. It's also pretty forgettable, but you won't be enjoying the game for the story anyways.

Instead, where Dark Mirror excels is in the gameplay (and gunplay). It's a very action driven game, where there is very little focus on stealth, and a lot of focus on blowing the hell out of your opponent. Dialogue is even handled like a traditional action movie, with horrible one-liners popping up all over the place. Dark Mirror even makes use of the much loathed escort missions, but they actually end up being enjoyable (for the most part). Of course all of this is carried over from the PSP version. There aren't exclusive new levels, playable characters, or anything that really affects the gameplay to be added here. Instead, you'll have some slightly enhanced visuals, and maybe a control scheme that works better for the people that hate not having a second nub.

However, while not adding anything, they sure as hell managed to take some stuff away. Syphon Filter on the PSP featured a really robust, and fun, multiplayer game. All of that is missing on the PS2, which is pretty shocking. I can only figure that they didn't want to mess with the coding differences, but if you're going to go thru the trouble of porting you should at least port the whole damn thing. Also, the game retails for $40. Which, if I'm not mistaken, is now double the price you'll pay for the PSP version. Also, the other noteworthy PSP to PS2 ports, like the GTA titles, have all introduced somewhere at the $20 range.

The problem with reviewing a title like this is that if it wasn't a port, and I wasn't aware of it missing the multiplayer aspect, that I might consider it being worth the price of admission. However, enhanced graphics and the option of a different control scheme don't make up for the missing mode, and the price is hard to swallow, especially if you already own both systems. Basically, give this a go ONLY if you don't plan on owning a PSP anytime soon, and even then, I'd suggest a rental. Other than that, Dark Mirror is an enjoyable title, and worth checking out, but you're better off doing so on the PSP.



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