Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow Review for the PlayStation Portable (PSP)

System: PSP	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Sony Bend	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: SONY	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Oct. 2, 2007	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-8	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Teen	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

The multiplayer aspect of the game was also very nice. While to me it seemed a lot like most multiplayer, with the inclusion of Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Rouge Agent, it also included two new modes, Sabotage and Retrieval. Sabotage is an objective specific mode and Retrieval carries the Capture the Flag element with it. One of the best elements of the multiplayer is the balancing system. This system will mix up the team matches by placing higher ranked and lower ranked individuals equally onto teams. The little tweaks throughout the multiplayer will feel fresh to anyone who enters the fray of open combat in the multiplayer modes.

Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow screenshot

Logan's Shadow also looks very nice. Logan's Shadow is a perfect example of the handhelds carrying their own graphically. With some of the best graphics I have seen on the PSP, there is no reason for anyone to dislike the title.

The music of the game is also a joy. With Azam Ali, the guy behind movies like 300 and The Matrix Revolutions, how can you go wrong? The music is so good I almost wish there would be a soundtrack release for the game similar to other big name franchises. With a soundtrack like this, you would expect voice acting to rival or exceed it and, thankfully, it does. The delivery on the voices of the characters is another favorite feature of mine and sets the stage beautifully for the dramatic pacing of the story.

Syphon Filter: Logan Shadow's is one of the best, if not the best, experiences you will have on a handheld this year, especially if you are a fan of the genre. Heck, even if you are not a huge fan of this type of game I'd dare say you would enjoy several elements. If you have been heartbroken by the deletion of the stealth covert-ops games for this holiday season, then race to your nearest gaming outlet and pick up this title. Even you might begin to understand the importance of Gabe Logan.

By Matthew Walker
CCC Project Coordinator

Features:

Havok physics engine provides life-like physical reactions on both characters and environments.

New and improved weapons, such as grenade launchers, sticky mines, smoke grenades, and flash bangs.

New character actions enable players to force enemies to take cover with "blind fire" or protect health with the new "human shield" features.

Underwater physics allows players to experience 360 degrees of water navigation to explore shipwrecks and target enemies with new underwater weapons like the bolt pistol and spear gun.

Improved buddy mechanics.

New mini game features, brand new to the Syphon Filter franchise.

All new story written by Greg Rucka, critically acclaimed author of comic books and novels (Batman, Gotham Central, Queen and Country.)

All new sound track featuring award-winning composer Azam Ali.

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.6

Graphics
Great visuals. Pleasantly surprised by how smooth the character models looked on the PSP.

4.3

Control
Solid control schematic for all of your basic needs in the game.

4.4

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Some of the best voice acting I have every experienced on a handheld and a soundtrack to kill for.

4.7

Play Value
You'll be carting around Gabe's latest adventure for quite some time.

4.6

Overall Rating - Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.