Game: Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain
Console: PlayStation 2
Game Type: Action
Game Developer: Sony
Publisher: Sony
Rating: M for Mature
TORONTO, Digital Journal — Ok, remember that brouhaha a while back over the game featuring Quebecois terrorists attacking Toronto? Well, this is it. Let’s not blow things out of proportion, but it did cause some rumblings here in Canada, and Sony removed the fictional French Canadian terrorists and issued an apology before the game was released. We are still waiting for them to apologize for letting the guy who plays Neelix on Star Trek: Voyager do the voice of the Prime Minister in the game, however.
I joke.
Needless to say, Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain has undergone a change or two. Originally a single-player, third-person action series, the game now features squads of players taking on terrorists in an online arena. Terrorists need to be whacked, civilians need to be protected, and biochemical plots need to be thwarted. It’s a little like a Rainbow Six game, but with more of the speed and adrenaline of a
And when I say speed, I mean speed. The missions are timed and your superior officer is always urging you to pick up the pace. Enemies are pretty aggressive, so you will always be moving, dodging and shooting.
While the game’s graphics are not the best I’ve ever seen, they do have some excellent level design. A shopping mall, an old mill, a warehouse — all of them are pretty sizeable and very believable, so much so I wouldn’t be surprised if they were modelled after actual locations.
Each mission has several varying objectives. Not just the usual kill and/or protect, but things like obtain samples, disarm bombs, etc. The game will present you with awards like promotions and medals for efficient play. I like that, and I also like that, although you are certainly discouraged from shooting civilians, the game does not end if you do. Instead, you are dressed down for friendly fire incidents.
Whether you’re playing online or offline, you generate a character and work your way through the missions. Your choices are limited at first, but as you play you will get an arsenal of weapons to choose from — side arms, machine guns, sniper rifles, over 100 in all.
The game’s controls are pretty good, although certain camera/player movements are slower than others, which is not a helpful thing to have in such a fast-paced game. However, Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain must get praise for its grenade-throwing system, which is one of the best I’ve ever seen. Not only can you determine the distance, but also the height of your throwing arc, so you can clear obstacles much easier. A lot of games could benefit from this.
The game supports the PS2 USB Headset so you can speak to your squadmates online, although, once again, the game could really benefit from a more consistent system like Xbox Live. Still, it gets the job done.
If you’re still hopelessly hooked on SOCOM II or Counter-Strike, you probably won’t be distracted very long by Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain. However, if you are looking for a new online scrap to get into, it’s definitely worth a look.
