Developer: Eidetic

Syphon Filter (1999)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Syphon Filter (1999): A Stealth-Action Classic Revisited

Released in 1999 exclusively for the PlayStation, Syphon Filter is a third-person shooter stealth video game developed by Eidetic and published by 989 Studios. The game follows the story of special agents Gabriel “Gabe” Logan and Lian Xing as they are tasked by the United States government to apprehend a German international terrorist.

Syphon Filter was a critical and commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide. It was praised for its innovative stealth gameplay, engaging story, and memorable characters. The game has since been ported to the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3, and a remastered version was released for the PlayStation 4 in 2016.

Gameplay

Syphon Filter is a third-person shooter with a strong emphasis on stealth. Players control Gabe Logan, a highly trained special agent, as he infiltrates enemy territory and completes various missions. The game features a variety of weapons and gadgets that can be used to take down enemies silently or engage in open combat.

One of the most unique aspects of Syphon Filter’s gameplay is its “stealth meter.” This meter indicates how visible Gabe is to enemies, and it must be carefully managed in order to avoid detection. Players can use shadows, cover, and sound to their advantage to remain hidden.

Syphon Filter also features a variety of puzzle elements. Players must often use their wits to solve puzzles and progress through the game. These puzzles can range from simple lock-picking to more complex tasks, such as hacking computer systems.

Story

The story of Syphon Filter is set in a near-future world where a deadly virus known as the “Syphon Filter” is threatening to wipe out humanity. Gabe Logan and Lian Xing are tasked with apprehending a German international terrorist named Erich Rhoemer, who is believed to be in possession of the virus.

As Gabe and Lian investigate, they uncover a vast conspiracy involving rogue elements within the US government and the pharmaceutical industry. They must race against time to stop Rhoemer and his allies before they can unleash the Syphon Filter on the world.

Characters

Syphon Filter features a cast of memorable characters, each with their own unique motivations and skills.

  • Gabriel “Gabe” Logan: A highly trained special agent and the main protagonist of the game. Gabe is a skilled fighter and master of stealth.
  • Lian Xing: A Chinese-American agent and Gabe’s partner. Lian is an expert in martial arts and computer hacking.
  • Erich Rhoemer: A German international terrorist and the main antagonist of the game. Rhoemer is a ruthless and cunning enemy who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.
  • Teresa Lipan: A doctor and virologist who is working to develop a cure for the Syphon Filter virus. Teresa is a brilliant scientist and a close friend of Gabe and Lian.

Legacy

Syphon Filter was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best stealth games ever made. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, engaging story, and memorable characters. Syphon Filter has spawned several sequels and spin-offs, and it remains a popular franchise today.

Conclusion

Syphon Filter (1999) is a classic stealth-action game that still holds up today. The game’s innovative gameplay, engaging story, and memorable characters make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding stealth experience, then Syphon Filter is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Syphon Filter 2 (2000)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

Syphon Filter 2: A Stealth-Action Masterpiece

Introduction

Released in 2000 exclusively for the PlayStation, Syphon Filter 2 is a third-person shooter stealth video game developed by Eidetic and published by 989 Studios. As a sequel to the critically acclaimed Syphon Filter, the game continues the story of Gabriel Logan and Lian Xing, two former agents who have become enemies of the state after uncovering the Agency’s connection to the deadly Syphon Filter virus.

Gameplay

Syphon Filter 2 is a stealth-action game that emphasizes stealth, infiltration, and precision shooting. Players control Gabriel Logan, a highly skilled agent, as he infiltrates enemy bases, gathers intelligence, and takes down high-value targets. The game features a variety of weapons, gadgets, and stealth techniques that players can use to complete their missions.

One of the key features of Syphon Filter 2 is its focus on stealth gameplay. Players are encouraged to use shadows, cover, and sound to avoid detection by enemy guards. The game also features a variety of non-lethal takedowns, allowing players to silently eliminate enemies without raising the alarm.

In addition to its stealth gameplay, Syphon Filter 2 also features intense action sequences. Players will engage in firefights with enemy guards, use explosives to destroy obstacles, and participate in thrilling chase sequences. The game’s level design is excellent, with a variety of environments to explore, from urban cities to remote jungles.

Story

Syphon Filter 2’s story picks up hours after the events of the first game. Gabriel Logan and Lian Xing have been labeled as terrorists by the Agency after uncovering its connection to Syphon Filter. Now, they must fight to clear their names and stop the Agency from unleashing the deadly virus on the world.

The story of Syphon Filter 2 is well-written and engaging, with twists and turns that will keep players on the edge of their seats. The game’s characters are well-developed and relatable, and the voice acting is top-notch.

Graphics and Sound

Syphon Filter 2 was a graphical showcase for the PlayStation. The game’s environments are detailed and atmospheric, with realistic lighting and textures. The character models are also well-animated, and the game’s cutscenes are cinematic in quality.

The sound design in Syphon Filter 2 is also excellent. The game’s soundtrack is moody and atmospheric, and the sound effects are realistic and immersive. The voice acting is also top-notch, with the actors delivering believable performances.

Reception

Syphon Filter 2 was a critical and commercial success. The game received praise for its stealth gameplay, intense action sequences, engaging story, and excellent graphics and sound. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Syphon Filter 2 is considered to be one of the best stealth-action games ever made. The game’s innovative stealth mechanics, intense action sequences, and engaging story have influenced many subsequent stealth games. Syphon Filter 2 is a classic game that is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Conclusion

Syphon Filter 2 is a masterpiece of stealth-action gaming. The game’s innovative gameplay, engaging story, and excellent graphics and sound make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Syphon Filter series or a newcomer to stealth games, Syphon Filter 2 is a game that you won’t want to miss.

Review Score

8.5/10

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Bubsy 3D (1996)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Bubsy 3D: A Purr-fectly Bad Game

Released in 1996 for the PlayStation, Bubsy 3D is the fourth installment in the Bubsy series of platformer games. It is also the only game in the series to be rendered in 3D, and it is widely considered to be one of the worst video games ever made.

Bubsy 3D was developed by Accolade, who had previously developed the first two Bubsy games. The game was rushed to market in order to capitalize on the popularity of 3D gaming at the time, and it shows. The graphics are simplistic and充滿霧, the controls are clunky, and the camera is often difficult to control.

The game’s story is equally bizarre. Bubsy, the titular bobcat, is transported to the planet Rayon by the Woolies, a race of alien sheep. Rayon is ruled by two evil queens, Poly and Esther, who have kidnapped Bubsy’s girlfriend, Rhonda. Bubsy must travel through 16 levels and defeat Poly and Esther in order to rescue Rhonda.

The gameplay in Bubsy 3D is repetitive and uninspired. Bubsy can run, jump, and glide, and he can collect rockets and atoms to use as weapons. The levels are all very similar, and they quickly become boring.

The controls in Bubsy 3D are some of the worst ever devised. Bubsy is difficult to control, and the camera is often difficult to navigate. This makes it very difficult to perform even the most basic tasks, such as jumping and attacking enemies.

The graphics in Bubsy 3D are simplistic and充滿霧, even for their time. The textures are low-resolution, and the character models are blocky and awkward. The fog makes it difficult to see what is going on in the game, and it often obscures important objects and enemies.

The sound in Bubsy 3D is equally bad. The music is repetitive and annoying, and the sound effects are grating. Bubsy’s voice acting is particularly bad, and it quickly becomes irritating.

Overall, Bubsy 3D is a terrible game. It is poorly made, uninspired, and frustrating to play. It is one of the worst video games ever made, and it is best avoided.

Critical Reception

Bubsy 3D was panned by critics upon release. The game was criticized for its confusing control schemes, camera angles, and simplistic graphics. It was also criticized for its repetitive gameplay and annoying sound effects.

Bubsy 3D was featured on Seanbaby’s EGM Crapstravaganza: The 20 Worst Games of All Time list as well as in eighth place on GameTrailers’ 2006 Top 10 Best and Worst Games list, where it was described as “a terrible, terrible clone”.

Legacy

Bubsy 3D is often cited as one of the worst video games ever made. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of rushing a game to market and failing to properly test it. The game’s failure also led to the cancellation of planned releases for the Sega 32X and Sega Saturn.

Bubsy 3D has been the subject of much ridicule and mockery over the years. It has been featured in numerous “worst of” lists, and it has been parodied in other video games. The game’s protagonist, Bubsy, has also become a symbol of bad video game design.

Despite its negative reception, Bubsy 3D has a small but dedicated cult following. Some fans appreciate the game’s campy charm and its unintentionally hilarious moments. The game has also been featured in several speedrunning competitions.

Conclusion

Bubsy 3D is a terrible video game. It is poorly made, uninspired, and frustrating to play. It is one of the worst video games ever made, and it is best avoided. However, the game’s negative reception has led to a cult following, and it remains a popular target of ridicule and mockery.

Review Score

1/10

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