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Platform: Playstation 2 Genre: Action Publisher: SCEA Developer: SCEA ETA: Q1 2004
Related Links: Review: SOCOM US Navy Seals (PS2) Review: Tenchu - Wrath of Heaven (PS2)
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Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain
Hands-on Impressions:
The Syphon Filter series was a huge hit on the Playstation, so it is surprising that it has taken Sony so long to get a PS2 entry to market. The third game in the series didn't fair as well as the first two games, so it seemed possible, despite Sony's denials that we might never see the release on the franchise on Sony's current console, but that day is almost here as Sony prepares to release Syphon Filter: Omega Strain into the air this May. In this newest incarnation, players play an operative under the direction of Gabe Logan, the protagonist of the three Playstation Syphon Filter games. Logan will direct the newbie operative through around twenty missions which feature both stealth gameplay and straight-forward firefights.
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Control wise, the game is very similar to the Playstation games, which means players need to be prepared to use nearly every button on the Dual Shock 2 to accomplish needed tasks. Though they seem complicated at first, the sheer number of moves that the control scheme allows is impressive and working the controller became second nature by the second time through the pre-release demo (though my hands did cramp up while trying to play Far Cry later the same night).
Graphically the game is a major improvement over the originals, as most would expect. At the |
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time the demo was pressed, most of the graphics engine was in place, so the final product should look about the same — which is to say good, but not spectacular. The biggest new feature, and the reason the game looks to be a big seller for Sony, is the online play. The Omega Strain joins Capcom's just released Resident Evil Outbreak as a high-profile, online cooperative action game. Up to four players can play through nine levels together, with different paths to complete the mission than those that exist in the single-player game. These new paths will require players to actually cooperate with each other in order to attack a level in a certain way. Examples include one player giving another a “boost” up to a high ledge, the laying down of cover fire, distracting enemies to give another player a clear path, and taking over control rooms in order to open doors for players in other areas. Though Sony only sent us the single-player demo, the multi-player really sounds intriguing. I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on the full game when it is released. If the game is as good as the first two Syphon Filters and the online play is as compelling as Sony suggests, Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain could prove to be a huge exclusive for the PS2. - Tolen Dante (April 18, 2004)
The highly popular Playstation series is receiving its third expansion in the coming months looking better than ever. I luckily had the chance to play Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain (TOS) at E3 this year, and was immediately impressed with some of the intuitive new features. New
to the franchise will be a much easier targeting system for multiple
enemies. Not only can you cycle through different enemies while
shooting, but also choose where on the body you’d like to shoot. If
the enemy is wearing an armored vest, than shooting towards the head or
legs would be the better idea for a faster kill. You can tell whether or
not you have decent accuracy by the color of the targeting circle. If
the circle remains yellow then you will have less of a chance hitting
the enemy. If it begins to turn red, than your accuracy grows immensely,
making for an easier kill. The best part of the new system is that
it’s seamless and doesn't slow down the action. Along with playing the TOS through a link cable with two PS2s, you can also play online with your friends. Incorporating the idea from SOCOM: Navy Seals, players can communicate with other fellow players through the Sony headset in order to issue commands, report locations, and so forth. If
you’re getting the idea that the game was specifically made for online
gaming, then you’ve been misled. TOS offers 17 single player missions
to help restore peace as a skilled agent. The interesting part is that
the same single player missions can be played online cooperatively,
adding an entire new dimension to the term “replay value”. Here is
the general premise of the story: Elsa
Weissenger has come to Gabe Logan with evidence that a multinational
corporation has been behind the Syphon Filter conspiracy from the
beginning. Mara Aramov is connected to this consortium in some way that
Gabe does not understand. But here is what Gabe does know: Mara has
escaped custody, outbreaks of a deadly new mutation of the virus are
appearing all over the globe, and Chechnyan rebels are selling the virus
to other terrorists. The world hovers on the edge of catastrophe as Gabe
races against the clock to find Mara, destroy the terrorist
organizations who plan to use the virus, and prevent an attack on Moscow
which could trigger the next world war. On top of this, the Syphon
Filter virus seems to be mutating uncontrollably. If a cure is not found
soon, it will live up to its name and become the Omega Strain- the end
of us all. Utilizing over 100 deadly weapons and high tech gadgets, taking down terrorists in the single and multi player can be done in an abundant number of ways. Whether you like to stab or shoot, anything is fair game, as long as you don’t bite.
Features: Become a skilled agent in Gabe Logan’s reformed Agency and help him fight the evolving threats to world peace. Customize
your agent’s look, uniform and equipment with enhanced character
customization features. Explore
and battle through 17 massive, intense, international non-linear worlds
with multiple ways to complete each of the deadly missions. Levels
are up to three times larger than previous installments in the
franchise. Battle
terrorists and enemies with 4-player cooperative, peer-to-peer online
play in all 17 single-player missions with the ability to access more of
the levels in a time-based setting. Utilize
a Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain – compatible headset for PlayStation
2 (Sold Separately) to communicate with fellow agents online. Using
Voice Chat, the player can verbally strategize with his/her teammates to
or use the D-pad to communicate with teammates. Defeat
all-new terrorists and enemies, including the most deadly commandos in
the world. Take
on terrorists with more than 100 unique, deadly weapons and gadgets with
the ability to shoot dual pistols. Arsenal
will improve as you progress through the levels. Combat the enemy with deadly artillery or fight hand-to-hand with a knife. Players can only carry four weapons at a time, so strategic play is at a premium. Keep
enemies in target while kneeling, crouching, walking, rolling, climbing,
jumping, walking, strafing, throwing and running with the new ability to
target lock on individual body parts. Multiple
targeting modes provide shooting options for enemies with regular
clothing, flak jackets or full body armor. Access
vanity items such as improved weapons, gadgets, equipment and uniforms.
The highly sophisticated enemy AI reacts to other agents’ actions to
hunt, explore, shoot and kill. With
levels three times as large as before, a new targeting system, and a
very promising online variant, Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain has a
chance to make itself part of the growing list of great game sequels.
Expect to have your hands on this title first thing 2004. - Eric Lahiji
Omni's impressions from SCEA's Gamers Day 2003:
Instead
of a lot of deathmatching, Omega Strain concentrates on co-operation. Setting
up the multiplayer missions seems to be a snap and with full support
behind the USB headset should make Omega Strain appeal to team
orientated players. And
it’s only as a team that there can be success.
For example, sometimes you’ll come across an obstacle that
can’t be climbed, but if you get a boost from a buddy you can overcome
it. (Up to four can play together.)
Although it was a limited demo, the graphics flowed and it was
especially cool to be able to see the weapons you’ve chosen arrayed on
your body.
(November 16, 2003) |
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