Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain

Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain Description

When the games industry jumps from one generation to the next, the most common course of action for many developers is to bring existing franchises along with them. Mario gets updated, Sonic gets updated, and so does Crash Bandicoot. So when PSOne took a back seat to its brawnier PS2 brother, some of us were disappointed to be denied a fourth instalment of Sony's Syphon Filter series. But fear not, because Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain - the first and probably last PS2 offering in the series - has finally arrived. Another modern day epic, Omega Strain takes place in a world where global terrorism threatens mankind with the Syphon Filter virus. Stepping into the boots of series protagonist Gabe Logan one more time, you must maintain world peace and prevent a global outbreak of the Omega Strain with the help of a few trusted recruits. The story is very Metal Gear-esque, and the same goes for several parts of the game, but on the whole, Omega Strain is more action-orientated with an emphasis on weapons as well as strategy. Playing solo, gamers will traverse some 17 heroic missions, many of which are faithful - even reminiscent - to the series' previous instalments. Of course the game looks much better after a 128-bit facelift, and boasts clean animation, a smoother frame rate and all-round convincing locales. The control method also benefits slightly. But there is one crucial addition to the latest instalment of Sony's in-house franchise that makes the long wait completely worthwhile, and that's online play. A brand new and intriguing aspect to newcomers and followers of the games alike, players can now hook up to the wonderful World Wide Web for a much-needed dose of online multi-player action. Players are now able to join with three others in a bout of team-based gameplay throughout the Omega Strain adventure. They will be required to communicate, make joint decisions, and help one another to succeed. You've got the whole world in your hands... what will you do?

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 single-player worlds with multiple ways to complete each of the deadly missions. Levels are up to three times larger than previous installments in the franchise.

Unlock four bonus single-player missions to play as either Gabe or other favorite characters from the Syphon Filter franchise.

Battle terrorists and enemies with four-player cooperative, peer-to-peer online play via a broadband connection in nine of the single-player missions with the ability to access new areas of the environments only available while playing online.

Utilize a USB headset (for PlayStation 2) (sold separately) or SOCOM headset for voice chat to verbally strategize with fellow agents online. Players also can use the directional pad to strategize with teammates.

Access a buddy list feature to easily find friends while playing online.

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. 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 onto individual body parts.

Gain multiple targeting modes to 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 artificial intelligence reacts to other agents' actions to hunt, explore, shoot and kill.