Not exactly a terrible game, spoiled by a few minor flaws and lack of new gameplay features introduced to the franchise.
When you first start to play Syphon Filter 3 you will see the menus, on screen displays and sound effect are identical in number 2. Well thats because they borrowed the Syphon Filter 2 mechanics with a marriage of new levels and models for it. All the character models have been re-drawn with a few exceptions. Graphically Syphon Filter 3 is very well detailed and animated, but with some graphical glitches. A lot of the arsenal from the number 2 is used in the game with some new weapons introduced. Notably a modified AU300 which can shoot through walls and is fitted with a scope with characteristics of an X-ray machine. The controls and gameplay is mirrored from Syphon Filter 2. It's still easy to pick up and the controls are very smooth. Unfortunately the gameplay just seems to be shooting and lacks the stealth elements in the previous titles. Like James Bond the game goes to numberous of exotic locations and are well recreated. Background music played during gameplay is themed to the location and some tracks are recorded using instruments native to the country the mission is set.
The story of Syphon Filter 3 is clever combination of a prequel and sequel. Following the events after the previous installment but at the same time the game also tells the events that leed to the creation of Syphon Filter as well how some characters meet each other. Some cutscenes have been rendered using video in incredibly high detail for the hardware which matches the cutscenes of many Playstation 2 titles. Whilst during missions all cutscenes strictly use the in-game graphics. The voice acting at sometimes can be mild; a more dramatic approach would have helped to really represent the current event and emotions of the characters.
Syphon Filter 3 offers the exact same two player mode featured in the previously in Syphon Filter 2. It's virtually identical and has all the same characters you could play as in it, with some updated to match there appearance in the main story mode. The areas are much smaller now, one of the reasons why the game is now only on one disc. But this can make for much better gameplay since the players won't spend endlessly like they did in number 2 searching for there opponent. A new mode has been introduced in this game, called Mini Game Mode. Basically the player can choose from a variety of environments and select from five types of gameplay to act as the mission. These include killing everything that moves, protect a man defusing bombs; get a briefcase without being detected, eliminating everyone without being seen and a shooting biathlon. You can play as several characters in this mode and play through it on different difficulties. After a few hours of playing the Mini Game mode it becomes boring because of the repetitive gameplay. Some mssions can even become annoying since some areas are ridiculously large and the mode where you must kill everyone, a person won't pop until ten minutes later. Taking forever in which to reach the score required to complete the mission.
Taking the player well into the two digit range of hours to complete. Syphon Filter 3 also offers lots of extras to unlock as well as Hard Mode accessed via a cheat in which to keep the player glued to the screen a little longer. The shortcomings of the game may stop it from being a great game and also the re-used game engine. Syphon Filter 3 is game that can found for low prices and is worth purchasing if you desire a simple enjoyable shooter combined with a interesting storyline.
GAME SUMMARY
Graphics – 8/10
Nicely drawn environments and detailed character models spoiled by a few graphical glitches.
Sound - 8/10
Rich soundtrack that is themed to the location of the mission. Voice acting lacks soul in some scenes.
Gameplay – 8/10
Easy controls and entertaining shooting action, however lacks some variety in certain missions
Lastability – 8/10
The story mode isn't challenging and will only take two or three weeks to finish. However there are plenty of bonuses to unlock and the Mini Games offers hours of gameplay if you don't find them repetive.
Overall – 8/10
Not exactly a terrible game, spoiled by a few minor flaws and lack of new gameplay features introduced to the franchise.