Syphon Filter, released in 1999 for the original PlayStation, was a resounding financial and critical hit; as one of the first (if not the first) action/shooter to integrate stealth elements (previously only seen in dedicated stealth games, like Tenchu and Metal Gear Solid) into its gameplay, it was both groundbreaking and established a trend that continues to this day. Unfortunately, as the series continued, its failure to innovate further caused Syphon Filter 2 to receive generally poor scores; Syphon Filter 3, while improved, was severely overshadowed by the success of the PlayStation 2 and the (then recent) launch of the Xbox and GamecCube. The series then continued on the PS2 with Syphon Filter: Omega Strain, which played similarly to past installments, but with a focus on online-cooperative play; it, too, was poorly received. 2006 saw the release of Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror for PSP; it was hailed as one of the best titles on the system, and the redemption of the series. Now Sony has developed a version of Dark Mirror for PS2, and while the game doesn’t escape the port process completely unscathed, it remains a fun shooter.

Dark Mirror continues to follow Gabriel Logan, onetime operative and current director of the shadowy para-military organization known as the Agency. Along with his constant partner Lian Xing, Gabe sets out to Alaska to investigate a terrorist attack at a petroleum refinery. This draws him into a plot that leads him across the globe and into his own past; of course, the Syphon Filter virus plays a role, as always. The game’s plot is, by and large, standard series fare, with the complex twists, international characters, and spy antics you would expect. Although sometimes heavy with action movie-style cheesiness, Dark Mirror definitely has one of the best, most emotionally developed stories the series has yet seen; that said, anyone who plays the game for the story is missing the point.

The Syphon Filter series has always made the player feel like a master secret agent, and Dark Mirror is no exception. During the game, you will handle tons of weapons (including an awesome experimental rifle with multiple ammo types), utilize several vision augmentation systems, travel by zipline, utilize cover during firefights, and more. In short, everything you could expect from a modern stealth/shooter is present and accounted for, which was impressive when the game was on PSP; on PS2, it’s not quite as impressive, but still welcomed. The moment-to-moment shooting action is not exceptional, but certainly solid and able to stand shoulder to shoulder with any similar title on the system. The game does have its share of standout moments; scenes where a partner character alternately advances and holds position based on the player’s commands come to mind. Relatively intelligent enemies also make for some tense firefights.

Plenty of changes are evident in this version of Dark Mirror, some positive, some not so much. Graphics have seen definite improvements — character models are more complex, textures are more detailed — but as the game was designed with the PSP’s screen in mind, there are times when the visuals fail to impress. Dark Mirror was widely praised for being one of the first 3D shooters on PSP that controlled well, despite lack of a second analog stick. For this version, the second analog stick is used for camera control, and the game is a little more user-friendly for this; otherwise, it controls just as well as the original. Strangely, the PS2 version is considerably censored; gone is all blood, gore, the slight nudity that appeared in the PSP version, and the ability (present in every other Syphon Filter) to set enemies on fire by means of an extended tazer attack. The most significant features removed, however, were the extensive online modes, both deathmatch and cooperative. Their inclusion in the PSP version extended the game’s life considerably, and their absence in this version removes much of the game’s longevity.

What remains, though, is a solid, fun stealth/shooter experience with plenty of variety. It may not be the longest game ever (it can be completed in 10 hours or so), but hidden unlockables will keep most people busy for a while. Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror represents a successful return to form for the series, and a worthy purchase for fans of the genre.

Gameplay: 8.2
Shooting, sneaking, crawling through vents — fans of stealth games, shooters, or both will find plenty here to keep them entertained.  While it’s nothing groundbreaking, the action is solid, mission objectives are varied and interesting, and the enemies are intelligent enough to make for some intense sequences.

Graphics: 7.9
What was incredibly impressive on PSP a year ago is merely good on PS2. It can’t compete with the powerhouses on the system (Metal Gear Solid 3, Final Fantasy XII), but it’s a good-looking game, and the graphics certainly get the job done.

Sound: 7.6
Music is minimal, but appropriately espionage-y. Sound effects are nice and varied; each gun has a unique sound, and ambience is well implemented. The game’s voice acting is plentiful, but not that great.

Difficulty: Medium
Once you get the basics down, the game’s challenges steadily ramp up for the rest of the adventure, but it rarely gets overwhelming or unfairly difficult.

Concept: 8.0
The spy concept has been done plenty, but Syphon Filter does it as good as, if not better than, just about anyone. Lots of gadgets, moves, and weapons make you feel like a real secret agent tough guy.

Overall: 8.4
While certainly not perfect, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror is a great action/stealth title that reminds you why the series was so successful in the first place.