Syphon Filter: Omega Strain

Sony Bend's conclusion to the Syphon Filter series promises online gameplay, custom agent creation and finally some answers!

	Version PS2	Developer Sony Bend	Publisher SCEA	Genre Shooting

By John Gold

Developed by SCEA's Sony Bend studio, Omega Strain is apparently the last in the Syphon Filter series, and promises a detailed storyline that finally wraps up the Syphon Filter mystery - we'll discover at last who Mara Aramov is, and her role behind the conspiracy.

After the success of the first three Syphon Filter titles on PS One, big things are expected for the 'series finale' - but if you're expecting to be able to play as the star of the previous games, Gabriel Logan, think again. SCEA have something much better in store - a central feature to the game that allows you to create your own custom agents.

You'll be able to rise through the Agency ranks, enabling you to embark on missions of increasing difficulty and importance. Your Agent will rise in rank by completing missions more efficiently, satisfying more objectives and parameters, minimizing collateral damage, and by exploring above and beyond the call of duty.

Sony Bend have bagged some serious online server technology to make Omega Strain one of the best online experiences on PS2. Players will be able to co-operate and their self-created characters will participate in deep, strategy-orientated action gameplay.

When you play online with up to three buddies as a team of fellow Agents, you'll have to work together to complete tasks impossible to do alone. And with over 100 weapons and thirteen worlds in the game, you get a picture of this game's potential.

Team Based Enemy AI uses sophisticated tactical maneuvers by utilizing the surrounding environment for both defensive, and offensive positioning against the player. And as if that wasn't enough, a Motion Blended Character Animation / Physics system provides very fluid character actions, and "integrated control with the player".

We'll bring you everything on Syphon Filter as it emerges.