Review

Before it had even been released, Syndicate had been written off by certain corners of the Internet, and not because of what it is, but rather what it isn’t. Fans of the original game, and its lesser sequel, were outraged that EA could take the name and attach it to an FPS rather than a proper strategy sequel or reboot. However, to write it off for this reason is to miss what EA actually delivered.

So let’s concentrate on what Syndicate 2012 is – it’s a dark, futuristic shooter from the developers of The Darkness and The Chronicles of Riddick, Starbreeze Studios. Like those games it features a meticulously constructed world for the action to take place inside. Every city has a glossy sheen hiding the sinister world of the mega-corporations that control it. In the first few levels you’ll see nightclubs, train stations, office buildings and the neglected streets at ground level. It’s all very impressive, even if it’s nothing especially new and not unlike the similar Deus Ex: Human Revolution from last year.

Adding to the look of the game is a pared down HUD that keeps onscreen information to a minimum. Like Dead Space, the ammo counter is on the side of the gun itself and there is no energy bar or shield counter.

Perhaps the most surprising thing is just how action orientated the game is. Almost every game these days features an XP system allowing the player to improve their abilities in key areas. Not Syndicate. Most of the time, all this game is concerned with, it giving you weapons and enemies to shoot. The controls are precise and responsive too meaning the action moves at a breath taking pace at times, particularly during the boss fights which crop up periodically.

In addition to hand-held weaponry, you’ll also get to play with extra abilities provided by a chip implant in your agent’s head. These abilities can be used on the fly and are extremely useful. Suicide will detonate an opposing agent’s chip and take out anyone else stood within range; Backfire will cause his weapon to explode and double your damage for a few seconds; and Persuade will make and enemy fight on your side, turning the gun on himself when everyone has been killed. This is a little nod to the Persuadatron, one of the most entertaining guns from the original game.

In addition to a lengthy and enjoyable single player campaign are a number of co-operative missions that can be played by up to four agents. These offer up a slightly more open feel to the gameplay with alternate routes through levels and the now standard online character progression. What sets it apart is the ability to make your own Syndicates for your friends to join allowing you to share XP and upgrades. By working as a team it makes the experience far more like the original Syndicate than the single player. Also, surprisingly, it doesn’t require an EA online pass to access it!

If I’m honest, I wasn’t expecting Syndicate to be as good as it is. I haven’t enjoyed an FPS this much since Singularity. If you’re looking for negatives, then the storyline is predictable and derivative but it never gets in the way of the shooting. So ignore what people who haven’t played the game are saying about it and heed the words of someone who has.

About the Review

Platform

Microsoft Xbox 360

Developer

Starbreeze Studios

Publisher

Electronic Arts

Released

24th February 2012