Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow (PSP) Play.com £17.99

I'd given a brief overview before when I first got this game. I can now say that I've completed the Story mode and I was impressed. Yes it is more of the same shoot from cover action game but it works brilliantly. The game engine from Dark Mirror is still there but has been tweaked to allow for the under water levels. Also the PSP processor now runs at 266 I believe for this game. The water levels are hard and require a different approach but look rather special and the effect of water on the speed of shots is rather smart.

For those who have no idea what Syphon Filter is, it's basically a Special Ops game were you control an agent named Gabe Logan. A super action spy, who basically has to go places and do certain things, mainly shooting lots of Terrorist. Think Jack Bauer from 24 but more kick arse.

The game's played in an over the shoulder view and works really well the stick to cover system is easy and solid as it the ability to aim from behind cover, pop out and cap enemies. There is also a blind fire option now which allows for shooting without looking at who you are aiming at.

The ability to chose weapons is simple, as is the choice of vision aids. Done simply by hold down a direction on the Digi-pad and the pressing the required button for that weapon / deviece. Unlike Metal Gear you don't need 15 thumbs to be able to play. Mainly down to the fact of context specific button presses, ie pressing up on the digi-pad to climb or holding up to swap weapons or pickup equipment.

There are also some hand to hand moves which have been expanded on from the previous game, meaing you can now use enemies as human shield, slit their throat with you knife or simply break their necks.

The story on this one is that you are lead to believe that you partner has gone rogue but you are only given half of the story. Which unfolds nicely and transports you to various locations around the world. With a rather shocking ending that I didn't see coming but I won't spoil it.

The game also features a multiplayer mode like the last one but sadly I keep being told my account has been suspended, so need to contact customer services again, which is a pain. There is also a demo of Combat Ops the multiplay game that allows for level creation. It looks lovely and fairly simple to make maps that can be shared but I've still not had enough time to have a proper mess with it's functions.

I'd really recommend this game if you've ever play an SF game. If you haven't you may find yourself rewarded with a rather beatiful if at times a little difficult game. I currently playing back through on Hard to try and unlock the bonus levels and extra guns.

So I'd say so far I've put in well over 20 hours which means this game runs at a 90p per hour cost. Which when you consider going to cimema is about £3 per hour you have a real bargain.