Battle of the series: Syphon Filter vs. Syphon Filter 2

Let me just start by saying this is not an opinion on Syphon Filter alone, but a comparison between the two games in the series so far. I have purchased and played both, so this is my total breakdown. If anyone is thinking about buying either, this is a good opinion to help you decide which to buy.

THE STORY: These games are about a virus, known as Syphon Filter, which is on the market to be sold to the highest bidder. The virus is powerful, and practically unstopable when used. You play as Gabe Logan in the first game and try to stop the virus from being let loose into the world in which it would destroy. The bidding on this virus is not just for terrorist either, as you will learn there is corruption in Gabe's agency. Syphon Filter 2 takes off where this story ends. Gabe's partner has been infected, and they are on the run from everyone including the agency. Here, Gabe and his partner are constantly getting caught up into deep uncovering situations, and are trying to once again stop the virus.

GRAPHICS:
Syphon Filter- The graphics in this game are some of the best ever seen on the Playstation game console action game scene. The game is played in a third person view, and is beautifully animated. Gabe Logan, the main character, has been completely motion captured, making him very lifelike. He runs smoothly, rolls with ease, jumps with lively motion, and sneaks as though he was real. This really adds to the crisp environments, and realistic feel of the game. The enemies look just as good as Gabe, and sport cool spy cloths/ authentic uniforms. Overall the graphics are awesome and very good for it's time.

Syphon Filter 2- Sporty, I guess that would be the word here. Though very similar, they are a good bit different from SF. The Gabe model is the same, but a little more polished. The enemies look more rounded, and smooth than SF. They also carry more authentic uniforms than the first. Also, the environments have been cleaned up from breakup, and are larger and more intrigueing. Cut scenes could have been a little better, and they look like SF's. Though well improved, they don't live up to the 2000 Playstation potential.

SOUND:
Syphon Filter- This is a very well put together soundtrack, and fits the game well. The music is hard at intense action sequences, and level's out at exploring times. The SFX are perfect, gunshots ring exactly how the real gun sounds, enemies cry with bullet wound pain, and footsteps etc. are all in place. A major downfall is the cheesy voice acting in the cut scenes. Though the music may get annoying if you can't beat a level, you still awe at the awesome SFX.

Syphon Filter 2- The cheesy cut scene voice acting is still in place, but they have picked up a few new tricks. During the play guards will talk to one another while you sneak up. This gives the game a life-like feel, and makes you think about how cool the game really is. The gunshots are still perfect along with the musical score. Now they play music that builds tension before intense scenes, and this is really cool. This is a much better game sound-wise.

CONTROLS:
Syphon Filter and Syphon Filter 2: I am combining these because the controls are the exact same, they can't get any better! The targeting is perfect for any situation, three modes: hold one target, shoot who's in front of you, and sniper. They all work great, and are easy to master. The rolls and dodges are easy to preform. Though stealth can be hard to do, it is laid out to suit you and won't fail you. These controls are superb, and never leave you dead in the dirt.



REPLAY:
Syphon Filter: This is a game that you will not want to put down for at least two weeks. The story keeps you wondering what will happen next, while the pure fun factor keeps you playing on.

Syphon Filter 2: The replay value on SF2 is superb. It has items in which you win from beating the game which keep you playing on. There is also a variety of modes to choose from, and the immense levels keep you playing on. This game will have you coming back and playing more and more.

OTHERS:
Syphon Filter: This game has a variety of levels and missions. It is fun to play even though there is only one game mode.

Syphon Filter 2: This game has a ton of replay, mostly due to it's one player game. There is a really cool two player death match mode. You can select a large amount of levels to play in, and weapons are laid out according to levels. You can play as any character you come across in the main game, and use any weapons from the level. Though this is no Goldeneye, it is still a great bonus game.

OVERALL RATINGS ON A SCALE TO FIVE:
Graphics: Syphon Filter-5, Syphon Filter two-4
Sound: Syphon Filter-4, Syphon Filter two-5
Controls: Syphon Filter-5, Syphon Filter two-5
Replay: Syphon Filter-3, Syphon Filter two-5
Difficulty: Syphon Filter-3, Syphon Filter two-5

FINAL WORDS FROM joe14:
Either game is well worth your buying. If you must choose one though pick up the first. The second game does beat it in overall ratings, it is a newer game. It's just not for newbies, they expect you to have already played the first. Syphon Filter 2 easiest mission is harder than the hardest on Syphon Filter. So you will just get stressed from too hard of a game if you start with the second. This is a cool spy/ action series that provides some fun gameplay. Check it out if you get a chance, it won't let you down.