Genre: Action
Publisher: SCEA
Developer: Sony Bend
Release Date: October 2, 2007

Syphon Filter has always been an odd franchise. While it is a stealth/action game not unlike Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell or Metal Gear Solid, it's never quite attracted the attention that either franchise has managed. Unlike the aforementioned games, Syphon Filter has always focused more heavily on the action aspect of gameplay, although it had its fair share of stealth as well. Considering the action-oriented gameplay, Syphon Filter seemed like an odd choice for the PSP. With fewer buttons and only a single analog stick, it would seem difficult, if not impossible, to allow for the same quick and efficient controls found on its console brethren. Thankfully, Sony Bend managed to prove that it's entirely possible to bring a solid third-person shooter to the PSP with Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror, and now they're looking to one-up themselves with Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow.

Much like Sam Fisher and Solid Snake, Gabe Logan is one of those characters who just can't catch a break. Every single time it seems that he's figured out where he stands in the world, someone betrays or frames him for something or other. Logan's Shadow certainly doesn't make Gabe's life any easier. When he is asked to help stop a terrorist from hijacking a mysterious "package" from a naval ship, it seems like a routine mission for Logan. However, the routine mission quickly goes south as Gabe's International Presidential Consulting Agency (IPCA) is taken over by an arrogant bureaucrat, the package is stolen and Gabe's long-time friend, Lian Xing, is accused of being a double agent. Naturally, Gabe won't let any of this stand, and he sets off to recover the package and clear Lian Xing's name, with or without the backup of the IPCA.

Most of the gameplay hasn't seen any major changes from the last title in the franchise. Players who finished Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror will be able to pick up Logan's Shadow fairly easily. Newcomers to the series will want to go through the tutorials, which explain everything from basic moment to the new underwater mechanics. However, even without the tutorial, Logan's Shadow is very easy to pick up and play. Movement is bound to the analog stick, while turning and aiming is done using the PSP's face buttons to mimic a second analog stick. Players can switch these two settings if they so desire, and I personally found it more comfortable to use the analog stick to aim comfortable. The d-pad is used to navigate Gabe's inventory and abilities. Left and right allow Gabe to switch guns and other items, down lets him crouch and up is a context-sensitive button that changes depending on where he is. The Syphon Filter controls work exceptionally well within the PSP's limitations. While they certainly won't replace the dual analog sticks of a PlayStation 2 title, there are very few moments when they feel particularly limiting. Even newcomers to the series should be dodging bullets and scoring headshots within minutes of starting the game.

While mostly similar to Dark Mirror, Logan's Shadow has made some notable improvements since the previous title. Amusingly, many of them seem inspired by the Xbox 360 hit, Gears of War. Gabe can now "blind-fire" while hiding behind corners, which is useless for hitting enemies, but it's capable of making them dive for cover, giving Gabe a chance to reorient himself and get the drop on some persistent terrorists. Likewise, he can toss grenades from behind cover, which isn't very stealthy, but quite useful when facing a large number of foes. The biggest change comes in the form of Gabe's new combat suit. Much to his relief, med kits are a thing of the past with his new and improved gear. Instead, he simply has to dive behind cover for a few moments, and his health bar slowly refills to max. This is explained by the game as the new suit having built-in med kits that administer their wares to Gabe when he is injured, although the developers are unable to resist taking a small shot at certain competitors at the same time by explaining that Gabe's armor meter can't be restored the same way. After all, self-replenishing armor is just silly. Thus, our hero still must keep his eye out for new flak jackets to replace his damaged ones.

Taking a page from God of War and Resident Evil 4, Logan's Shadow also introduces a number of button-pressing events. Just like those found in God of War, Gabe will go through a series of dangerous and cinematic events as the game progresses, and players will have to press buttons as they appear on the screen to ensure his success. This even extends to regular gameplay as well. Gabe has the ability to grapple enemies and, once grappled, he can kill them in silent ways by completing a successful series of button taps. It's nothing particularly innovative, but it adds another layer to the cinematic experience that Syphon Filter tries to provide.

Besides his new complement of moves on land, Logan's Shadow also gives Gabe the ability to travel under the sea for the first time. Surprisingly, the underwater controls are exceptionally well designed. Basic movement is — pardon the pun — fluid and easy, and ensuring that Gabe gets where he is going requires a minimal amount of effort. Underwater combat is actually quite interesting, which is something few shooters can handle well. Most of Gabe's weapons are disabled underwater; shotguns are worthless and your pistol's bullets move more slowly, so you're better off throwing punches. The only weapon that functions well underwater is the spear gun, but it still fires much slower than an above-the-waves bullet. Fighting moving enemies underwater requires entirely different tactics than facing surface foes. You have to learn how to lead your enemies better and handle situations with little defense; overall, it's really refreshing to find a game where underwater combat is both simple to learn and lacking in frustration.

Logan's Shadow hasn't changed much graphically from Dark Mirror, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Both games managed to provide excellent and fluid graphics on the PSP without bogging down the system. Particularly impressive are the underwater effects, most notably the bullet trails caused by firing underwater, which really turn undersea gun battles into a more cinematic experience. Likewise, the voice actors do an excellent job, although Gabe Logan's actor does seem to be channeling Solid Snake more than ever. While a PSP can never quite match up to its console brethren, this may be one game for which you'll want to have a pair of earphones handy.

It's been over a year since its debut, but the PSP is still lacking in titles. The few truly excellent games that exist, such as Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops, do a lot to show off what the PSP can do, but there are very few of them. Thankfully, Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow is shaping up to be a great addition to the PSP's software library. Combining some of the best controls on the PSP with yet another exciting chapter in the life of Gabe Logan, Logan's Shadow is the sort of title that the PSP needs. Gamers looking for more of the great action found in Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror are going to want to get their hands on Logan's Shadow when it comes out this October.