Syndicate

A rival Syndicate has gained full control of the population via a mind-altering techno-drug known as the CHIP. You are an ambitious executive in the Syndicate, hand picked to lead a team of CHIP-induced Cyborg mercenaries on a quest to infiltrate and seize opposing Syndicate territories. Your mission: Assassinate, pillage, destroy, do whatever it takes to bring down competing Agents... before they unleash their bloody assault on you!
  • The original, award-winning PC smash brought to life with 64-bit power!
  • Point-and-click interface puts you in the hunt immediately
  • More than 50 completely new missions
  • You've got a complete arsenal-- including the infamous Persuadertron
  • Battle for supremacy in 50 different Syndicate territories, from Mongolia to California
CATEGORY: Action/RPG
PLAYERS: 1
PUBLISHER: Bullfrog Productions, Ltd
DEVELOPED BY: Ocean Software, Ltd

At a glance...

Category Rating
Graphics 3
Sound/Music 2
Control 1
Playability 2
Presentation 3
Longer bars are better

Syndicate - REVIEW

Sometimes the idea of porting a game is a good one. In this case however, it shouldn't of been given another thought.

You begin by setting up 'shop' and acquiring your agents to start infiltrating enemy posts. I must admit the set-up screens are probably the best part in terms of graphics in the game. Once you set foot on your enemy's turf, the "sim-city" landscape leaves MUCH to be desired!

Unless you're a big fan of the original PC version, chances are you'll play this game for a little, and regret you bought it. From the game packaging, you get the impression that you'll experience action, concrete playability and all, but unfortunately this game really fails in basically all categories.

Incidentally, in case you're wondering why the "At a glance..." ratings are quite high based on this review, the answer is basically the porting of the game. Ocean must get credit for a successful transition, however, the game most certainly does not exploit the Jaguar's capabilities (not to mention the player's interest) and leaves you sitting there twiddling your thumbs.

Game control is a joke and I found it quite difficult to move my characters where I wanted them to go. Another problem is the 'landscape' (mentioned earlier). If your agents go inside a door, you lose track as to what they're doing. This bird's eye view just doesn't cut it.

[Reviewer's note: If anyone is still interested in getting this game, contact me. We can probably work out a quick arrangement].
Copyright ©96, J. Ariel Garza
Last updated: 09/29/96

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