Holiday Gaming Guide: What to Buy for the Discriminating Gamer - Part 4: PSP
Published November 29, 2007
FIRST PERSON SHOOTER
Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow
The second original Syphon Filter game for the PSP follows in it's predecessors footsteps as an outstanding experience on the PSP. This title follows Gabe Logan and his team as they try to intercept some dangerous technology that could threaten world peace. The story expands from there (as an good spy title should) with twists, double crosses and some of Gabe's past catching up to him. Game play is very tight and a great system for the PSP, the analog stick is used to move and the face buttons are used to aim (square is left, circle is right, triangle is up and x is down) the shoulder buttons fire and the d-pad is used to quick switch items/weapons. On paper the system may seem awkward but in game it works like a dream. Add to the mix new game modes, new combat abilities, fast paced multiplayer, the great story and you have a killer game for the PSP that is available right now.
Why Buy it? This game is better in almost every way then Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror and that is saying a lot. New moves such as blind-fire, quick action sequences, new types of stealth kills and a complete underwater system makes this a fast paced dynamic game that can be played hard and heavy or silent an deadly. The graphics have been amped up to be sharper and it is really noticeable at times, the audio is also topnotch with a great soundtrack, good voice acting and excellent sound effects. All of these features together with the great, console quality multiplayer make this a must have title for the PSP.
Medal of Honor Heroes 2
The original Medal of Honor Heroes was a great game but suffered from some issues in the graphics and campaign modes, the developer took these concerns in stride and came back with this sequel looking better then ever with a single player campaign that would rival any console title. The game is set in WWII and you are an allied soldier taking part in some of the historic battles, the gameplay is event based, meaning you will be dodging mortar fire, sniping soldiers and generally taking part in mini-game style events throughout the game. The system works very well and you get a feeling of accomplishment as you complete each 'section.' This game is available right now and is a great shooter for the PSP.
Why Buy it? Unlike the consoles, there are not many quality WWII shooters for the PSP, luckily this is a quality shooter that any fan of the genre can enjoy. The game play is solid, with stellar audio and graphics to back it up, this game is a sight to see and a treat to hear and very close to on par with similar titles on the PS2. Control on the PSP can be difficult, but Medal of Honor Heroes 2 handles it well, with a great control scheme that doesn't pull you out of the action. To round out the goodness developer Team Fusion managed to almost entirely eliminate load times in this title and squeeze 32-player multiplayer into the mix with very little slowdown or graphical compromises. A great title and a worthy addition to any library.
- Holiday Gaming Guide: What to Buy for the Discriminating Gamer - Part 4: PSP
- Published: November 29, 2007
- Type: Opinion
- Section: Gaming
- Filed Under: Gaming: News
- Part of a feature: 2007 Gaming Gift Guides
- Writer: Michael Prince
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Comments
I looked at those, Portable Ops Plus is multiplayer only and has some issues from what I have seen (tho I loved Portable Ops and all things Metal Gear) and Castlevania has never hit a cord for me, that being said both are definitely great games for this list and with all of the guides I struggled to keep each section to two games at times I wanted 4 or 5. I still can't believe I didn't put Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions on here myself! =-)










I can't believe you forgot to mention two other Konami games that are must haves: Castlevania Dracula X Chronicles, and Metal Gear Solid Portable Ops Plus.