SYNDICATE WARS (PSX)
Type: Strategy
Developer: Bullfrog Productions Ltd.
Publisher:  Origin
Number of players: Up to 4
Rating: Teen

If you're not familiar with Bullfrog Productions Ltd. expect to hear a lot
about this company in the near future.  They are making their mark as an
outstanding developer of games for the Playstation.  Coming soon from
Bullfrog are 2 games with great potential: Populous: The Third Coming and
Dungeon Keeper.  In the meantime, their current release Syndicate Wars is a
strategy game with all the elements required for some enjoyable and
entertaining gameplay.

The game is a well balanced mix of puzzle solving, mayhem and action.  There
isn't an option available to adjust the level of difficulty.  Therefore, be
forewarned that Syndicate Wars does have a slight learning curve.  A little
time and patience is required to learn what is expected in the missions and
how to effectively control your team.

Syndicate Wars can be played as a member of either the EuroCorp Syndicate or
Church of the New Epoch.  There are over 60 missions in more than 30 cities.
 Missions include a wide range of objectives i.e. eliminate, persuade,
escort, protect, acquire or evacuate.

You begin gameplay with 8 cybernetically-enhanced agents, some basic weapons,
a few bucks or credits and limited resources.  Gradually you obtain larger
and more powerful weapons and earn extra credits so you can upgrade your
team.  The agents can be surgically modified with improved parts such as
torso, arms, legs, brain and skin.  Upgrading the agents body parts gives
them a better chance of survival.

Weapons can be bought and sold.  The complete arsenal includes a vast array
of weapons such as: various guns, nuclear grenades, razor wire, gasses, and
gadgets such as a Persuadertron.

When you jump into the mission you'll be looking at the action from a 3/4
top-down view which can be rotated.  A scanner at the bottom of the screen
provides an overall tactical display of the mission area.  At the top of the
screen is a status panel for each of the agents.  Here you can check the
agents health, shield, power, stamina and weapons.  Each agent is fitted with
an IV that allows you to inject them with drugs to alter their
aggressiveness.  The agents can be controlled separately or as a group.  They
can run, pick up or drop items, self-destruct, or get on/off vehicles.

The game supports the PSX mouse which makes gameplay a terrific point and
click experience.  Scrolling, selection and moving agents is accomplished
with ease when a mouse and controller combination are used.

The graphics are stunning.  The weapons provide some nice effects with
explosions and fires.  The detailed cities create a believable environment
and make this game a visual treat.

The sound effects are well done and contribute to the immersive and exciting
action.

The soundtrack, although unremarkable compliments the game's theme.

The game supports multi-play for up to 4 players.

Bottom Line:  Syndicate Wars is one of the best strategy games currently
available for the Playstation.  Definitely worth buying if you're into
strategy games.

Street Price:  $49.99

Password:  No

Memory Card:  1 Block

Supports:  Mouse Compatible
                Multi Tap Adaptable (1-4 Players)

Graphics:  90

Sound:  90

Soundtrack:  80

Learning Curve:  Moderate

Difficulty:  Hard

Controller Options:  3

Manual:  Good

Replay Value:  Moderate

FINAL SCORE:  90

=*=A Voltranic Syndicated Review=*=