Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror

Secret agent Gabe Logan returns, and this time his shadow war fits right into the palm of your hand. Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror revived the series of espionage action games that originated back on the first PlayStation, and managed to bring it to the handheld in a way that left many home titles silent with shame.

The game masterfully balanced between silent progress and raw action. The player could sneak through the dark, use cover and quietly eliminate guards, or throw themselves into an open firefight with a varied arsenal. The taser remained a famous symbol of the series, a device that could literally roast enemies, along with the dark humor underscoring the otherwise serious espionage theme. An ingenious cover system and contextual controls helped bridge the limitation of a single analog stick.

Technically it was one of the most impressive works on the console. Detailed environments, dynamic lighting and shadows in the dark suggested the creators were pushing the hardware to the limit of its capabilities. A narrative about conspiracy, viruses and a global threat kept players on edge across diverse locations around the world.

Behind the game stood Bend Studio, the fathers of the whole series, who knew their brand well and understood how to adapt it to the handheld format. Dark Mirror met with a warm reception and was among the titles critics cited as proof that the handheld could handle mature action experiences too.

At a time when the stealth genre was only just establishing itself on the big consoles, Dark Mirror brought its full-fledged form into your pocket. For fans of covert operations and thrilling action it was one of the strongest offerings the console could provide.

Why play: A top-tier stealth-action experience on a handheld with a dark atmosphere, an inventive arsenal and technical brilliance that impresses to this day.