While the Syphon Filter series had a great run on the PSOne, the series wasn't well received on the PS2. Released last year for the PSP, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror managed to not only find an audience where the PS2's Omega Strain failed, but also showed that the system's lack of dual-analog controls wasn't that big of a hurdle if handled right. Although Dark Mirror is really just a port of the PSP version, it is still a fun game for anyone who hasn't played it.

Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror was one of the better-looking PSP games and really managed to show what the system was capable of. For its PS2 debut, the game's visuals have been completely overhauled. Characters still hold on to the game's trademark style, though they have been beefed up to better fit the PS2's capabilities. Much of the architecture has also been improved, though the changes are subtle in some areas.

Dark Mirror contains a ton of voicework, most of which is presented through chatter during missions. You are constantly sending and receiving messages to other team members, reminding you about mission goals as well as keeping you updated on changes. Overall, the writing is good, though there are moments where the typical, cheesy "action movie" phrases pop up. Consider yourself warned.

Music sounds great and is as dynamic as the gameplay. During gunfights, it will pick up in tempo, only to subside once they're over.

Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror once again returns players to the role of Gabe Logan, an operative for the Agency, a government agency that legally doesn't exist. When world situations get too hot for direct government involvement, Gabe and his team are sent in to diffuse them. As far as the game's story goes, Dark Mirror doesn't break any new ground. You have the WMD that can destroy the world, shadowy agencies and a few double-crosses. Really, it is the same "terrorists threatening the world" plot seen in every secret agent game, book or movie. Were it not for the top-class presentation, the story would probably be forgettable.

Gameplay is where Dark Mirror's greatest successes can be found. Missions feature multiple paths as well as the option of playing through them however you please. Each is linear and has a set number of goals you must accomplish before moving on, yet the experience unfolds in a more free-form nature. If you want to play the game more like an action game, you can pick up a gun and go for it. Or, if you would rather do the spy thing and sneak around, that option is open as well. Whatever way you choose, the game adapts to what you are doing and manages to keep the feel that however you are playing is the way it was meant to be played.

Pulling off special techniques and just being an efficient player unlocks new weapons. The opening weapons cache isn't anything to scoff at, but later weapons definitely make missions worth playing more than once.

One of the bigger disappointments with the PS2 version is that all of the multiplayer options have been removed. These were major components of the PSP version and really helped to give the game lasting appeal. As it stands, Dark Mirror's single-player is fun though there isn't much that will keep you wanting to come back later.

Since the game is now on the PS2, the whole control issue has been resolved - removing one of PSP version's biggest roadblocks. There are, however, a few little issues that do pop up. Namely, the action still seems like it was tuned for that original. Enemies move a little slower, making them easier to shoot given your new freedom of movement. The difference isn't overly noticeable, especially for first-time players.

Beyond simple control issues, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror is well-balanced and offers enough challenge without becoming too easy or too hard. Checkpoints are evenly spaced out and health/armor are usually easy to find. Again, how the level plays out is mostly up to you, so if you find something isn't working for you, there's always another way.

A super-spy wouldn't be a super-spy without his utility belt full of gadgets and an array of moves. Aside from a very useful radar, Gabe's more used tool is a set of Splinter Cell inspired goggles. Vision modes include standards like night vision and thermal vision, as well as EDSU, which is useful for finding switches and other key objects.

Level architecture is still a major component when it comes to level design. While you're kept on a straight path throughout most of the game and the levels are small, there's still a lot of variety to be found. There's so much going on in levels (like zip-lines and areas you can climb), that you rarely feel confined to the level's small size.

The concept of porting games from the PSP to the PS2 is still a new concept to me, and one I'm still not entirely comfortable with. At the same time, as long as good games like Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror are the ones being ported, I'm reasonably okay with the idea since I'll always support making good games available to as many people as possible. At the same time, when major elements, such as the multiplayer modes, are removed, it does cheapen the experience.

If you love action games, and don't own a PSP, Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror is a great experience.