Syndicate (2012)

 PC
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 434 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 143 out of 434
  2. Mixed: 168 out of 434
  3. Negative: 123 out of 434
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  1. whitespider999
    Feb 21, 2012
    6
    This game emulates the setting of an emotional, deep science fiction world. It sets up story threads that can evolve. However that's all anything is in this game amounts to, suggestions at a better game. The moment you step back, and take the game at what it is, a mindless shooter - the more you will get out of it - at least in singleplayer. Furthermore, if that's what you want out of thisThis game emulates the setting of an emotional, deep science fiction world. It sets up story threads that can evolve. However that's all anything is in this game amounts to, suggestions at a better game. The moment you step back, and take the game at what it is, a mindless shooter - the more you will get out of it - at least in singleplayer. Furthermore, if that's what you want out of this experience. You found deus ex slow and ponderous, and you are more of an action junkie. Then this game's singleplayer, is solid enough. It has inventive mechanics and satisfying gameplay. Unfortunately that gameplay never really evolves. It introduces 'breaching' however it never really expands on that concept. It just gives you waves of enemies that require the same useage of an inventive core mechanic. That's the main gameplay separator between this game and say, half life 2, deus ex, bioshock, or other beloved first person games. Those games constantly change things up, either by providing a toolset, or changing the environmental useage of an inventive ability (half life 2 gravity gun, options and tools in deus ex and bioshock). And that's a shame, because based on the first few levels of co-op. it seems like those scenarios are better designed and require significantly more management and thought. (Although still not remotely on the same level as other games). Co-op is a far deeper, and better experience for someone like me who prefers first-person-thinkers. And that's the conflict right there. I could reccomend this game to action junkies who don't want to think, however that is simply the singleplayer portion of the game. The other 50% of the money you are paying is a co-op mode that requires a different thought process. So in the end, both first person thinker players, and action junkie players only get half a game. And a not-fantastic half a game for either side. I have made the game sound terrible, yet - it actually holds a lot of promise. It keeps flirting with the idea of it being deeper than it is - and you can see it reaching out... However a valiant failure is not a 10/10 game nomatter what angle you come in from.… Expand
  2. nikmaster
    Feb 21, 2012
    10
    Game fully packed with action. Definitely worth playing. Graphics are nice and game is great optimized. Runs fine even on old computers. I strongly recommend it.
  3. TheGrid72
    Feb 21, 2012
    10
    I have to agree with nikmaster. The game play is excellent and the co-op is really really fun with friends. Overall the game challenge your brain even more then other FPS's out there. In few seconds you can change the whole battlefield.
  4. cane
    Feb 24, 2012
    0
    The game is just terrible and while the game itself is an awful dumbed down generic FPS it doesn't get any better that it is a straight console port. Be prepared for super low FoV, tons and tons of bloom and bad options for the PC.
    Although I doubt the game would be any better if played on a console, it is as I said early a totally generic FPS relying on an over hyped gimmick called the    The game is just terrible and while the game itself is an awful dumbed down generic FPS it doesn't get any better that it is a straight console port. Be prepared for super low FoV, tons and tons of bloom and bad options for the PC.
    Although I doubt the game would be any better if played on a console, it is as I said early a totally generic FPS relying on an over hyped gimmick called the dart system. This game brings nothing new to the table and to be honest as much as I hate the recent CoD games you are better off playing any of them because at least they don't true to act all smug about how awesome their games are.

    STAY AWAY FROM THIS GAME UNLESS YOU LIKE THROWING AWAY MONEY

    PS it totally butchers the syndicate IP, need to be said even though the game wouldn't be able to stand on it's own legs anyway    … Expand
  5. JaydenPickens
    Feb 20, 2019
    9
    What a great game. The atmosphere and the gameplay is amazing. The idea of hacking enemies makes the game stand out from other fps games. I wish there was a sequel... Starbreeze never disappoints! Pickens approves
  6. Jay_Pickens
    Jul 25, 2018
    9
    What a great game. The atmosphere and the gameplay is amazing. The idea of hacking enemies makes the game stand out from other fps games. I wish there was a sequel... Starbreeze never disappoints! Pickens approves.
  7. LighterThings
    Mar 29, 2012
    5
    Syndicate for PC is what the term "Console Port" was coined for. The developers did not even bother trying to add a feature that would show the player the actual keys needed to be used for the keyboard/mouse combo. Even if you changed your settings from the default 360 controller, all the instruction shown were for the 360 controller. Any popups or tutorials were stuck on that, so the onlySyndicate for PC is what the term "Console Port" was coined for. The developers did not even bother trying to add a feature that would show the player the actual keys needed to be used for the keyboard/mouse combo. Even if you changed your settings from the default 360 controller, all the instruction shown were for the 360 controller. Any popups or tutorials were stuck on that, so the only way to know which keyboard key to use was to pause the game, find the corresponding 360 button to find out its control, then look under the keyboard mapping to find out what key you would actually need to hit, and even then that did not work.

    The game looked great, and it seemed compelling enough to play, but without a 360 controller (or another PC-enabled controller configured to work like a 360's), the game was impossible to play past five minutes.    … Expand
  8. Roberty
    Jul 4, 2019
    10
    Honestly, I do not understand where so many negative comments are. I have been playing at the syndicate.casino for almost a year, and during that time I have no problems. I like the wide variety of games and their variety. It just never gets boring.) I pay money for several days without any problems. I recommend this casino to almost anyone I know because it's really fashionable toHonestly, I do not understand where so many negative comments are. I have been playing at the syndicate.casino for almost a year, and during that time I have no problems. I like the wide variety of games and their variety. It just never gets boring.) I pay money for several days without any problems. I recommend this casino to almost anyone I know because it's really fashionable to effortlessly win big bucks. I spend only a few hours a day playing games and earning twice as much as my friends. Friends think you should not miss your chance, there will not be another.… Expand
  9. Ottomic
    Feb 17, 2014
    7
    It's a fun romp of a game, about the same quality as a FEAR installment. Top notch graphics, very good voice and motion capture. Although it is another generic shooter at its core, it has some nifty quality details that will make you keep smiling and say "cute!", and that sets it apart from the rest: the sci-fi setting, the atmosphere, the alternate firing modes, some seriously kickassIt's a fun romp of a game, about the same quality as a FEAR installment. Top notch graphics, very good voice and motion capture. Although it is another generic shooter at its core, it has some nifty quality details that will make you keep smiling and say "cute!", and that sets it apart from the rest: the sci-fi setting, the atmosphere, the alternate firing modes, some seriously kickass weapons, lots and lots of Codex-like info pages, the breach system, skills you unlock across the game; it all works very well, and it brings a frantic and fun gunplay that allows for a variety of ways to solve the situations the game throws at you. The UI feels "realistic" while remaining useful for the most part, the weapons feel meaty and useful, the enemies will usually put up a fight (if the AI gets around to it), and once you get used to the controls, they are actually pretty responsive, with the exception of maybe the slides, which are kinda spotty. On the downside though, it feels like a straight Xbox port, with a very narrow FOV that together with the flashes and postprocessing effects made me feel a bit unconfortable a couple of times. You can breeze through the game on Hard without dying too many times, the plot is neither very clear nor really interesting, and the player never does any choice, so the game more of takes you by the hand across a variety of rooms and tells you "alright, now kill these guys. Now these ones. Now these." until you reach the end.

    There's also the cheese value of this game, which cannot go unnoticed. Everything will be labeled, from "hobo" to "bench", which I found kinda funny as it seems like the protagonist has severe memory issues. There will be nonsensical cutscenes presenting enemies on a circle and a camera panning around "hacking" indows on the side, and most of the chip extracting scenes are so over the top violent that you can't help but to chuckle a bit.

    All in all I say this is a good game if you get it for about ~10-15€. It's fun for kiling an afternoon or two with, I've heard very good things about the coop missions (haven't tried them myself) and the gameplay is nice enough to at least make me consider a second playthrough in a future. And although it doesn't really fit in the 'Syndicate' series of games, as a standalone FPS I say it's a good choice if you wanna pewpew some baddies but you're tired of military, CoD-like games.    … Expand
  10. NegativeNine
    Mar 2, 2014
    7
    [German / Deutsch]
    Das Spiel gibt einem schöne Schlauchlevel, eine 6/10 Story mit 4/10 Hauptcharakteren, viele Gegner, viele Waffen, viel Geballer und damit, was man von einem Shooter erwartet.
    Die Waffen im Spiel machen zum größten Teil Sinn, allerdings gibt es einige Waffen, die zu schwach, zu stark oder schlicht dasselbe sind, wie andere Waffen. Da hätte man einiges streichen können    [German / Deutsch]
    Das Spiel gibt einem schöne Schlauchlevel, eine 6/10 Story mit 4/10 Hauptcharakteren, viele Gegner, viele Waffen, viel Geballer und damit, was man von einem Shooter erwartet.

    Die Waffen im Spiel machen zum größten Teil Sinn, allerdings gibt es einige Waffen, die zu schwach, zu stark oder schlicht dasselbe sind, wie andere Waffen. Da hätte man einiges streichen können oder besser anpassen sollen.

    Die Steuerung des Charakters ist Standard und hat sich leider nicht sonderlich weiterentwickelt: Kaum geländegängig, was im urbanen Szenario aber kaum weiter auffällt. Über kleine Hindernisse wird gesprungen, geöffnet oder geklettert werden kann nur da, wo es vorgesehen ist.

    Da man sich nicht um Nebenelemente in der Spielwelt geschweige denn Handlungsfreiheit bemüht hat ist die Spielwelt zwar nett anzusehen aber klinisch tot. Der Shooter ist damit relativ schnell durchgespielt und dank absolut linearer Handlung sowie fester Skriptsequenzen ohne großen Wiederspielwert. Wer Abwechslung sucht kann maximal einen anderen Schwierigkeitsgrad auswählen oder Chipaufwertungen unterlassen / anders setzen.

    Syndicate macht trotzdem Spaß, solange man sich noch an der imposanten Spielwelt sattsehen kann, Interesse an dem Zukunftsszenario hat, welches das Spiel darstellt, gern mit den Waffen im Spiel hantiert gegen die Gegner im Spiel oder die Herausforderungen mag, vor die einen das Spiel bei den Bossgegnern stellt.

    Ich persönlich würde Syndicate als eigenständigen Titel ohne Beachtung der originalen Syndicate Serie eine 7/10 geben, weil es im Großen und Ganzen bugfrei ist, Shooter verspricht und Shooter liefert, die Spielwelt wirklich gut aussieht und die Kämpfe größtenteils funktionieren.

    Meine größten Kritikpunkte am Spiel sind die Art der Gegnergenerierung[1] und die Regenerationsmechanik[2], die einfach nicht zu Syndicate passt.

    [1] Die Art, wie Gegner in die Spielwelt gebracht werden wirkt arg gekünstelt: Sobald man einen Punkt überschreitet oder ein Objekt bedient öffnen sich irgendwelche Türen, aus denen Gegner strömen, teils Welle um Welle statt einmal alle zusammen. Für die Gegner öffnen sich dazu mit einem Mal irgendwelche Räume, Türen etc., die vorher verschlossen waren und es nachher teilweise auch wieder sind. Statt sich also den Weg freizuballern läuft man irgendwo lang, wo irgendwo um einen herum irgendwelche Türen aufgehen und Gegner rauskommen. Nachher sind diese Türen und Räume entweder wieder verschlossen oder vollkommen leer.

    [2] Die Regnerationsmechanik ist aus Call of Duty: In Deckung warten, bis die Regeneration startet, die relativ schnell 100% der Gesundheit wiederherstellt. Für Syndicate ist das aber unpassend, da man meist solo gegen mehrere Gegner antritt, die einen zu umzingeln versuchen, teils Granaten werfen und abgesehen davon gibt es im Spiel Flugdrohnen und gelenkte Projektile. Da passt so eine Regenerationsmechanik Marke 'In-der-Ecke-hocken' einfach nicht.

    Beim Original "Syndicate" hätte sich EA aber nicht bedienen müssen für dieses Spiel, denn bis auf einige Begriffe oder Namen aus dem Original hat das Spiel so ziemlich gar nichts mit ihm zu tun.    … Expand
  11. jelikey
    Jul 1, 2016
    7
    This game emulates the setting of an emotional, deep science fiction world. It sets up story threads that can evolve. However that's all anything is in this game amounts to, suggestions at a better game. The moment you step back, and take the game at what it is, a mindless shooter - the more you will get out of it - at least in singleplayer. Furthermore, if that's what you want out of this
  12. EarthboyZH
    Aug 23, 2021
    10
    Even though this game is mediocre on some details, like FOV, over use of bloom effect. and the gun' weight feels weird. but it have some many innovations at that time and the time has proved these innovations are good and ahead of time. moreover, great level design, interesting bosses. this is definitely the most underrated game in my opinion. the devs behind it are truly talent. theyEven though this game is mediocre on some details, like FOV, over use of bloom effect. and the gun' weight feels weird. but it have some many innovations at that time and the time has proved these innovations are good and ahead of time. moreover, great level design, interesting bosses. this is definitely the most underrated game in my opinion. the devs behind it are truly talent. they founded machinegames and released wolfenstein new order after 2 year later… Expand
  13. fryzee
    Mar 3, 2012
    6
    It's OK, Simple as that, It runs fine on my i7, nvidia 240gtx. I read that many people had problems with it running poorly, which i'm yet to experience. I will never understand why it's banned in Australia. Stupid. But anyway, it's not worth anything above $50 and I would recommend it only to true FPS lovers and when you can find it on a cheap sale.
  14. Apis
    May 28, 2012
    3
    Unengaging shooter that has nothing to do with the game from which it takes its name (stupid and dishonest to call it Syndicate). The combat powers are mostly useless except for DART overlay (time dilation and enemy highlighting). The ability to raise and lower covers in some areas are somewhat interesting but rarely used and in itself not enough to get excited about. Levels are theUnengaging shooter that has nothing to do with the game from which it takes its name (stupid and dishonest to call it Syndicate). The combat powers are mostly useless except for DART overlay (time dilation and enemy highlighting). The ability to raise and lower covers in some areas are somewhat interesting but rarely used and in itself not enough to get excited about. Levels are the linear, repetitive stuff we have come to expect these days: enter room, kill five waves of enemies, repeat ten times with some seemingly pointless transport zones in between. During the single player campaign you pick up character profiles and data fragments. I assume they give more background to the story and characters, I do not know because I did never feel motivated to read them. As far as I can tell it had zero impact on the gameplay. The monochromatic visuals and monotone music theme seems strangely appropriate for the game. As others have pointed out, this is a console port. Having to press "F" repeatedly to open doors is extremely annoying. This effect reeks of console port and only makes sense in certain very dramatic scenes, not every time you open a bloody door! All in all, no aspect is a complete failure, the game is somewhat playable but not worth spending hard earned money on.… Expand
  15. GeorgeA
    May 12, 2012
    5
    Another COD inspired shooter in futuristic setting, probably one of the most forgettable ones in recent years. The story maybe isn't that horrible, but it's so terribly told, you just don't care about anything, be it the main silent protagonist, the world or the characters. The same, by the way, happened in Crysis 2, who had the same writer (Richard Morgan's style, I take it?). The levelAnother COD inspired shooter in futuristic setting, probably one of the most forgettable ones in recent years. The story maybe isn't that horrible, but it's so terribly told, you just don't care about anything, be it the main silent protagonist, the world or the characters. The same, by the way, happened in Crysis 2, who had the same writer (Richard Morgan's style, I take it?). The level design is as generic as it can be (corridors, hallways and again corridors), missions are utterly boring and completely uninspired(kill that, take that, retrieve that and etc). The so called three "Dart Powers" are fun to use in the beginning, but after two-three hours the novelty wears off. They are not anything special either- just "Knock down, blow up or befriend the enemy SWAT soldier". Even the shooting parts aren't the best-enemies take half the clip to be killed, AI, while trying it's best, just doesn't offer much of a real challenge, even guns scream generic.The graphics, like everything else, are average at best: low details, bad textures and the infamous bloom coupled with great effects here and there. The sound,on the other hand, is a positive side : weapons sound OK most of the time, the voice acting is hammy sometimes (who voiced Merit?!), but nothing really bad and music fits the game's stupid, soulless shootouts pretty well.The co-op is all right, but nothing really special. The only real bright spot is probably "InfoBank", an in-game codex, which contains huge amount of interesting (and unfortunately, completely useless) data. In all, it's so sad to think, that such an interesting universe, with so much potential, is wasted on a generic shooter. With that kind of setting even a twelve-year old can write a better story and characters. I was expecting so much more from the creators of Escape from Butcher Bay.… Expand
  16. oliver1h
    Feb 7, 2013
    4
    Another wasted potential...The story is really weak. The game world feels dated, empty and not futuristic as it supposed to look. The game is basically a generic shooter with bad AI. and boring fights. I wish they would not use the "Syndicate" name because the original isometric game was great and revolutionary, not like this one.
  17. CMASC
    Mar 7, 2012
    7
    This game is not bad but not that good either, the co-op is indeed more like the original game but the single player story line is just bland and tasteless, I only wish they would have gave more freedom or sandbox style gameplay, otherwise the game is a great shooter, love the mechanics and the futuristic atmosphere of Syndicate, I can recommend getting this game when the price drops.
  18. czerro
    Mar 29, 2012
    8
    This is actually a really good game. It's essentially a shoot'em up, with an upgrade system and some beautifully crafted environments and cinematic set-pieces. To address the major discrepancy in all these reviews. These same people gave 10's to Deus EX: Human Revolution! HR is alright, but the engine is inferior, the combat is no where near as streamlined, the story is mangledThis is actually a really good game. It's essentially a shoot'em up, with an upgrade system and some beautifully crafted environments and cinematic set-pieces. To address the major discrepancy in all these reviews. These same people gave 10's to Deus EX: Human Revolution! HR is alright, but the engine is inferior, the combat is no where near as streamlined, the story is mangled nonsense, and the icing on the cake: NONE of the choices you make in HR really effect anything! Isn't that why people are railing against ME3's ending? I don't get why HR gets handled with kiddy gloves and deserves GOTY status..end rant. Essentially, Syndicate strips away all the broken and pointless mechanics of HR and makes for a more cohesive game. Is it a GOTY game? No. Is it awesome? Yes. Is it worth 60 bucks? No, but definitely a must rent, or discount purchase once the price drops.

    Pro's: Solid gameplay, fun ride, absolutely beautiful, fairly optimized for pc (I get 40-70 fps everything maxed with a 5770, Athlon Kuma 7750, 4 gb DDR2). Pretty modest to low rig.

    Con's: Overly 'bloomy' renderer detracts from the beautiful environments at times depending on the light sources. Very short campaign.    … Expand
  19. Pudenfuhrer
    Apr 6, 2012
    9
    NOTE - the controls and instructions show as PC instructions ("press 'E' to open" or 'Return' or whatever) - it only gets confused if you have a joystick plugged in. There's a tiny fix (single file) available on internet for this also. It threw me for 10 minutes - then I GOT OVER IT and sorted the problem. Search for it people COME ON please!
    Now - onto things proper.
    I read that the    NOTE - the controls and instructions show as PC instructions ("press 'E' to open" or 'Return' or whatever) - it only gets confused if you have a joystick plugged in. There's a tiny fix (single file) available on internet for this also. It threw me for 10 minutes - then I GOT OVER IT and sorted the problem. Search for it people COME ON please!
    Now - onto things proper.
    I read that the gameplay is great, the guns feel amazing to shoot, the enemies are engaging, the graphics are good, the sound is thumping - and then "but it's not worth getting". And I hate that this is the tone of a lot of reviews. I loved the original game, and this is a completely different game, so that comparison stops there. I bought it when it came out because Starbreeze make very visceral, over bloomed, over thumping combat - I knew what I was getting. They make a game where dark is black and light is blinding. I love this style. Since we got it me and mates have played it non stop as our go-to co-operative multiplayer. In the Co-op part of the game, the RPG development elements, the relatively minimal signin nonsense, the solid feeling presentation and mechanics add another dimension to an already solid gameplay experience. You play this game for the feel of the guns, the feeling of managing a firefight, keeping your mates alive, ripping the armoured enemies, unleashing viruses. And MINIGUN - oh yes - MINIGUN.. Having the spoils to take home and invest in your weapon upgrades - that's just the icing. Although after a month or so of play you'll have most things fully upgraded, it's fun doing it. We found that there's a lot of replay potential too as the enemies seem to come in different patterns and spawns each time we play. They are smart too - and the close quarters stuff is nice, with them jinking and ducking out of fire, blind firing when the are suppressed, throwing grenades and storming locations.
    I enjoyed the single player too, but not without reservation. This game has some Deus Ex feel because the "world" it inhabits is Syndicate. My friend described it as "Deus Ex" - without all the rubbish - and in a way it is. It's a set piece shooter with no pretense. The acting is pretty good in the single player, the Eurocorp CEO in particular, and certainly the extra flavour of the single player makes a nice bonus to the co-op, but is "good not great" overall without the co-op taken into account (co-op can be played on your own - no bots tho). Only thing that annoys me is the low likelihood now that there'll be extra missions after the community response. While currently there are something like 10-15 missions (You travel to different countries -a la the first syndicate - and do reimaged missions from the first one in coop multiplayer game) How cool would it have been (via updates/dlc) if every country got to have a mission?    … Expand
  20. JudgeHolden
    Mar 31, 2012
    4
    After playing Deus Ex: Human Revolution, I looked forward a lot to Syndicate. Unfortunately, I received a dull, linear FPS. It offered me no true insights into the world it is set in, no real sensation of freedom. Instead, I had to deal with a lot of graphic bugs, dismal control system, some strange matrix-ish training grounds... I played it for around 2 hours, then left it by. I regretAfter playing Deus Ex: Human Revolution, I looked forward a lot to Syndicate. Unfortunately, I received a dull, linear FPS. It offered me no true insights into the world it is set in, no real sensation of freedom. Instead, I had to deal with a lot of graphic bugs, dismal control system, some strange matrix-ish training grounds... I played it for around 2 hours, then left it by. I regret giving this game 4 given the high hopes I had for it, but frankly I cannot give it more.… Expand
  21. Cserb
    Dec 7, 2012
    4
    Although there are some interesting concepts, this game doesn't stand out in any way... the story is easily ignorable, and once you get past that it's just room after room of mobs and some puzzles. The visuals are boring and often times I was confused by the environment
  22. fuwaneko
    Feb 27, 2012
    3
    I can praise only visual style (however there's too much of a bloom and lighting is bad) and main music theme by Skryllex. Everything else is horrible. Interesting thing is it's actually mediocre on "easy" difficulty and absolutely horrible on "normal" and "hard". Outrageously repetitive non-challenging stupid gameplay (go to next same-looking-room, kill 5-6 waves of enemies, repeat; II can praise only visual style (however there's too much of a bloom and lighting is bad) and main music theme by Skryllex. Everything else is horrible. Interesting thing is it's actually mediocre on "easy" difficulty and absolutely horrible on "normal" and "hard". Outrageously repetitive non-challenging stupid gameplay (go to next same-looking-room, kill 5-6 waves of enemies, repeat; I know, it's shooter, but "action" is then _something_ happens, not just waves of enemies swarming you). The only good thing in the whole game is second boss (jumps around and shoots rockets). He was fun and interesting. Everything else is just awful. I thought I was playing oh-another-fps-from-CITY-Interactive: no story, tons of cannon fodder. Oh, and "upgrades" and "DART overlay" are absolutely useless, you don't need them at all. Actually, this game had a great potential, but it was wasted. If they'd spend another year or so, it would be a good game probably.… Expand
  23. Daze
    Feb 29, 2012
    8
    A very solid FPS. Sure it's a port. Sure it's got bloomy light effects. But purely getting the essence of a FPS, adding some interesting tactics with the breach applications and some challenging boss fights (old skool ftw) it delivers what you'd expect from a shooter. My only concern was that there weren't any more breach applications and that the story ended on a whim.
  24. MBGeek
    Feb 22, 2012
    5
    Cool atmosphere and well optimized for any pc brought down by a REALLY bad case of console convertion-itis...LOL. Typical port with no way of turning off the gamepad and every action you need to do shows the GAMEPAD button you need to press...so if your using a keyboard/mouse your SOL and end up hitting every key as there seems to be no consistency to what key does what. Full disclosureCool atmosphere and well optimized for any pc brought down by a REALLY bad case of console convertion-itis...LOL. Typical port with no way of turning off the gamepad and every action you need to do shows the GAMEPAD button you need to press...so if your using a keyboard/mouse your SOL and end up hitting every key as there seems to be no consistency to what key does what. Full disclosure in that I haven't played more then 2 hours but that is because of the bad port making it difficult to play on the PC… Expand
  25. holodoc
    Feb 24, 2012
    5
    As generic as an FPS can be. The only thing that this game has in common with its famous predecessor is violence. If you have nothing against repetitive point blank execution scenes where innocent civilians are treated as pure target practice than by all means go for it. I mean the original Syndicate was bloody that's for sure but here its presented in such a distasteful way that it heartsAs generic as an FPS can be. The only thing that this game has in common with its famous predecessor is violence. If you have nothing against repetitive point blank execution scenes where innocent civilians are treated as pure target practice than by all means go for it. I mean the original Syndicate was bloody that's for sure but here its presented in such a distasteful way that it hearts the stomach.

    There are also too many scripted quick event driven sequences which simply ruin the whole experience. Breaching can be fun sometimes but its essentially completely unnecessary because in most situations all you need to do is run into a room full of enemies with your guns blazing and leave none alive. In the end I will not rate it 4 for not being a decent sequel to the original game but for being a pretty generic, repetitive and essentially boring FPS.    … Expand
  26. Rebelstar
    Feb 22, 2012
    7
    Decent graphics, nice cyberpunk story line, nice ambient music. It's a pity they included popular dubstep, all charm of some scenes immediately disappeared once I heard this music. They should take ambience feeling (music, color and light) from some Mirror's Edge stages.
    Game engine optimized well, runs very well on my 6970. Also good news for the Eyefinity users, it comes out of the box    Decent graphics, nice cyberpunk story line, nice ambient music. It's a pity they included popular dubstep, all charm of some scenes immediately disappeared once I heard this music. They should take ambience feeling (music, color and light) from some Mirror's Edge stages.
    Game engine optimized well, runs very well on my 6970. Also good news for the Eyefinity users, it comes out of the box - in the game menu you can choose "Amd Eyefinity" option. I did a little test run for those who interested in multi-monitor gaming http://youtu.be/lY9w96gQT4c    … Expand
  27. fatalmaverick
    Feb 26, 2012
    8
    A fun, gun toting, cybernetic getting, head snapping adventure that is short but sweet. Has a less than compelling story made up for by immensely fun combat. Could have improved in the graphics and story categories. Has a fun co-op mode with a lengthy repeatability value. More in my video review: http://youtu.be/PTU6bcwvnPE
  28. crogue
    Feb 25, 2012
    5
    But its got #SKRILLEX!!! Poor use of the license (and dubstep) aside, this is ALCP (Another Lazy Console Port). Overall its a generic shooter that feels 10 years old. Most of the over mentioned comments are spot on: a poor Deus Ex knock off, terrible graphics and criminal overuse of bloom lighting effects. I would also add bad AI, numerous typos, missed references to controller keys,But its got #SKRILLEX!!! Poor use of the license (and dubstep) aside, this is ALCP (Another Lazy Console Port). Overall its a generic shooter that feels 10 years old. Most of the over mentioned comments are spot on: a poor Deus Ex knock off, terrible graphics and criminal overuse of bloom lighting effects. I would also add bad AI, numerous typos, missed references to controller keys, uninspired combat & story. Movement and shooting is so awkward, i've just been running up on fools and melee'ing them to death.… Expand
  29. Ireland914
    Mar 16, 2012
    0
    Complete garbage. This obvious console port offers poor graphics and clunky controls clearly designed for a controller with limited options for keyboard input. The button prompts that pop up on the screen only show the controllers buttons you need to press and you're unable to assign keys properly to make the game even remotely enjoyable for a PC gamer.
  30. Source_007
    Feb 29, 2012
    8
    The average game is not for everyone. Let's start with the bad sides of the game. The graphics in the game, not really, its shortcomings are trying to hide behind all sorts of effects, some of these effects will start to hurt your eyes. Level design is simple, sometimes cool, but all the same little details. The plot of ****. Weirdly annoying placed throughout the game handles and doorsThe average game is not for everyone. Let's start with the bad sides of the game. The graphics in the game, not really, its shortcomings are trying to hide behind all sorts of effects, some of these effects will start to hurt your eyes. Level design is simple, sometimes cool, but all the same little details. The plot of ****. Weirdly annoying placed throughout the game handles and doors that open fast clicking at the button, well, why do they need? All the bosses made disgusting, besides the first with whom have war under a great track Skrillex. There are some minor bugs, but this is garbage. But what is good in the game? The coolest thing in this game - it shooter! Weapons feel very well, as a model of the weapon made just perfect. The interface is very original, especially like hologram illumination rounds in the cage. Interesting upgrade hero, which really start thinking about what to choose. Cool intelligence of the enemies, who never miss an opportunity send you to hell. Maybe I missed something else, but can't all remember! I will say one thing, long ago came out the game The Chronicles of Riddick, so everything was done so abruptly that I was pissed with boiling water from all parts of the game, and the Syndicate - it's just earning money on amateur of shooters, unfortunately!… Expand
  31. HighwayUK
    Mar 8, 2012
    7
    I remember playing the proper RTS syndicate games as a teenager, and whiel this has a smell of the concepts, it falls way short of being a decent reboot of the series and simply feels like Deus EX HR done on the cheap to keep console fans happy.

    It not a boring game, but its not a headliner either... settled for mediocre generic shooter skinned to look better than it is with its pretty    I remember playing the proper RTS syndicate games as a teenager, and whiel this has a smell of the concepts, it falls way short of being a decent reboot of the series and simply feels like Deus EX HR done on the cheap to keep console fans happy.

    It not a boring game, but its not a headliner either... settled for mediocre generic shooter skinned to look better than it is with its pretty run of the mill texturing etc by PC standards. Deus EX HR may not be perfect but it does everything this does better.    … Expand
  32. PosMatic
    Mar 10, 2012
    7
    Syndicate WILL let you burn a couple of hours, but that will be the end of it. The game is wrapped with a decent graphics and sound system and even has a nice game play and animations, BUT, you will not see anything new in it - Nothing. The story is about an security agent with bio-tech augmentations that will do everything to protect his company, kinda like Deus-Ex - But not. ShootingSyndicate WILL let you burn a couple of hours, but that will be the end of it. The game is wrapped with a decent graphics and sound system and even has a nice game play and animations, BUT, you will not see anything new in it - Nothing. The story is about an security agent with bio-tech augmentations that will do everything to protect his company, kinda like Deus-Ex - But not. Shooting system is pretty good - you can slide and shoot at the same time (Just love this!) have Human/Machine-Mind-Hacking that you use against you enemies. Co-Op system is one of the Pros of this game and you can spend a decent time with a friend. Overall, the game is decent but definitely not a Must-Have.… Expand
  33. Coeco
    Aug 19, 2012
    1
    Syndicate - A shooter in a future-realistic setting involving giant corporations struggling for power with cybernetic implan- Wait, haven't I seen this before?.. Oh that's right, Deus Ex HR. Complete lack of originality aside, Syndicate does make for a good solid shooter experience if you turn off all the handicaps that was brought over fro- Yep, you guessed it. It's a console port. AndSyndicate - A shooter in a future-realistic setting involving giant corporations struggling for power with cybernetic implan- Wait, haven't I seen this before?.. Oh that's right, Deus Ex HR. Complete lack of originality aside, Syndicate does make for a good solid shooter experience if you turn off all the handicaps that was brought over fro- Yep, you guessed it. It's a console port. And one made by EA which can be seen by the most worst structured maps I've ever seen. It's confusing, unappealing with all the excessive bloom/hue and linear which is clearly something that only EA could pull off. It's mediocre and I would normally recommend to give it a try but considering the publisher, I'd say stay the hell away from this.… Expand
  34. Zarunil
    Apr 22, 2012
    2
    This game is OK if you like linear, generic corridor shooters with an overdose of bloom. Otherwise I'd stay clear. Zero innovation from Starbreeze. An insult to the original, really.
  35. Arkveveen
    Jan 26, 2013
    7
    A juicy and solid shooter with a lovely, dystopian science fiction setting. A gun lover's paradise packed with ludicrously sexy, fun weapons and great firefights. The interaction with cover adds to the immersion during these firefights! You have to use your brain a bit more in this game because enemies WILL try to flank you at every turn, but you have upgrades you can get in a fun systemA juicy and solid shooter with a lovely, dystopian science fiction setting. A gun lover's paradise packed with ludicrously sexy, fun weapons and great firefights. The interaction with cover adds to the immersion during these firefights! You have to use your brain a bit more in this game because enemies WILL try to flank you at every turn, but you have upgrades you can get in a fun system that is similiar to the classic talent tree to level the playing field along with the DART Overlay (which is like bullet time and allows you to see through cover). Now, for the flaws: Hacking ("Breaching") seems more of a gimmick and is not used nearly enough it seems. Also, the much maligned health regeneration is back in spades, but it makes sense considering the sci-fi setting. The areas tend to be corridors and shooting galleries which confounds matters further, but at least there seems to be a variety of them. I reccomend this game, for fans of shooters and guns. Because really, if you enjoy that rush you get when you aim down the sight and hear bullet casings hitting the floor, then you'll love this game. Otherwise, its just another first person shooter that I only reccomend to those who enjoy first person shooters of all kinds.… Expand
  36. MustisTheCat
    Oct 16, 2013
    7
    A mediocre first person shooter, though extremely frustrating at times. The gameplay mechanics are good, not too complicated or varied, just standard stuff. 90% of the game is fast, running and shooting, 10% is hacking. The gunplay is exceptional, all of the guns are loud, have a nice recoil, though there is only few of them. The controls are intuitive, so it is easy to use all of theA mediocre first person shooter, though extremely frustrating at times. The gameplay mechanics are good, not too complicated or varied, just standard stuff. 90% of the game is fast, running and shooting, 10% is hacking. The gunplay is exceptional, all of the guns are loud, have a nice recoil, though there is only few of them. The controls are intuitive, so it is easy to use all of the cybernetic features of your character. All of that is enhanced by believable soundFX and music. Sadly, all of that is somewhat ruined by questionable level and story design. The shooting would have been a nicer experience if the creators gave it more thought. Most of the fights is shootouts in open arenas, often with very scarce cover. If you do not play in coop mode with other humans, you are alone vs 10-50 enemies at once. Retaliating enemy swarm after swarm gets tiring fast and doesn`t make much sense. Even the fact that there are up to 6 types of them doesn`t change that. The same goes for the bossfights. I like the basic LEVEL-BOSS layout, although here the player ends up mostly at a big disadvantage against a boss and numerour other enemies, again in an open arena. This results in really lot of cheap player deaths. Moreover, the bosses have a special weakness that is not in any way explained, so you have to figure it out yourself, mostly after 4 or 5 deaths. Also, the mini puzzles are not explained so you often end up just standing in a room trying to figure a way out. The single player campaign on normal difficulty setting took me 5 and a half hours from which at least 20 mins is story cutscenes. I was tired with the game after 4 hours but went on just to beat it. I got the game for $10 and I don`t feel ripped off, but I would`t pay anymore for Syndicate.… Expand
  37. Furious2517
    Mar 6, 2012
    6
    From Russia with love (Google Translate sry=)
    Syndicate, what can I say about this game, or rather what it looks like? Deus Ex. this is obvious, cyberpunk, implants, corporations, the future, even such a small element of the RPG as pumping. However, it is still easy postrelkushka ... am feeling a parody, the battles are not dynamic, the game is short, simple story, the ending of anything.    From Russia with love (Google Translate sry=)
    Syndicate, what can I say about this game, or rather what it looks like? Deus Ex. this is obvious, cyberpunk, implants, corporations, the future, even such a small element of the RPG as pumping. However, it is still easy postrelkushka ... am feeling a parody, the battles are not dynamic, the game is short, simple story, the ending of anything. This is not a very interesting game, and I'll tell you simply, if you have not met the new products, you can while away the evening with a syndicate, but it is a game which is to bypass the majority, I was suddenly fell Syndicate and I did not expect. And did not get anything interesting, this game only gets 6 points, but rather 5.5 Frome Russia with love    … Expand
  38. zonetrooperex
    May 29, 2012
    5
    The biggest problem with this game is simply it's generic nature (guns, setting and story). It is just so by the numbers and I've never pressed LB so much in any other game (breach hack ability). Arrg I would not recommend it to anyone with taste.

    The bosses are really horrible and each enemy is taken down in 2 ways. The textures are horrible and covered up in a bad attempt of glare and    The biggest problem with this game is simply it's generic nature (guns, setting and story). It is just so by the numbers and I've never pressed LB so much in any other game (breach hack ability). Arrg I would not recommend it to anyone with taste.

    The bosses are really horrible and each enemy is taken down in 2 ways.

    The textures are horrible and covered up in a bad attempt of glare and lens flares.

    I played it on a PC with an XBOX 360 controller on Hard difficulty.    … Expand
  39. ChrisMcMahon
    Jul 6, 2013
    2
    This game deserves it's flop status.

    There's a serious problem with difficultly levels. I'm playing on normal difficultly. The boss fights are really frustrating and way too difficult for the set difficulty. Sure, boss fights are supposed to be difficult you say. And you're right. But I've been stuck on the same 5-10 minutes of boss fight (2nd boss missiles) for 5 hours. That's over    This game deserves it's flop status.

    There's a serious problem with difficultly levels. I'm playing on normal difficultly. The boss fights are really frustrating and way too difficult for the set difficulty. Sure, boss fights are supposed to be difficult you say. And you're right. But I've been stuck on the same 5-10 minutes of boss fight (2nd boss missiles) for 5 hours. That's over well 50 attempts. I give up. No more game for me. I've read walkthroughs, guides and watched videos. None of which can get me passed this prick. If fact he seems to be bugged as half the returned rockets don't explode but just blink a blue light at his feet.

    If I was to rate the difficulty from 1 to 10. I'd game the normal gameplay is a 2, ie almost boring it is so easy. The boss fights however are a 10. There's no way I can get passed it. No way to say drop the difficulty to easy just for the fight. If you want to drop the difficulty, you have to restart the game right from the beginning! No cheats I can find. So the game's over. I can't be bothered playing the whole game over, that and the normal difficulty is too easy for standard non-boss play, that easy difficulty would be too easy and lack fun.

    This is an issue of play testing during the design phase of the game. I can't believe that this was play tested and found to be satisfactory.

    As for the rest of the game. The FOV is really narrow and causes me motion sickness. Graphics are average, just average, for their time. The graphics option screen is severally lacking setting options. There are sliders, but they don't tell you what they are changing.

    Sound is mediocre. In one level there is loud music and the music setting in the menu has no effect.

    There's no way to change key bindings. You're stuck with what the developer sets.

    Overall, a very disappointing console port and game.    … Expand
  40. soundofvictory
    Jan 29, 2013
    7
    I'm judging this based only on the singleplayer game itself and from the perspective of someone who generally enjoys first person shooters (and played through the game on hard the first time) . This is a good first person shooter. The shooty bits feel really nice. There are a few audio options similar to the battlefield games which allow you to customize to your liking (hi-fi, homeI'm judging this based only on the singleplayer game itself and from the perspective of someone who generally enjoys first person shooters (and played through the game on hard the first time) . This is a good first person shooter. The shooty bits feel really nice. There are a few audio options similar to the battlefield games which allow you to customize to your liking (hi-fi, home cinema, etc.) On the right settings and with good speakers/headphones, this game sounds nice! The guns have a ton of bass and sound satisfying to fire. Additionally there is tons of visual feedback all over the screen for all the shot interactions.

    The story is ok and cliche, but if you take the time to read through the various logs and other backstory, there is more depth than is intiially let on.

    I haven't played a significant amount of the 1993 Syndicate, but I think this reboot hits all the right checkboxes: dystopian future run by corporations where individuals are cannon fodder combined with crazy sci fi technology. It's not an isometric tactical thingum, but I think that was really more a limitation of the technology of the time rather than a necessity to the franchise.

    If you like FPS, you will probably like this. On a side note, it reminds me of The Darkness 2 in the gameplay department. Both have mostly shooting happening, but with one new element which adds additional variety to the design.    … Expand
  41. drakenseng
    Mar 25, 2013
    7
    This is a solid first person shooter. There are some nice variety in weapons but overall you have your handy pistol most of the time. What makes this game a bit more fun is the ability to combine your gun combat with the 'dart overlay'. you can make enemies commit suicide, persuade them to join you and fight their comrades, backfire used to knock enemies down, and it also slows down time aThis is a solid first person shooter. There are some nice variety in weapons but overall you have your handy pistol most of the time. What makes this game a bit more fun is the ability to combine your gun combat with the 'dart overlay'. you can make enemies commit suicide, persuade them to join you and fight their comrades, backfire used to knock enemies down, and it also slows down time a bit when you are in overlay. Overall, though the game is a bit average. Stages are pretty linear, and you dont get to use the dart too much. there are stages of gun fighting where you must defeat enemies in an area to proceed. If done similar to the way, Bulletstorm game was then i think it would've been much better. Its like a mash of crysis and deus ex. crysis with the use of power ups and deus ex leveling character system. a good solid shooter but can get repetitive and boring after awhile.… Expand
  42. ajje
    Feb 24, 2012
    4
    A huge disappointment.
    I've been waiting 15 years for the third installment and what is delivered is a title that doesn't incorporate an ounce of the formula from Syndicate or Syndicate Wars. This title could have been named "Human Revelation, made in HK" for all I care.
    The game is a straight through shooter on rails. You as the player have close to zero choice regarding how to approach    A huge disappointment.
    I've been waiting 15 years for the third installment and what is delivered is a title that doesn't incorporate an ounce of the formula from Syndicate or Syndicate Wars. This title could have been named "Human Revelation, made in HK" for all I care.

    The game is a straight through shooter on rails. You as the player have close to zero choice regarding how to approach your obstacles, and absolutely no say regarding where to go nor what missions to pick. The story is also forgettable as others have already pointed out.

    I had expected MUCH more from Starbreeze. That they shipped this pile of ... is just an affront.
    Now I understand that you guys want to finish your pet project "P13", but you could at least have spared some talent from your pool of game designers, level makers and engine coders, so you could ship a title that at least is fun to play.

    Chronicles of Riddick was a superb game and my expectation, when I heard Starbreeze was taking the Syndicate franchise down the first person route, was not that diminished because of what they accomplished with CoR. Had this title received anywhere near as much attention as CoR, this could actually have turned out to have been a good game. Unfortunately, Starbreeze opted for some quick cash from EA, by spending the least amount of work and attention possible on a contracted title, so they could spend the remainder of the funding on what they'd rather develop.

    This is cheap, deceitful and I want my money back. I'll gladly pay for your P13 (or whatever you'll call it when it's released), but that's not what I bought here. I bought the third installment of Syndicate and that has not been delivered.    … Expand
  43. wijse
    Feb 27, 2012
    4
    I'm finding the whole game pretty mediocre so far. Remote button pressing! Annoying bosses that make the designer feel clever rather than you! Hoping it gets better, but if it keeps up like this I'll have to load up the original instead (or even Syndicate Wars, which was prettier/simpler but still great fun).
  44. badrain
    Feb 27, 2012
    6
    It's NOT a proper Syndicate game. What did you expect? On every trailer it looks NOTHING like Syndicate or Syndicate Wars. There's no point in **** about it. That's what they did and maybe it was not a good idea, but what's done is done. There's only one question now - is it a decent game? Well, partly yes. Single player storyline is focused around Eurocorp agent Miles Kilo. We dontIt's NOT a proper Syndicate game. What did you expect? On every trailer it looks NOTHING like Syndicate or Syndicate Wars. There's no point in **** about it. That's what they did and maybe it was not a good idea, but what's done is done. There's only one question now - is it a decent game? Well, partly yes. Single player storyline is focused around Eurocorp agent Miles Kilo. We dont know much about him and that won't change through out the game. Making him a silent protagonists wasnt a good idea... it's hardly ever a good idea. Story is generic to say at least, but it holds up, somehow. Gunplay is fun, it's the best part of the game along with so called "breaches". You can literally "hack" someone and force him to commit suicide or side with you for a moment. Nice idea, nice possibilities. Apart from that, the whole gameplay feels like a copy of Deus Ex, but without the rpg and stealthy elements. Yes, there's an upgrade system, but it changes nothing really. Oh yeah, lower recoil ...or 20% more health. Great. Like the others said, it's a generic shooter. I had fun, but nothing really to come back to. It's barely decent. Then the co-op mode - far better. It involves Left4Dead-like gameplay, including strong cooperation between 4 players. As single player appears to be a generic shooter, co-op mode is a fps game with tactical elements. You can choose your class, earn experience, upgrade your agent and your weapons. There's no way You burst in and kill everyobody, not without a significant help of your agent-friends. I haven't play it for long, but im looking forward to do that. It holds a lot of promise. Concluding, generic single player, good co-op... I feel some missed opportunities here. Six out of ten is my final word. It means - good game. Just good. Should have been much better, but still - co-op saves it all.… Expand
  45. lucian01
    Mar 4, 2012
    2
    Nice graphics and nice soundtrack. And that's about all the good things I can say about it.

    Sadly the developers have taken the "lots of enemies" approach at making 99% of this game. That is to say most of the time you'll be killing wave after wave of suicidal clone soldiers, which results in the game feeling like every other FPS you've ever played. This game has nothing in common with    Nice graphics and nice soundtrack. And that's about all the good things I can say about it.

    Sadly the developers have taken the "lots of enemies" approach at making 99% of this game. That is to say most of the time you'll be killing wave after wave of suicidal clone soldiers, which results in the game feeling like every other FPS you've ever played. This game has nothing in common with the original and it's spin-offs besides the backstory.    … Expand
  46. coelo
    Mar 11, 2012
    8
    This is a good FPS with some nice elements which are well implemented, if not unique, to this title. The plot is a nice sci-fi future where corporations run the planet and the atmosphere is OK, not the best, but good enough.

    There is one thing that irks the hell out of me and that is the forced bloom on all the lighting, it makes the game nearly unplayable in certain instances. Other    This is a good FPS with some nice elements which are well implemented, if not unique, to this title. The plot is a nice sci-fi future where corporations run the planet and the atmosphere is OK, not the best, but good enough.

    There is one thing that irks the hell out of me and that is the forced bloom on all the lighting, it makes the game nearly unplayable in certain instances.

    Other than that graphical flaw and no way to disable it, the graphics are not the best, the FOV is not the best for PC and there is no way to adjust it, and the game has a bit of a deus-ex imitation going (but I actually like that since they did it well and not cheesy.)

    This is a solid play and it is a hell of a lot more fun than that other EA game that is out right now, ME3.
    The FPS mechanics are well done and as it is an FPS, that is the most important part. I'd give it an 8.5 if it were not for the terrible bloom lighting, so instead it gets an 8.    … Expand
  47. HyperionX3
    Mar 15, 2012
    9
    The Cooperative mode alone is worth the price of admission. This is a gorgeous, solid, pulse pounding shooter with a sleek cyberpunk style. The single player isn't the longest out there, coming in at around 6 hours, but that should not deter you. Grab four of your buddies, create your own Syndicate and go to war. The only thing that could make this package better, would be knowing thatThe Cooperative mode alone is worth the price of admission. This is a gorgeous, solid, pulse pounding shooter with a sleek cyberpunk style. The single player isn't the longest out there, coming in at around 6 hours, but that should not deter you. Grab four of your buddies, create your own Syndicate and go to war. The only thing that could make this package better, would be knowing that more CO-OP maps were on the way.… Expand
  48. WebsterLin
    Feb 24, 2012
    10
    This game is really fun. It nails what I want in an FPS: really good combat. This is the best FPS combat I've played since Crysis 2. It distinguishes itself through the weapons, interesting breaching abilities, and many boss fights. (Bosses! In an FPS! Yes!) Old school and kick ass, I hope there is a sequel that gives Starbreeze the resources to really go to town. It's also genuinelyThis game is really fun. It nails what I want in an FPS: really good combat. This is the best FPS combat I've played since Crysis 2. It distinguishes itself through the weapons, interesting breaching abilities, and many boss fights. (Bosses! In an FPS! Yes!) Old school and kick ass, I hope there is a sequel that gives Starbreeze the resources to really go to town. It's also genuinely challenging at the harder difficulty levels. This is a plus in my book.

    Co-op is amazing as well.

    My complaints: Great setting, but limited exploitation of it. Relentlessly grim story and world. This future is a little to distant to get attached to.


    As for Syndicate nostalgia: Go back and play that game, it really isn't a deep RTS or very tactical. It's a brutal, dystopic version of Canon Fodder with its distinguishing features being its shocking violence and cyberpunk setting. This game nails those features and is a worthy successor.    … Expand
  49. deilldo
    Feb 22, 2012
    10
    I was surprised about how great this game really is! The single player is good, and I just love the coop. If you like previous Starbreeze games, check this out.
  50. vochaisl
    Feb 26, 2012
    4
    So sad to see a great franchise being butchered to some mundane FPS.

    While the PC version undoubtly looks and plays better than the PS3 and Xbox360 it falls short on delivering what Syndicate is all about. Whoever played the old Syndicate games, will not get what they were hopping fore. If you're in for some new, fancy looking FPS, Syndicate might be for you. Everybody else avoid    So sad to see a great franchise being butchered to some mundane FPS.

    While the PC version undoubtly looks and plays better than the PS3 and Xbox360 it falls short on delivering what Syndicate is all about.

    Whoever played the old Syndicate games, will not get what they were hopping fore. If you're in for some new, fancy looking FPS, Syndicate might be for you.

    Everybody else avoid Syndicate at all cost and buy when it's in the bargain bin for 10 bucks or less.    … Expand
  51. dksone
    Feb 28, 2012
    0
    As it is, the game is unplayable without a xbox 360 controller, as the game keep asking to press some keys without telling which one it is on the keyboard.
  52. Rukumouru
    Nov 13, 2012
    7
    Syndicate - Single Player: The single player is good. No more, no less. Challenging combat, some puzzles, a dash of platforming... Occasionally, however, you encounter unskippable cutscenes (that, albeit quite short, are still unskippable) or button-mashing sequences upon forcing open some paths like a jammed door. This particular "Mash 'F' a dozen times to open a door" happens much moreSyndicate - Single Player: The single player is good. No more, no less. Challenging combat, some puzzles, a dash of platforming... Occasionally, however, you encounter unskippable cutscenes (that, albeit quite short, are still unskippable) or button-mashing sequences upon forcing open some paths like a jammed door. This particular "Mash 'F' a dozen times to open a door" happens much more than it should, and drags down the overall experience somewhat. The story is actually rather good, deep and insightful, but you'll have to find out most of it on your own (through the Journal, just hit TAB in-game) as what is presented to you in the form of cutscenes is just the bare-bones. Judging the entire storyline just from what is presented in actual gameplay is a huge mistake, and it'll seem like a boring, generic and plot-hole-friendly run-off-the-mill plot to anyone who doesn't bother to read carefully into every line of dialogue and every single Journal entry. That is not to say, however, that the story presentation, being average as it is, is not to blame for decreased immersion, lest you take your sweet time in the Journal. The gunplay is delightful, especially when combined with the DART6 Overlay (slow motion, heat-vision, more resilience to bullets and higher damage, all in one), your Breaching capabilities and the DART6 upgrades. You can slow down time and hack enemy brain or weapon chips for increased lethality: Persuade them into fighting for you and then shooting themselves in the face, force them to commit suicide by means of grenade (causing high splash damage) or even hack various enemy weapons simultaneously to backfire, causing damage to their owners and making them vulnerable for a few seconds. Add to this an incremental upgrade system that'll have you choosing your own upgrade path into more health, better shields or accuracy, longer Overlay (slo-mo) or increased enemy breaching effectivity and very, VERY accurate hipfiring from the get-go, and you'll be enjoying one hell of a blend between old-school pinpoint hipfire on the move and the tactical element of slowing down time to plan your enemy Breaching in real-time for the best lethality. Did I mention this game is hard? Not impossible by all means, but much harder and old-school fast-paced than your average manshoot. Both you and your enemies also have very high health pools, making this closer to a skill-based shooter than an ADHD "shoot first and you win" Call of Dutyfest. There are three difficulty settings- Easy, Normal and Hard- and on Normal, with moderate exploring and decent manshoot skills you'll be clocking in at about 7-9 hours, leaning towards the 7-hour side as your skill increases. BOTTOM LINE: The single-player is not so gratifying when it is about watching an unskippable cutscene or mashing a button to open a flippin' door. Thankfully, the main focus is shooting things and f*cking with their minds, so it's generally fun. Oh, there is also unique bosses that require unique strategies to beat. BOSSES IN A SHOOTER. Syndicate - co-op: Enemy breaching, DART6 Incremental upgrades and the DART6 Overlay are back in the co-op, although Overlay no longer slows down time. Still does everything else, however. 9 stages that rely almost completely on combat in different shapes, be it escorting a team member while he carries something or tackling down a boss with a dozen minions kicking your collective arse. Featured in this mode is the unique ability to breach your friends: If they are alive, the breaching time will be short and you will restore their full health. If they are dead, breaching will take plenty of time, but you'll get them back in the fight. You have to be within short range to start a breaching process, but once started, you can move freely and shoot things if keep the breach button held. This may sound overpowered, but this game WILL kick your ass and you will need every single advantage you can take. So long as it's four guys in the squad you'll be fine... If you can handle a challenge. This mode is EXHILARATING, as it has NONE of the faults of the Single Player, CAN BE PLAYED BY YOURSELF (once you level up a bit) and EXPANDS upon the strenghts of the single-player. There are many more DART6 Upgrades, many more weapons, you can upgrade said weapons, MANY more breach applications... Exquisite. 9 missions doesn't sound like much, but on the easiest difficulty (there's Normal, Hard and Extreme this time around.), but on Normal they'll last you about 4 hours on your first playthrough. Difficulty changes the stages significantly (different enemies and strategies, random minibosses...) and even within the same difficulty, things are slightly randomized. You will be coming back for more again, and again, and again, and again... And if any DLC is ever released, you can bet your ass it'll be Co-Op. SCORE: Single player: 6/10 Co-Op: 9/10 Final Score: 7/10… Expand
  53. SuicideMachine
    Feb 28, 2012
    7
    Let me put it straight - This isn't a Syndicate, does it matter? Not really! It's a game built on everything that sells great nowadays, mixed with elements inspired by original game - an example of low risk policy taken by publisher, a game which can be sold on every platform, not only PCs. Does this really make a game bad? No, at worst it will make a game generic, not being able toLet me put it straight - This isn't a Syndicate, does it matter? Not really! It's a game built on everything that sells great nowadays, mixed with elements inspired by original game - an example of low risk policy taken by publisher, a game which can be sold on every platform, not only PCs. Does this really make a game bad? No, at worst it will make a game generic, not being able to compete with other shooters that had a higher budget. So, what's good about new Syndicate? And what's bad?
    Let's start with the fact - it's not a good PC port. In fact, the port is pretty bad - it has low FOV (admittedly, it isn't the lowest FOV ever, but it's obviously too low for PC), game lacks text chat in COOP and VOIP configuration is extremely limited. Sometimes during loading to a COOP game, Syndicate also crashes. On the opposite side, PC version is obviously well-optimized and I'm glad, developer didn't block access to a game's console - unfortunately, it simply isn't enough to make up for the flaws of the port.
    Now to the core of a game. Syndicate like most of shooters nowadays is divided into singleplayer and multiplayer (COOP) component. Singleplayer is - well, slightly generic at times. It's pretty linear with occasional scripted events. You play a character of Miles Kilo - a prototype agent of EuroCorp enhanced with DART 6 chip. In Singleplayer this chip offers 3 functions - Breach (used for opening doors, disabling turrets, shields etc.), Suicide (that makes the enemy to commit violent suicide, by blowing himself up) and backfire (basically causes enemy weapon to backfire). With that, there is also DART Vision â    … Expand
  54. DarkMan
    Mar 14, 2012
    3
    I expected much more from this game. The story is boring but anyway it was topped by even more boring end. I have never seen a game with such a bad lightning. Half of the game i could not see much of the environment because of strange coronas around most light sources. Not worth the money...
  55. Panther117
    Mar 17, 2012
    7
    From the creators of The Darkness comes new game a reboot of old series Syndicate. Game delivers good gameplay, weak plot, awesome coop, nice graphics, and cool soundtrack. Not much to say about how this product copies months ago released Eidos game Deus Ex:Human Revolution, Syndicate only flaw is in ridiculous storyline. The only thing saves this game is very awesome 4 player coop with 10From the creators of The Darkness comes new game a reboot of old series Syndicate. Game delivers good gameplay, weak plot, awesome coop, nice graphics, and cool soundtrack. Not much to say about how this product copies months ago released Eidos game Deus Ex:Human Revolution, Syndicate only flaw is in ridiculous storyline. The only thing saves this game is very awesome 4 player coop with 10 missions and nice upgrades. You can take enemy chips and use them to upgrade your own to make yourself stronger, agile etc. Game is also challenging so run and gun tactic canâ… Expand
  56. Kyrandos
    Apr 13, 2012
    1
    This is not syndicate, this is something else. It's not necessarily a BAD game, but it receives demerits for bringing down the syndicate name. Cooperative multiplayer is a lot of fun when high levels are not ruining it by walking through the level and finishing it while you battle the enemies at the beginning. There are no patches, despite being desperately needed - and there will almostThis is not syndicate, this is something else. It's not necessarily a BAD game, but it receives demerits for bringing down the syndicate name. Cooperative multiplayer is a lot of fun when high levels are not ruining it by walking through the level and finishing it while you battle the enemies at the beginning. There are no patches, despite being desperately needed - and there will almost definitely not be any. EA does not care. Starbreeze has moved on. Your money is EA's now.… Expand
  57. Nile3
    Feb 25, 2012
    1
    Man, this game is not at all like the first ones! It's so boring, it's effectively a poorly done copy of Deus Ex with the name syndicate on it!! Stay away from it, even if you get it for free it's rather aweful. Warning: Console-port! You will walk forward the whole time in small rooms with dumb enemies. I give 1 for the graphics. The story isn't very good, the gameplay sucks, theMan, this game is not at all like the first ones! It's so boring, it's effectively a poorly done copy of Deus Ex with the name syndicate on it!! Stay away from it, even if you get it for free it's rather aweful. Warning: Console-port! You will walk forward the whole time in small rooms with dumb enemies. I give 1 for the graphics. The story isn't very good, the gameplay sucks, the directing was done by a beginner who couldn't improve a poor script.… Expand
  58. sykum
    Feb 23, 2012
    10
    I enjoyed this game a lot. I found it to be an inventive FPS with a lot more tactical options than are commonly found in this genre. The ability to level up your character adds an additional sense of achievement as you progress through the game. Graphically, it's one of the better looking games I've played, although it does feel a bit blurry on some levels.
  59. Bambii
    Mar 8, 2012
    0
    I don't know how to exactly summarize my impressions of this game but I'll try anyway. The big letdown is the story, the plot and dialogues. I could come up with more bad ass sentences, just believe me, than authors of this game did. The plot is laughable but don't take this the wrong way, I'm a fan of sci-fi, I like any futuristic plot device that features guns, but this plot in SyndicateI don't know how to exactly summarize my impressions of this game but I'll try anyway. The big letdown is the story, the plot and dialogues. I could come up with more bad ass sentences, just believe me, than authors of this game did. The plot is laughable but don't take this the wrong way, I'm a fan of sci-fi, I like any futuristic plot device that features guns, but this plot in Syndicate is just plain ridiculous. It's a big joke, if you want a good story then don't buy this game. Action alone is not that bad, but you know every other AAA game does it better and with a good job on a story side of things.… Expand
  60. nirvycn
    Feb 22, 2012
    2
    This is NOT syndicate. This is just another Generic FPS game. The UI is poor, the graphics are average, the gun play feels shallow, the gun sounds are rather tinny and poor,the game doesnt play anything like the original syndicate. It plays like a poor mans Deus Ex HR. It's average in all departments. Nothing like the original syndicate. Probably worth a quick playthrough if you like FPsThis is NOT syndicate. This is just another Generic FPS game. The UI is poor, the graphics are average, the gun play feels shallow, the gun sounds are rather tinny and poor,the game doesnt play anything like the original syndicate. It plays like a poor mans Deus Ex HR. It's average in all departments. Nothing like the original syndicate. Probably worth a quick playthrough if you like FPs games, however there are much better ones out there, and definitely ones that tell a story much better. Decidedly average.… Expand
  61. Uberphat
    Feb 26, 2012
    10
    A stunning game, I love it. Full of surprise and proper Sci-Fi action. Top tier actors help immerse you in the cleverly designed story line. The game is great fun and looks fantastic. Its like a hearty stew of Crysis 2 and Battlefield 3 with side of Mass Effect 3. Its definitely more of a FPS than an RPG like ME3 but the action feels like it. The Co-op has a decent replay value but feels aA stunning game, I love it. Full of surprise and proper Sci-Fi action. Top tier actors help immerse you in the cleverly designed story line. The game is great fun and looks fantastic. Its like a hearty stew of Crysis 2 and Battlefield 3 with side of Mass Effect 3. Its definitely more of a FPS than an RPG like ME3 but the action feels like it. The Co-op has a decent replay value but feels a bit underdeveloped, more maps would be nice. Overall this game is worth getting not just for the stunning visual bloom effects, the matrix style overlay system, the unique action, the dubstep electro music, but also the wonderfully acted campaign.… Expand
  62. Supr585
    Mar 6, 2012
    4
    The gameplay is quite enjoyable for a linear shooter, one of the better ones in a long time. Had no performance issues, but the over the top use of bloom and very bright lighting at times make this unplayable most of the time. Hopefully this is toned down in patches, until then it will remain on the shelf uncompleted.
  63. malau
    Mar 12, 2012
    3
    Awful ! Awful ! Awful ! Makes Deus Ex HR look shiny and new !
    Linear trash with appalling level design and grainy textures.
    This seems to exist in a Universe where HL2 never happened. Point, shoot, run. get lost in map, fight boss, die, reload, die, repeat.....
  64. keefbaker
    Mar 18, 2012
    8
    You know, what? It's good. It's not amazing but it's good. Decent plot, nice execution, kept me playing till I completed it. Not tried the co-op but online play ain't my thang so there you go.
  65. The_Redback
    Apr 14, 2012
    8
    I enjoyed the game for what it was. A action packed, futuristic sci-fi FPS. Having not played any of the other Syndicate games I was not sure what to expect but I received a game that looked good, played well, had a compelling enough story to keep me interested and some challenging enough boss battles which provided me with an overall enjoyable experience.
  66. Nathaya
    Mar 9, 2012
    10
    Game is great, with light role-playing elements which unfortunately is a true shooter herraus bonds with Deus Ex Human Revolution, but something else is playing the speedy and comfortable. The graphics in convincing-looking.
    It makes a lot of fun, the game in co-op to play and to secure each other. Apologies for my bad English. Einar
  67. TessDeMontfort
    Jul 8, 2012
    9
    Syndicate gets compared to Deus Ex: Human Revolution a lot, which seems fair - both are cyberpunk thrillers set in a not-too-distant (and quite bleak) future where huge megacorporations dominate the planet. But that's where the similarities end. After playing (and not enjoying) DE:HR, I was loathe to try Syndicate...but it delivered. Immediately you're thrust into quick, dynamic combat,Syndicate gets compared to Deus Ex: Human Revolution a lot, which seems fair - both are cyberpunk thrillers set in a not-too-distant (and quite bleak) future where huge megacorporations dominate the planet. But that's where the similarities end. After playing (and not enjoying) DE:HR, I was loathe to try Syndicate...but it delivered. Immediately you're thrust into quick, dynamic combat, supported by an absolutely gorgeous cyberpunk heads-up display and interface. The combat is fast and brutal, and you soon find a plethora of weapons in your single player campaign: cheap smg's, assault rifles (both standard and homing), flame throwers, mean little snub-nosed revolvers that make your enemies' heads explode, and even the minigun! Each mission is a thrill ride in and of itself, one piggybacking on the other to make getting up from the computer more of an ordeal than it should be.

    Much has been said of the game's lackluster storyline and empty protagonist, but to me, this is one of its strengths. I prefer playing as female characters, and while the game's protagonist is male, he has no spoken dialogue and gives little sense that he's a definitive person. This makes it easy for anyone to plug themselves into the shoes of the game's main character and delve into the storyline, unhindered by someone else's personality getting in the way of yours. To me, this is immersiveness far better delivered than in DE:HR, where you feel like little more than a spectator. In Syndicate, it's easier to believe you're there.

    The co-op multiplayer is quick and fun too, pushing you into an integral role in a team of four. While I haven't played this feature extensively yet, I'm definitely looking forward to it. It's challenging and exciting.

    The only reason I didn't give this game a 10/10 is because of its lack of customization. More characters to choose from in multiplayer - or even better, a way to customize your own, even their appearance - would add a sense of personalization to the game that it currently lacks. I hope the developers implement something like this in the future.

    While Syndicate may not be the epic novel that games like the Mass Effect series have been, it's still a fun, thrill ride of a shooter with plenty of creative ways to kill your enemies. I love it, and I'd recommend it to any FPS fan, especially one that wants a game to pull off the shelf when they're in the mood for quick, brutal fun.    … Expand
  68. BakaHaram
    May 25, 2014
    10
    This game has the most realistic depiction of our future I've ever seen in a video game. Really shows where the world goes, because even now corporations like Apple, Facebook and McDonalds have more freedom and power than any government in the world. Syndicate's story is miles better than Deus Ex's outlandish **** Here we have an actual, plausible and very possible vision of the future.This game has the most realistic depiction of our future I've ever seen in a video game. Really shows where the world goes, because even now corporations like Apple, Facebook and McDonalds have more freedom and power than any government in the world. Syndicate's story is miles better than Deus Ex's outlandish **** Here we have an actual, plausible and very possible vision of the future. This game was prevented from becoming a hit by the corporations, who didn't want gamers to see what the world is really going to be like.… Expand
  69. MadclownJack
    Feb 24, 2012
    4
    Im giving it a 4 because i couldn't push myself to play the single player campaign further than the second mission. I'm sure many of you will say that i have no right to write such an unfavorable review not having played past the second mission. All i have to say to you is, It's THAT boring. It's like a huge "deja vu clusterfuck". The character's movement and environment interactions areIm giving it a 4 because i couldn't push myself to play the single player campaign further than the second mission. I'm sure many of you will say that i have no right to write such an unfavorable review not having played past the second mission. All i have to say to you is, It's THAT boring. It's like a huge "deja vu clusterfuck". The character's movement and environment interactions are weird, there are small and POINTLESS distractions everywhere, like every friggin object in existence has to display with a name and position on your HUD. The aiming is ridiculous, the bullets hit the target whichever direction you shoot towards and that makes no difference since you need to unload a clip to kill a guy. There are some rpg elements that can't seem to find their place in the game world (maybe to make the game a tad easier and offer an illusion of randomness). In my opinion, it's a collection of unnecessary cliches, absurdities and redundancies. All i can say is, borrow it from a friend before you decide to buy it. Maybe you'll find it more interesting than i did. I just can't seem to look past the bland and generic fps that it clearly is.… Expand
  70. PlausibleSarge
    Feb 23, 2012
    1
    So I came in expecting something akin to the original syndicate, instead I got a ripped-off, less polished version of Deus Ex Human Revolution. Instead of strategically going after targets, in a dirty, gritty world where events like ambulances being shot-up repeatedly is commonplace, I end up playing another boring modern shooter. Liked Syndicate? You are going to hate this game. LikeSo I came in expecting something akin to the original syndicate, instead I got a ripped-off, less polished version of Deus Ex Human Revolution. Instead of strategically going after targets, in a dirty, gritty world where events like ambulances being shot-up repeatedly is commonplace, I end up playing another boring modern shooter. Liked Syndicate? You are going to hate this game. Like FPS's that make you think and have an engrossing story, with cool augmented character customization? Play Deus Ex Human Revolution instead.… Expand
  71. cmoyano
    Feb 26, 2012
    10
    i dont know why people are complaining so much about this. They give this a 0 but will probably rate ME3 a 10 when in fact, me3 is a straight up console port with low res textures, atrocious FOV and other major flaws. Yes, syndicate is not revolutionary, but it is def very well optimized for pc. It shouldnt be a surprise coming form starbreeze. I run at 60 fps no glitches or slowdownsi dont know why people are complaining so much about this. They give this a 0 but will probably rate ME3 a 10 when in fact, me3 is a straight up console port with low res textures, atrocious FOV and other major flaws. Yes, syndicate is not revolutionary, but it is def very well optimized for pc. It shouldnt be a surprise coming form starbreeze. I run at 60 fps no glitches or slowdowns are all. Game is fun with run and shoot. The AI is nice on the harder levels and story, while not revolutionary, still decent for an fps. Game looks good on PC. The interface is def PC as well. How many games will giv eyou the convenience of pressing MOUSE 2 to go back? seriously, that alone is awesome. Stop whining. If you dont like it, go play CALL OF DOODY. This game is already miles ahead of it and the co op makes it so much better.… Expand
  72. YuRown92
    Feb 24, 2012
    10
    I wait this game from their moment, when it was announced. And now, I played this game with very very plesure. Starbreeze maked very style game, very clever game, very interesting game. On my mind, the best shooter in this year in this moment!
  73. ItaJohnson
    Feb 24, 2012
    3
    I am with most of the haters, this is a pathetic pile of suck. I guess you can compare it to brink or deus ex, but it is really pointless since it is not in the same league. It has similar controls (oh gee a shooter that controls like a shooter 'magine that) but really is MUCH lower caliber gameplay wise. They should have stuck closer to the original games instead of doing this. SadI am with most of the haters, this is a pathetic pile of suck. I guess you can compare it to brink or deus ex, but it is really pointless since it is not in the same league. It has similar controls (oh gee a shooter that controls like a shooter 'magine that) but really is MUCH lower caliber gameplay wise. They should have stuck closer to the original games instead of doing this. Sad really.

    It doesnt deserve a 1 but i think anyone who gives it a 10 is fully mental, there has been like 1 "10" in the past decade, just because you paid $ for the game does not make it a 10. It really is below average on every possible level so my score reflects that, i cant say the graphics are brilliant (gtx580, 16 gigs ram, 47 inch 3D tv for a monitor), nor the gameplay (i used a 360 controller.. just because a game supports controller by default does not make it a console port you mo-rons things like no display options, no dx10+, or no rebinding keys make a game a port).. the whole game just feels low budget. The plot doesnt feel epic, i dont know what is up with the **** blurriness on the edges of the screen, and improving the character just feels like "yea whatever".

    I just cant in any way honestly call it a good game.    … Expand
  74. Ispend2much
    Feb 22, 2012
    3
    For the forced suicides mode I give this a 3 otherwise it is a very consolized "Dragons Age (2).."AWESOME" game.

    By this I mean the following, Imagine, if you can. shooting a person with no armor, Point Blank with a High Quality Assault Rifle and them not only NOT insta die but Hop and Cartwheel around, moving with Blur like speed, until you put ..I guess around 1600 rounds into them. I    For the forced suicides mode I give this a 3 otherwise it is a very consolized "Dragons Age (2).."AWESOME" game.

    By this I mean the following, Imagine, if you can. shooting a person with no armor, Point Blank with a High Quality Assault Rifle and them not only NOT insta die but Hop and Cartwheel around, moving with Blur like speed, until you put ..I guess around 1600 rounds into them. I will NEVER buy another "Reboot" game ( I Dodged the remake of Jagged Alliance)...but I was tricked by the cut scenes in Youtube. I cannot recommend Strongly enough AGAINST buying this game. Don't make the same Mistake I did...    … Expand
  75. Nolife
    Feb 24, 2012
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is like call of duty, you just go and wait for a script, only good maybe great think is the music, GRaphics is console port, AI is made for coop-on hard you gonna be really frustrated,lenght dont know i delete it after half hour but guessing 7 hour top, guns are like from call of duty too and one of the most frustraing think is the light in one second you dont see nothin in other the light blind you, for 50 bucks absolutly dont worth it, very dissapointing after great riddick, i guess vin diesel was keepin eyes on them to not screw it:D… Expand
  76. BinaryStylus
    Mar 21, 2012
    10
    First off - this is an FPS game. It is a game of two halves. There is a nice linear shooter with story game. And then there is a Co-op or Single player shooter game where you have to capture all the territories, (like in the first game). Ths second Co-op missions to capture territories bit of the game is what I play with my friends mostly.

    The game is nicely balanced. All the    First off - this is an FPS game. It is a game of two halves. There is a nice linear shooter with story game. And then there is a Co-op or Single player shooter game where you have to capture all the territories, (like in the first game). Ths second Co-op missions to capture territories bit of the game is what I play with my friends mostly.

    The game is nicely balanced. All the weapons I've used so far are functional - with just enough situational specialties in some weapons and a fair few general purpose weapons. There is a bit of an RPG / Development tree - and there are extra agent skills. There is a cover system - with certain weapons able to penetrate weaker cover.

    The game looks slick. Motion capture is nice. The character acting in the Single player game is great - especially the CEO who is quite beliveable. Importanly the game has the Syndicate "feel".

    The team co-op part of the game is where it really shines IMO. You really do get to work together nicely - the enemy spawns are slightly randomised - we've had no problems replaying the maps and enjoy using difefrent loadouts and tactics.

    We are really enjoying this as our FPS at the moment. It is hard - but there is a depth to it esspecially if you can play with like minded people.    … Expand
  77. Dolar
    Feb 21, 2012
    1
    This is the generic shooter we all feared it would be. This game has no soul, it is not interesting and it besmirches the legacy of what was a great game. When will companies stop making these horrid quick cash in remakes of old games? This is the kind of thing you have come to expect from EA, but I am disappointed in Starbreeze. Riddick was sure a good game, and this is a giant let down.This is the generic shooter we all feared it would be. This game has no soul, it is not interesting and it besmirches the legacy of what was a great game. When will companies stop making these horrid quick cash in remakes of old games? This is the kind of thing you have come to expect from EA, but I am disappointed in Starbreeze. Riddick was sure a good game, and this is a giant let down. Maybe someday we will get a legit remake of syndicate in, I don;t know the same genre at least of the old game? Do not waste your money on this horrid junk FPS remake.… Expand
  78. donniedrama
    Feb 28, 2012
    10
    Great singleplayer and excellent co-op! Hands down the best FPS of the year so far.

    Starbreeze har done a solid job with this reboot, the campaign is on the short side but a lot of fun and on top of that they've created a unique and amazingly fun co-op experience.
  79. pablol
    Mar 26, 2012
    2
    One the most unfun shooters in recent years. Enemies have way too much health, multiple shotgun headshots at close range to kill a guy. Really guys? Horrible boss fights. Way too much bloom, making it almost impossible to see enemies without dart in some cases.
  80. ZootMan
    Feb 27, 2012
    7
    I've read a few comparisons between Syndicate and Deus Ex Human Revolution, but allow me to clear one thing up for a potential buyer of this product...you are following a tightly honed script in this game, much as you would in a Call of Duty-style experience. Aside from cosmetic/stylistic similarities, this and DE:HR are very different games. The choice is in the combat, which can beI've read a few comparisons between Syndicate and Deus Ex Human Revolution, but allow me to clear one thing up for a potential buyer of this product...you are following a tightly honed script in this game, much as you would in a Call of Duty-style experience. Aside from cosmetic/stylistic similarities, this and DE:HR are very different games. The choice is in the combat, which can be extremely gratifying. You might even compare this closest to Fear 2 Project Origin, as Syndicate employs a similar slow motion system...Both games have a similar problem: A severe lack of any identifying character or relate-able narrative. At least Fear scares you with vague horror tropes- here, we are offered an array of unlikable characters in an incongruous cyber punk melange...and yes, once again you play the 'silent badass' protagonist, for the umpteenth time, it seems. Starbreeze has done some great work in the past with riddick and the darkness in terms of character, so it is odd to see a lack of any character depth whatsoever......................AND HERE IS A BIG PET PEEVE-----------you know all those 'wonderful' "jam on (insert button/key here) X number of times to initiate first person animation sequences proliferating in FPS games today? (...that Battlefield 3's single player felt it needed to use...*cringe*) Well, be prepared to to do about 50 of 'em over the course of this relatively short campaign. I am not joking or exaggerating...in fact, a drinking game would get you well and fully blasted by about a half hour in at the rate they feel the need to crank these bad boys out....so, to fully digress, this is not a game you will return to. Or recall much from. But, you will get into the high scoring level to level and YOU WILL have a good time with the combat.....just, be ready to...ugh. You know.… Expand
  81. kofelovr
    Feb 24, 2012
    0
    This is a very dull FPS and an extremely bad port from the consoles. As a PC gamer, I am sick of buyinig games without standard options for the PC -- like FOV, key bindings, etc. It's just very sloppy, but, then again, Electronic Arts is involved so enough said.
  82. livtyler
    Apr 29, 2012
    8
    Decent game overall if you like Deus Ex:HR you will like this there is a lot of similarities, story line is good with some well known Hollywood actors involved, good graphics and good game-play.

    there is little in the way of MP action except the CO OP this is a decent attempt at MP but it could be better. Downside is they use too much bloom and this can get in the way of game-play    Decent game overall if you like Deus Ex:HR you will like this there is a lot of similarities, story line is good with some well known Hollywood actors involved, good graphics and good game-play.

    there is little in the way of MP action except the CO OP this is a decent attempt at MP but it could be better.

    Downside is they use too much bloom and this can get in the way of game-play overall its worth what you spend on it.    … Expand
  83. leoborg
    May 4, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. If you are that serious about your gaming, this is a no go. If you need a quick dont think just talk to friend on mobile and shoot, than well its a killer game, and if you want to impress your doctor when waiting in hallway, than well its a must. So, my 10 is for versatility. And Excessive perfection in game design, nothing too much nothing less, plain, welcome to 21 century gaming Bizzare Bazzare… Expand
  84. D-vid
    Mar 3, 2013
    10
    The game is really fun. Its a FPS with some interesting gameplay. But i love the graphics The game somehow reminded me on Deus Ex Human revolution.. i really cant understand the low score from some players the game really is great in terms of gameplay. I loved it right away. I love the disco scene with the great soundtrack and i love the pretty graphics
  85. Jefferystar94
    Aug 3, 2012
    7
    A short, bland, but sometimes entertaining singleplayer campain is saved by an excellent co-op multiplayer mode. If you have some friends that are willing to play, Syndicate is worth at least a rental or a twenty dollar buy.
  86. MultiverseJumpe
    Nov 17, 2012
    8
    I have to played the base game. Although its pretty generic on the surface this Syndicate had enough new ideas and challenges to keep me engaged until the end. The hacking was fun and when asked "why did that guy kill his teammates and then shoot himself " I enjoy replying "Because I told him to". Although you may not want to play it again after your first run at least give this game aI have to played the base game. Although its pretty generic on the surface this Syndicate had enough new ideas and challenges to keep me engaged until the end. The hacking was fun and when asked "why did that guy kill his teammates and then shoot himself " I enjoy replying "Because I told him to". Although you may not want to play it again after your first run at least give this game a chance and rent it.… Expand
  87. CJR
    Jan 5, 2013
    9
    It's been so long since the demise of Bullfrog (R.I.P.) You can almost forgive EA for what they have allowed to happen to the IP that was Syndicate.

    Starbreeze does good FPS games, and their take on syndicate is a surprigingly good game if a tiny bit short. This game is fresh and a polar opposite to another futuristic fps that came out around the same time which is also a good game,    It's been so long since the demise of Bullfrog (R.I.P.) You can almost forgive EA for what they have allowed to happen to the IP that was Syndicate.

    Starbreeze does good FPS games, and their take on syndicate is a surprigingly good game if a tiny bit short. This game is fresh and a polar opposite to another futuristic fps that came out around the same time which is also a good game, Deus Ex Human Revolution.

    Deus Ex Human Revolution uses mostly high clarity warm colored visuals and has a slower methodical form of gameplay, where Syndicate has a cold and visceral and stylistically surreal visual representation of a futuristic world and gameplay that is manic and satisfying.

    For anyone who does not know the world of syndicate, it comes with a profound sense of evil, when you take control of the agent knowing what he/she has been through to become what they are, the world starts to make more sense, and it's where this game gets really interesting.

    Syndicate is a visually impressive, it runs great on a moderate spec PC, and loading times are quick too. The Violence in this title is standout, soundtrack is decent and sound FX are outstanding, The story is good, but if you played the old titles you may be disappointed. - I was, but some say it's the journey that matters, and with this title, I think that rings true. While a very interesting and visually loyal representation of the syndicate world as an FPS title there are gameplay elements that were let go to make this happen. that's the trouble with switching genre.

    The game ends quickly, but is worth a replay using different upgrades to promote a different approach to the missions. This game is for anyone who likes fast action shooting, period. the Syndicate world has been well applied but not fully realised from it's former glory.    … Expand
  88. guiiimkt
    Nov 12, 2015
    8
    Very underrated game. The combat is good, gameplay it's great.
    Memorable boss fights, great sound design.
    The only negative is the bloomy light effects, some times it's over the top.
    Overwall this game is worth your time.
  89. MorovicFox
    Nov 23, 2013
    8
    This game is perfect

    It has Nice co-op missions
    Amazing graphics
    Very-well made atmosphere

    But story is a 'lil bit boring and gets annoying on some way
    Game price is overrated *50 bucks for 6 hour campaign and some multiplayer?*

    You should try it maybe you'l like it
  90. Goreaffection
    May 24, 2014
    8
    Some games are missed out due to an avalanche of video game launches at the same quarter. Syndicate is one of them. It is definitely one of the most underrated games to come out in the past few years. I thoroughly enjoyed the gameplay and visuals throughout the game. The story might not be that fresh but the scifi setting is believable! The games strength was in the weapons. Who wont wannaSome games are missed out due to an avalanche of video game launches at the same quarter. Syndicate is one of them. It is definitely one of the most underrated games to come out in the past few years. I thoroughly enjoyed the gameplay and visuals throughout the game. The story might not be that fresh but the scifi setting is believable! The games strength was in the weapons. Who wont wanna cut a person in half with the laser blast of the Coil or wield a minigun and charge head-on towards the enemy? Step into Kilo's shoes and gear up for one hell of a ride!… Expand
  91. Kamlo
    Feb 28, 2017
    0
    Idee interessanti, ma la fusione di meccaniche fps con poteri da rpg o arpg non funziona completamente.
    Farragginoso e non divertente come gameplay: alla fine la cosa più semplice è uccidere tutti i nemici con l'attacco instakill del corpo a corpo
  92. jbuck1911
    Jul 10, 2012
    5
    Game is mediocre at best, Not going to write a lengthy review, other players have already pointed out the flaws in this game. I just had to point out this reviewers post. LMFAO! Can't tell if he's being serious or if this is a joke because he gave the game a 10, and he said "best shooter in this year in this moment!" and " And now, I played this game with very very plesure." . Read hisGame is mediocre at best, Not going to write a lengthy review, other players have already pointed out the flaws in this game. I just had to point out this reviewers post. LMFAO! Can't tell if he's being serious or if this is a joke because he gave the game a 10, and he said "best shooter in this year in this moment!" and " And now, I played this game with very very plesure." . Read his other reviews. Made me laugh. YuRown92 Feb 24, 2012 10 " I wait this game from their moment, when it was announced. And now, I played this game with very very plesure. Starbreeze maked very style game, very clever game, very interesting game. On my mind, the best shooter in this year in this moment! "… Expand
  93. megaepiclp
    Mar 29, 2012
    5
    Syndicate is a heavy first person shooter for Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC that is set in the year 2069 where the use of the DART chip has rendered all other electronic devices obsolete. The government has also been replaced by large mega-corporations known as syndicates. You are an agent that works for one of these corporations, who starts the game by testing a prototype dart 6 chip.Syndicate is a heavy first person shooter for Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and PC that is set in the year 2069 where the use of the DART chip has rendered all other electronic devices obsolete. The government has also been replaced by large mega-corporations known as syndicates. You are an agent that works for one of these corporations, who starts the game by testing a prototype dart 6 chip.
    The proâ    … Expand
  94. RealMuthaF
    Jan 23, 2013
    6
    I haven't played the original Syndicate so I don't have any hard feelings on the franchise turning into an FPS, but this game is mediocre in all ways. The graphics are pretty but not outstanding, and the blinding lens flares are actually annoying. The core gameplay is regular shooting + some original weapons and the cool breaching mechanic + entertaining boss fights. The singleplayerI haven't played the original Syndicate so I don't have any hard feelings on the franchise turning into an FPS, but this game is mediocre in all ways. The graphics are pretty but not outstanding, and the blinding lens flares are actually annoying. The core gameplay is regular shooting + some original weapons and the cool breaching mechanic + entertaining boss fights. The singleplayer story is forgettable and we've got another silent protagonist which is so lame, though the world of Syndicate's got potential, and the background info you can see in the intel pieces is quite interesting.Gameplay gets more fun in the quite well done co-op mode. So, my verdict is that it's a passable mediocre shooter, earning a solid 6/10.… Expand
  95. carbonic
    Jun 26, 2012
    5
    A game that has not had time to be finished. Lacks configuration options, story is patched together and multiplayer lacks finishing which sadly makes it a bad investment.
    Much of the problems could have been patched but EA has not given the developers the word to do so, so Starbreeze Studios can't do it. EA apparently doesn't have high thoughts of this game, would also explain why they    A game that has not had time to be finished. Lacks configuration options, story is patched together and multiplayer lacks finishing which sadly makes it a bad investment.
    Much of the problems could have been patched but EA has not given the developers the word to do so, so Starbreeze Studios can't do it. EA apparently doesn't have high thoughts of this game, would also explain why they sold it 50% off only two weeks after it released on Origin.
    Lots of good ideas, poorly finished.    … Expand
  96. The_Doc
    Nov 6, 2012
    5
    What can I say? It looks pretty. The hacking gimmick is plain. The campaign is ridiculously short. Despite the hype for the weapons, they are just cookie-cutter guns. Levels are extremely linear, some are simply boring while others are quite fun. The plot is extremely predictable and cliched. As a whole, Syndicate could have been a much better game.
  97. gloriouspotato
    Jan 8, 2015
    6
    Despite its solid gameplay mechanics, the game still feels awfully repetitive due to its lack of variety. There are no exploratory or investigative elements to the game such as puzzles to break up the long stretches of battle upon battle. There isn't an engaging story to hook you in, and there isn't even much when it comes to enemy variety. I suppose the graphics and sound design isDespite its solid gameplay mechanics, the game still feels awfully repetitive due to its lack of variety. There are no exploratory or investigative elements to the game such as puzzles to break up the long stretches of battle upon battle. There isn't an engaging story to hook you in, and there isn't even much when it comes to enemy variety. I suppose the graphics and sound design is decent, though the amount of bloom is rather excessive. All in all, a fairly unremarkable game that didn't leave much of an impression.

    Overall rating - 6.3/10    … Expand
  98. yo_mama_so_fat
    Oct 22, 2014
    6
    Syndicate is an innovative sci-fi FPS that throws you into the deep end of corporate espionage. Solid gameplay mechanics are overshadowed by repetitive missions. Doesn't live up to its potential but definitely worth a try.
  99. Pinochi
    Aug 10, 2022
    5
    1 из 10 - сюжет. Он крайне простой и скучный, да и в сеттинге "киберпанк" ничего нового не приносит и не рассказывает.
    1 из 10 - музыка. Игра 2012 года с дабстепом, без комментариев.
    5 из 10 - геймплей. За 6 часов он не успевает надоесть к концу игры, но и звёзд с неба не хватает. Можно было бы сделать динамичнее и быстрее, но тогда так было не принято. 4 из 10 - визуал. Графика    1 из 10 - сюжет. Он крайне простой и скучный, да и в сеттинге "киберпанк" ничего нового не приносит и не рассказывает.
    1 из 10 - музыка. Игра 2012 года с дабстепом, без комментариев.
    5 из 10 - геймплей. За 6 часов он не успевает надоесть к концу игры, но и звёзд с неба не хватает. Можно было бы сделать динамичнее и быстрее, но тогда так было не принято.
    4 из 10 - визуал. Графика безусловно устарела, но глазам больно не делает. Проблема с контрастом. Всё либо очень тёмное, либо очень светлое, раздражает. Дизайн локаций и персонажей довольно скучный. Стандартное недалёкое будущее.
    7 из 10 - звук. Для 2012 года нормально.

    Итог = 4,5.
    Игра не вызвала какого-то отвращения, просто проходняк, но из-за отсутствий игр в сеттинге "киберпанк" можно и поиграть.    … Expand
  100. dandalis
    Nov 19, 2016
    6
    At start i had hard time liking this game, controls and animations on PC feel very clumsy, aiming feels overly hyper sensitive with insane mouse acceleration (turns out you must disable the V Sync to make the game even playable), insane over usage of bloom and chromatic abomination effects that can cause eye strain.

    But somehow i got used to it and half way thru i started to enjoy    At start i had hard time liking this game, controls and animations on PC feel very clumsy, aiming feels overly hyper sensitive with insane mouse acceleration (turns out you must disable the V Sync to make the game even playable), insane over usage of bloom and chromatic abomination effects that can cause eye strain.

    But somehow i got used to it and half way thru i started to enjoy playing the game. With few unockable upgrades game becomes more friendly to play. Gunplay is pretty solid and guns themselves sound beefy, good audio design and animation work make gunning down enemies pretty fun. Syndicate has a decent amount of guns to play with, both standard projectile based and futuristic types. Game is exteremely linear giving very limited exploration options and plot is forced down your eating hole. I had a feeling they could've add some choice options for you as a player to tailor your story a bit like in Mass Effect.

    Cyberpunk setting will be very inetersting to fans of such genre. Developers have put a considerable amount of work to create a interesting futuristic setting and lore behind it that you get to explore while playing, if you choose so. Story itself felt too bog standard and unimpressive, but its not bad, it just does it work and thats it, ending also couldve been better.

    Performance wise it ran pretty well on maxed settings on my GTX 650, apart from already mentioned V Sync bug. Graphics are OK, sadly lots of people got fooled by its insane visual FX usage to call them ''best of 2012'', futuristic setting also probably made the game look better than it is. But then again its a well made game knowing that it didnt had that massive of a budget.

    Solid game for futuristic action FPS junkies that i can easily still reccomend in 2016.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Most Discussed PC Game of 2012
49
#49 Most Shared PC Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Hyper Magazine
    May 14, 2012
    60
    An ok campaign with potentially great co-op marred by uninspired design, poor storytelling and glitches. [June 2012, p.76]
  2. PC PowerPlay
    Apr 27, 2012
    50
    When it's not going out of its way to be terrible, Syndicate is simply mediocre. [May 2012, p.54]
    Read full review
  3. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Mar 22, 2012
    70
    Neither a disappointment nor euphoria – it's Syndicate, excellent multiplayer action game. Unfortunately, the whole single-player campaign feels like a five-hour tutorial. [March 2012]
See all critic reviews »