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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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!
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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.
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  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. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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
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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 »