When Sony announced that classic PlayStation games would be coming to PS+, we all celebrated. It felt like the first step towards 32-bit compatibility with the modern consoles. Unfortunately, in the three months since Sony debuted their new PS+ tiers, they have been incredibly stingy when it comes to releasing PS1 games. Now is the time to turn that frown upside down, because the dry spell is finally over, thanks to this week's re-release of Syphon Filter 2, the action-packed espionage sequel that was first released back in 2000. It's great that we're getting another PlayStation game, but is Syphon Filter 2 worth playing in 2022? To answer that question, I decided to flip through the pages of Electronic Gaming Monthly, Next Generation, Incite Video Games and more classic magazines to see what the critics said back when it first came out. Join me for another super-secret, undercover episode of PlayStation Plus Review Crew.


While many were initially ready to write it off as little more than a Metal Gear Solid wannabe, Syphon Filter proved everybody wrong by being a fantastic action game that actually managed to deliver something new and original. That's why everybody was excited to see the same developer whip up a speedy sequel that was released only one year after the first game. Best of all, it picks up with Gabe trying to cure the virus, all while being tracked by the U.S. government. With danger coming from all sides and million of innocent lives at stake, Syphon Filter 2 was set to be another blockbuster action game.

Or was it? This episode may not be as cut and dry as you might expect. Giving it a 5.75 out of10, I think it's fair to say that Electronic Gaming Monthly was thoroughly underwhelmed by this follow-up. Crispin sums it up perfectly: “It's not that Syphon Filter 2 is a bad action game. It's just a bad sequel to the excellent original.” He complained about the cheap deaths and frustrating A.I. John agreed, noting that “the story of Syphon Filter 2 could be extremely cool. It would actually be quite fantastic if it didn't have the game associated with it. All the tedious running around and shooting stuff does very little to further the pace of the story.”

While EGM may have been disappointed with Syphon Filter 2, that was not the case with the rest of the magazines in 2000. Incite, for example, couldn't stop gushing over the game, giving it a 4 out of 5 and calling it “Gabe's finest hour, and this year's best stealth video game. Lock, load and purchase with minimal hesitation.” Next Generation also gave the game a 4 out of 5, arguing that this sequel “offers everything the original had, and more.” Sure, they complained about the high difficulty level and how you'll sometimes need to replay the same section over and over, but they concluded that it's worth it. “If you don't mind a serious challenge, this game will reward your persistence with nail-biting action, excellent graphics and a well told, memorable story.”

Speaking of magazines that gave Syphon Filter 2 a 4 out of 5, that also describes Computer + Video Games. Unsurprisingly, the highest scores came from our friends over at Die Hard Game Fan. Giving it an 88%, fake ninja Eggo concluded that, “as far as secret agent action goes, this is one of the best out there, proving once again that the PlayStation is the console to have if you crave that kinda thing. Great gameplay, sound and plenty of action. The only thing I wish they'd changed was the graphics.” ECM agreed, going even higher with a 94%: “Syphon Filter 2 rocks! After all, who likes long levels, solid gameplay and enough head shots to make even 007 vets blush – not me, no sir. Anyway, this is the best game that 989 Studios (or Eidetic ... creators of Bubsy 3D believe it or not) have ever done.” Oh man, pulling out Bubsy 3D was a low blow. Not cool, Game Fan. Not cool.

With EGM in sharp odds with the rest of the critics of the era, you'll have to see for yourself who was right about Syphon Filter 2.