Prologue: A Forgotten Classic Worthy of Revival
I am lying in bed, taking meds while recovering, and maybe that is why I am thinking about what games I would like to see modern remakes of, and one came to mind. From the original PlayStation Syphon Filter, we were going deep in the trenches, humans. I was going down a rabbit hole to find things that blew my mind!
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In the vast pile of game hoarding, I have at home PlayStation classics, a gem that the titans of its era have long overshadowed. I first played this game demo, and it was all I had until I could afford the full game I bought for my son, but which I played after he went to bed every night. Released on February 17, 1999, Syphon Filter was sandwiched between two of the biggest names in gaming history, Metal Gear Solid in October 1998 and 007: Tomorrow Never Dies later in 1999. While these juggernauts dominated the conversation, a lesser known but highly ambitious tactical espionage game struggled to carve its identity (Syphon Filter Fandom, n.d.). For many who missed Syphon Filter in its heyday, I want to tell you why this PlayStation classic deserves a full-fledged modern remake.
A Rocky Start: The Studio's Troubled Past
Before diving into Syphon Filter's story and gameplay, we need to talk about the game's origins. The game was developed by Eidetic, a studio with some unfortunate mind-blowing facts about the creators; they are responsible for the infamous Bubsy 3D, one of the worst platformers ever released on the original PlayStation. The game was universally panned for its poor graphics, awkward controls, and frustrating gameplay mechanics (Bubsy Fandom, n.d.). According to Michael Berlyn, one of Bubsy 3D's developers, the project suffered from design missteps and technical limitations, leading to its downfall. In fact, it almost made Michael quit the business: "I thought a lot about quitting the company and not doing any more games after that, not because of bad reviews or how badly Bubsy 3D was received"(Retrovolve, n.d.).
With Bubsy 3D's disastrous reception, Eidetic faced a monumental challenge: proving to the gaming world that it could make a quality game. Against all odds, the studio delivered Syphon Filter, a title that stood out despite its unfortunate launch window.
The Plot: A Story Ahead of Its Time
Syphon Filter introduced players to Gabe Logan, a charismatic yet gritty special agent working for the Agency, a covert government organization. Alongside his partner, Lian Xing, Logan is sent on a high-stakes mission to stop an international terrorist ring led by Erich Rhoemer. The terrorists have gained access to a deadly biological weapon called the Syphon Filter virus, capable of targeting specific DNA sequences, making it one of the most dangerous bioweapons ever conceived (Syphon Filter Fandom, n.d.).
As the story unfolds, Logan and Xing uncover a deeper conspiracy involving government corruption, rogue agents, and unexpected betrayals. Unlike modern espionage games that often take themselves too seriously, Syphon Filter thrives on its 90s-era charm—cheesy yet memorable dialogue, over-the-top action sequences, and a protagonist who was essentially a mix between James Bond and Solid Snake.
The Gameplay: Innovation and Limitations
Despite its modest origins, Syphon Filter was ahead of its time in many ways. The game combined third person shooting, stealth mechanics, and puzzle-solving elements in a way that felt fresh in the late 90s. The Taser weapon, in particular, became an iconic tool, allowing players to incapacitate enemies in a spectacularly dramatic fashion (often setting them on fire if overused).
However, the game was not without flaws. The controls were clunky by modern standards, and the graphics, while decent for the time, have not aged well. The enemy AI was sometimes frustratingly predictable, and some levels suffered from repetitive design. Still, Syphon Filter managed to captivate players with its engaging narrative, dynamic level design, and a soundtrack that perfectly complemented the tense, action-packed atmosphere.
The Redemption Arc: From Bubsy 3D to Days Gone
While Syphon Filter proved that Eidetic had the talent to create compelling games, the studio underwent a transformation that would eventually lead to success. After being acquired by Sony, Eidetic rebranded itself as Bend Studio, a name that PlayStation fans would later recognize for Days Gone, a fan-favorite open-world action game released in 2019. Days Gone marked a significant turning point for the studio, proving that the team behind Bubsy 3D had finally found its stride (Bend Studio, n.d.). The studio has gained well-deserved recognition with a Days Gone remaster set for the PS5. Now, they need to bring out their hidden gem for the world to see and for me to play.
Why Syphon Filter Deserves a Remake
In an era where classic franchises like Resident Evil and Final Fantasy and now Metal Gear Solid are receiving critically acclaimed remakes, the absence of Syphon Filter is baffling. The game's blend of espionage, action, and bio-terrorism in the Covid era remains highly relevant today. A remake would modernize its gameplay mechanics, allowing for deeper storytelling, because the original story still holds up like a Van Dame movie from the 90s.
Imagine a fully realized open-world setting, enhanced enemy AI, and fluid shooting mechanics that use modern hardware or PC. The storytelling could be refined to bring out the full depth of Logan's character, and the stakes of the Syphon Filter virus could be amplified with current-gen graphics and cinematic storytelling. With Bend Studio's experience crafting compelling narratives and open-world environments, they are the perfect developers to bring Syphon Filter back to life.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Fans and Sony
The time has come for Sony to recognize the potential of Syphon Filter. The game may have been overshadowed in 1999, but it remains one of the PlayStation's hidden gems. For fans of classic espionage thrillers, a remake would be a dream come true, offering both nostalgia and innovation in one package.
Hey, if Capcom can breathe new life into Resident Evil and Square Enix reimagine Final Fantasy VII, then surely Sony can grant Syphon Filter the revival it deserves. Players, we have gone deep into the trenches on this one, and it's time for Bend Studio to take us back on another mission with Gabe Logan.
References
Bend Studio. (n.d.). History of Bend Studio. Retrieved from https://www.bendstudio.com/blog/history-of-bend-studio/
Bubsy Fandom. (n.d.). Bubsy 3D. Retrieved from https://bubsy.fandom.com/wiki/Bubsy_3D
Retrovolve. (n.d.). A chat with Bubsy's Michael Berlyn, Part 1: The rise and fall of Bubsy. Retrieved from https://retrovolve.com/a-chat-with-bubsys-michael-berlyn-part-1-the-rise-and-fall-of-bubsy/
Syphon Filter Fandom. (n.d.). Syphon Filter (video game). Retrieved from https://syphonfilter.fandom.com/wiki/Syphon_Filter_(video_game)#Factual_errors
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