Syndicate (video game)

Infobox VG
title = Syndicate


developer = Bullfrog Productions
publisher = Electronic Arts
designer = Sean Cooper
engine =
version =
released = 1993
genre = Tactical shooting
Real-time tactics
modes = Single player
ratings = ESRB: Teen (13+)
platforms = Amiga, Amiga CD32, PC, Mac, Sega Mega Drive, SNES, 3DO, Atari Jaguar, Acorn Archimedes, NEC PC-9801
media =
requirements =
input = Mouse

"Syndicate" is an isometric real-time tactical game from Bullfrog Productions created in 1993 by Sean Cooper. It is the first title in the "Syndicate" series. An expansion pack, "", and a sequel, "Syndicate Wars", have also been released. The original game and expansion pack were re-released together in 1996 as "Syndicate Plus".

Gameplay

The game puts the player in charge of a player-named corporation in a gritty near-future cyberpunk-style world. Gameplay involves ordering a four-person team of cyborg agents around cities displayed in a fixed-view isometric style, in pursuit of mission goals such as assassinating executives of a rival syndicate, rescuing captured allies, "persuading" civilians and scientists to join the player's company, or simply killing all enemy agents.

As the player progresses through the game, he must manage the research and development of new weaponry and cyborg upgrades. The player has only limited funds, requiring him to tax the conquered territories while ensuring that they are not so over-taxed that they revolt against the player. The player begins the game with simple pistols, progressing through increasingly destructive weaponry that includes Uzis, miniguns, flamethrowers, sniper rifles, time bombs, lasers and the enormously destructive Gauss gun (a rocket launcher). In addition, the player can use items such as medikits to heal his agents, scanners to locate pedestrians and vehicles, and the "Persuadatron" to brainwash the player's targets into blind obedience.

Reception

"Syndicate" was critically acclaimed on its launch, though its graphic violence provoked some controversy; as "COMPUTE!" noted, "This isn't a game to use as a morality lesson for the kids — it's bloody, it requires you to be ruthless, and some people may take issue with the use of drugs to control your agents. But it's a ball to play." ["Compute!", November 1993, page 130.]

Versions

The game first appeared in 1993 on the Commodore Amiga and PC (MS-DOS) and was subsequently ported across to a wide variety of other (mostly console-based) formats. It was released on the PlayStation Portable as part of "EA Replay", a compilation of retro games released in the United States on November 7, 2006; this version is a port of the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis version. [http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3154435]

Future sequels

In a 2006 interview at the Leipzig Games Convention for Gamespot, Peter Molyneux said that he would like to revisit some of his old efforts, but adds that it is very unlikely that will happen. But Molyneux makes one possible exception: "Aside from the licensing complications, some sort of next-gen online version of Syndicate would certainly be popular with gamers." [ [http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=144507 Xbox News: Molyneux talks game design and next-gen - ComputerAndVideoGames.com ] ]

External links

*moby game|id=/syndicate|name="Syndicate"
* [http://www.gamespot.com/pc/strategy/syndicate/ "Syndicate"] at GameSpot
* [http://desyndicate.pbwiki.com/ deSyndicate] - A collaborative effort to decode "Syndicate" data files
* [http://freesynd.sourceforge.net/ FreeSynd] is a reimplementation of the classic Bullfrog game, Syndicate
* [http://syndicate.lubie.org/ "Syndicate" series unofficial fan site]

References