Syndicate review

From the outset, there’s no escaping the brutality of a world where governments have been abolished and everything is run by corporations, accountable to no-one but their shareholders. The simulated training mission at the start of the game opens with a brutal slow-motion execution which sets the tone for the rest of the campaign – just like the original, 2012’s Syndicate is graphically violent. You become gradually numbed to the screaming, writhing death throes of enemies and casual slaughter of civilians, but excessive use of the flamethrower is still enough to make your stomach turn.

The developers have succeeded in creating an immersive sci-fi world, complete with some beautiful cityscapes, imposing corporate headquarters and nightmarish set-pieces, and the professionally voiced cut-scenes keep you interested in the plot, even if it’s nowhere near as riveting as the cyberpunk joys of Deus Ex. The single-player is totally linear, and we wish the tough enemies were a bit brighter, as it’s all too easy to give them the run around, but the occasional boss fights provide a decent challenge and are refreshingly free of quick time events.

There’s also a four-player co-op mode, which takes the form of a set of missions that are independent from the main campaign. Each challenge is tough and requires plenty of teamwork, whether it’s using your shield to help others or scraping them off the floor when they’re wounded. Persistent weapon upgrades adds continuity between missions, so it at least gives the illusion of progression.

Syndicate is no classic, but it’s a fun, uncomplicated shooter which is more intelligent than your average military gun-fest, and the co-op helps extend the six-hour single player campaign.