Home of the Underdogs
About News FAQs Contact HOTU GoogleGroup Music Manuals
Category Applications Action Adventure Education Interactive Fiction Puzzle Role Playing Games Simulation Special Sport Strategy War




Support the EFF
Welcome How you can help
Browse Games
Welcome Random Pick
Welcome By Company
  Welcome By Theme  
Welcome By Alphabet
Welcome By Year
Welcome Title Search
Welcome Company Search
Welcome Designer Search
Recommended
Welcome Freeware Titles
Welcome Collections
Welcome Discord
Welcome Twitter
Welcome Facebook
Welcome File Format Guide
Welcome Help: Non PC Games
Welcome Help: Win Games
Welcome Help: DOS Games
Welcome Recommended Links
Site History Site History
Legacy Legacy
Link to Us Link to Us
Credits Thanks & Credits
Abandonware Ring

Abandoned Places

dungeoncrawlers.org

Creative Commons License


Game #1916
Hall of Belated Fame Inductee  Syndicate    View all Top Dogs in this genre
Strategy   Squad-level

Rating: 9.05 (1931 votes)

Syndicate box cover

Syndicate screenshot
Syndicate is an outstanding, incredibly atmospheric action-strategy game by Bullfrog, one of the best of its kind. The game is set in a bleak future where "Syndicates" control the world. You're a young executive in a small European syndicate and must perform a series of tasks to subdue the major population centres one by one until you have driven the forces of the rival corporations out of their final strongholds.

What makes Syndicate stand out from other real-time strategy games is the combination of great gameplay and unmatched immersion that never gets boring. The game mixes elements of business management, strategy and action into one very addictive package. Missions are carried out by up to four agents, any or all of whom can be controlled by you through use of the "CHIP" technology. Each agent has his or her own stats, which can be improved via implementing cybernetic attachments, which in turn must be researched using funds you collect from winning a mission. One of the game's best features is the drugs. Since they are not real humans but cyborgs, the agents' Intelligence, Perception, and Adrenalin levels can be artificially boosted at any time to suit your tactics. You will often boost an agent's attribute to the level you prefer, and then leave him to fend for himself – the agent will then react with pinpoint accuracy to any threats, and run away if necessary. Of course, as with real-life drugs, there is a downside. After a sustained period of exposure, the body's tolerance increases and the effects diminish unless you increase the dosage. This simulation of drug addiction is very well implemented, and adds a great dimension to gameplay.

Although most of the missions are of the "kill all enemies" type, there are still many different objectives that keep the game afresh: you will subdue the local resistance, capture VIPs, or even use a persuadertron on someone. Speaking of the persuadertron: this is a good example of how unique and deep Syndicate is. Not quite a weapon, the persuadertron causes the target to follow the agent who carries it, powerless to resist. Normal citizens can be "persuaded" instantly, while guards, police and members of opposing syndicates require that a number of civilians are persuaded first before the persuadertron will work on them.

Played from a excellent isometric pseudo-3D perspective, Syndicate was a graphic tour de force for its time. Busy streets are filled with pedestrians, vehicles and enemy agents. Digital street signs advertise the latest knick-knacks. Buildings can be entered, cars driven around (and used to splatter enemies), and occasional parts of the environment can be ignited. With incredible atmosphere, solid gameplay, and high replayability, Syndicate is Peter Molyneux's masterpiece and one of the best games ever made. A must-have, especially for all cyberpunk fans. Two thumbs up, way up!

Reviewed by: Underdogs
Designer: Sean Cooper
Developer: Bullfrog
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Year: 1993
Software Copyright: Bullfrog
Theme: Cyberpunk
Multiplayer:  
System Requirements: DOS
Where to get it:
Related Links:  
Links:    
If you like this game, try: Chaos Overlords, Syndicate Wars, Space Hulk

© 1998 - 2024 Home of the Underdogs
Portions are copyrighted by their respective owners. All rights reserved. Please read our privacy policy.