Syndicate (computer game)

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Syndicate

Developer(s)	Bullfrog Productions
Publisher(s)	Electronic Arts
Designer(s)	Peter Molyneux
Release date(s)	1993
Genre(s)	Tactical shooting Real-time tactics
Mode(s)	Single player
Rating(s)	ESRB: Teen (13+)
Platform(s)	Amiga, Amiga CD32, PC, Mac, SNES, Sega Mega Drive, Mega Drive, 3DO, Atari Jaguar, Acorn Archimedes
Input	Mouse

Syndicate is a real-time tactical game from Bullfrog Productions created in 1993 by the famous game designer Peter Molyneux. It is the first title in the Syndicate series. An expansion pack, Syndicate: American Revolt, and a sequel, Syndicate Wars, have also been released. The original game and expansion pack were re-released together in 1996 as Syndicate Plus.

[edit] Gameplay

Syndicate (PC version)

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/she must manage the research and development of new weaponry and cyborg upgrades. The player has only limited funds, requiring him/her 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, lasers and the enormously destructive Gauss gun (a rocket launcher). In addition, the player can use items such as medikits to heal his/her agents, scanners to locate pedestrians and vehicles, and the "Persuadertron" to brainwash the player's targets into blind obedience.

[edit] Reception

Syndicate was critically acclaimed on its launch, though its graphic violence provoked some controversy. It first appeared on the Amiga and PC (MS-DOS), and was ported across to a wide variety of other formats. In August 2006, GameSpot reported that Electronic Arts would be porting Syndicate to the PlayStation Portable as part of a 14-game compilation, EA Replay, slated for release in the United States on November 7, 2006. [1] It has since been clarified by 1UP.com that the version featured on this collection is from the Sega Genesis. [2]