Syndicate (computer game series)

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Cover art of the original Syndicate

The Syndicate series is a series of isometric science fiction computer games created by Bullfrog Productions. There are two main titles in the series: Syndicate (1993/1994) and Syndicate Wars (1996), with an expansion pack for the former, Syndicate: American Revolt.

[edit] Overview

The series was critically acclaimed, but reached the peak of its popularity before mass adoption of the internet, and hence has a relatively small online community compared to later less influential games.

Both games put you in charge of a player-named corporation - also issued is a wide choice of symbolic, simplistic logo. Syndicate Wars, a later game, also provides a second playable entity, the Church of the New Epoch. Gameplay involves ordering a 4-man (or woman) team of cyborg agents around gritty cyberpunk-themed cities, in pursuit of mission goals such as assassinating executives of a rival syndicate, rescuing captured allies, "persuading" civilians and scientists to join your company, demolishing buildings, or simply killing all enemy agents. You are also required to collect the funds to finance the R&D of new weaponry and cyborg upgrades, by means of taxing conquered territories in the original game, or robbing banks in Syndicate Wars. The cyberpunk megacorp in Syndicate is called 'Eurocorp'. Unlike some games, which either punish the player for civilian deaths or reward them for violent actions committed, Syndicate remains indifferent.

PC DOS version

The Syndicate series, particularly Syndicate Wars, is noted for its attention to detail and the intricacy of its narrative. Syndicate Wars' standard manual actually addresses the player as an Executive that has just been hired. The entire manual was designed to pull the player into the story and atmosphere as much as possible. Notable features of both games are the use of context-sensitive background music which changes to suit the mood of the on-screen action, and a high degree of interactivity, in that many objects in the first game and nearly every object in the second game can be destroyed. The visual aesthetic of both games borrows heavily from films such as Akira and Blade Runner.

[edit] Sequels

The expansion pack is available for the Amiga and PC, while the sequel, Syndicate Wars is a PC and PlayStation only title, due to the significantly more demanding graphics engine, a heavily modified version of which was used in Dungeon Keeper.