Sony sent over an advanced copy of Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow for PSP for us to take a look at. The initial embargo has now been lifted, and I can talk briefly about parts of the game.

The single player game begins as Gabe Logan has to investigate a Somali takeover on a US Naval ship which is transporting some classified material in one of it’s holds. The opening CGI cut scenes look fantastic, and the overall graphics of the game are some of the best we’ve seen on the PSP. You get to start play by taking out all emeries on the ship’s deck from your transport helicopter with it’s machine gun. Very cool. Once you get on deck, you have to take cover as more enemies are making their way for you to try to stop the infamous Gabe Logan. The game isn’t run and gun; you need to utilize cover to get your job done.

The new control scheme uses the PSP’s analog stick for movement and the four face buttons for camera control. When you hold the left trigger, you go into either aiming mode or target lock mode (set via options menu). I chose to use target lock mode. While being slightly easier, it allows more freedom to move around while firing at an opponent. Hopefully the next PSP includes dual analog sticks to alleviate these kinds of situations. Overall, though, the controls feel very solid.

If you’re a fan of the Syphon Filter series, Logan’s Shadow will definitely impress. It keeps the same core feel as the previous games in the series, while adding great new gameplay elements.

I’ll have a full review later this month when the final embargo is lifted.