The original Syphon Filter was the first game to get an A in 1999. That game was fun, but the sequel doesn't have the same quality of level design to make the experience as interesting. The weakly directed full motion video scenes have very limited animation, something that is even more noticeable than in the original. The original was rated T by the ESRB, but the sequel is rated M due to the apparently important blood which sprays from gunshot victims. The new realism is not overdone but seems unnecessary when the rest of the product does not live up to that level of realism in graphic style.
Controls are a bit spidery, and inventory control is awkward as well.
You must hold Select and press L2 or R2 to scroll through and choose a weapon. The game features a ridiculous amount of enemies and gunfire. Enemies take too many hits to kill, even up close. Syphon Filter 2 focuses more on the constant search for more ammo than on memorable game play, though there is a clear effort in terms of story. On the plus side, the game includes lots of checkpoints to prevent unfair, excessive backtracking.