Syndicate is a revival of the Bullfrog strategy series from the 1990s. Unlike the previous games, which focused on tactical squad management, this version is a first-person shooter set in the same environment but lacking strategy components.
The game is set in 2069, in a world dominated by syndicates, after the advent of a neural chip implant that allows individuals direct access to a database network without using electronic equipment. Because of this technological revolution, the world has been divided into chipped and unchipped people, with the latter refusing and opposing progress. There is also conflict between the various syndicates, with a lot of corporate espionage. Syndicates combat him by deploying bio-engineered agents armed with chips. They defend their own syndicate’s intelligence while also attempting to infiltrate others. Players take control of Miles Kilo, a Eurocorp operative. He is given a new prototype chip and is sent on a mission to test its capabilities. The events of this initial mission establish the tone for the rest of the game’s plot, which is riddled with espionage, betrayal, gruesome killings, and the opposition of unchipped individuals who are branded terrorists.
The game is played in first person, and Kilo can carry two weapons and grenades at the same time. The game has a cover mechanism, and health regenerates naturally over time. His DART 6 bio-chip provides the majority of his talents. He can halt time and use X-ray vision. The breach powers are another component. Kilo can hack into opponents and then choose one of three options: Backfire (guns jam up and do some damage, forcing them to leave their cover and become more vulnerable), Suicide (enemies execute themselves or use a grenade when they are in a group), and Persuasion (enemies turn to your side for a short time, but commit suicide when no enemies are nearby).
Multiplayer is available via an online four-player cooperative option in a distinct campaign based on single-player missions. It is broken down into smaller sections with replenishment stops. Kills, healing team members, and accomplishing objectives all reward players with experience points. At the start of the game, one of the three available classes is selected, with additional customization accessible through power and weapon loadouts. The points accumulated can be used to update the main chip, unlock other breach powers, and unlock weapon improvements such as reload times, recoil, capacity… and a tech tree enabling abilities more closely related to the chosen class. There is no competitive multiplayer mode.
