Better than the original...
Syndicate Wars is, in my opinion, superior in almost every way to the original. It takes the same basic gameplay and places it in a brilliantly rendered 3D cyberpunk world, then adds an intriguing new plot (corporation v techno-religious terrorists).
Syndicate's world was a 2D affair, presented in drab olives and oranges. Syndicate Wars delivers huge 3D maps which echo Blade Runner, Akira, Ghost in the Shell and many similar cyberpunk films. You can rotate, zoom in and out and explore the cities where missions occur at your leisure.
The third dimension isn't just a gimmick - you can now use flying cars to get around. Even better, the huge skyscrapers in the game can be brought crashing down with the advanced weaponry on display.
And oh, the weapons. The minigun and long range rifle are still around, but they are complemented by insane additions, like suitcase sized nuclear devices and gauss rocket launchers.
The missions are generally well thought out and interesting. The core gameplay remains similar to the original, although the new weapons and enemies make the game far more varied.
I must mention the music, which is some of the best cyberpunk music ever recorded. Echoes of the Vangelis Blade Runner soundtrack, but with a style all of its own.
Don't hesitate for a second, and don't listen to diehard Syndicate 1 fans who consider this a poor sequel. It is a masterpiece, and superior in every way to the original.
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