Syndicate
From Sega Retro
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Syndicate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Sega Mega-CD | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Publisher:   | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Developer: Bullfrog Productions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Distributor: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sound driver: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Genre: Simulation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of players: 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Official in-game languages: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
This teeny-tiny article needs some work. You can help us by expanding it.
Syndicate is an isometric strategy game developed by Bullfrog Productions. It was released among other systems for the Sega Mega Drive and Sega Mega-CD. Its sequel, Syndicate Wars, was due to be released on the Sega Saturn but was cancelled.
Contents
Story and Premise
Syndicate takes place in a dystopic cyberpunk future, in which national governments are replaced by massive mega-corporations and crime organizations. People in this timeline are lulled into obedience with CHIP, a device installed to neck that alters the perception of ordinary people and makes them see the bleak world they live in as a paradise. Players are put in control of a young executive of Eurocorp Syndicate, an up and coming organization, ready to ascend to supremacy. Using their cybernetic agents for every dirty and underhanded tactic from propaganda to assassination, from kidnapping to brain-washing, players must guide their syndicate to top of the food chain: Total and unchallenged control of human population.
Gameplay
Mega Drive/Genesis/Mega-CD port of Syndicate plays more similar to a isometric action shooter rather than a real-time tactics game like the main game with different controls and missions. Mega-CD version has CD music, some voice clips and more fluid cut-scenes. Other than that, it is basically the same game as the 16-bit port. Game does not use Six button controllers, despite such controllers were available nearly a year before the this port was released.
A big part of the game is to controlling agents' API (Adrenaline, Perception, Intelligence) levels. This allows limited autonomy to total control to field agents. Adrenaline increases speed of reactions, Perception governs hit rate and danger detection, Intelligence determines how agents will react to any situation. Increasing these levels will make agents better in combat but also limits player control (an agent with high perception and intelligence level may refuse to enter combat with a dangerous enemy group for example), while lowering them makes the agents more obedient but also worse combatants. Keeping, API levels above normal will eventually drain them. To recharge these levels, reduce them to lowest states and they will eventually return to normal charge levels.
Adjusting API Levels: Press and hold 
, while holding press left or right to select API type then press up or down to increase or lower the level.
Change Controlled Agent: Press and hold 
, while holding press left or right.
Change Weapon: Press and hold , then press up or down.
Fire Weapon: Press 
Panic Mode: Press and same time. During panic mode, all agents' API levels will be adjusted to highest rate and they will open fire with their weapons automatically.
Guard Mode: Press and same time. Active agent will still be controlled while other agents will have their perception and intelligence levels spiked. This will allow you keep playing the mission with the agent you control while, other agents will remain alert and engage enemies when attacked.
Sleep Mode: Press and same time. All agent you do not directly control will enter a relaxing state to recharge their API levels. They will be easy targets if found by enemies however.
Self Destruct: Press , and same time. Use it only when you are in a desperate situation, as the detonation will cause heavy damage to everyone around. Only available if Chest Level 2 and 3 is installed.
Toggle Group Mode/Entering-Exiting Vehicles: Press START and same time. You will control all 4 agents at the same time.
Drop Weapon: Press and START
Pause the Game: Press START
Quit Mission: Pause the game, then Press , , and START at the same time.
Cybernetic Modifications
Being a cyberpunk game, it is possible to equip your agents with cybernetic parts to improve performance. Mods must be researched before being purchased. Quality of mods are between Level 1 to 3.
| Chest | |
|---|---|
| Increases damage resistance. Level 2 and 3 also allows self-destruction command. | |
| Arms | |
| Allows heavy weapons such as Minigun and Flamer to be used. | |
| Legs | |
| Increases movement speed. | |
| Eyes | |
| Increases accuracy with weapons. | |
| Brain | |
| Increases intelligence level of API and success rate with Persuadertron. | |
| Heart | |
| Increases damage resistance and carrying strength for inventory. |
Weapons and Equipment
Various weapons and equipment can be used if acquired in levels or developed through research.
| Pistol | |
|---|---|
| Avaiable from start. Large caliber pistol. Medium range, medium damage, slow rate of fire. Free to purchase and reload. | |
| Shotgun | |
| Short range but considerable firepower. Slow rate of fire. | |
| Persuadertron | |
| A device that manipulates the CHIP on indivduals' bodies and makes them open to manipulation. An important device to gain new agents or at least use civilians for shields. Formula for this device is a bit complicated and will be explained in a separate section. Available from start. | |
| Uzi | |
| Rapid fire submachinegun. Same range as pistol but much higher fire rate. Will be your primary weapon until Minigun is developed. | |
| Long Range | |
| Sniper Rifle. Exceptional range and accuracy but very limited ammo count. | |
| Flamer | |
| Portable flamethrower. Fires jellified napalm that burns targets to ash. Short range but kills most human enemies instantly. Destroys equipment on enemies as well. | |
| Minigun | |
| Powerful six barrelled automatic weapon. Will become your primary weapon due to balanced stats and large ammo count. Requires arm mods to be used effectively however due to the sheer weight. | |
| Laser Gun | |
| An accurate, powerful and long ranged weapon. Useful but just like Flamer, destroys equipment worn by enemies. | |
| Gauss Gun | |
| Portable rocket launcher with three rockets. Causes explosion on impact. Very powerful and long ranged. Destroys equipment worn by enemies. | |
| Time Bomb | |
| Explodes a few seconds after setting down. Can also be triggered by shooting at it. Large explosion range and firepower. | |
| Medikit | |
| Completely fills agent's health but can only be used once. | |
| Energy Shield | |
| If activated, it will protect the agent until it runs out of power. It can slowly recharge itself if not used. |
Versions
The Super NES version, which is very similar to Mega Drive/Genesis port, Flamer weapon is replaced with "Chiller" which freezes enemies. Nintendo of America appearently believes that freezing enemies to death is preferable to burning them alive.
Production credits
- Original Game by: Bullfrog Productions Ltd
- Producer: Mark Webley
- Programmer: ZZKJ
- Original Version: Sean Cooper
- Level Design: Sean Masterson, John Murdoch, Alex Trowers
- Graphics: Paul McLaughlin, Fin McGechie, Mike Man, Chris Hill, Andy Sandham, Alex Trowers
- Sound & Music: Russell Shaw
- Management: Les Edgar, Peter Molyneux
- Sound Implementation: Images Software
- Support: Mark Lamport, Sean Cooper
- Testing: Andy CakeBread, Stuart Dick, Graeme Allan, Mark Williamson, Nick Hannah, Phillip Cooper, Michael Anscomb, Sean Clutterbuck, Ben H, Alvin Buchanan, Paul Nettleingham, John Rennie, Trevor Elliott, John Nurse, Colin Poulter, Che Garner-Hamilton, Paul Boulden
- Producer: Matt Webster
- Assistant Producer: Danny Isaac
- Executive Producer: Joss Ellis
- Product Manager: Sean Ratcliffe
- Documentation: Neil Cook
- Documentation Design: Chris Morgan
- Documentation Layout: Michael Lippert
- Lead Tester: Darren King
- Testing: Julian Glover, Graham Harbour, Matt Price, Mark Bergan
- Quality Assurance: Graham Wood, Zachary Rosen
Magazine articles
- Main article: Syndicate/Magazine articles.
Physical scans
Mega Drive version
| Sega Retro Average | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
76 |
|---|---|
| Based on 29 reviews | |
| Mega Drive, US |
|---|
 Cover
|
 Cart  Manual |
| Mega Drive, EU (4 Language Manual) |
|---|
 Cover
|
Cart  Manual |
| Mega Drive, EU (5 Language Manual) |
|---|
|
Cart  Manual |
| Mega Drive, PT |
|---|
 Cover
|
| Mega Drive, GR (Zegetron) |
|---|
|
Cart |
| Mega Drive, CZ (Datart) |
|---|
|
Cart  Manual |
| Mega Drive, AU |
|---|
 Cover
|
| Mega Drive, GCC |
|---|
|
Cart  Manual |
Mega-CD version
| Sega Retro Average | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
82 |
|---|---|
| Based on 3 reviews | |
| Mega-CD, EU |
|---|
  Cover
|
 Spinecard  Disc  Manual |
Technical information
- Main article: Syndicate/Technical information.
References
 NEC Retro has more information related to Syndicate
|
- ↑ ', "" (; ), page 90
- ↑ ', "" (; ), page 102
- ↑ ', "" (; ), page 90
- ↑ ', "" (; ), page 102
- ↑ ', "" (; ), page 90
- ↑ ', "" (; ), page 18
- ↑ ', "" (; ), page 80
- ↑ ', "" (; ), page 20
- ↑ File:Syndicate MD US Manual.pdf, page 16
- ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 234
- ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 216
- ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 90
- ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 88
- ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1, "" (RU; 1999-xx-xx), page 320
- ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 5, "" (RU; 200x-xx-xx), page 206
- ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 5, "" (RU; 200x-xx-xx), page 52
- ↑ GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 47
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 54
- ↑ GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 19
- ↑ GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 143
- ↑ GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 63
- ↑ GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 44
- ↑ GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 60
- ↑ GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 32
- ↑ GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 36
- ↑ GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 31
- ↑ GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 100
- ↑ GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 103
- ↑ GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 120
- ↑ GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 106
- ↑ GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 40
- ↑ GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 102
- ↑ GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 58
- ↑ GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 46
- ↑ GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 42
- ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 26
- ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 62
- ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 115
- ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 80
- ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 54
| Syndicate | |
|---|---|
|
Main page | Comparisons | Maps | Hidden content | Magazine articles | Video coverage | Reception | Region coding | Technical information | Bootlegs
A database query error has occurred. Did you forget to run your application's database schema updater after upgrading?
Query: SELECT `cargo__relationships`.`name` AS `name`,`cargo__releases`.`date` AS `date` FROM `cargo__relationships` LEFT OUTER JOIN `cargo__releases` ON ((`cargo__relationships`.`name`=`cargo__releases`.`name`)) WHERE `cargo__relationships`.`relatedto`="Syndicate" and `cargo__relationships`.`relationshiptype`="book" GROUP BY `cargo__releases`.`name` ORDER BY `cargo__releases`.`date` LIMIT 100 Function: CargoSQLQuery::run Error: 1021 Disk full (/tmp/#sql-temptable-15e6a-1c3e9c2-845.MAI); waiting for someone to free some space... (errno: 28 "No space left on device") (localhost) </diMusic: A database query error has occurred. Did you forget to run your application's database schema updater after upgrading?
Query: SELECT `cargo__relationships`.`name` AS `name`,`cargo__releases`.`date` AS `date` FROM `cargo__relationships` LEFT OUTER JOIN `cargo__releases` ON ((`cargo__relationships`.`name`=`cargo__releases`.`name`)) WHERE `cargo__relationships`.`relatedto`="Syndicate" and `cargo__relationships`.`relationshiptype`="music" GROUP BY `cargo__releases`.`name` ORDER BY `cargo__releases`.`date` LIMIT 100 Function: CargoSQLQuery::run Error: 1021 Disk full (/tmp/#sql-temptable-15e6a-1c3e9c2-848.MAI); waiting for someone to free some space... (errno: 28 "No space left on device") (localhost) </diAudiobooks: A database query error has occurred. Did you forget to run your application's database schema updater after upgrading?
Query: SELECT `cargo__relationships`.`name` AS `name`,`cargo__releases`.`date` AS `date` FROM `cargo__relationships` LEFT OUTER JOIN `cargo__releases` ON ((`cargo__relationships`.`name`=`cargo__releases`.`name`)) WHERE `cargo__relationships`.`relatedto`="Syndicate" and `cargo__relationships`.`relationshiptype`="audiobook" GROUP BY `cargo__releases`.`name` ORDER BY `cargo__releases`.`date` LIMIT 100 Function: CargoSQLQuery::run Error: 1021 Disk full (/tmp/#sql-temptable-15e6a-1c3e9c2-84b.MAI); waiting for someone to free some space... (errno: 28 "No space left on device") (localhost) </diVideos: A database query error has occurred. Did you forget to run your application's database schema updater after upgrading?
Query: SELECT `cargo__relationships`.`name` AS `name`,`cargo__releases`.`date` AS `date` FROM `cargo__relationships` LEFT OUTER JOIN `cargo__releases` ON ((`cargo__relationships`.`name`=`cargo__releases`.`name`)) WHERE `cargo__relationships`.`relatedto`="Syndicate" and `cargo__relationships`.`relationshiptype`="video" GROUP BY `cargo__releases`.`name` ORDER BY `cargo__releases`.`date` LIMIT 100 Function: CargoSQLQuery::run Error: 1021 Disk full (/tmp/#sql-temptable-15e6a-1c3e9c2-84e.MAI); waiting for someone to free some space... (errno: 28 "No space left on device") (localhost) </diEvents: A database query error has occurred. Did you forget to run your application's database schema updater after upgrading?
Query: SELECT `cargo__relationships`.`name` AS `eventname`,`cargo__events`.`startdate` AS `startdate` FROM `cargo__relationships` LEFT OUTER JOIN `cargo__events` ON ((`cargo__relationships`.`name`=`cargo__events`.`name`)) WHERE `cargo__relationships`.`relatedto`="Syndicate" and `cargo__relationships`.`relationshiptype`="event" GROUP BY `cargo__events`.`name` ORDER BY `cargo__events`.`startdate` LIMIT 100 Function: CargoSQLQuery::run Error: 1021 Disk full (/tmp/#sql-temptable-15e6a-1c3e9c2-851.MAI); waiting for someone to free some space... (errno: 28 "No space left on device") (localhost) </diA database query error has occurred. Did you forget to run your application's database schema updater after upgrading?
Query: SELECT `cargo__demos`.`name` AS `name`,`cargo__codeformat`.`code` AS `code`,`cargo__releases`.`date` AS `date` FROM `cargo__releases` LEFT OUTER JOIN `cargo__demos` ON ((`cargo__releases`.`name`=`cargo__demos`.`name`)) LEFT OUTER JOIN `cargo__codeformat` ON ((`cargo__demos`.`format`=`cargo__codeformat`.`format`)) WHERE `cargo__demos`.`game`="Syndicate" GROUP BY `cargo__demos`.`name` ORDER BY `cargo__demos`.`name`,`cargo__codeformat`.`code`,`cargo__releases`.`date` LIMIT 100 Function: CargoSQLQuery::run Error: 1021 Disk full (/tmp/#sql-temptable-15e6a-1c3e9c2-855.MAI); waiting for someone to free some space... (errno: 28 "No space left on device") (localhost) | |
- 1 player games
- US Mega Drive games
- All US games
- EU Mega Drive games
- All EU games
- PT Mega Drive games
- All PT games
- UK Mega Drive games
- All UK games
- AU Mega Drive games
- All AU games
- SA Mega Drive games
- All SA games
- Mega Drive games
- 1994 Mega Drive games
- All 1994 games
- Mega Drive simulation games
- All simulation games
- EU Mega-CD games
- UK Mega-CD games
- Mega-CD games
- 1995 Mega-CD games
- All 1995 games
- Mega-CD simulation games
- All games
- Sub-stubs
- Syndicate