Syndicate

From Sega Retro

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  • Mega Drive
  • Mega-CD

Syndicate title.png

Syndicate MCD Title.png

Syndicate
System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Sega Mega-CD
Publisher:
Sega Mega Drive
Electronic Arts
Sega Mega-CD
Domark
Developer:
Sound driver:
Sega Mega Drive
Images Software/Russel Shaw
Genre: Simulation

















Number of players: 1
Official in-game languages:
  • English
  • Français
  • Deutsch
  • Release Date RRP Code
    Sega Mega Drive
    US
    736801
    Videogame Rating Council: MA-13
    Sega Mega Drive
    EU
    E236SMXI
    ELSPA: 11+ OK
    Sega Mega Drive
    PT
    Sega Mega Drive
    UK
    £44.9944.99[1][3] E236SMXI
    ELSPA: 11+ OK
    Sega Mega Drive
    AU
    OFLC: G
    Sega Mega Drive
    SA
    Sega Mega-CD
    EU
    T-88065-50
    ELSPA: 11+ OK
    Sega Mega-CD
    UK
    T-88065-50
    ELSPA: 11+ OK
    Non-Sega versions

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    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.

    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 A, 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 B, while holding press left or right.

    Change Weapon: Press and hold B, then press up or down.

    Fire Weapon: Press C

    Panic Mode: Press A and B 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 A and C 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 B and C 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 A, B and C 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 A same time. You will control all 4 agents at the same time.

    Drop Weapon: Press B and  START 

    Pause the Game: Press  START 

    Quit Mission: Pause the game, then Press A, B, C 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.

    Notavailable.svg

    Chest
    Increases damage resistance. Level 2 and 3 also allows self-destruction command.

    Notavailable.svg

    Arms
    Allows heavy weapons such as Minigun and Flamer to be used.

    Notavailable.svg

    Legs
    Increases movement speed.

    Notavailable.svg

    Eyes
    Increases accuracy with weapons.

    Notavailable.svg

    Brain
    Increases intelligence level of API and success rate with Persuadertron.

    Notavailable.svg

    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.

    Notavailable.svg

    Pistol
    Avaiable from start. Large caliber pistol. Medium range, medium damage, slow rate of fire. Free to purchase and reload.

    Notavailable.svg

    Shotgun
    Short range but considerable firepower. Slow rate of fire.

    Notavailable.svg

    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.

    Notavailable.svg

    Uzi
    Rapid fire submachinegun. Same range as pistol but much higher fire rate. Will be your primary weapon until Minigun is developed.

    Notavailable.svg

    Long Range
    Sniper Rifle. Exceptional range and accuracy but very limited ammo count.

    Notavailable.svg

    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.

    Notavailable.svg

    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.

    Notavailable.svg

    Laser Gun
    An accurate, powerful and long ranged weapon. Useful but just like Flamer, destroys equipment worn by enemies.

    Notavailable.svg

    Gauss Gun
    Portable rocket launcher with three rockets. Causes explosion on impact. Very powerful and long ranged. Destroys equipment worn by enemies.

    Notavailable.svg

    Time Bomb
    Explodes a few seconds after setting down. Can also be triggered by shooting at it. Large explosion range and firepower.

    Notavailable.svg

    Medikit
    Completely fills agent's health but can only be used once.

    Notavailable.svg

    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
    For Electronic Arts
    • 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
    Source:
    US manual
    Syndicate MD US Manual.pdf
    [6]

    Magazine articles

    Main article: Syndicate/Magazine articles.

    Physical scans

    Mega Drive version

    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Score Source
    {{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
    Based on
    0 review
    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Version Score
    1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
    80
    [7]
    Cool Gamer (RU)
    80
    [8]
    Computer & Video Games (UK)
    90
    [1]
    Electronic Games (1992-1995) (US) NTSC-U
    75
    [9]
    Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1 (RU)
    80
    [10]
    Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 5 (RU)
    90
    [11]
    Game Players (US) NTSC-U
    78
    [12]
    GamePro (US) NTSC-U
    70
    [13]
    Gamers (DE) PAL
    47
    [14]
    Hobby Consolas (ES)
    75
    [15]
    Joypad (FR)
    65
    [16]
    MAN!AC (DE) PAL
    80
    [17]
    Mega (UK) PAL
    93
    [18]
    Mega Force (FR) PAL
    90
    [19]
    Mega Fun (DE) PAL
    67
    [20]
    Micro Kid's Multimédia (FR)
    75
    [21]
    Micromanía (segunda época) (ES)
    90
    [22]
    Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
    90
    [23]
    Next Generation (US)
    25
    [24]
    Player One (FR)
    67
    [25]
    Play Time (DE) PAL
    79
    [26]
    Score (CZ)
    68
    [27]
    Sega Magazine (UK) PAL
    90
    [2]
    Sega Power (UK) PAL
    90
    [28]
    Sega Pro (UK) PAL
    67
    [29]
    Todo Sega (ES)
    84
    [30]
    Tricks 16 bit (RU)
    86
    [31]
    VideoGames (US) NTSC-U
    60
    [32]
    Sega Mega Drive
    76
    Based on
    28 reviews

    Syndicate

    Mega Drive, US
    Syndicate MD US Box.jpg
    Cover
    Syndicate MD US Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Syndicate MD US Manual.pdf
    Manual
    Mega Drive, EU (4 Language Manual)
    Syndicate MD EU Box.jpg
    Cover
    Syndicate MD US Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Syndicate MD EU Manual.jpg
    Manual
    Mega Drive, EU (5 Language Manual)

    Syndicate MD US Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Syndicate MD EU 5Lang Manual.jpg
    Manual
    Mega Drive, PT
    Syndicate MD PT cover.jpg
    Cover
    Mega Drive, GR (Zegetron)

    Syndicate MD US Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Mega Drive, CZ (Datart)

    Syndicate MD US Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Syndicate MD CZ Manual.png
    Manual
    Mega Drive, AU
    Syndicate MD AU cover.jpg
    Cover
    Mega Drive, GCC

    Syndicate MD US Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Notavailable.svg
    Manual

    Mega-CD version

    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Score Source
    {{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
    Based on
    0 review
    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Version Score
    Player One (FR)
    75
    [33]
    Sega Magazine (UK) PAL
    88
    [4]
    Sega Power (UK) PAL
    83
    [34]
    Sega Mega-CD
    82
    Based on
    3 reviews

    Syndicate

    Mega-CD, EU
    Syndicate MCD EU Box Back.jpgSyndicate MCD EU Box Front.jpg
    Cover
    Syndicate MCD EU spinecard.jpg
    Spinecard
    Syndicate MCD EU Disc.jpg
    Disc
    Syndicate MCD EU Manual.jpg
    Manual

    Technical information

    Main article: Syndicate/Technical information.

    References

    Necretro-round.svg
    NEC Retro has more information related to Syndicate
    1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Computer & Video Games, "January 1995" (UK; 1994-12-15), page 90
    2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Sega Magazine, "January 1995" (UK; 1994-12-15), page 102
    3. Sega Power, "September 1994" (UK; 1994-08-04), page 18
    4. 4.0 4.1 Sega Magazine, "July 1995" (UK; 1995-06-15), page 80
    5. Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1995-08-28), page 20
    6. File:Syndicate MD US Manual.pdf, page 16
    7. 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 234
    8. Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 216
    9. Electronic Games (1992-1995), "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 88
    10. Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1, "" (RU; 1999-xx-xx), page 320
    11. Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 5, "" (RU; 200x-xx-xx), page 206
    12. Game Players, "Vol. 8 No. 1 January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 52
    13. GamePro, "January 1995" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 47
    14. Gamers, "Januar 1995" (DE; 1995-01-08), page 54
    15. Hobby Consolas, "Diciembre 1994" (ES; 1994-xx-xx), page 143
    16. Joypad, "Décembre 1994" (FR; 1994-1x-xx), page 54
    17. MAN!AC, "02/95" (DE; 1995-01-11), page 63
    18. Mega, "January 1995" (UK; 1994-12-30), page 44
    19. Mega Force, "Décembre 1994" (FR; 1994-12-02), page 60
    20. Mega Fun, "01/95" (DE; 1994-12-21), page 32
    21. Micro Kid's Multimédia, "Février 1995" (FR; 1995-0x-xx), page 36
    22. Micromanía (segunda época), "Diciembre 1994" (ES; 1994-xx-xx), page 31
    23. Mean Machines Sega, "January 1995" (UK; 1994-11-30), page 100
    24. Next Generation, "February 1995" (US; 1995-01-24), page 103
    25. Player One, "Janvier 1995" (FR; 199x-xx-xx), page 120
    26. Play Time, "2/95" (DE; 1995-01-04), page 106
    27. Score, "Únor 1995" (CZ; 1995-02-01), page 40
    28. Sega Power, "January 1995" (UK; 1994-11-17), page 58
    29. Sega Pro, "April 1995" (UK; 1995-02-23), page 46
    30. Todo Sega, "Junio 1995" (ES; 1995-0x-xx), page 42
    31. Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 26
    32. VideoGames, "February 1995" (US; 1995-0x-xx), page 62
    33. Player One, "Juillet/Août 1995" (FR; 1995-0x-xx), page 115
    34. Sega Power, "August 1995" (UK; 1995-06-15), page 54


    Syndicate

    Syndicate title.png

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    Sega Mega-CD
    Prototypes: 1995-06-09