The Most Comprehensive Syphon Filter Weapons Guide
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SYPHON FILTER: WEAPONS AND TACTICS
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By Vinh Tran, ©1999, Last revision: 3/1/1999
Contact: vinh@ignmail.com
Site: http://members.tripod.com/~M1Carbine/index.html
This file can be distributed freely on any medium just as long as I get
proper credit and this file is not modified in any way.
S/N: 118-105-110-104
Weapons
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Note: Firing rates and damage are based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5
being the highest value. Degree of movement indicates the
peripheral range of the weapon.
Silenced 9mm Handgun
Stats:
Fire Rate: 3
Damage: 2
Clip Size: 15
Max Rounds: 90
Degree of Movement: 360°
Fire Mode(s): Single shot
Info:
The 9mm handgun is the standard issue side-arm for NATO and all
five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces since passing the 1979 MRBF
(Mean Rounds Before operational Failure) performance tests where it
expended 35,000 rounds, six times the gun's service life.
Comments:
Even though the silenced 9mm handgun is semi-automatic, it has a
fairly high firing rate (about as fast as one can press the fire
button). Because of this, combined with the fact that enemies are
often neutralized long before they drop to the ground, it's not
uncommon to fire five or six rounds in rapid succession into the
target. As a result, ammunition is very easily wasted.
Overall, this gun is quite versatile. The silencer allows it to
be used on stealth missions, and its nice firing rate makes it a
worthy handgun.
Tip:
In real life, operatives use an operating procedure commonly
referred to as the "double tap". However, in Syphon Filter, if
you're in close range, it's best to fire at least three rounds. For
long range kills, use four rounds or more.
.45 Handgun
Stats:
Fire Rate: 2
Damage: 3
Clip Size: 10
Max Rounds: 60
Range of Movement: 360°
Fire Mode(s): Single shot
Info:
This tough, durable gun has been in production for almost a
century. It has tremendous stopping power, and in spite of its
strong recoil and heavy slide and bolt, it is a deadly weapon in the
hands of a seasoned professional.
Comments:
Due to the slow firing rate, the .45 handgun is not recommended
for skirmishes with multiple enemies. While it is more powerful than
the 9mm handgun, the limitations of the clip size and maximum number
of rounds diminishes its usefulness.
Tip:
Use of this weapon is a matter of preference. It does not have
a very noticeable advantage over the 9mm handgun.
G-18 Pistol-Machine Gun
Stats:
Fire Rate: 5
Damage: 2
Clip Size: 33
Max Rounds: 198
Degree of Movement: 360°
Fire Mode(s): Single shot, full automatic
Info:
With a rate of fire topping 60 rounds per second, the G-18 is
perhaps the most deadly pistol-machine gun in the world. Its only
weakness is its tendency to expend ammunition faster than most
shooters are prepared for, leaving them defenseless during a reload.
Comments:
The high firing rate makes it too easy to empty an entire clip
into one enemy. Also, the amount of damage is the same as the 9mm
handgun. That just means more bullets wasted per kill.
Tip:
Use of this weapon is a matter of preference. It is best fired in
short bursts during close quarters combat.
BIZ-2 Pistol-Machine Gun
Stats:
Fire Rate: 4
Damage: 3
Clip Size: 66
Max Rounds: 396
Degree of Movement: 360°
Fire Mode(s): Single shot, full automatic
Info:
This pistol-machine gun is designed to deliver sustained
firepower in tight quarters. The unconventional design of its large
capacity magazine keeps the weapon compact but still provides a near
bottomless source of ammunition.
Comments:
The high firing rate, as well as the relatively high level of
damage, combined with the large clip size and a 360 degree of
movement, makes the BIZ-2 a formidable weapon in any gunfight. The
only problem with using the gun is that ammunition is mostly
lacking.
Tip:
Best used in short bursts at any range to conserve ammunition.
HK-5 Pistol-Machine Gun
Stats:
Fire Rate: 4
Damage: 3
Clip Size: 32
Max Rounds: 192
Degree of Movement: 360°
Fire Mode(s): Single shot, full automatic
Info:
The HK-5's modular design and small size make it very popular
both military special forces and terrorists. With more than 23
officially recognized variants, it is fast becoming the most widely
used pistol-machine gun in the world.
Comments:
Made popular in real life due to Heckler & Koch's MP5 series, its
usefulness is not conveyed in the game. With essentially the same
firing rate and damage level as the BIZ-2, but a smaller clip size,
it poses no real advantage. However, ammunition is a bit more
plentiful.
Tip:
Use of this weapon is a matter of preference. Best used as a full
automatic. Short bursts are more practical, but not as enjoyable.
Shotgun
Stats:
Fire Rate: 2
Damage: 4
Clip Size: N/A
Max Rounds: 25
Degree of Movement: 180°
Fire Mode(s): Single shot
Info:
The 12-guage modified choke shotgun is standard issue for the
DEA, FBI, and USSS. In firing tests using tactical 00 shot with nine
lead on an ISCP regulation target at 25 yards, the payload was
delivered into the "A" kill zone with limited collateral damage.
Comments:
Most useful at extremely close range, the shotgun is hampered by
the need to constantly reload. However, the blow delivered to the
enemy is very satisfying.
Tip:
To be used under close quarters combat conditions only, when no
hostages or friendlies are present. Best used as a stalking weapon,
when the occassional shot is needed.
Combat Shotgun
Stats:
Fire Rate: 2
Damage: 4
Clip Size: N/A
Max Rounds: 30
Degree of Movement: 180°
Fire Mode(s): Single shot
Info:
The overly heavy recoil of this 12-guage shotgun is more than
compensated for by its unparalleled stopping power and its
recoil-inertia operation which is significantly faster than the
gas-operated system found in most auto-loading shotguns.
Comments:
This shotgun is extremely powerful at close ranges, and delivers
quite a punch to the enemy. However, the slow firing rate makes it
best suited for the shoot-and-run tactic, where one shot is fired at
a target while running by.
Tip:
To ensure maximum effectiveness of the weapon, roll up to the
enemy, then immediately target and shoot.
PK-102 Assault Rifle
Stats:
Fire Rate: 4
Damage: 2
Clip Size: 30
Max Rounds: 180
Degree of Movement: 180°
Fire Mode(s): 3 round burst, full automatic
Info:
A variant of the popular Vokinhsilak system (one of the most
widely used and modified designs in the world), the PK-102 is a
compact, lightweight, full assault rifle that is easy to conceal,
making it a popular choice for terrorists.
Comments:
The nice fire rate of the PK-102, as well as the abundance of
ammunition (from dead terrorists), makes the PK-102 a very practical
weapon. This is perhaps the most used weapon in the game.
Tip:
Best used in multiple short bursts, due to the low level of
damage.
M-16 Assault Rifle
Stats:
Fire Rate: 4
Damage: 2
Clip Size: 30
Max Rounds: 180
Degree of Movement: 180°
Fire Mode(s): 3 round burst, full automatic
Info:
This low recoil weapon is lightweight and accurate. Developed by
the U.S. Army in 1965, this assault rifle has since become a
mainstay for armed forces, police, and perconal defense enthusiasts.
Comments:
Used in the earlier stages of the game, the M-16 offers a high
firing rate and a nice clip size. However, as the game progresses,
ammunition becomes extremely limited. Also, since the in-game
characteristics of the M-16 are essentially the same as the PK-102,
the M-16 quickly loses its appeal.
Tip:
Best used sparingly, the M-16 is good for close quarters combat,
as well as shooting snipers when sniper rifle ammunition is scarce.
K3G4
Stats:
Fire Rate: 4
Damage: 2
Clip Size: 20
Max Rounds: 120
Degree of Movement: 180°
Fire Mode(s): 3 round burst, full automatic
Info:
The deadly K3G4 is commonly armed with Teflon coated bullets
capable of cutting through most standard-issue flak jackets like a
hot knife through butter.
Comments:
Arguably the best weapon in the game, the K3G4's main draw is its
ability to shoot through flak jacket armor. Even so, its power is
balanced by the small clip size and low number of maximum rounds.
Also, ammunition is extremely scarce.
Tip:
Should only be used in tight situations when there are multiple
enemies wearing flak jackets. Use sparingly, and since it shoots
through armor, only 4 or 5 round bursts are needed.
Sniper Rifle
Stats:
Fire Rate: 2
Damage: 2
Clip Size: 10
Max Rounds: 30
Degree of Movement: 180°
Fire Mode(s): Single shot
Info:
This high-caliber, silenced rifle comes equipped with a
classified digital scope with basic optical character recognition,
making it a highly accurate weapon capable of identifying and
classifying human targets and impact points prior to firing.
Comments:
This weapon can be used as a backup weapon if needed, but it
isn't very practical in game. Its fine for sniping, but there aren't
many instances where it's really needed. Also, the transition time
required to switch to sniping mode makes it unsuitable for tight
situations.
Tip:
Use of this weapon is a matter of preference. The regular first
person aiming mode for other weapons is faster, although slightly
less accurate.
Nightvision Rifle
Stats:
Fire Rate: 2
Damage: 2
Clip Size: 10
Max Rounds: 30
Degree of Movement: 180°
Fire Mode(s): Single shot
Info:
Often used by Russian Army snipers, this Russian rifle is capable
of extreme accuracy. It excels in engaging fleeting, moving, open,
and masked single targets. This model comes standard equipped with a
SVDN2 night sight and silencer.
Comments:
A much more practical sniper rifle, enemy targets are easily
identified and focused on.
Tip:
Best used in dark environments, make sure the surrounding area is
cleared before switching to sniping mode.
Taser:
Stats:
Fire Rate: 1
Damage: 5
Clip Size: N/A
Max Rounds: Infinite
Degree of Movement: 360°
Fire Mode(s): Single shot
Info:
Using CO2 cartridges, this weapon fires a probe that lodges one
inch deep in the victim's body. Then a charge of 500,000 volts is
passed along a wire connecting the weapon to the probe. This charge
can be sustained indefinitely. Hold the square button to ignite and
continue to hold it down until your victim catches fire.
Comments:
The taser is a nice backup weapon, with a very long range.
However, the long amount of time required to ignite an enemy often
renders the player vulnerable to other enemy fire. Also, even though
the taser can't go through flak jackets, legs can be targeted and
the weapon will work as intended.
Tip:
Used only as a last resort, the taser is also sometimes useful
for killing snipers when ammunition is low due to its range.
Grenade:
Stats:
Fire Rate: 1
Damage: 5
Clip Size: N/A
Max Rounds: 10
Degree of Movement: 360°
Info:
Upon detonation, this incendiary weapon spreads ammonium
perchlorate three meters outwards from the blast point. It is
instantly ignited by the explosion and quickly burns out, fatally
burning anyone nearby but leaving little collateral damage.
Comments:
Aiming can be a bit tricky, as deflection from other objects in
the environment needs to be factored in.
Tip:
If a live grenade is seen, either run away as fast as possible,
or move to higher ground. It's good to throw grenades behind you as
you move away from enemies. Best used with the auto-aim function.
Gas Grenade
Stats:
Fire Rate: 1
Damage: 5
Clip Size: N/A
Max Rounds: 10
Degree of Movement: 360°
Info:
Primarily used as a stealth weapon against multiple targets, this
grenade releases trace amounts of Soman nerve agent into the air.
The gas quickly dissipates, but not before rendering victims
unconscious. If no antidote is administered, death follows within 15
minutes.
Comments:
Extremely useful during stealth missions, it works quickly and
does not set off any nearby explosives. It is useful for all
missions and is much safer than conventional grenades.
Tip:
If going towards the target's location, wait for the gas to
dissipate before moving on.
C4 Explosives
Stats:
Fire Rate: N/A
Damage: 5
Clip Size: N/A
Max Rounds: N/A
Degree of Movement: N/A
Info:
These incendiary blocks are made of a putty-like material which
can be molded to the user's liking. The C4 explosive putty is then
wired to a fuse and a friction igniter, allowing the user to
detonate the explosive from a distant or protected position.
Comments:
Useful for completing mission parameters, as well as setting up
traps for enemy targets.
Tip:
When using C4 explosives to detonate other explosives, move far,
far away.
M-79 Grenade Launcher
Stats:
Fire Rate: 1
Damage: 5
Clip Size: N/A
Max Rounds: 10
Degree of Movement: 360°
Fire Mode(s): Single shot
Info:
This single-barreled, break-action grenade launcher was developed
during the Vietnam War. Commonly referred to as the "Blooper", it
fires 40mm HE grenades that contain enough explosives to produce
more than 300 fragments with a lethal radius of up to five meters.
Comments:
A great weapon for long-range firefights with multiple enemies.
Should not be used in enclosed areas, as the parabolic curve of the
grenade is sometimes unpredictable.
Tip:
Can be used to detonate other explosives from a safe distance
when no C4 is available.
Tactics
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1) When using 180° movement weapons, be sure to face the enemy, or
shots fired will miss their intended target.
2) During combat situations with multiple enemies, keep moving either
by running or rolling to decrease the accuracy of enemy fire.
3) Crouching increases accuracy, but also leaves you vulnerable, so it
should not be used frequently.
4) Crouch-walk to sneak up on enemies.
5) Hit-and-run: Target the enemy, fire, and run to a better position or
just forget about the enemy, focusing more on the
mission objectives. Best done in conjunction with a
shotgun.
6) If you have to deal with flak-wearing terrorists, and the K3G4 is
not availabe, merely use the first-person view mode to target the
head or legs (legs cannot be damaged if the enemy is crouching, so
it is only effective while they are standing).
7) At medium range, the first-person view mode is already targeted at
head height, so a simple sweep with an automatic weapon easily
discharges enemies.
