When Silent Scope first made its way to the arcades, gamers rejoiced and heralded the game as the next best thing when compared to the slew of boring fighting games. Nobody ever expected Konami to port the game to any console due to the nature of the game using a special rifle being an integral part of the game. Therefore, many were surprised when Konami announced that Silent Scope would make its way initially to Dreamcast and then to the new Playstation 2. The problem was that the rifle was absent and no substitute was offered. Instead, the game was ported with only a controller in mind. The result was no where close to the arcade experience and many felt that it was just too awkward to control. Here we are one year later and the successful Silent Scope 2: Dark Silhouette has made its way once again to the console market. And once again the PS2 version does not support any light gun and while the storyline is a bit more developed, the overall experience is flat.

The visual experience here is sorely lacking. At times I was not entirely sure whether I was playing a PS2 game or an N64 game. The graphics do resemble the arcade and in terms of authenticity but that does not translate well to the superior PS2. The overall level design is fine but the various targets that you must pursue are virtually impossible to see without scanning your scope all over the screen. The enemies are usually little pixilated objects buried in a very pixilated background. What should be challenging becomes a lesson in luck and frustration. On the positive side of things, the developers did a nice job in presenting the visual reality of the various sniper gadgets. Unfortunately on the aural side of things, the sound effects are pretty standard and the voice acting is atrocious. Konami decided to poke fun at its premiere franchise with some cheesy lines like "Let's play Metal Gear for real."

In Silent Scope you were on your own. In Silent Scope 2 you are teamed up with another sniper who cannot be trusted. As the story unfolds, the tension between the two increases. Unfortunately the cheeseball acting and overall plot make this tension laughable. The gameplay mirrors the original and yet manages to make things a little more exciting. The action and intensity of combat is increased thanks to mobile levels and more varied bosses. As already mentioned, the inclusion of a number of sniper gadgets makes things more interesting. One of the best has to be the x-ray option. Unfortunately this upgrade is not available at will and is only used in scripted scenarios. Regardless it is quite satisfying to take out terrorists through solid objects. Konami added the option for players to use a mouse thanks to USB on the PS2. This is probably the best way to play Silent Scope 2 because the default controls are too loose. You can tweak the control until it feels right for the individual but this can take some time before one can find the perfect balance. Other issues include a speedy timer which makes you rush and which ultimately results in death and mistakes. When you die, you have to go all the way back to the beginning of the stage. Some sort of save points would have been useful.

For replay value, Konami added in an original mode in addition to the arcade version. The arcade version is broken down into three modes of play: shooting range, story and duel. The duel mode is quite engaging as you seek and eliminate your opponent in a timed duel. In the Original made for home version you will find boss battle, mission mode and an outdoor shooting range. If you are lucky enough to have a friend with a PS2 then by using the i-link cable you connect two consoles and two televisions in order to experience Silent Scope 2 as it was in the arcade.

Silent Scope 2 is not a terrible game but just an average game that does not last all that long. If you have the original or have played the arcade game to death then you will not find too much to entice you any further. Hardcore fans of the series may want to run out and purchase Silent Scope 2 but everyone else will enjoy a weekend rental at most.