Review
Bullfrog and Electronic Arts haven't exactly shied away from translating their innovative computer strategy games to the Genesis. After Populous and the excellent Power Monger, console owners can now enjoy their own version of the hit cyberpunk game Syndicate. The biggest question was how the PC's complicate control scheme would be tailored to only three buttons. And that is probably the game's biggest sticking point, since many of the commands require multiple button presses along with the control pad--making it difficult to feel comfortable with the layout. Once you get over the steep learning curve, however, the game is very addictive.
The game's objective is to take control of the 50 territories designated on a map screen by completing various missions. Select up to four cyborg agents (from a pool of eight), and outfit them with pistols, shotguns, medikits and/or the Persuadertron. The Persuadertron is a weapon that brainwashes enemy agents--who will then become part of your agent pool for subsequent missions. There is a lot of other equipment that can acquired through research, but it will cost a significant amount of money and time. Money is precious and there's nothing worse than wasting it on failed missions! Fortunately, you can sell extra weapons at the end of a mission to raise funds (you can also grab weapons from dead bodies). After your mission debriefing, you are placed in a futuristic city set in a three-quarter perspective. Little civilians will be milling about along with your enemies, consisting of enemy agents (wearing black trenchcoats), police droids and guards. You can also drive your agents around in cars and trucks for faster movement.
There are several decisions to make once you begin each mission, and you'll need to study the manual before venturing out. For example, since your agents are cyborgs you can alter their adrenaline, perception and intelligence (abbreviated as API) to improve their performance in certain situations. Since only one agent is active at a time, these API settings help dictate how the remaining three computer controlled agents behave. Do you want the other agents to run away if they are fired upon? Then raise their intelligence. You can also set your agents to guard (be on alert for enemies) or sleep modes (to restore health). Group mode will let you move all of your agents in unison.
As you can see, you must learn a great deal in order to successfully meet your objectives without losing agents or wasting cash. It seems that every possible combination of the buttons and pad is a different command, so the quirkiness of the control scheme can take some getting used to. The other problem is that a password system is used to save your progress; if you don't complete your research before getting the password, it's not saved. Despite these issues, Syndicate is absorbing title that strategy fans should not miss. It's not a game, it's a career!
Graphics 
The cityscapes are detailed with moving cars and civilians. Characters are very small, but they are not hard to see.
Sound
The music fits the futuristic setting and will become more dynamic when the enemy is around your agents.
Enjoyment 
The game has a lot of depth, as everything is under your control. Syndicate is obviously not for all tastes, however, and the younger set will quickly become bored or frustrated with the learning curve.
Replay Value
There are 50 territories to conquer and each game can play differently depending on the equipment and/or agents you use. The game should have used battery backup instead of a password system.
Documentation 
The manual does a very good job in explaining the gameplay and features.
