Syphon Filter - PlayStation

But this game's landmark contribution is its targeting control, which enables Gabe to lock and hold on to a target while freely moving in any direction, eliminating the hassle of adjusting the viewpoint to face his enemies. There are plenty of surprises, but all the goals are evident, and your partner, Lian Xing, keeps things rolling along with radio messages of changing mission objectives. Everything in this game plays smoothly: the story line fits, the action moves at a steady clip, it just works. --Jeff Young

Pros: Fluid, stylish animation Useful weaponry and contextual puzzles Excellent level design Cons: Occasional slowdown when many enemies are onscreen at the same time No 2-player mode