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: [email protected]
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.