Syphon Filter: The Omega Strain
Developer: SONY Bend (Formerly Eidetic)
Publisher: SCEA
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I. Basics
1. Controls
2. Characters
3. Weapons Overview
4. Tips on Gameplay
II. Weapons
1. Back
2. Sidearm
3. Auxiliary
4. Grenade
5. Melee
6. Non-Inventory
III. Levels
0. IPCA European Command: Training Center
1. Carthage, Michigan: Quarantine Zone
2. Carthage, Michigan: Warehouse District
3. Carthage, Michigan: Carthage Mall
4. Pescara, Italy: St. Cetteo Sqaure
5. Mazyr, Belarus: Krivorozhstal Mill
6. Mazyr, Belarus: Belaya Vezha
7. Tash, Kumyr, Kyrgyzstan: Saydahmat's Village
8. Sana'a, Yemen: Arms Bazaar
9. Sana'a, Yemen: Taherir Palace
10. Minsk, Belarus: International University
11. Samaschki, Chechnya: Ivankov's Home
12. North Atlantic: Lorelei Salvage Rig
13. Tokyo, Japan: Murakawa Tower
14. Taguang, Myanmar: Irawaddy Basin
15. Zurich, Switzerland: Niculescu Funds Tower
16. Budva, Montenegro: Niculescu's Villa Estate
17. Kiev, Ukraine: Chechen Terrorist Base
IV. Bonus
1. Ranks
2. Ratings
3. Special Ratings
4. Commendations
5. Medals
6. Omega Strain
V. Blah, blah...
1. Me, Myself, and I... and Moi
2. Cheapness
3. FYI
4. FAQ
5. Version
6. Cred
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I. Basics
This section covers the basics of the game.
Section 1 is for beginners.
Section 2 is boring, so skip it.
Section 3 is also boring.
Section 4 is something you should take a look at.
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1. Controls
This section is for all you irresponsible people who lost your manual.
And, for all you cheap people who got a used copy w/o a manual.
And, for all you lazy people who didn't feel like reading the manual.
Triangle - Interacts with environment (climb ladder, activate switch, etc.)
Square - Attack with your weapon
X - Crouch
Circle - Roll (as in evade)
L1 - Switch to manual aim
R1 - Fixed lock-on to a target (must hold down, press again to cycle)
L2 - Strafe to the left
R2 - Strafe to the right
Left analog - Moves character
Right analog - Moves camera
R3 - Reload weapon
D-Pad Up - Used to talk on microphone (hold)
D-Pad Right - Turn on/off
D-Pad Left - Bring Up Map
D-Pad Down - Option to drop current weapon.
Start - Goes to menu screen (only pauses offline)
Select - Switches weapon (Hold it down and press L2 or R2 to manual select)
Enemies will not hear you if you move while holding down X.
When holding down R1, you'll see a target around an enemy; its color will go
from red to green.  Note that green doesn't guarantee a hit, but a high
probability of a hit.  Holding down X while targeting makes it green faster.
If you hold X while on a ladder, you'll slide down.
Hold UP on the D-Pad to activate your microphone (online only).  It'll take
a second (you'll hear static and see the mic icon change color)
and it only stays activate while you hold UP.
Releasing UP deactivates the mic.
Tapping UP brings up a communications menu (Preset commands).
Hold RIGHT on the D-Pad to toggle between your flashlight and night vision
goggles (if you have one).
Pressing RIGHT turns either device on or off.
Remember, the R3 button is on the right analog stick.
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2. Characters
Hunter, Gina
Rank: Investigative Officer
Duty: Pilot
Comments: Youngest member of IPCA
A newcomer to the team, Gina will be your pilot for Tokyo and beyond.
Crusher, William
Rank: Intelligence Officer
Duty: Pilot
Comments: Another pilot...
He'll be your pilot from Belarus 2 to the North Atlantic
Haddad, Alima
Rank: Field Research Specialist
Duty: Pilot
Comments: Alima is from Kuwait.  She carries a good luck charm with her, a
unicorn given to her by her mother; most of her family were killed during
the Gulf War.  She'll be your pilot at the start.
Weissenger, Elsa
Rank: Intelligence Supervisor
Duty: Researcher/Scientist
Comments: She once tried to kill Logan, and used Lian as a guinea pig...
Only in America.  Anyways, she's the scientist of the team, and you'll get
to read her depositions in the conspiracy files.
Gray, Imani
Rank: Investigative Operations Commander
Duty: Boss you around for the first 4 missions.
Comments: Ms. Attitude.
She'll guide you from the training mission to Carthage 3.  You'll
see little of her afterwards.
Stoneman, Gary
Rank: Intelligence Operations Commander
Duty: All-Around Bad-Ass
Comments: The veteran of the agency; he has even saved Logan's butt.
He's featured in the first bonus stage (Italy), and will be your
commander during the Belarus missions.
Mujari, Lawrence
Rank: Assistant Chief of Operations
Duty: Researcher/Scientist
Comments: He'd be the white mage if this was a RPG.
Another familiar face from the previous games, you'll have to save
him early on in the game, and will see him in a couple of missions
later on in the game.
Lipan, Teresa
Rank: Deputy Chief of Operations
Duty: Intelligence/Communications
Comments: Has more lives than a cat
Apparently, after her last field run in New York with Gabe, Teresa
has given up the dangerous stuff for command station duties.
She'll handle most of the communications from HQ.
Xing, Lian
Rank: Chief of Operations
Duty: Femme Fatale
Comments: Really, there's nothing going on between Logan and her.
A veteran of the series, Lian will be your commander for Tokyo and
Myanmar, and is featured in the second bonus stage, Kyrgyzstan.
Logan, Gabe
Rank: Commander in Chief
Duty: Gives out orders
Comments: The star of the previous three games.
You'll start hearing from the big chief from Switzerland and beyond.
Powers, Maggie
Group: British MI6
Duty: Spy stuff
Comments: She talks a lot...
Playing a small role in the third Syphon Filter game, Maggie makes
an appearance for the Minsk stage.
Gregorav, Uri
Group: Russia
Duty: Bosses Russians around
Comments: I hated chasing this guy through the park.
He's not an important player this time around...  Hard to tell
which side he is on, though (other than Russia's).
Zohar, Ehud Ben
Group: Mossad
Duty: Killing and betraying people
Comments: Double Eagle!
He's the anti-hero in the game.  Still, it's nice to see someone
from the Middle East not being portrayed as a terrorist in a game.
Pierce, Warren H.
Group: U.S.A.
Duty: President
Comments: A politician
Answer to the question: What if Clinton and Bush had a child?
Aramov, Mara
Group: ---
Duty: International Assassin
Comments: More lives than Teresa
Good Night, Sweetheart.
Niculescu, Mihai
Group: Niculescu Funds Ltd.
Duty: Art Collector...
Comments: He's always ready
The guy behind the Syphon Filter conspiracy.
Mikhas, Ivankov
Group: CDP
Duty: Bosses CDP members
Comments:  Into old-school WMD
He's the main bad guy at the start.
Jandran, Nikolai
Group: ---
Duty: Evil Scientist
Comments: aka Lukas Kaufmann, father of the Syphon Filter
Birchim, Alex
Group: U.S.A
Duty: Director, WHIA
Comments: Doesn't like Logan
It's like every Syphon Filter game must have a
corrupt government official.
Broussard, Richard
Group: CHA
Duty: Accepting bribes and taking part in conspiracies
Comments: Most annoying voice in the game
Proust, Andre
Group: ALA
Duty: Taking bullets to the head
Comments: First bosses are always easy
Fournier, Jean
Group: ALA
Duty: Catching grenades
Comments: Second bosses are also easy
Masson, Soren
Group: ALA
Duty: Full-time terrorist, part-time sniper
Comments: Third bosses are a tad hard
Alexopoulos, Dimitri
Group: Cosa Potenza
Duty: Godfather
Comments: A sitting duck
You'll carry out a DPE order on him when you play as Stone.
Dobranski, Tekla
Group: ---
Duty: Mill foreman
Comments: If you don't already, you'll learn to hate this guy.
He's on the CDP's payroll, but is more like a criminal.
Zhidkov, Vladimir
Group: CDP
Duty: CDP Officer
Comments: He really likes trains
He's close to Ivankov and a real bad guy.  It's a shame
that you don't get to kill him with a head shot.
Pulikovsky, Mikhail
Group: CDP
Duty: Torturing Stone
Comments: Likes messy rooms
Now, this guy, you get to take down with a head shot.
Saydahmat, Askar
Group: ---
Duty: Yak Herder
Comments: He's also a pervert
An arms dealer operating out of a small village, you
don't get to kill him directly when playing as Lian.
Samaev, Dosbol
Group: With Saydahmat
Duty: Henchman
Comments: Walks slowly
If Saydahmat is the kingpin, Samaev is the dealer.
Al Dhahiri, Zayed
Group: YLA
Duty: Victim of a random act of violence
Comments: Likes to sit by himself
There isn't much to this guy.  He's just sitting
around in Lian's stage waiting to be killed.
Yang, Sok-Ju
Group: DPRK
Duty: The Bad Cop
Comments: Trusts concubines
With North Korea; he was sent to buy the Omega Strain
from Samaev.
Fadhil, Ahmed Salim
Group: ---
Duty: Cosmetic surgeon to terrorists
Comments: Keeps good files
You'll see this guy in Yemen; too bad there's no
DPE order out on him.
Khorsh, Wallid Abdul
Group: YLA
Duty: Likes to talk and issue commands
Comments: Has a weak neck
Al-Hassan's right hand man.  Easy to kill
in stealth.
Jon, Thae-Bok
Group: DPRK
Duty: Paperboy
Comments: Also has a weak neck
Another North Korean agent.  You'll find
him wandering the streets of Yemen.
Yuschenko
Group: CDP
Duty: Delivery boy
Comments: Has car insurance
He's the main guy in the CDP that goes around
making deals for the Omega Strain.
Al-Hassan, Fatha
Group: YLA
Duty: Being assassinated
Comments: Mean guy, though I've never seen him
Zohar will take this guy down.
Matsua, Korin
Group: HNT
Duty: Criminal
Comments: At last, a regular criminal!
Head of the Yakuza's rivals.
Tamura, Akio
Group: Yakuza
Duty: Criminal
Comments: Another one!
Satou, Hideki
Group: Yakuza
Duty: Criminal
Comments: A third?
Kmura, Ichiyo
Group: Yakuza
Duty: Criminal
Comments: Number Four?
Isikawa, Makoto
Group: Yakuza
Duty: Criminal
Comments: Wait...
Tanaka, Yataro
Group: Yakuza
Duty: Criminal
Comments: How many more?
Ryusaki, Iwao
Group: Yakuza
Duty: Criminal
Comments: Make it stop!
This guy carries a really big gun.
Mori, Takeshi
Group: Yakuza
Duty: Criminal
Comments: ...
Eto, Hitoshi
Group: Yakuza
Duty: Criminal
Comments: ......
Murakawa, Sanzo
Group: Yakuza
Duty: Criminal
Comments: Tokyo isn't a safe place
Head of the Yakuza.
Kim, Yong-jun
Group: DPRK
Duty: Spy + Criminal
Comments: Seatbelts didn't help
He's a North Korean double agent.
Leonov, Yegor
Group: CDP
Duty: Officer
Comments: Likes helicopters
Petrenko, Oleg
Group: CDP
Duty: Officer
Comments: Likes rooftops
Savin, Vladin
Group: CDP
Duty: Officer
Comments: Likes to walk slowly
Ushakov, Rodion
Group: CDP
Duty: Officer
Comments: Likes big vehicles
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3. Weapons Overview
The games lists weapon stats such as fire rate and damage.  However, it does
not list stats such as range and how fast it locks on to a target when
using R1 targeting.  You should keep these things in mind when you're using
a certain weapon.
Know that not all weapon ratings are equal.  While both weapon x and y may
have a V rating for damage, weapon x may be more powerful than weapon y.
In other words, the basic stats don't tell the whole story.  So, make sure
you play around with every new weapon you get.
You may carry up to five weapons at a time.  Even if you only use one weapon,
carry another if you can match the ammo.  For example, if you're using an
auxiliary weapon that uses 9mm bullets and you run out, you can transfer
bullets from your sidearm, provided that it also uses 9mm bullets.
There is a difference between the Soviet Rifle and NATO rounds.  Even though
they may both be 7.62mm, they're not the same.
Certain enemies have an inordinate amounts of health.  For example,
Masson, a "boss" character, can take multiple shots from a BFG.
In general, head shots and explosives (and gases) are best against "bosses."
Shotguns:
Generally, they're not that great.  They hold little ammo and have a very
short range.  You really have to get up close to enemies in order to use
them effectively.  Their power ratings are a bit deceptive.  A lot of the
basic shotguns have a II power rating, but since it fires multiple shots,
you can take down a enemy with a single shot if you're close enough.
Slugs have better range, but only hits a single target at a time.
Shots are weaker, but have a wide range.  Between the two, I favor the
shotguns that use shots; after all, isn't the whole point of using a
shotgun to have a weapon with a wide range?  In terms of picking up ammo,
you can use regular shot ammo with a weapon that uses slugs.  Simply put,
shots have more power, but are only effective at close range - Slugs have
more range, but have less power.
Assault Rifles:
This is the meat of your arsenal.  You're really going to have to use these
weapons for par times.  Generally, they have the best lock-on times.
Sniper Rifles:
Good for sniping, of course.
While accurate and powerful, they don't come with much ammo.
Launchers:
Slow, but pack a punch.  You only get 3 in your inventory, and
they generally have limited uses.
Sidearms:
You should avoid using pistols early on.  The ones you get early on in the
game just don't cut it.  However, once you get the dual wield and better
pistols, they can replace the assault rifles as your main weapon.
If you're accurate, you really can't top the dual Desert pistols.
Auxiliary:
Most auxiliary weapons are submachine guns.  Until you get a good assault
rifle, you'll be relying on these a lot.  In general, those with a high
firing rate and stability are the best ones.
Grenades:
They're annoying to get, but are worth your time.  You'll rely on the
smoke, sarin, and frag grenades later on in the game.
Melee:
In general, they're useless.  The one weapon you'll be using a lot later
on in the games (for the stealth missions) is the stun jack.  So, if
you're not shooting for a high rating, don't bother with the knives or
non-lethal counts, as the stun jack is all you need.
Neck Snap:
This is the award you get for completing the 3 Carthage missions in solo
par times.  Breaking necks is the only no-weapon attack you can have.
To use it, the enemy must be standing still, and not facing you.  Just
get in close range and press the attack button.
Dual Wield:
You earn this ability if Zohar survives the 2nd Yemen mission.  There's
not much reason to go back to single wield.  But, if you want to, you can
drop your weapon once the game starts, and only pick up one handgun.
Head-Shot Lock:
This is the award for obtaining the EDPEE special rating.
It has a short range - Think ranges at which shotguns are effective.
To use it, hold down R1 to lock-on to a target.  Then, hold down L1.
The targeting cursor should change to a triangle and lock-on to the head
of the enemy.
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4. Tips on Gameplay
Know when to use R1 and L1 targeting.  In most situations, it pays to use
a combination.  Target an enemy with R1, then quickly switch over to L1.
This way, you don't have to rely on the R1 target to turn green, as the
crosshair for L1 will be right over the enemy.  This ensures a quick kill
if the target is stationary or slow; although, it does leave you
somewhat more vulnerable since you'll be stationary for a split second.
It's best to use a rifle and R1 targeting for moving targets that strafe.
A second option would be to use L1 and a weapon with a high firing rate.
It's very important to note that after you fire a weapon using R1
targeting, its recoil will cause the green target cursor to go back to
red.  So, when using a weapon with a high firing rate, use L1 targeting.
Of course, there are exceptions to this (SSP 90 being one of them).
When using R1 targeting, you increase your chance of hitting the enemy
if you are squatting, stationary, and facing the enemy.  If you're not
facing the enemy, your first shot will usually miss, but the second one
is likely to connect.  (by facing, I mean having your entire body towards
the enemy)
The high end weapons can take out most enemies with a single shot.  Even
early in the game, you'll only need three shots to take out most enemies.
Make sure you have a good idea of how much it takes to kill an enemy, so
you don't waste ammo.
It's hard for you to hit a strafing enemy or ones that are rolling.  The
opposite is true.  So, if you're being targeted, strafe and/or roll.
Know the enemy AI.  Most aggressive enemies will seek cover if you keep
firing at them.  If there are multiple enemies on the screen, they tend to
move into formation, which is ideal if you have a grenade.  Enemies have
to reload like you do.  And they usually do it in the same pattern.  So,
time your attacks for those reload times.
If you're low on armor & health, it may payoff to kill yourself.
Sometimes you just need to be at your best, or it may be faster to die and
respawn, rather than run.
Some enemies respawn, some enemies do not respawn, and some enemies
trigger reinforcements.  The last one can get you in trouble.  So, in
certain situations, it's best to just run past the enemies.
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II. Weapons
The basic setup is:
Name of Weapon
Fire Rate: How fast it can shoot
Damage:    How much damage the weapon does
Clip Size: How much a single clip can hold; when it reaches 0, you reload.
Capacity:  Maximum amount of ammo you can carry for that weapon.
Ammo:      The type of ammo the weapon uses
Game Description: The description of the weapon in the game.
Obtained:  This is how you get the weapon.
C8std:     This is how much damage does when compared to the C8 rifle.
For inventory and non-shotguns only.
Overall Rating: My personal view of the weapon (***** is the max/best)
Primary Rating: How the weapon is as your primary weapon
Class Rating:   Rating based on location (back, sidearm, etc.)
Family Rating:  Rating based on family (shotgun, ar, etc.)
The first five sections list the weapons you can equip at the start
screen.  Weapons that are not available in that screen, but can be picked
up in stages are listed in the sixth section, "Non-Inventory."
Note that for the capacity, I used the amount of ammo you get after you
obtain the ammo bonus.
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1. Back
Slug Defender
Fire Rate: I
Damage:    V
Clip Size: 5
Capacity:  25
Ammo:      12 gauge slug
Game Description:
The Slug Defender is a
durable pump-action shotgun that has a breech partially
locked by recoil.  Although the user must pump this weapon
to reload the ammo, the locked breech gives the weapon fast
and easy operation and long range accuracy.
Obtained: Earn O7 Rank
Overall Rating: *
Welcome to Sucksville.  Like I said, shotguns aren't very
good, and they don't get much worse than this.
Primary Rating: *
The capacity just doesn't cut it.
Back Rating: *
There aren't many situations where it benefits you to use up
your Back space for a shotgun.
Shotgun Rating: *
I prefer shotguns that fires shots, not slugs.
Shot Defender
Fire Rate: I
Damage:    III
Clip Size: 5
Capacity:  25
Ammo:      12 gauge
Game Description:
This shotgun is designed for
a personal defense role and fires 12 gauge shot through a
narrow choke.  The narrow choke prevents the shot from
spreading out to far so most of the shot will hit a single
victim out to the weapons effective range.  The advantage
to this is instant incapacitation due to the powerful force
transferred from a close group of projectiles.  The victim is
usually thrown back quite a distance, which is very
intimidating to any other enemies in the area.
Obtained: Earn ATES Rating
Overall Rating: *
Shotgun for hitting one enemy at a time...  Only use if you
have no other back weapon...  Even then you should go with
your auxiliary weapon, if you have one.
Primary Rating: *
Again, it has too little ammo.
Back Rating: *
In general, shotguns go on the back if you've nothing else.
Shotgun Rating: **
Since it fires shots, it's a step above the slug defender.
Combat shotgun
Fire Rate: II
Damage:    II
Clip Size: 5
Capacity:  30
Ammo:      12 gauge
Game Description:
This semi-automatic shotgun is
designed for close range combat situations and is recoil
operated.  It has a magazine capacity of five shells and is
equipped with a wide choke that causes the shot pellets to
spread out and hit multiple targets with a single shot.
Obtained: Earn R3 Rank
Overall Rating: *
It's better than having no back weapon; replace it
once you come across a rifle.
Primary Rating:*
Too little ammo; yes, this is a theme with shotguns.
Back Rating: *
Probably the first back weapon you'll get.
Shotgun Rating: **
The faster firing rate and higher capacity is nice.
Riot shotgun
Fire Rate: II
Damage:    Incap
Clip Size: 5
Capacity:  25
Ammo:      12 gauge Bean Bag
Game Description:
This is a modified combat
shotgun that fires bean bags instead of standard shot.  The
bean bags inflict a non-lethal, though extremely painful,
shot.  Users of this weapon are cautioned against head and
neck shots because they will cause severe brain trauma
and, in many cases, death to the victim.
Obtained: Earn Mujari's Commendation
Overall Rating: **
It fires bean bags...  Only use to have fun or raise your
non-lethal rating.
Primary Rating: **
Since it's non-lethal, it can be useful for some stages.
Back Rating: **
A reliable weapon to have, since it incapacitates; meaning
a one-hit KO, as long as the target isn't wearing a
flak jacket.
Shotgun Rating: ***
It's good that it'll 1 hit KO enemies w/o flak jackets.
With KO weapons, you may want to destroy the target's
flak jacket with a letah weapon, then switch and go
for the quick KO.
M1 Super 90
Fire Rate: II
Damage:    IV
Clip Size: 7
Capacity:  28
Ammo:      12 gauge
Game Description:
This is a high and semi-automatic
combat shotgun constructed of stronger materials.  It is
easy to load the 7 shells into the weapon and the action is
very fast, but the recoil is rather extreme making this
weapon difficult to control in rapid fire situations.
Obtained: Earn ITES Rating
Overall Rating: **
Good for short range combat and not much else.  The extra
ammo you can carry makes it a tad better than the others.
This shotgun also makes a louder sound than the other
shotguns; it's pretty cool...
Primary Rating: *
Back to the low ammo thing...
Back Rating: *
Again, it's nice, but not something you want to depend on.
Shotgun Rating: ***
The extra power it has over the basic models is a plus.
Sweeper 12 gauge
Fire Rate: II
Damage:    II
Clip Size: 8
Capacity:  40
Ammo:      12 gauge
Game Description:
The Sweeper is a lethal riot control
device designed to take out a crowd of hostile individuals
very quickly.  It has an 8-round cartridge that is easy and
quick to replace.  All the user has to do to take out a rioting
crowd is hold the trigger and sweep across the crowd.
After a few seconds most individuals will flee the scene or
be incapacitated.  Due to its lethality and changing times,
this weapon is no longer considered for riot control and is
likely to turn up in the hands of any organized criminals or
terrorists.
Obtained: Earn South American Freedom Medal
Overall Rating: **
It has a bigger clip that the regular shotguns, but not much else.
You'll have much better weapons by the time you earn this.
Primary Rating: **
The higher capacity helps, so, it's not a bad choice for Carthage
1 or 2 and Tokyo, since enemies there drop ammo for you.
Back Rating: *
You get it late into the game when you'll have better weapons.
Shotgun Rating: ***
The big boost in clip and capacity makes it nice.
SPA-15 shotgun
Fire Rate: III
Damage:    III
Clip Size: 8
Capacity:  32
Ammo:      MIL
Game Description:
This is one of the most powerful shotguns
available.  It fires special MIL rounds that are so powerful
they would rip apart any other shotgun.  The MIL slug
contains a center core composed of a Steel/Tungsten alloy.
Unfortunately, due to the power of the round, this weapon
is quite difficult to handle in rapid fire situations.
Obtained: Earn Stone's Medal of Courage
Overall Rating: **
Looks like a rifle.  Nice firing rate, but the unique
ammo limits the weapon's use.
Primary Rating: *
Yep...  The ammo...
Back Rating: **
As long as you don't waste ammo, it's pretty good.
Shotgun Rating: **
Unique rounds are its downfall.
GAWS 12 ga.
Fire Rate: II
Damage:    IV
Clip Size: 10
Capacity:  30
Ammo:      12 gauge
Game Description:
This is a close combat weapon that uses
specially developed ammunition.  The shells are loaded with
eight tungsten-steel alloy pellets, which penetrate 20mm of
pine of 1.5mm of steel plate at its effective range.  The
great advantage of this weapon is fast fire rate.
Obtained: Earn T3 Rank
Overall Rating: ***
Pretty much the same as the ShotHammer, cept with more power
and less ammo; bad news is that you cannot use the regular
12 gauge ammo with this weapon.  Strangely enough,
manual aiming brings up a scope view, but there's no zoom.
It's nice that it's good against armor, but most enemies
that wear armor have weapons that can mow you down before
you get close enough to use a shotgun.
It should be CAWS (Close Assault Weapon System)
Primary Rating: *
That ammo thing again...
Back Rating: **
It's still a shotgun.
Shotugn Rating: ***
Powerful shots with a good firing rate.
SlugHammer
Fire Rate: II
Damage:    V
Clip Size: 10
Capacity:  40
Ammo:      12 gauge Slug
Game Description:
The SlugHammer uses the same
design as the ShotHammer, except it fires heavy sabot
slugs instead of a shot.  The slugs can cover a greater
distance and are incredibly powerful.  However, the slugs
lose accuracy over long distances at an exponential rate.
Obtained: Earn T1 Rank
Overall Rating: ***
Nice to play with, but once again, go with a rifle.
Primary Rating: **
Again, only for stages where you can find ammo.
Back Rating: **
The extra ammo helps, but not by much.
Shotgun Rating: ***
Think of it as a slight upgrade to the GAWS.
SPA-12 shotgun
Fire Rate: II
Damage:    III
Clip Size: 10
Capacity:  40
Ammo:      12 gauge frangible slug
Game Description:
This is a dangerous
weapon for both enemy and user.  The SPA-12 fires a
specially designed frangible slug.
Obtained: Earn Kinshi Kunsho: Order of the Golden Dragon
Overall Rating: ***
You can use regular 12 guage ammo with this weapon.
Not sure why it says that it can be dangerous to the
user.  Frangibles are "soft" rounds that are designed to
break up into smaller pieces when they hit a hard
surface, resulting in less harmful projectiles and
minimizes ricochets.
Primary Rating: **
Stage dependent.
Back Rating: **
You know the deal.
Shotgun Rating: ***
Very close to the ShotHammer, cept it's a bit slower
overall.
ShotHammer
Fire Rate: II
Damage:    III
Clip Size: 10
Capacity:  40
Ammo:      12 gauge Shot
Game Description:
The ShotHammer is a
semi-automatic gas-operated shotgun that works similar to
a revolver.  Ten rounds come pre-loaded into disposable
ammunition cylinders and this makes reloading very quick
and easy.  This model uses '000' shot, which contains a
greater quantity of shot pellets.  This allows the firer to
take down several unarmored targets in close proximity
instantly with a single shot.  This firearm uses the bull pup
design and has a recoil dampening mechanism, which makes
the ShotHammer a relatively easy weapon to control.
Obtained: Earn C4 Rank
Overall Rating: ****
As you'll probably find out in Tokyo, this weapon can
take down a target pretty fast.
Primary Rating: **
It's a good shotgun, but the ammo still limits it as a
primary weapon.
Back Rating: ***
The shot ammo and higher damage makes it useful.
Shotgun Rating: ****
The auto-fire makes this gun a monster.
There's only one that's better.
FA-MAS
Fire Rate: V
Damage:    IV
Clip Size: 25
Capacity:  100
Ammo:      5.56 NATO
Game Description:
The FA-MAS is the standard French
Army infantry rifle and employs the very efficient bull pup
design with the magazine inserted into the stock.  This
greatly improves accuracy for semi auto fire.  The FA-MAS
loses this improved accuracy during sustained full auto
firing.
Obtained: Earn ACS Rating
C8std:    44%
Overall Rating: **
Most likely the first assault rifle you'll come across.  It's
reliable, but nothing special.
Primary Rating: ***
Pretty good for the early stages (Carthage)
Back Rating: **
AR weapons are your main back weapon, so they get good marks.
AR Rating: *
While better than a shotgun, there are better AR.
SSG 550
Fire Rate: V
Damage:    IV
Clip Size: 24
Capacity:  96
Ammo:      5.56 NATO
The 550 is the official Swiss Army
rifle and comes equipped with a folding stock, additional
storage space for extra clips, and is set to automatic fire.
Obtained: Earn O8 Rank
C8std:    44%
Overall Rating: **
Nothing special about this rifle.  Most of the ** assault
rifles are about the same.
Primary Rating: ***
Same as the FA-MAS, really
Back Rating: **
See Above
AR Rating: *
Ditto
G 33E
Fire Rate: IV
Damage:    IV
Clip Size: 24
Capacity:  96
Ammo:      5.56 NATO
Game Description:
The 33E is a full auto version of the G3
rifle chambered for the 5.56 NATO round.  It has less recoil
and is slightly more accurate than the G3, but less deadly
due to the smaller cartridge size.
Obtained: Earn ICS Rating
C8std:    36%
Overall Rating: **
Another one of those mid-range rifles.
Primary Rating: **
Slower firing rate with same power than the FA-MAS.
Back Rating: **
Nothing special
AR Rating: *
You should fire these basic AR weapons using L1 targeting.
Stava M70 B1
Fire Rate: V
Damage:    IV
Clip Size: 32
Capacity:  128
Ammo:      7.62 Soviet Rifle
Game Description:
Further proof that the
powerful and deadly AK-47 has earned the reputation
of the most manufactured and widely distributed rifle in
history, the M70 is more or less a direct imitation of the
classic AK.  Manufactured throughout the Balkans, the M70
has only a few subtle differences that set it apart, such as
a slightly lower firing rate and a rise compensator to help
control the muzzle climb.
Obtained: Earn C6 Rank
C8std:    38%
Overall Rating: **
Yep, another basic rifle.
Primary Rating: **
Fires fast, but the ammo isn't common.
Back Rating: **
The ammo limits its use somewhat (outside of Belarus)
AR Rating: ***
The extra ammo and more kick to the rounds bump it up.
AU300 Mod-SMG
Fire Rate: IV
Damage:    IV
Clip Size: 30
Capacity:  120
Ammo:      9mm
Game Description:
This weapon uses the very efficient
bull pup design which places the magazine in the stock of
the rifle.  This allows for a longer barrel to be placed into a
shorter weapon.  It has an integral optical sight and a
forward grip, which both aid in aiming and accuracy.  The
long barrel and bull pup design makes this weapon easy to
control and endures a high hit probability.
Obtained: Earn O1 Rank
C8std:    32%
Overall Rating: **
The most basic AU300 model.  Nothing special.
The small zoom on the rifle makes it more useful than the
other ** rifles, but it has too much recoil for it to be
effective during continuous fire.  Since it uses the common
9mm ammo, you may want to use this to get your head shot
count up.
Primary Rating: ****
As long as the enemies aren't wearing flak jackets, it's good.
Back Rating: ***
Honestly, anything with a scope gets a high rating.
AR Rating: **
It's a versatile weapon, but lacks power.
China type 56
Fire Rate: V
Damage:    IV
Clip Size: 30
Capacity:  120
Ammo:      7.62 Soviet Rifle
Game Description:
This is another obvious
clone of the AK-47 with the main difference being a reduced
rate of fire.  This quality makes this rifle easier to control
in full auto fire situations and also increases the damage
dealt at close ranges.  Most other AK models will blow
through a close-range target, and while it causes a great
deal of trauma, most of the bullet's energy is never
delivered to the victim.  The slower rate of fire gives the
China 56 a higher close range incapacitation rate than its
cousins.
Obtained: Earn Republic of Korea Service Award
C8std:    41%
Overall Rating: **
Just like the AK-47, this rifle tends to jump and lacks accuracy.
You'll have much better weapons by the time you earn this.
Primary Rating: **
Same as the Stava
Back Rating: **
Same
AR Rating: ***
Same
M16 A1
Fire Rate: III
Damage:    V
Clip Size: 24
Capacity:  96
Ammo:      5.56 NATO
Game Description:
This is a greatly improved model over
its predecessor, although it still has a high failure rate when
used in extreme environmental conditions.  It is controllable
and accurate during semi auto fire and has been the main
infantry weapon of the US and other countries for several
decades.  Comparisons are often made between the M16 and
the Russian AK-47.  While the AK has better stopping
power and functions reliably in extreme environments, it
cannot stand up to the M16's precision accuracy at long
ranges.
Obtained: Earn O2 Rank
C8std:    72%
Overall Rating: ***
Easy to control with both good range and lock-on times.  But, it
has an average clip and the 5.56 rounds are relatively weak
compared to the other rounds featured in the game.
What's nice about the M16 and M4 guns are that they have little
recoil, meaning you'll stay with a green lock-on even after
you've fired a shot.
Don't let the sound of the M16 models fool you - They are not
silenced.
Primary Rating: ***
This is the one of the best weapon you'll get early on.
The problem is the somewhat low ammo capacity.  If you're in a
stage where you can't find 5.56 NATO rounds, go with another
weapon.
Back Rating: ***
A step up from before, but there are still better.
AR Rating: ****
ARs are about powerful and stable shots, and this has both.
Among the M4 and M16 models, this is the most powerful.  It also
has max range (meaning, if you can see it, you can hit it).
AU300 H-BAR
Fire Rate: V
Damage:    IV
Clip Size: 42
Capacity:  168
Ammo:      5.56 NATO
Game Description:
This is another modification of
the AU300 rifles that has a heavier barrel for the light
machine gun role.  It has a flash suppressor that reduces
recoil and rise during sustained firing and it has an
attachment for a night vision scope.  The AUG/HB fires
from a closed bolt position making single shots extremely
accurate.
Obtained: Earn T2 Rank
C8std:    32%
Overall Rating: ***
Not a bad weapon, but the weak rounds just don't cut it.
Despite the description, it is not outfitted with a night
vision scope, but rather the standard, single, preset scope.
Primary Rating: ****
Same deal as the Mod-SMG
Back Rating: ***
Think of it as the Mod-SMG for later stages.
AR Rating: ***
It an upgrade of the Mod-SMG, but still lacks power.
AU300 Mod-R
Fire Rate: V
Damage:    IV
Clip Size: 30
Capacity:  120
Ammo:      5.56 NATO
Game Description:
The benefit of the AU300 family
is interchangeability.  This rifle is basically an AU300
Mod-SMG with a longer barrel made to fit the standard 5.56
NATO round.  This version is a standard infantry rifle of
several international armies and fires in full auto.
Obtained: Earn ACSS Rating
C8std:    40%
Overall Rating: ***
All of the AU300 rifles come with a single, preset zoom
setting.  What makes this one special is that switching to
manual aim will give you thermal vision.  This is the only
weapon in your inventory that has thermal vision.  (A DSC-1
you find in a box also has thermal vision)  Thermal vision
is both a blessing and a curse.  It allows you to see in the
dark and through walls...  But if you're not careful, you'll
end up shooting at a wall.
Primary Rating: ****
It'll serve you well for most stages.  Note that's it's the
most powerful AU300 model.
Back Rating: ****
Combine it with smoke grenades and it'll get a perfect rating.
AR Rating: ***
If it was a sniper and not an AR, it'd probably get a perfect
rating.  But, as is, it's still somewhat weak, with so-so
R1 targeting.
FAL
Fire Rate: V
Damage:    V
Clip Size: 24
Capacity:  168
Ammo:      7.62 NATO
Game Description:
This heavy hitting weapon is one of the
most recognizable rifles in the world.  Second only to the
AK-47 in terms of units produced, this firearm has been
adopted by over 70 armies and can easily be modified to
user specifications.  The FAL is a light weapon and
therefore difficult to control in full auto firing mode.  Most
users fire single shots, which greatly improves accuracy.
This version is set to fire full auto, but sustained fire is not
recommended.
Obtained: Earn ECS Rating
C8std:    45%
Overall Rating: ***
Like the description says, don't fire on full auto, as the hits
to misses ratio doesn't work out for you.  In the same league
as the AK-47.
Primary Rating: ****
Overall, it's a reliable weapon with lots of ammo.
Back Rating: ***
Solid, but not spectacular.
AR Rating: ***
I really want to give it four stars, but the stability just
isn't there.
M16 A2
Fire Rate: V
Damage:    V
Clip Size: 30
Capacity:  120
Ammo:      5.56 NATO
Game Description:
This is an improved M16 A1 with a
heavier barrel, built in flash suppressor, and is set to fire
full auto and in 3-round bursts.  The A2 is the current
service model of the US military and it gave soldiers
fighting in the second Gulf War the advantage over the
AK-46 because they could dig in outside the effective range
of the enemy and pick them off with little fear of being hit
by the inaccurate Iraqi weapons.
Obtained: Earn C3 Rank
C8std:    47%
Overall Rating: ***
An all-around good weapon.  Lacks power, but the three-round
bursts are pretty stable.
Primary Rating: ***
It goes through ammo a tad fast with its bursts, but it's
still a solid weapon to use.
Back Rating: ****
There aren't many back weapons better than this.
AR Rating: ****
Excellen fire rate, damage, and R1 stability; it's everything
that a good AR should be.
M4 carbine
Fire Rate: IV
Damage:    V
Clip Size: 24
Capacity:  96
Ammo:      5.56 NATO
Game Description:
The M4 is a carbine version of the
M-16A2.  The M4 is better suited to close quarters and urban
combat than the M16 due to its shorter size.  It is easier to
maneuver through tight spaces and is easier to acquire
close range targets.  This particular model has the stock
fully collapsed and can fire full auto.
Obtained: Earn C2 Rank
C8std:    51%
Overall Rating: ***
Unlike the M4, this doesn't have a sniper scope.
Primary Rating: ***
The low ammo hurts it; otherwise, a good choice.
Back Rating: ***
A solid back weapon, but nothing special.
AR Rating: ****
Again, a solid choice.  But, I'd rather go with the M16 A1,
since it has more power.  In its defense, the carbine does
seem to have better R1 targeting than the A1.
M-16k
Fire Rate: IV
Damage:    V
Clip Size: 30
Capacity:  120
Ammo:      .45G
Game Description:
This submachine gun is a modified M16 that
fires .45 caliber pistol rounds from a closed bolt, improving
its semi-auto accuracy.  Specific ammunition, called Glazer
Rounds, are used in this weapon.  The interior of a Glazer
bullet is filled with buckshot sealed by a breakaway plastic
cap.  This cap bursts upon impact causing the buckshot to
tear apart unarmored flesh.
Obtained: Earn ETES2 Rating
C8std:    47%
Overall Rating: ***
More stable than the average rifle, and the scope is a plus.
However, its rounds are relatively weak (compared to 7.62)
The thing that prevents this weapon from having **** is its
range.  Among all the scoped weapons in the game, this weapon
has the shortest range - Even some auxiliary weapons, such
as the Tec, have greater range.
You can load this with regular .45 ammo (eg// from Mark 23)
Primary Rating: ***
The scope is nice, but the limited range and rare ammo
doesn't help its case.
Back Rating: ****
Just make sure you don't waste ammo.  Or, just carry the
Mark 23 with you.
AR Rating: ****
Again, it has stability and power.  Keep in mind that among
the M16 and M4 models, this has the shortest range.
M4
Fire Rate: V
Damage:    V
Clip Size: 30
Capacity:  120
Ammo:      5.56 NATO
Game Description:
This is a shorter barreled version of the
M16 A2 and is fit with a sliding stock.  This particular model
has the stock fully extended and is set to full auto.
Unfortunately, due to the shorter size of the weapon, the
flash suppressor has been replaced with a rise compensator
to handle the extra recoil of a lighter weapon.
Obtained: Earn C5 Rank
C8std:    47%
Overall Rating: ****
Even though it's not shown on the model, this gun has a sniper
scope, which makes it very versatile and effective.
Primary Rating: ****
Excellent weapon to use for an entire stage.
Couple it with the G 53, so you have more ammo.
Back Rating: *****
You really can't top an AR with a scope.
AR Rating: *****
Even with its speed, it maintains good R1 stability.
FAL SG-1
Fire Rate: V
Damage:    V
Clip Size: 30
Capacity:  120
Ammo:      7.62 NATO
Game Description:
This is a modified FAL assault rifle
with a heavier barrel for extra stability in a sniping role.
It's set to single fire only, but can fire several rounds a
second.  It's only limited by how fast the firer can pull the
trigger.  The FAL SG has quite an intimidating sound when
fired and is also very effective in an assault rifle role.
Obtained: Earn Homeland Security Citation
C8std:    47%
Overall Rating: ****
Even though they both use the same ammo (7.62), the FAL is
weaker than the C8.  If they had the same power, the FAL's
faster firing rate would've made it a superior weapon.
Primary Rating: ****
There's a chance you may run low on ammo...
Not a great weapon for Yemen 2, where you'll need a ton
of ammo.
Back Rating: *****
Again, that whole AR with a scope thing...
AR Rating: ****
The R1 targeting isn't as good as some of the other AR.
In addition, the somewhat rare ammo hurts it.
C8 Rifle
Fire Rate: III
Damage:    V
Clip Size: 50
Capacity:  200
Ammo:      7.62 NATO
Game Description:
This is one of the most versatile
weapons ever made.  It has a heavy barrel so it can be used
for assault or double as a sniper rifle.  It can fire semi-auto
or 1-round burst and can accept a drum magazine.  The
heavy hitting 7.62mm caliber and reliable accuracy makes
this weapon a formidable foe to any on the other side of its
barrel.
Obtained: Earn ECS2 Rating
C8std:    100%
Overall Rating: *****
Has power, can snipe, and comes with a lot of ammo.  This is the
weapon to use for most of the stages in the game.  The scope has
an infrared view, which just makes everything red.
Primary Rating: *****
Honestly, this is probably the best primary weapon in the game.
Back Rating: *****
Doesn't get any better than this baby.  Although, the infared
scope may be a (slight) minus.
AR Rating: *****
Lacks firing rate, but that doesn't matter much when 1 shot kills
most enemies and when it has a very fast R1 lock-on.
The weapon does lack stability, so make sure you wait a while
in between firing shots if you're using R1 targeting.
C11
Fire Rate: V
Damage:    IV
Clip Size: 50
Capacity:  150
Ammo:      4.7 Caseless
This weapon is a product of decades of
research and is one of the most advanced weapons ever
made.  The main demand behind its development was the
need for a rifle with high hit rate.  The C11 uses specially
designed caseless ammo that consists of a ball round
imbedded into a solid propellant.  Because of this the C11
can fire a 3-round burst before the rifle has a chance to
recoil.  This ensures that the entire burst will hit their mark
exactly where the user intended.  The IPCA version of the
C11 comes preset to 3-round burst, has an integral scope
and has a 50-round magazine capacity.
Obtained: Earn United Nations Peace Award
C8std:    32%
Overall Rating: *****
Here it is, the fastest, most stable weapon in the game.  The
rifle comes with a scope similar to the ACR's, but only has two
zoom settings, as opposed to the ACR's three.  On the negative,
L1 targeting isn't effective with this weapon, so rely on
R1 targeting instead.
Note that it should be G11; and yes, this bad-boy does exist.
Primary Rating: ****
This weapon wins the award for "Most likely to run out of ammo."
Back Rating: ****
The scope is nice, but since L1 targeting isn't that good, it
really doesn't help.
AR Rating: *****
This may be the perfect AR.  It has stable R1 firing and can
fire faster than any other AR.  Whatever you do, do not hold
down the firing button.  You'll chew through too much ammo, and
the weapon will become unstable.  Just keep tapping the attack
button instead.
US M60 E3
Fire Rate: V
Damage:    IV
Clip Size: 200
Capacity:  400
Ammo:      7.62 NATO
Game Description:
This is an improved M60 that has a
forward grip that helps stabilize the weapon during
sustained firing.  This weapon has been the US Army's
general-purpose machine gun since the early 60's and it
uses the same feed system as the German WWII MG42.  The
M60 maintains its accuracy during sustained fire due to
better barrel design that vents the heat away more
efficiently.  This model comes fit with a 200-round belt that
is stored in an ammo box attached to the feed system.
Obtained: Earn Medal of Distinction
C8std:    40%
Overall Rating: *****
It's all about the ammo.  I actually prefer this gun over the
M-249 SAW, as it uses more powerful rounds.  Forget about
using R1 targeting with this or the SAW, as it takes forever
to lock-on to a target.  It's also quite jumpy (AK-47), so
it's best for mid-range targets.  Works best against groups.
Primary Rating: ****
Lacks range and stability, but...  Look at the ammo.
Back Rating: ****
It's a monster, for sure, but lacks stability and power.
AR Rating: *****
If you can spray your target(s) with ammo, stability doesn't
matter that much, now does it?
M-249 SAW
Fire Rate: V
Damage:    III
Clip Size: 200
Capacity:  400
Ammo:      5.56 NATO
Game Description:
This machinegun was adopted by
the US military in the early 1990s and comes equipped with
a 200-round box.  The most significant difference between
this and the M60 is the ammo size.  It may pack less of a
punch, but has greater accuracy and distance over the M60.
Obtained: Earn Agency Medal of Valor
C8std:    28%
Overall Rating: *****
The seemingly infinite ammo on this monster is nice, but it
takes a long time for it to auto-lock.  But when you have
that much ammo, who cares?  It's probably a bad idea to
use the Squad Automatic Weapon against distant targets
and snipers; although, you can, since it has great range.
Primary Rating: *****
Since it has rifle range, it's better suited than the M60
as a primary weapon.
Back Rating: ****
But, at the end of the day, I'd rather have the C8.
AR Rating: *****
It's rounds are weak (as in 9mm weak), but, the amount...
Dragunov
Fire Rate: II
Damage:    V
Clip Size: 6
Capacity:  30
Ammo:      7.62 Soviet Rifle
Game Description:
This rifle is based on the
Kalashnikov and is chambered for the 7.62mm Russian
cartridge.  The western world first learned of this weapon
in Vietnam when Russian Spetznan ran several covert
operations in the region.  This is one of the most accurate
and reliable sniper rifles in the world.  It usually comes
equipped with the PSO-1 scope, but can accept other
Russian optics as well.
Obtained: Earn ICSS Rating
C8std:    150%
Overall Rating: **
Probably the first sniper rifle you'll get, the Dragunov