"computer gaming world" criticized the lack of multiplayer, random research, poor ai, and repetitive missions. the magazine concluded that ""syndicate" is a polished and significant effort" that would appeal to fans of other bullfrog games but "doesn't quite offer the staying power of its predecessors". "compute!" noted, "this isn't a game to use as a morality lesson for the kids – it's bloody, it requires you to be ruthless, and some people may take issue with the use of drugs to control your agents. but it's a ball to play."