A flak jaket is a bulletproof vest that protects the wearer from most bullet-oriented weapons. A flak jacket's strength is indicated by the ARMOR meter. Flak jakets have appeared in every Syphon Filter game and the player always starts each mission with one equipped (with the exception of some missions in Syphon Filter 2). While more common enemies or enemies in the first few missions of the games do not typically wear flak jakets, more advanced enemies, enemies in later missions, or important (named) terrorists usually wear one. Flak jackets can be found in equipment containers and can also be picked up from downed terrorists.
Combat Strategies
Since flak jackets protect the wearer from bullets, it's a neccessity for the many dangerous missions Logan is assigned. However, it is important to know that flak jackets do not last forever. One too many shots will cause the flak jacket to lose its functionality and it will no longer give you the extra protection. This applies to enemies who wear flak jackets as well; however, it is always easier to aim for the head if you encounter a terrorist wearing a flak jacket. If you kill an enemy wearing a flak jacket with a headshot, you'll be able to pick up their flak jaket and use it for yourself. However, if you kill an enemy wearing a flak jacket by shooting until the bullets go through, you won't be able to pick up their flak jacket; plus, you will have used extra ammo to kill them. You could also try aiming at the enemies' limbs to subdue them.
It should be noted that while the flak jaket does protect agains bullets, it does not protect against fire or explosions. If you get caught on fire, the fire will literally melt right through your flak jacket. If this happens, roll immediately! If the flak jacket (ARMOR) meter is full, you'll be lucky to still have your health meter intact. You won't be so lucky if you're flak jacket is more than half-empty, however. Likewise, if you kill a enemy wearing a flak jacket with an explosive, you can take their flak jacket.
There is a weapon, the K3G4, that fires bullets that penetrate flak jackets. If you find one, save it just in case you are ambushed by a mob of flak jacket-wearing terrorists. If you use it, don't worry about not being able to get the flak jacket after you kill them - you'll still be able to get it.
Tactics
- Keep rolling to preserve your flak jacket as much as possible. This is more integral to Syphon Filter, 2, 3 and Omega Strain than in Dark Mirror and Logan's Shadow.
- Hide behind cover when you foresee the need to. On harder difficulty levels, enemies can instantly drop you even when you have a flak jacket. Keep watching for the 'Danger' meter and 'Headshot' icon. (In Omega Strain, watch the red section on your radar since this warns you of enemy attack or bonfires)
- Make it a priority to search each level carefully. You are bound to find some hidden crates that miraculously contain flak jackets.
- Try to kill enemies either with headshots or the K3G4 to preserve flak jackets. The taser will 'bounce' off armoured enemies, making it useless, and don't use explosives unless you have no other choice (eg, enemies bunched together) since that will destroy flak jackets.
- Enemies in later missions (PHARCOM Elite Guards; Senate Building etc) will mostly carry flak jackets. The best way to kill them quickly is to use the wall-peek manuever (get something to hide you, then go into manual aim and lean out) and spray their skull.
Trivia
- Flak jackets have appeared in every Syphon Filter game.
- In the original 3 games, Gabe's standard character model always showed him wearing a dark blue flak jacket.
- Pavel Kravitch, encountered on Level 1 - Georgia Street of the original Syphon Filter, was the first enemy in the Syphon Filter series to wear a flak jacket.