Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Review

Developer	Ubi Soft
Publisher	Ubi Soft
Genre	Action

This month the Xbox is showered with the fruits of Tom Clancy's efforts as both Ghost Recon and Splinter Cell hit the big black machine to the delight of military-themed action fans everywhere. While there are no doubt thousands of people on Xbox Live playing the superb team-based shooter Ghost Recon right now, that review will have to wait for another day as today we celebrate Splinter Cell.

From the first views of it in screenshots released early this year, the buzz surrounding this game has been simply incredible. With the first shots, developer Ubi Soft generated an overnight awareness of the title, and the hype began to build. First the graphics built excitement thanks to the intricate details on the models and the lifelike lighting and shadowing effects. Then the hype grew again when word spread about the stealth based gameplay, the arsenal of realworld gadgets, and the deep and involved plotline. The hype machine blew a gasket when movies of gameplay were shown, then exploded entirely when a demo was released through several retail outlets. The challenge to Ubi Soft was clear, create a game that met or exceeded the high demands of an audience expecting nothing less than a game that would dethrone the Metal Gear Solid series and become the genre defining action-stealth title.

Long story short, mission accomplished. Splinter Cell stands as the current pinnacle of action-stealth gaming both on the Xbox and in gaming as a whole. Spanning nine levels of espionage and intrigue, it draws the gamer in and makes them feel part of the gaming world itself through meticulous attention to detail. Every minute detail of the graphics and audio centers around creating a realistic atmosphere, resulting in a game that rivals the experience of watching a movie. Gamers are dropped into the shoes of Sam Fisher, operative for the National Security Agency's Third Echelon as well as being an ex-Navy Seal and ex-CIA operative. The Third Echelon is a top secret group of independent operatives dispatched by the NSA as required in order to gather information and protect the American way of life with the understanding that, if caught, all knowledge of the existence of the operative will be disavowed.

Gameplay - The game opens with what seems to be a simple operation in the republic of Georgia, investigating the disappearance of two agents. What you discover sends you around the globe, racing against the clock to prevent, without giving anything away, the bad guy's plans. As missions are beaten there are television style updates which update the story, though as a secret operative Sam gets none of the credit. These frequent updates, along with mission briefings and in game transmissions, keep the story developing throughout the game and really aid in immersing the gamer within the imaginary world of Splinter Cell. The most intriguing element of the story is the way gamers can pick up extraneous details of the plot, as well as some hilarious unrelated material, merely by paying close attention during the levels. Hiding in a corner and listening to the night watchman talking to another guard can garner you some information about your target or merely treat you to five minutes of idle chatter, but either way it is a treat to listen in on.

Rumor has it that to become a videogame secret operative you need to have two special qualities in abundance. One of those qualities is an incredible arsenal of moves with easy controls, a quality that Sam Fisher has in spades. Sneaking is intuitive and simple, accomplished by gently pushing the analog stick in the desired direction. Sam can move both slowly and quickly while standing or, better to sneak up on someone, in a stealthy crouch. Crouching is toggled by tapping the O button, which also triggers a forward roll if tapped while moving, or the silent fall if tapped while falling or jumping. Jumping is handled with the Y button, and at certain points where the hallway is narrow enough a triple tap of the Y button is all that is needed to make Sam jump, jump off the wall in midair, then perform the splits and hang suspended between the walls. From this vantage point, if he is concealed by shadows, Sam can observe and spy on guard patrols, drop on and incapacitate unsuspecting people, or take out a weapon and eliminate enemies that way.

While Sam normally moves around without a weapon in hand, tapping the X button simultaneously readies the selected weapon and zooms the camera in to a vantage point just over the shoulder, making for easier targeting and more intense shootouts. Environmental interaction is handled with a dropdown menu system somewhat reminiscent of that seen in Hitman: Silent Assassin, where one or two options become available in proximity to certain objects. Grabbing unsuspecting people, picking up objects like cans or bodies, using computers and keypads, opening doors, even interrogating people at gunpoint are all easily performed actions.

The other quality that a spy must have is the ability to use state of the art gear, ranging from weapons to random gadgets, and again this is a quality Sam Fisher has in abundance. While he has access to a pistol and rifle, the main focus of Splinter Cell is to avoid combat, not revel in it, so firearms will see little use in a successfully executed mission. Of considerably more use are the various stealth gadgets, such as the fiber optic camera. This indispensable gadget permits Sam to scope out what is on the other side of a door while remaining safely on the other side, though its use leaves him vulnerable to attack should anyone happen by.

Also handy for inspecting dangerous locations are the two variants of sticky cameras, which are fired from the rifle using the secondary fire function. The recon version of the camera offers both thermal and night vision modes as well as allowing a limited zoom capability, but is only good for scouting. On the other side of the coin, the diversion cam lacks the sophisticated vision modes of the recon cam but can be made to emit a whistling noise that draws attention, as well as well as firing off a small but potent cloud of gas that knocks out anyone in the immediate vicinity. Once the area has been completely checked out, the lock pick allows Sam to open any locked doors. This entails using the force feedback function of the controller in conjunction with the analog stick to simulate picking the lock, a technique that adds some depth to what would otherwise be just another button press.

The most important aspect of the gameplay is the absolute reliance on stealth, and the ability to hide in any shadows, or create shadows when none exist. After playing for a few hours the gamer get conditioned to seek out shadow as soon as they enter a new area. If there are no shadows, hit the light switch or shoot out a light or two. The absolutely beautiful recreation of the play of light and shadow across a room and its contents is stunning, and integral to the success of your mission. Creeping silently through shadows only a foot from an unaware guard while keeping a careful eye on the meter that indicates your stealthiest is an adrenaline rush. Even more exciting is hiding after carelessly triggering an alarm, sitting still in the shadows as guards blunder around unable to see. Each close encounter is a heart stopping moment that has no equal in other games. Moments like that, when the gamer uses skill and a bit of luck to escape sure defeat, happen with startling frequency and result in an experience that is constantly rewarding.

Graphics - As mentioned, the graphics in Splinter Cell are incredible in that they actually do affect the way the game plays. The outstanding light modeling creates an atmosphere unlike any other, as anything and everything casts a realistic shadow, and lights are given realistic properties. For example, the light given off by a halogen light has a different quality to it than that of a desk lamp or a searchlight. At some points it is difficult to keep from stopping and just staring as a fan blade casts its intermittent shadow across the room or the shadows of moths circling a light play across the wall. When the lights go out entirely two other incredible effects enter the fray, namely thermal and night vision modes. Thermal mode displays body heat which is visible, though muted, through walls, windows, and curtains. Should Sam kill someone, using thermal vision will allow you to watch the corpse cool from bright to dull colors, just another indication of the outstanding attention to detail present. Night vision mode cuts the color out of the scene, and greatly enhances the available light. The depth of field effect while using this mode is very noticeable, and quite well done.

Equally well done are the character models, particularly that of Sam Fisher himself. Tiny details like equipment straps and buckles on his gear are noticeable, and add a great deal to the overall look of the game. The surroundings also feature small details, like trash in the trashcans, which add a significant deal of realism to the presentation of a living world. Another touch that adds realism is the care taken with the animation. Every move Sam makes is smoothly animated, including small details like holding down his pistol while creeping so it won't move and make noise, his face showing emotion, and his lips moving while talking. The attention to minute details is perhaps best displayed when holding an enemy hostage, with one arm around their neck and the other holding a gun to their head, then switching an enhanced vision mode on. With a smooth flick of his head Sam drops the goggles over his eyes, never letting the person go. Enemies, when not frozen stiff with terror because of a gun to their head, are also smoothly animated, with special care given to idle animations. Watch a guard without alerting them and they will perform a variety of motions including checking behind them, looking around, rubbing their neck, and talking with others. Just another example of attention to detail creating a world that appears to exist beyond what the gamer does within it.

The camera controls are handled well, with the camera generally locked behind Sam though a touch of the right analog stick can spin it into whatever position is desired. This allows the gamer to peek around corners, keeping an eye on enemies and watching for the proper moment to steal away silently. As mentioned, a tap of the X button draws your weapon and zooms the camera in to a very functional over the shoulder view. This transition is smooth and quick, and doesn't interfere with the ability to see nearby enemies. A downside of the ability to freespin the camera is a clipping problem, particularly pronounced when in a tight hallway or small room, though this rarely affects play.

Sound - For all the attention that the visuals get, Splinter Cell also delivers top notch surround sound 5.1 compatible audio presentation. The voice acting, with Michael Ironsides voicing Sam, is among the best done on the Xbox to date. Clear and crisp, the multitude of speech you can overhear within the game is delivered with genuine feeling, and reeks of authenticity. Even the 'gag reel' type conversations, stuck in just for entertainment, are well done and don't spoil the overall experience at all. Also well implemented, the soundtrack rises and falls with the action, remaining low and quiet while sneaking, and then crescendoing to a blaze of guitar and bass riffs when the bullets start flying. While sitting still, the ambient sounds of the level become noticeable. People talking nearby, footsteps behind you, and a door opening down the hall-- all elements masterfully woven into the rich tapestry of the game experience. The only downside with the outstanding audio is that the majority of the time the player is attempting to avoid making any sound at all.

Overall Value - Splinter Cell aims for and takes the stealth-action crown thanks to incredible audio, a simple yet deep control scheme, mind-blowing visuals, and a solid plot backing it all up. Those with Xbox Live can look forward to content downloads, including new missions and levels, which will add to the already considerable value it offers. Those in areas where Xbox Live is not a possibility should move, or watch for content add-ons to become available through other sources. While all single player games will eventually become played out, Splinter Cell offers enough leeway in the methods players can use to complete mission goals that it will garner several replays. Hands down the best single player game available on the Xbox, Splinter Cell is a must buy.

Review by Rod Oracheski