Ahhhhhh the original stealth shooter franchise is back.After the odd story arc of Splinter Cell:Double Agent; everyone's favorite shadow bound marksman is back. Now I could write a VERY long diatribe about what I love and hate about this game, but I'll keep it fairly succinct for both our sakes. I'll address the game play first, story second.
Firstly the game does NOT punish you as bad for being detected and seems to actually let you try to kill/sneak/distract your way back into the shadows and this makes the game MUCH more accessible to the more casual gamer and first time Splinter Cell players. Now please don't misread that last sentence, if you think you are god's gift to video games, jack the difficulty up and you'll be just as frustrated as ever. Its a hell of a lot better then "the guard heard you fart, game over"
There is a pretty good selection of weapons even if you didn't pre-order the game (dont get me started) and you earn what can only be described as "skill points" which you use to upgrade the weapons. Extended magazines, scopes, different stocks, match grade ammo,etc but only 3 upgrades per gun and the upgrade options are pre-determined, ie no scopes on pistols. In addition to the guns you get a small selection of gadgets, from a personal EMP to frag grenades which also can be upgraded; usually its the effective radius that is upgraded.
Earning said skills points is hit or miss, some challenges are far too easy while others are far too difficult. For the most part you can earn enough to upgrade the guns you use most, the rest is just needed for some achievements. Once you get the FiveSe7en pistol its doubtful you'll use any other pistol, so other then the aforementioned achievement, there really is no need to upgrade any other pistol.
My only MAJOR gripe with the game play is as the levels progress the game it self seems to devolve from a stealth oriented game to more of a run of the mill 3rd person shooter. Sam Fisher deserves better then that. There are certain parts of the game where there is no option to sneak by, you must expose yourself (killing an enemy or otherwise) just to get by. When you get to the big red gas truck you'll understand.
Lastly, the story. I will keep this really brief as to avoid any spoilers. The beginning of the story really grabs you and pulls you in, but as you keep going it gets more and more confusing. I'm not a huge fan of "Tarantino-ing" storylines so maybe when all the flashbacks align I'll be on board, but since I haven't finished the game yet I'm still a little lost.
As of this moment, none of my friends have the game, so I cant comment on multi-player. And no, I have no faith in playing with strangers on this type of game.
The game is a solid 9.1 out of 10
Quick tip for you US gamers with cell phones , text the word weapon to 44144 and you'll get a free bonus weapon. No I wont spoil the surprise, and you are welcome.
~Malenko
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