Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory - April 6, 2005

The Daily Cardinal
By Jason Ducat

Many were disappointed by the absence of a new "Splinter Cell" game during the 2004 holiday season. To avoid going up against other video game heavyweights, like "Halo 2" and "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas," producer UbiSoft held off releasing their spy franchise until spring. The wait was well worth it, and once again protagonist Sam Fisher delivers a peerless gaming experience.

The single-player campaign has remained relatively unchanged. Each new chapter adds a few new options and refines some aspects of the game, but any significant changes remain unnecessary.

As such, "Splinter Cell" veterans will be instantly familiar with the single-player controls. For everyone else, the first few missions or so will acclimate novice fingers to the semi-complicated game layout, eventually making it second nature.

Graphically, "Splinter Cell" has always been a beast. Gameplay relies heavily on photorealistic locations and stealth-providing shadows. "Chaos Theory" meets, and often surpasses, these demands by beautifully rendering the game's environments. Continuing in the tradition set by the second Splinter Cell, "Chaos Theory" varies nicely the time spent inside and outside.

"Chaos Theory" features pumped-up enemy artificial intelligence-opponents are no longer the mindless drones of old. These new enemies will create their own light to find you hiding in the shadows, their patrol paths are no longer static and predictable, and they are more apt to suspect foul play when lights are mysteriously shut off. "Chaos Theory" is even more of a thinking man's game than the previous editions.

And it is this aspect that separates "Splinter Cell" from other series. Moral dilemmas abound in "Chaos Theory," and Sam Fisher is as deeply developed as any movie character. The game is not a mindless run-and-gun affair like so many others; choices have consequences. While these consequences may not always manifest in the game world, the superb voice acting and scripting will play with players' emotions when you trigger certain events.

Michael Ironside, the voice of Fisher, creates a deadpan personality, while maintaining an interesting and genuine tone throughout the game. This makes Fisher an emotionally convincing character, while still preserving his tough-guy image.

The single-player game is reason enough to own this title. The icing on the cake is the returning multiplayer modes. New maps and improved controls even out the sides as two spies take on two mercenaries in this uniquely addictive online arena. Words cannot describe the thrill found online when playing alongside and against human controlled characters.

If the online multiplayer is the icing on the cake, the online co-op is another cake entirely. This mode offers a completely different experience from single-player. The stakes are raised in every way, and teamwork is the only way to survive. You and your fellow spy can reach higher places together, distract and take out enemies, and complete multiple objectives at the same time. Though shorter than the single player mode, co-op is still a spectacular experience.

Everything about "Splinter Cell" has been improved in "Chaos Theory." There is something for every sort of gamer out there. "Chaos Theory" really amounts to three games for the price of one. The unique levels and improvements make "Chaos Theory" a great buy for "Splinter Cell" veterans and might even make some new fans.