Splinter Cell Review

Modding wise, there still isn't too much available for this game. Lets hope this changes in a big way sooner rather than later. Anyhow lets move onto the review, and we'll start with the standard game background story (which isn't too bad - boarding on a realistic scenario even!)

A Japanese Information Defense Force is formed to help face modern threats. Deemed a violation of international law and of the Japanese Post-War Constitution, Korea and China become outraged. Secretly, the head of the IDF begins launching information-warfare attacks against Japan and blaming the attacks on North Korea. When the U.S. intervenes, as they are obligated to under Article 9 of the Japanese Post-War Constitution, the U.S. is attacked as well, forcing North Korea to escalate the situation with a pre-emptive invasion of South Korea. As war erupts on the Korean Peninsula, Sam Fisher must thwart the alliance between the Japanese Admiral, a neurotic computer hacker, and the head of an international paramilitary company in order to prevent the rekindling of a massive world war in the Pacific.

The third installment of the stealth-action series starring Sam Fisher. Splinter Cell Chaos Theory takes place in 2008, an age where electronic warfare has turned into the greatest threat to world security. As secret agent Sam Fisher, you are tasked with tracking down and eliminating some of the world's most notorious perpetrators of this newest type of warfare, and to eliminate the new threat of global information warfare. Be ready to take the challenge head on.

There are now multiple levels of objectives: primary, secondary, and opportunity. You are only required to complete primary objectives, but the other two categories count toward your overall mission success rating; which is also new to the series not to mention making the game even longer to finish.. There is really no big reward for those stealth masters that complete everything close to 100% (good luck on reaching that percentage), but the addition of tertiary objectives rounds out the scope of the game nicely. There are 10 levels of single player international espionage and each one contains multiple paths to complete the primary and secondary objectives. First off, Sam now carries a knife that can be used for quick, lethal takedowns. When approaching a door there are now four options: open door, open door stealth, bash door, and optic cable. Chaos Theory provides more chances to stay hidden, but less chance of survival when their cover is blown.

Chaos Theory is an addition to the already well made Splinter Cell series and the new co-op missions add to the stealth-action genre to make the series complete. While Pandora Tomorrow felt like a slight extension of the original game, this installment adds enough pizzazz and game play tweaks to make a Chaos Theory one of the best games in quality. The real attraction of the game is its ability to relate to gamers on so many levels. Whether gamers are interested in stealth or action, single- or multiplayer, versus or co-op, Chaos Theory offers an immensely satisfying experience. In my opinion, with the possiblity of a few PC game mods in the works, this is one not to miss: 9.6 / 10!

PC Specifications Required

The minimal configuration Processor Intel or AMD 1.4 GHz Operating System Windows 2000/XP Memory 256 MB Available Disk Space 1.0 GB Graphics Card DX 9.0 compatible card with Shader Model 1.1 GeForce 3 or higher, ATI Radeon 8500 or higher, 64 MB DirectX Version 9.0c Recommended configuration (same than above unless otherwise stated) Processor Intel or AMD 2.0 GHz Graphics Card 128 MB Memory 512 MB Sound Card Dolby Digital 5.1 and EAX 3.0 compatible Although there have been some changes (for the better), most of the core game play of the Splinter Cell series remains intact.