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mixed feelings

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 4 / 6
Date: April 18, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Basicaly, I would say this game is good. If there were half stars I would have prefered 3 1/2 to 3, but it's no big deal. The concept of this game is great, especially for those who are familiar with the ideas of Tom Clancy. It's target is no doubt realism, and it can easily be seen with such things as fiber optics to see under doors, picking locks manually, and the extensive abilities of motion, not to mention the graphics. Where this game loses points is visible when another person enters the picture. There is no blood. For a game that's supposed to be realistic, and the esrb says has blood AND gore, there is neither. Nor is there location damage. To drop someone with a shot to the head, one must be practically point blank. I've tried to tell myself it's from the realism that manual aim is not 100% accurate, but I had better aim when I was ten. Another alternative for peace of mind is that this game re-enforces the idea that it is not always necessary to kill someone just because they are there. If going through the game knocking everyone out, perhaps the lack of blood and location damage won't be obvious, but occasionally it's just easier to kill. Killing is a difficult alternative though. It often takes more bullets to drop someone in Splinter cell than it ever took to drop a zombie in Resident Evil. If playing through the game without focusing on the killing (which there is so much more to this game), then it is a good game. In my opinion, no game can be called 'realistic' if one can shoot someone in the head three times without spilling a drop of blood or killing the individual.

A perfect blend...kind of...sort of...not really....

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 6
Date: April 16, 2003
Author: Amazon User

A jack of all trades, master of none. It includes some of your favorite stealth moves, but nothing original except the split-jump. (And let's face it--the split-jump is just not that useful.) I think this game could be described as Metal Gear Solid 2 meets Hitman 2, except it leaves out so many of the great features of those games that you beg for more. I say if you're going to steal concepts from other titles, you should do it all the way. (Like the Sons of Liberty third-person view that somehow made its way into a few levels of James Bond 007: Nightfire? Can anyone say...[...]

Splinter Cell has constantly advertized its lighting effects and extensive use of light and shadow for stealth. I have three major issues with this: 1) It doesn't seem to matter whether or not I can see my character, only what the lighting meter says. In other words, sometimes I'll be standing in a well lit hallway with an inch of shadow running along the wall, and all I have to do is stand near the shadow to be concealed. 2) The concept encouraged the developers to create some really unrealistic lighting. For example, a number of missions involve infiltrating the CIA headquarters, and apparently the CIA got a pretty hefty electric bill last month, because they don't seem to feel they need any lights on, even when I've set off an alarm. 3) If you rotate the camera around so that you're looking at your character's face, his nightvision goggles make it look like he has car headlights mounted on his forehead. NOT the best way to avoid attracting attention. At least in the real world.Now for some pluses. The graphics are great, despite the fact that they didn't use Mo Cap, and hiding in the shadows can be pretty fun. The weapons are cool, although in short supply. The camera is relatively easy to manipulate, making seeing around corners a breeze, and your nightvision and heatvision are quite useful and well done. I also appreciate the chord that plays everytime I'm spotted or a gaurd suspects something; I'd be lost without it. The control scheme is a little clunky, but the gameplay is still smooth and James Bondian once you get it down, which makes for some Hollywood caliber action.

In short, while not perfect, Splinter Cell has a lot to offer. I'd certainly advise renting it if you want to spent a kick-[..] week with your PlayStation 2, but don't buy without checking it out first.

Didn't Disappoint Me

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: April 16, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Having long envied my Xbox-owning friends for having this game, I've finally gotten a chance to play it myself on the PS2, and, I'm happy to say, while it doesn't live up to the hype -- what *does* these days, except maybe GTA? -- it CERTAINLY didn't disappoint me. Splinter Cell does not suffer from the clunkiness that so many "stealth" games have (although it isn't as fluid in gameplay as Metal Gear Solid 2). It really IS fun. It's true, your gadgets are sparse, but the gameplay is fluid, it's easy to jump into (especially for a Clancy game), and it's *just* not frustrating enough to be fun for all, so to speak. That being said, it's no Metal Gear Solid, but it ranks up there with Hitman 2 as one of the most fun stealth-oriented games I've ever played. Let me put it this way: It won't disappoint you like SOCOM may have, but it also won't quite blow you away like MGS2 did. On a scale of 1-10 (I grade easily), graphics get a 7.5, gameplay gets an 8, plot and cutscenes get a 10, ease of play gets a 9, and...well, I'll tell you about replayability later, I have to get back to the game. :p (But I'd *guess* around a 6.5)

TOTALLY BLOWN AWAY

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: April 13, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I must say, it felt really good seeing that my PS2 can pull of tricks that I've been told "it can't do." This rendition easily rivals the X-Box version as far as graphics go. As for gameplay, it is unmatched. I'm a huge fan of stealth videogames, and I haven't been this blown away since playing MGS2: Sons of Liberty. Sam Fisher isn't as big a badass as Solid Snake is, per se, but he is definitely bad ... all his own. This has to be one of the most beautiful games to grace the PS2. The lighting effects are flawless, easily mimicking those of the X-Box version. Sticking to the shadows is crucial. One wrong move, and Third Echelon will pull the plug. You get a genuine feeling of panic when an enemy notices you, and you get a genuine feeling of accomplishment when you make it through an entire stage unseen. A must-own game, I'd give it 6 stars, but 5 is all I can give it.

Tactical espionage action rises to the next level.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: May 26, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Though METAL GEAR SOLID and its sequel METAL GEAR SOLID 2: SONS OF LIBERTY are largely considered to be the best examples of tactical espionage action ever made, TOM CLANCYýS SPLINTER CELL represents the state of that particular art. Though the game lacks the depth and replayability of either of Konamiýs groundbreaking sneak ýný snipe entries, SPLINTER CELL stands out with its absorbing, innovative gameplay and compelling overall design. Gamers who enjoy clinging to the shadows and dispatching enemies in silence should not hesitate before plunking down their cash for Ubi Softýs stealth action masterwork.

SPLINTER CELLýs storyline is blissfully coherent. Those whoýve suffered through the outrageously convoluted, anime-style plots of both METAL GEAR SOLID outings will love the comparative realism of SPLINTER CELL. As covert operative Sam Fisher ý voiced with menacing flair by perennial screen baddie, Michael Ironside ý players pursue the renegade leader of breakaway Soviet republic, uncovering a conspiracy involving millions in stolen wealth, high-tech terrorism and even the threat of nuclear violence. It all has the ýit could happený flair of Tom Clancyýs technothriller niche, and gives the game a refreshing immediacy.

Storyline aside, gameplay is where SPLINTER CELL really shines. Ubi Soft has taken the idea of remaining unseen to new levels. Whereas games like METAL GEAR SOLID and TENCHU had players ducking behind obstructions or striking from above, SPLINTER CELL incorporates light and shadow into the mix, demanding that careful attention to be paid to light sources in every situation. Being spotted in SPLINTER CELL means almost certain death. There is no Rambo option here.

SPLINTER CELL also uses sound in a realistic manner never seen before. The gameýs enemies have ears, and if the player isnýt careful to remain silent, as well as hidden, Sam Fisherýs mission might be cut abruptly short, along with his life. Everything from breaking bottles to the thump of boots on a hardwood floor is modeled. Guards react realistically to suspicious noises, and can be lured in this fashion, as well.

For all its good points, SPLINTER CELL isnýt perfect. The game features some amazing effects, particularly when it comes to real-time lighting and the detailed character models. The environments can sometimes be a little plain, with only a handful of objects that can be manipulated by the player. Sam also lacks a few of the moves packed by METAL GEAR SOLIDýs Snake, such as belly crawling, that would seem like essentials in such a game. All of these objections are clearly nits to be picked, however. When a game is this immersive ý demanding that the player watch, think and listen before every move ý everything else is just icing. Even so, it would have been nice to see more unlockables, or nonessential objectives, to keep gameplay fresh. Players will want to go through SPLINTER CELL again and again to perfect their technique, but after the first run-through there will be no real surprises.

Exciting! Fun! Realistic!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: October 30, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Although my SOCOM Navy Seals game STILL has this game beat, I admit, Splinter Cell is a really awesome game!

Anyway, not being a Tom Clancy Game fan to begin with, (I think his games are real cheesy!) I thought Splinter Cell was going to be another lame attempt at a "covert op's" type game, just like Ghost Recon, and a few others out there....Which, in my opinion, never came close to living up to their hype!

Splinter Cell definetely gives the player a true "gaming experience". Making the player feel like they're a "part" of the game, and not feeling simply like a player holding a control pad.

PROS:
Well, there are many.....Great movements! The ability to sneak up on a bad guy, hold a gun to his head, hide in shadows, player must be stealthy, Michael Ironside (Total Recall, and other great movies) is the voice-over actor for the main character, you can rappel off walls with rope, cool jumping manuvers, climb poles, fences...etc etc....and so much more!

CONS:
Right off the bat I noticed the complete lack of finding enough weapons, ammunition & medical kits. The lack of enough ammo is a real bummer! I know that using your gun in this game is a last-resort weapon, but, come on guys, finding a few extra bullets would have been nice! And, I also noticed that the game is a bit hard to control at first, but gets a bit easier as you play a while.

Splinter Cell, while having a small amount of "cons", is a real pleasure to play, and offers a complete, life-like, gaming experience!

BEST GAME OF ALL-TIME!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: February 06, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell is the best game I've ever played, and these are some of the reasons why:

1. Graphics: This game has the best graphics I'v ever seen on a PS2 system, and I've heard that they are even better on XBox.

2. Variety: As Sam Fisher, you can do a variety of different moves to escape, incapacitate, or kill your enemy. Some include: crouching*, mantling, climbing, close attack, back to wall (B2W)*, shimmying, hand-over-hand*, zip line, rolling, wall jump, split jump*, drop attack, quiet landing, door peek, rappelling*, grabbing, human shield*, interrogation, and forced cooperation. (* = can shoot while doing this)

3. Ememy AI: The enemies in this game are so realistic that you fell like you are in the room with them. They have conversations with each other and have other life-like features.

4. Great Storyline: I don't want to give a lot away, but I'll just say that the story in SC could easily happen in real life and that Sam Fisher works for the U.S. government. You'll have to find the rest out for yourself.

5. Strategy: This game is not for you if you don't want to have to think and use strategy. There's practically no information given to you and you have to find your way through often complex levels.

6. Ease of Use: The controls (for PS2 at least) are some of the easiest I've ever seen on a role-playing game. After the first level, I didn't even have to look down at the controller to know what I was doing.

7. Weapons and Gadgets: Thoughtout the game, you only get two guns, but don't let this get you down. The second gun you get (SC-20K M.A.W.S.) is probably one of the most useful guns in any game. Equipped with a silencer and sniper mode, you can do more than just shoot bullets. Some non-lethal weapons you can shoot with this gun are: ring airfoils, sticky cameras, sticky shockers, and distraction cameras. Other gadgets you have are: gas grenades, laser mic, camera jammer, optic cable, disposable pick, binocular/heat-vision/night-vision headset, wall mines, flares, chemical flares, and frag grenades.

Well, there are a lot more great aspects about this game, but I can't list them all. So, to reiterate, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell is at the top of the list in stealth-action games. Go out and buy it today! I guarantee you will not be disapointed.

Note: There is a sequel to this game (Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow) coming out on March 18, 2004. I have already pre-ordered it, and I reccomend you do to. You can check out Splinter Cell at www.splintercell.com and Pandora Tomorrow at www.pandoratomorrow.com.

Hard but fun

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: February 12, 2004
Author: Amazon User

This has to be one of the hardest games I have played, but also the funnest. If you are a beginner, this game will probably be too hard. I think it's very hard myself, and I'm no beginner, I have a big stack of about 17 or 18 games and have had my PS2 for a year or two. If you like games like MOH and Bond, where you feel like Rambo, this might not be your game. This is a stealth-action game, and probably the best one. You might not like it at first, because of the long training thing and the 1st level isn't that fun. But trust me, after you beat the first level, you really start to get into it. By then, you'll probably have the controls mastered(After I did the training thing, the controls were fine for me).The controls aren't really the problem to why its so hard, it's because you have to figure the levels out. Your OPSAT tells you a little bit, but it's hard to find out where things are. You'll figure it out sooner or later, don't get frusterated with it!........ enjoy!!

(P.S.- In the end of the second level, where you have to get into Nikoldze's office, you go on the roof and rappel down and jump through the window into the office. Knock out the guy sitting in the chair and you're on your way. It took me a while to figure this out, just thought I'd give you a hint.)

SORRY, THIS REIVEW IS WAY TOO LONG!!!!!

Refuels my love of "tactical" action games

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: November 27, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Back in my former life as an avid PC gamer, one of my favorite games was Thief (the original, not the 2004 release that I am unable to try out). Since those days, I've longed for a game that rewarded pure stealth and strategy over blazing guns and quick trigger fingers. I found partial relief in Metal Gear Solid 2, but it was definitely not the same. Now, at last, my thirst has been quenched by /Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell/.

Pros:
* Immersive gameplay with a heavy emphasis on staying in the shadows and keeping quiet.
* Nice gadgets to play with. You've got just enough tech to make your missions possible, but not so much that you are overwhelmingly superior. Spy on conversations, peek under doors, see in the dark. Cool toys, and all very useful.
* Great graphics for the PS2, with impressive lighting and atmospheric effects. Fabrics billow in the wind and swirl around objects, lanterns sway in the breeze, etc.
* Excellent voice acting and sound effects. The pre-rendered cut scenes are very nice, although not exactly movie quality. The DVD style "extras" are rather cool, also.
* VERY tight control scheme. It may not be 100% intuitive, but it feels a lot better than MGS2 (which, to me, seems a little sluggish).

Cons:
* Not all lights can be shot out to make shadows to hide in. This is probably a limitation imposed by the PS2's dynamic lighting capabilities. It does limit your creativity at certain points in the game, though.
* Frequent breaks in the action to load new areas (on the plus side, this gives you frequent chances to save your game).
* No multiplayer. C'mon, I can't be the only one who wants to skulk around in the shadows and assassinate the virtual versions of my friends, right?

Here's the bottom line: Splinter Cell is THE stealth action game for PS2. It looks great, sounds great, and plays great. This style of gaming is not for everyone, but if you are looking for something with more depth than your average run 'n' gun shooter, you've found it.

Rocking pick for spy and stealth lovers

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: July 03, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I am Yakuza! For PS2 , many games are a must by like Spider-Man , Van Helsing , GTA San Andreas and so much more. But in my opinion Splinter Cell by Tom Clancy is a must buy. This is a NUMBUH 1 pick for stealth lovers.You'll love it too my friends because of the functions , the gadgets , the faith , and the life. We as Sam Fisher has been sent to Georgia that the Georgian president Kombayn Nikoladze is up to something fishy.Our team Third Echelon , a part of NSA , consists of three main characters:
- SAM FISHER
- COLONEL IRVING LAMBERT
- ANNA GRIMSDOTTIR
These are from TE but not main characters:
- VERMON WILKES,JR.
- COEN
And the following will be our villians:
- KOMBAYN NIKOLADZE
- VYACHESLAV GRINKO
- PHILIP MASSE (not a true one)
- GENERAL KONG FEIRONG
And the pros and cons are:
PROS:
- Cool story and presentation
- Best gadgets like Stcky Camera and Disposable pick
- Night and thermal vision goggles available
- Storyline like a real terrible situation

Cons:
- Less gunfighting , more stealth
- Some gadgets are not necessary but still they are given
- Sam Fisher is a little aged (49 yrs.)
Well , for my happiness buy this mustbuy game and never forget to buy a new mustbuy game the second version Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow!!!!!!!

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