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Will Satisfy You Until The Next Metal Gear Solid Game!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 24 / 24
Date: August 01, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell is a wonderful addition to the Tom Clancy games. I like Splinter Cell much better than the Ghost Recon games, and the game is better than most tactical shooters. In fact, it would really be hard to call this game a shooter at all. You really don't get very many bullets in the game, and weapon use comes second to stealth tactics. Also, killing an enemy may result in an alarm being triggered if someone is nearby. I many levels, only one alarm that is set off could mean mission over. The max amount of alarms that you could have in a level was three. Howeverm if you are careful, the alarms aren't that big of a deal. You should note that this is no Red Faction II or even MGS2. Splinter Cell is 90% stealth! You must stay in the shadows and avoid enemies. The best way to dispose of troops is hiding, then they turn their back, and then you can(fairly easily)sneak up on them. It's quiet and efficient. Also, you must hide bodies to avoid being caught. Even James Bond kills a thousand times more people than Sam Fisher. The graphics aren't as good on the PS2 as they are on X-Box, but they are still great! The sound is very good too, with humorous enemy chatter and good music and sound effects. The biggest drag to Splinter Cell is that the first time through, the game is exhilerating, the second time, it's pretty predictable, and then after that, it will most likely sit on your shelf for awhile. Please don't buy Splinter Cell if you hate sneaking around and not firing a lot of bullets. If you are a Timesplitters 2 fanatic, you might want to think beforebuying this game. Now, I love both combat games and espionage types, so I loved Splinter Cell. And this game is great relief for MGS fans until MGS3:Snake Eater is releasd next year. My Rating:9.4!

Splinter Cell and Metal GEar Solid 2, nothing ALike

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 20 / 24
Date: July 25, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I've heard a lot of idiots going around saying that this game is the killer of Metal Gear Solid 2, that's like saying Tony Hawk 4 will kill off Grand Theft Auto Vice City. First of all, the games are very different. Splinter Cell is firmly rooted in reality, and that includes the lighting and shadow effects that are constantly mentioned and there is a lot of trial and error, whereas MGS 2 is a mix between fantasy and reality and has a set course for you to follow, so these games aren't really the same, and given the choice between them, I'd take 'em both. With that out of the way, ON TO THE REVIEW!
Splinter Cell is the only Tom Clancy game I've ever liked, I feel that games like Rainbow 6 and Ghost Recon are too real to be fun, and if I wanted realism I'd join the Marines, but what makes this so different? Who knows, but the story is very cool and realistic, the graphics are OK for the Ps2 hardware and the actual gameplay is excellent, you can hide from enemies in the shadows and distract them, enabling you to move on and the controls are also very easy to use, taking only a short time to master. The enemy AI is also very realistic and it offers a good fight, which is why you should either sneak up from behind enemies or just avoid them altogether.
Reading the other reviews, I've seen that in addition to comparing MGS2 to SC, people also compare the XboX to Ps2 versions, I've played both and they're equally good. The Xbox version has better graphics going for it and you can also download the levels that are in the Ps2 version, the Ps2 version has better and easier controls and the levels are already there. Given the choice between the xBox version and Ps2 version, I couldn't choose and the only reason I got the Ps2 version was because I don't have an XboX.
But it doesn't matter which version you buy, because the game is cool wether you get the Ps2, Xbox, PC or the Gamecube version, (is there a Gamecube version?)
Thanks for taking the time to read the review.

Lookin good!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 14 / 15
Date: February 04, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Well chances are, you already know of this game but you probably want to know what the PS 2 verison will have to offer that the original did not. Well so far the following additions have been confirmed. The PS 2 version will feature an all-new binocular-vision headset, as well as four, count 'em, 4 new levels in the power plant area! It will also get 30 additional minutes of cinematics, and a completely new four-minute intro with music performed by the Prague Orchestra. Ubi Soft also said they will support Dolby Pro Logic II sound, so anyone with a PLII sound setup will really appreciate this feature. The graphics seem to have been slightly downgraded due to the fact that the original was made for completely different hardware but it looks like it's coming together very well considering it's a port and the extra levels and gadgets should make it a worthy purchase.

Ubi Soft hit the nail on this one...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 8
Date: August 02, 2003
Author: Amazon User

OK, so, if your looking for an action shooter title with a bit more strategy, or a stealth based game that allows multiple ways to complete the mission (e.g.: Hitman II), Get Splinter Cell, period. It combines some of the best visuals I've ever seen into a game where everything from lighting to the terrain your standing on affects yur risk of being captured (read: complete your mission).You can even shoot out the lights in a room! Unlike other games, there is no "obvious" way to get around a problem. You'll have to figure it out on your own, wheather its simply sniping a lone guard from a dark corridor and dragging his corpse into the shadows, or sneaking up behind him, grabbing him, and walking towards your objective using him as a human shield. There IS a lot of trial and error in this game, it is definently not an easy game to beat. You will not however become bored with it once you've tried something a couple of times (granted, I did become bored with it after I got up from the computer and realised it was 4 AM seriously!). The graphics are great,but you will need a pretty high-end system to run it. It wouldn't load on my old PIII, but I got a new Toshiba Satellite with an nVIDIA Geforce FX-M card and it smokes!! Also, the mission advancement is very well-balanced. You won't get all the cool gagets and weapons immediatly. You are always equiped with what is needed for your mission, but some of them are limited ammo, so you might fail your mission if you don't have any once you reach your objective! Some examples are:
-the laser mic. point andlisten device for hearing conversation behind walls
-diversion camera. small camera that emits a whistle on command and can also shoot knock-out gas.

Another great addition to this game is the dialogue between Sam Fisher and his boss, and even the enemies! example:

NSA Boss: Good Lord! That's general Kong Feirong!

Fisher: Good Lord. Who's that?

________________________________________

Soldier 1: So...how many did you kill?
S2: Eh...computer geeks? I killed 1, he got four. (points)
S1: Four? (mutters then gasps) Hey, I think I see something!

Those soldiers were then blown to pieces by a frag grenade.

There's a bit of dark humour in this game, like most of the rest of it. This is a dark game, and to fully appreciate the stunning visuals, you might have to turn off your night-vision goggles once in a while.

This is truly the most complete, breathtakingly real black ops game I have ever played. Don't try to compare this to MGS. It will blow you away with its graphics (those sys specs are real!)and the gameplay is unmatched. And if you even think that Fishers headset looks wierd with the three green eyepieces, you'll change you mind after playing. I'd definently give this game a 10/10, this is one of the best games I've ever played! AND THERES A SEQUEL COMING!!!!!!

...Hey, who turned out the lights?

The hype is justified!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 8
Date: April 08, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I am always suspicious of an overly-hyped game, but Splinter Cell left nothing to be disappointed about. If this is a taste of what's down the road for video games, I'll have to quit my job! The graphics are super, game play and sound awesome, and the implementation of the stealth concept is powerfully convincing.

I have only three minor issues with the game. The first is that it takes a bit to get the controls down. Not a big deal, just a forewarning. What really bugged me was that pistol aiming was too slow. The number of bullets it took to put someone down was also on the unrealistically high side. You could be right over someone and shoot him in the back of the head, and it still would take a couple shots.

These minor flaws aside, the game if simply awesome!

Heh

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 11 / 18
Date: April 02, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I love how UbiSoft's marketing people post rave reviews of their own products without mentioning that they work for the company.

I came here to check if the game was available for the PS2 yet, because I've seen it on friend's Xbox's and the game does rock, and it's every bit as incredible as Ubi's marketing guys say, but I think it's really dishonest to post reviews for your own product and not mention that you work for the company. I know people in the gaming industry, I know that this sort of thing is typical, but that still doesn't make it right. Let the customers do the reviews. The game is great, you don't need to lie to hype it up.

Best first-person stealth game I've played.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: April 22, 2003
Author: Amazon User

This game is definately better than MGS in my opinion, for one simple reason. You get to play it. MGS is so inundated with cut scenes it ruins the whole game. I want to play the game not watch an hour of cut scenes every 15 minutes. That said, the graphics are awesome, the controls really aren't that difficult, the sound is awesome, and the enemy AI is great. I rank this game just ahead of Medal of Honor as far as action games go for the PS2. It's a great game, very fun and addicting. Remember, stealth is always the best strategy in this game. Buy this game, I'm sure you'll like it.

A good freshman outing...but not perfect

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: April 26, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I was one of those who was a doubter regarding Splinter Cell. Being a huge Metal Gear fan, I obviously thought there was no way that Ubi Soft's first venture into to the stealth/action genre could deliver the goods. I can say that while not delivering quite as well, Splinter Cell is still an exceptional game.

XBox owners have been "OOOH'ing" and "AAAAHHH'ing" over Splinter Cell for the past 6 months. Some saying that it's the "Metal Gear Killer" that the XBox needed. The long and short of it is; though Splinter Cell is an above average game, it is by no means a Metal Gear killer. Why you might ask? Graphics and gameplay aside, Splinter Cell lacks the story development that would have put it over the top. Say what you want about Metal Gear Solid 2 SOL story, it was at least memorable. Full of characters that were charasmatic and you actually will remember long after playing the game. Splinter Cell though rooted in the "real world" lacks any real memorable characters other than the star, NSA's Sam Fisher. You don't feel any compelling reason to stop the bad guys. With precious few cinematics to tie the action together, at times it feels like you are playing through a bunch of disjointed, seperate missions. Also there is no hand to hand combat system. You'd think an Uber Agent like Sam Fisher alledgedley is would be trained in martial arts or unarmed fighting techniques. It's these reasons I gave Splinter Cell a rating of 4 stars and not 5.

Now on to what's right about this game. The game play is exceptionally good. An array of weapons at your disposal will give you a number of different ways to bring down a bad guy. Though the game can become a frustrating exercise in "trial and error" at times. Often leading to bouts of "What am I doing wrong?". Graphically, even on the PS2 this is probabley one of the best looking games you'll find out there. The light and shadow effects look pretty darn good even on the PS2's less powerful hardware. Ubi Soft is to be commended for having done a really good job of bringing a game like this to the PS2. The control scheme is also very nicely laid out. A few runs through the training level are needed to familiarize yourself with the controls and with Sam Fisher's movements. But once you get a hang of them it makes gameplay much easier. Some nice extra's were added for the PS2 version including a new mission, binoculars and an alarm meter to help you along with the game play.

Being Ubi Soft's first real stealth adventure game I'd have to say that this is an impressive start. Though not quite on the same level with the Metal Gear series, Splinter Cell is good none the less. Hopefully, if Ubi Soft irons out a few of the wrinkles along the way, then we can expect some big things in the future.

One of the best games for the PS2 to date

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 9
Date: April 13, 2003
Author: Amazon User

One of the few games that I actually loved playing for the XBox, I had mixed feelings when I heard that Splinter Cell would be released for the PS2. My reasons why? Take a look at games like Wreckless and Dead to Rights. Both of them were great previously XBox exclusive games that when ported to the PS2 were only a shadow of the games they were on Microsoft's money bag. However we need not worry, Splinter Cell has been brought to the PS2 almost flawlessly, and the end result is one of the best games for the PS2 to date. The formula for Splinter Cell looks simple on paper: you play as Sam Fisher (voiced greatly by Michael Ironside), an NSA agent who uses his stealth and military skills to uncover a terrorist group's agenda. Your mission is to infiltrate high security buildings to retrieve top secret info, and this is where the fun of Splinter Cell is to be had. You have to keep your cover in the shadows and make sure enemies don't spot you. Believe it or not, while that sounds a bit boring, it can be very exhilarating and exciting, and when you get to take your enemies out the game gets even sweeter. At your disposal is an array of high tech gadgets and weapons ranging from night vision goggles, a rifle which allows you to fire lethal and non-lethal ammo, and a pair of binoculars which are new to the PS2 version. The control layout is very well laid out and the analog sticks provide precision movement for moving around and taking aim. The graphics are phenominal, although a bit watered down from the XBox version (which was to be expected), but a superb lighting engine and the realistic character movements help the game shine. The voice acting is phenominal as well, and Ironside's voice has never sounded better. Although there are a few gripes (such as the levels are not as long and you can't explore them like you could in the XBox version), it does not take away from Splinter Cell being a phenominal game, and this is a must own for PS2 gamers everywhere.

Deadlier Than Solid Snake, And WITHOUT The Mullet!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 7
Date: April 17, 2003
Author: Amazon User

O.K., First off, I realize that there are a few hard-core Metal Gear fans out there who will probably see the title of my review as blasphemy. For those of you out there, I'm sorry. You can't have everything. Moving along, Splinter Cell (for those of you who are still willing to read my review), is a third-person tactical shooter. This game has been out for the Xbox for quite some time, and there were those who were not sure that the game's razor-sharp graphics would translate as well on the PS2. I have played both versions, and yes, the Xbox does have incredible graphics. However, there are some aspects regarding the PS2 version that in some ways, make up for it's shortcomings, if not make it somewhat superior. First off, with the PS2 version, you get the whole story regarding Sam, his missions, and why he was there in the first place. The Xbox version's plot was the same, but not as complete. The PS2 version allows you to play ALL the missions. You can do this on the Xbox, but you have to download them from Xbox Live! What a gyp! Paying top dollar for a game should give you the entire story without forcing you to download it. The PS2's control scheme is laid out much better than the Xbox. The size of the Xbox controller made it somewhat difficult to control Sam or use his weapons or gadgets without problems. The sound is excellent on both, but sometimes (with the PS2) you might need to slightly adjust the sound throughout different levels. Example: when Sam interrogates an enemy, you may need to go to the options menu, drop the background noise and boost the spoken dialogue. Slightly annoying, but hey. The enemy AI is outstanding, and the game's difficulty is perfect. Not too hard, but you will definately have a sense of accomplishment after successful mission completion. All in all, PS2 owners cannot go wrong with this one. incredible graphics and sound, excellent control, and a gripping, believable plot (none of that cartoonish silliness that we saw in MGS2: SOL!!!) make this game a must for any gamer, especially combat/tactical/military game buffs, or Tom Clancy fans. So, fellow PS2 owners; ignore your over-zealous buddy with the Xbox, or the self-righteous dude who works at the video game store, and experience this awesome game for yourself.

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