Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (Xbox)
Manufacturer: Ubisoft Entertainment Part number: 59214
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- Specifications
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- Description:
- The year is 2008. Citywide blackouts... stock exchange sabotage... electronic hijacking of national defense systems... this is information warfare. To prevent these attacks, operatives must infiltrate deep into hostile territory and aggressively collect critical intelligence, closer than ever to enemy soldiers. You are Sam Fisher, the NSA's most elite black-ops agent. To achieve your mission you will kill from ... Read more
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Gamespot editors' review
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (Xbox) price range: $19.99
- Reviewed by: Greg Kasavin
- Reviewed on: 03/28/2005
- Released on: 03/28/2005
The third iteration of the Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell stealth action franchise features the continuing adventures of Sam Fisher, a top secret agent who's sent in to accomplish the US government's dirty work when political situations go sour. It's also got a brand-new two-player cooperative mode in addition to an updated version of the innovative spies-versus-mercenaries competitive multiplayer mode introduced in the second Splinter Cell game. So there's a lot to it, and there's definitely a lot to like about it, especially for Splinter Cell fans who felt a little too restricted while playing as Fisher in the previous games. With that said, Chaos Theory sometimes has a designed-by-committee feel due to its many disparate parts, and despite the game's grittier new theme and its new "Mature" rating, it's going to offer a familiar experience to Splinter Cell veterans. But even if some of the changes are marginal, this is still the most entertaining, most well-rounded game in the series yet.
Sam Fisher's not playing around in Splinter Cell Chaos Theory.
Though the competitive multiplayer mode and new cooperative campaign are the most original aspects of Chaos Theory, the solo campaign is the highlight. It's once again composed of a linear series of missions, but these are generally bigger, more open-ended and simply more fun than those of the previous games. Set in the near future, the campaign focuses on the threat of informational warfare and a tenuous relationship between the United States, North Korea, and Japan. Enter Sam Fisher, who's summoned to various international hot spots to find the truth and possibly to silence certain dangerous individuals. You'll control him from a third-person perspective as he infiltrates enemy compounds and ventilates his foes.
Though the premise of the story is a techno-thriller that lives up to the Tom Clancy name, storytelling has never been Splinter Cell's strong suit, and Chaos Theory is no exception. Some unfocused between-mission cutscenes sometimes set the stage for your next assignment, but a lot of your mission details are conveyed in boring, easily skippable premission monologues by your commanding officers and informants. Unsurprisingly, the best parts of the story happen during the missions themselves, where you'll often hear Fisher exchanging banter with his off-site crew. Fisher, once again brought to life by gravelly voiced actor Michael Ironside (Total Recall, Starship Troopers), is a great character, thanks to his dry, melancholy sense of humor. But the game sometimes tries too hard to be clever, with a few highly conspicuous attempts at self-referential jokes. At any rate, you shouldn't play this game for the plot--you should play it because no other game does this well at making you feel like a deadly spy working behind enemy lines.
Fisher is deadlier than ever this time around, thanks partly to his new combat knife, which he has inexplicably started using since his last assignment. The knife is mostly just a cosmetic change from the previous Splinter Cells, since in those games Fisher could put his opponents into a choke hold, whereas he now holds them at knifepoint (bold new look, same difference). Even though he threatens his captives with a knife to their throats, Fisher can't actually cut them once he's grabbed them from behind. He can either choke them to unconsciousness or deliver a fatal knee strike to their lower back. Prior to grabbing them, he can now also stab his foes to death quickly, quietly, and, for some reason, bloodlessly. And though he's replaced his old elbow smash with a palm strike or a punch to the temple, he can optionally still knock his foes unconscious as opposed to killing them outright.
The campaign offers you the freedom to do things your way, which makes it fun and replayable--and better than the previous Splinter Cells.
One of the reasons Chaos Theory is easier than its predecessors is because Fisher's melee attacks are more effective, allowing him to reliably eliminate foes with a single swift attack, without even resorting to using his guns. There's actually no difference in gameplay terms between killing a foe and knocking him out. It's nice to have the choice for variety's sake, but the options could have been more meaningful. And as shocking as it initially might be to see the look of terror on the faces of Fisher's foes whenever he puts them in a vice grip, you'll soon get used to this effect since it's always identical. At any rate, it's good to see a bunch of great, new animations in the game. Fisher has always moved with incredibly lifelike grace, but he looks even better in action now. Probably the best of the new animations is how, when Fisher is creeping near to an unaware opponent, he'll naturally shift his weight away from the foe, putting as much distance between the two of them as he possibly can. It's a subtle effect that really makes you feel like you're stalking your foes in the darkness.
Fisher's got a bunch of other surprising new moves here, some of which are possible thanks to the knife, and others that allow him to take out his foes in interesting new ways. However, you won't get to use new moves often. You'll instead end up using the same sorts of techniques that were central to the first two Splinter Cell games. You'll frequently shoot out lights, switching to your night vision or thermal vision to aid you while your foes stumble blind. You'll also frequently creep up on foes from behind and consider shooting them in the head, using either your pistol or your newly redesigned SC-20K multipurpose assault rifle. You'll also get to pick locks, hack into computers, crawl through air ducts and other tight spots, slip past security cameras, and more.
User reviews
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Great Game...full of stealth action.
by Lexman on June 17, 2005
Pros: Graphics, weapons, story, A.I
Cons: Complicated story, learning curve for newbees
Summary: If your a first person shooter lover, I know what your thinking, I don't have the patience or time to play a stealth game. I think Ubisoft (www.splintercell....
Summary: If your a first person shooter lover, I know what your thinking, I don't have the patience or time to play a stealth game. I think Ubisoft (www.splintercell.com) was thinking of you when they developed this game. The newest rendition of the Splinter Cell series has brought a fresh game play and new worlds to explore through the eyes of a super-spy. The most common complaint of the previous Splinter Cells were focused on the linear game play and the annoying alarms. Oh those alarms!!! Splinter Cell Pandora tomorrow although a stunning game visually inherited those problems. While Pandora tomorrow was released out of Ubisofts Shanghi office, the talented and award winning Ubisoft Montreal was hard at work on making "Chaos Theory". Chaos Theory as taken the Tom Clancy series to new heights in all elements of game play and production. Once again, you play super-agent "Sam Fisher" in 10 missions to help prevent a computer virus that will spread and send missiles uncontrolled ; or something like that. The games mission are so enjoyable one forgets the main plot behind the game. Beyond a strong story line which is synonymous with a Tom Clancy game ; Chaos Theory improves in overall graphics, sounds, physics and AI.
-The graphics engine in this game creates one and if not the most cinematic game I have ever seen or played (including Doom 3, Halo 2, and Chronicles of Riddick) on a console. This was all made possible by a new graphics engine designed for next generation consoles in mind.
-The sound engine is amazing from the radio of some Merc or the change in weather.
The physics engine is real, when you drop a body on a object no longer does the body fall through the object. The environments are destructible and obey the rules of gravity and physics.
-The A.I is reminiscent of Chronicles of Riddick. They move, dive, jump and duck; while showing and acting with real emotions.
The above noted changes are great but what makes a game is the gamplay. Chaos Theory allows one to choose what type of game play: stealth, mixed stealth and assault or assault. This provides for a great experience because each individual choice changes the flow of the game . In addition, the game is open ended and allows one to play the game and complete missions in a number of different ways. Like Doom 3 you can play the game over from any saved location.
This encourages the user to play the games from a number of different ways. If you want to pull a Halo and shoot your way through, go ahead the game supports. But if you want to sneak you way through the missions you'll find this the more preferred approach.
Chaos Theory is a stunning game by all sense of imagination. Graphically it provides a glimpse of next-gen graphics and game play. The pace of the game is almost perfect and allows a gamer to immerse into the character of Sam Fisher.
I highly recommend and I give this game a 9.3 out of 10. I would place this game in the category of a Doom 3, Halo 2, Chronicles of Riddick category as far as ratings.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Jameson Thottam splintering off the beaten path with the third installment
by jameson thottam on January 8, 2006
Pros: Realism in working for the Pentagon: Jameson Thottam
Cons: Good to have XBox Live - Jameson Thottam
Summary: Jameson Thottam splintering off the beaten path with the third installment
Splinter Cell (a Tom Clancy project) began in 2002 with the X-Box version of Splinter Cell - the game ...Summary: Jameson Thottam splintering off the beaten path with the third installment
Splinter Cell (a Tom Clancy project) began in 2002 with the X-Box version of Splinter Cell - the game that blew gamers away by graphical shadowing alone. The game was intended to be the first "true" stealth game and rival the Die-Hard-like competitor Metal Gear Solid. In some ways, even then, the game seemed revolutionary. Sneak in the cloak of shadows and through the gaps of broken light in silence to destroy enemies was basically what Splinter Cell was about. Despite the neat gadgets the game had (surveillance cameras that dispersed gas, guns that fried electrical units), the game seemed simple; in fact it was simple in a linear interpretation. When the game ended, there was no real reason to go back through the game, even if it was an instant classic. So, out came Pandora Tomorrow, two years, later that tried to expand Splinter Cell. In some cases, it did; larger levels were built, the lighting was better adjusted, and it even featured multiplayer. But, once again, when the time came for the game's completion, Pandora Tomorrow fell shallow - even with the multiplayer. So, out comes Chaos Theory; a game where they expanded the levels even larger, readjusted a few things, and added a few perks to enhance the gameplay and make it worth a second, or third, go through. Did their attempt succeed? Yes it did. So much that it not only impressed me, but made me realize that UbiSoft is the next major contendor in third-party manufacturers and may just be the next Rareware (although Rareware is a second-party company, but you know what I mean...).
Gameplay 5 (out of 5) : James Thottam
You are top stealth agent Sam Fischer, who is reprising his role of serving the U.S. Government way beyond his deadline for retirement. You are twice the age of the new recruits who you serve, but the Pentagon values you more than the other men. Why? Well, its easy to say that your record of killing people exceed even your commander-in-chief, you have survived two other world-threatening missions and above that, your a very dangerous killing machine who doesn't sleep. You smell, see, taste, hear, and feel death around you, its in your blood to kill for the good of decent men and you can't accept life any other way than offered to you by your career. You are Sam Fisher. The Chaos Theory has been assigned to you and you will not fail your mission; it's in your blood, it's why you were born to live.
Putting you in the Mood: Jameson Thottam
That's the overall attitude the game puts in you. That is what successful games do, puts you in the mood and makes you believe you are that character until you get a game over and restart and reenact through the same belief that compels you.
The newer installment has been redefined. The levels are huge, complex levels with different niches and ways to get past it. For instance, you can go through crawl spaces to get around an obstacle, fall from catwalks to knock out guards, or just go ape-wild with your machine gun and blast them. It's truly up to you. A few levels do seem linear; especially the post-apocalyptic Seoul stage; where you have to follow building top upon building top across a city of destroyed structures and, when you get past the buildings, you have one-way alleyways to worry about:, but then again, you can follow the route either on ground or through fire escapes and zip-lines.
From Start to Finish: Jameson Thottam
At the beginning of the stage there are very impressive GCI rendered cut-scenes about sudden incidents that will cause you to pursue the particular mission given to you by Colonel Irving Lambert. After a briefing is made, you are given the option of three types of weapons to enter; Stealth (has weapons like the sticky camera, silent pistol, and combat knife with limited ammunition), Assault (You are given grenades, machine guns, etc.) and William Redding's Recommendation (The amount of weapons and weapon types that best suit's the chosen level). I usually choose stealth because A, I love it, and B, I am trying to get passed the entire game undetected (which means not killing anyone). Though I don't think B will be possible, sense the bosses recognize you. But even so, it's still a challenge. If you don't want to use your weapons assigned to you, you can always use natural entities (as of rocks or wine bottles) to hum at their heads. Be careful though on how you aim an object; a few times I totally missed their head and they instantly pinpointed from where the bottle was thrown.
Thinking about the AI: Jameson L Thottam
Yes, the A.I. is more advanced in this version. They hold conversations with each other, cough, and even struggle for their lives from your deadly grasp. With their impressive realistic natures, comes more enhanced protocols. The enemies in the game can now sense something out of the ordinary, are able to notice you from across the yard if you are exposed in the light, and gain a funny feeling if you follow them. Meaning, you can make the slightest noise and they turn and shoot you. So, this game really pushes you to the limit and demands you to be quick with the toes if you intend to go about the game as a stealth figure. They will even call out reinforcements or walk out of their jurisdiction to investigate whatever disturbance. A few times, I was sniped out by someone who noticed me in the shadow from an upper floor of the building; I guess the scope of their sniper rifle has a night-vision lens.
Ending the Game: Jameson Thottam
At the end of each level, you are offered statistics on how you performed in the stage (how many people you killed, how many times you were noticed, etc.) and a percentage grade is given to you; which is not only challenging to get 100% on all stages, but through harder difficulties it is even more tricky). Do not ask me what happens when you get an overall game completion of 100%, because I haven't yet reached that, I am at 97% in the easiest difficulty. I, having been pulled into the (complete the entire game and receive a special prize) have been fooled too much into the ploy; I am not expecting much of out this supposed conspiracy, but it Chaos Theory alone is just so spectacular that I have no problems replaying it again for the umpteenth time.
Training: Jameson Thottam
If you get bored of the main game, there is a training mode, and online play via XBOX Live. But I will be frank with you, I don't have an XBOX-Live and couldn't even afford to have one even thought I would like to add in a review on how Chaos Theory runs online. Yet, I'd rather play the single player campaign anyways, it serves a breath of fresh air in the gaming world.
Graphics 5 (Out of 5): Jameson Thottam
I don't know how well the enhanced Ninja Gaiden: Black looks because I haven't had the chance to try it out (though I got annihilated by the boss of the first stage of Ninja Gaiden for XBOX, so I am in no rush to try it's revamped version), but I should feel safe to say Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory renders the best graphics I have seen out of the XBOX. It is twice superior to that of Pandora Tomorrow and rivals the visuals of Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay. Between the expression of fear seeping out the faces of the enemies held hostage, the tarps swaying lightly with the wind, the leaves of ferns and blades of grass drifting back and forth by the breeze, and the moistened glow of the nightlight running up Sam Fischer's suit give one of the most realistic console atmospheres I have played yet. The only problem with Splinter Cell, is don't the A.I. drones notice the three round beams (from the visors attached to Sam's crown) glowing in the dark? I found that a bit perplexing. But either than that, the colorization of the levels (most importantly the golden stage of Hokkaido) are beautiful and vibrant.
Sound 4.5 (Out of 5) : James Thottam
While the soundtrack is on the border of non-existent, every natural sound (waves rushing upon the rocky surf of the lighthouse stages, the gusts of rain catapulting with the gales, and even the range of other people voices (as they are down the hall or in another room) all sound true to it's nature. The gadgets sound high-tech and the rapid firing of the guns blare at a full Dolby Digital 5.1. If there are fans who dig sound effects, this is your game.
Replay 5 (Out of 5) : Jameson L Thottam
With over a dozen intricate ways to kill your target, I don't find any two experiences through a single stage will be enacted in the same way, there is just too much happening. There is the "Save anywhere, anytime function", which I humbly adore in any game, included in Chaos Theory. While some of the missions are hard, this game screams to be made into a movie. What with safe-cracking, hacking into a bank's security system, taking over Japanese conspirators, defusing bombs, being hunted by hovering robotic sentry units, finding dozens of secret passages in the game, and actually racing to destroy a nuclear weapon before it hits land... who would want more out of a video game? Although this game is far from epic, it the adventure can be fun and quick, intriguing and slow paced, suspenseful, or whatever you want it to be. It is Sam Fisher's life you are playing and, just like your own life, you can experience it however you want to with the understanding of the consequences involved with the actions you take. Although I haven't played it online, I heard it was pretty awesome. There is also offline Co-op, I haven't tried it however; don't have any friends close by who are still interested as I am in playing video games... But, it doesn't matter. The Single-Player campaign will last you a good few weeks or, if you like it as how I do, Chaos Theory will last you a very long time.
Overall 4.75 (out of 5) : Jameson Thottam
I know I haven't gone into critiquing the controls. They are the same as what is found in Pandora Tomorrow, except now they have a hanging upside down move and you also get to decide if you want to crack their neck or knock them unconscious (I don't recall if you were given the option in the previous installment). But anyhow, Chaos Theory delivers and makes you feel as if you are actually working for the Pentagon. A classic XBOX game that is worthy to be in anyone's collection. I can't wait until I can continue my fictitious career of Sam Fischer in the Splinter Cell sequel coming out on the XBOX 360, if I could actually afford to buy an XBOX 360 later on in the future. Here's to hoping...
Jameson Thottam1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The only game to rival Halo
by Mack1dime1 on September 21, 2005
Pros: Absolutly Everything
Cons: Too Short level wise
Summary: This Game is awsome if not the best ever
Summary: This Game is awsome if not the best ever
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GOD LIKE STEALTH GAME!!!
by MusicPhan on April 4, 2005
Pros: KNIFE!!! Graphics, Storyline, mulitple paths, character's personality
Cons: Can be easy on easy setting, so realistic, it's scary at times...:P
Summary: I own all three Splinter Cells, and Chaos is the best. THe graphics, the fluidity, everything. There is only a couple times were you get to cut through materials with ...
Summary: I own all three Splinter Cells, and Chaos is the best. THe graphics, the fluidity, everything. There is only a couple times were you get to cut through materials with your knife, but it's still sweet. Some people say that you can only use special kills in specific spots, but honestly, i use them a lot (such as hanging by legs and snapping someones neck, beneath ledges and grab guys). The CNET review is BULL. Game is better then what they rate it. At least for XBOX. New gadgets come in handy often. The ability to stike someone down with your bare hands, or knife, is very convienent. If you wanted more 'action' then the first two games gave you, this is the game for you. Sniper and shotgun attachments for SC2k prove that, it's not quiet with them at all. Even if you can't be lethal, which happened in one part of like the 7 levels i've gone through, it's a lot easier then the first two cause your hand combating is much better and attachments for gun are much more useful.
Mulitiplayer is sick, wish there could be maybe 3 v 3 instead of only 2 v 2. Still great, not much improved, but Mercinary's can have Shotgun, Rifle, or SMG, and a lot of other stuff, such as flares, Frag's...etc.
GREAT GAME!!! Get if you like tom clacy, even if you weren't a big fan of the first two, you can be much more confrontal in this game, alarms don't matter or bodies found.
EXAMPLE-I killed ships' captain , and needed to interigate him to find someone on board. Lambert got mad, and Sam said, i guess i'll just search the whole ship myself. Nice to see all the different ways to attack different objectives...Halo 2 and Chaos Theory are tied for first in my mind, but that's like comparing apples and oranges... -
like the other guy said.. our favorite super spy is BACKKKK......
by Wulfenstein on April 1, 2005
Pros: Another action packed series from no other then Tom Clancy
Cons: nothing but FUN, FUN, FUN
Summary: for all the Tom Clancy fans this one is a MUST BUY.... as for Mr.Clancy Please don't stop making them keep them coming....
Summary: for all the Tom Clancy fans this one is a MUST BUY.... as for Mr.Clancy Please don't stop making them keep them coming....
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The Super Spy is Back!
by damacles on March 31, 2005
Pros: Stealth, gadgets, innovative solutions to problems.
Cons: Minor slowdowns but very very few.
Summary: People praised Pandora Tommorrow, and Ubisoft listened. They took what people loved about PT and not only brought it back but cranked it up to whole new level. That's ...
Summary: People praised Pandora Tommorrow, and Ubisoft listened. They took what people loved about PT and not only brought it back but cranked it up to whole new level. That's right, CO-OP! Now you and a bud can play through together. You can use each other to reach areas normally not reachable in single player, your tactics take on a whole new meaning with a bud tagging along.
The graphics have been pushed to the Xbox limit, they are absolutely amazing! They are running a new graphics engine that makes things look so real you would think the characers were actors and not digital. The AI has been enhanced, they will use cover, back each other us, grenades, flashbangs, anything they can to stop you.
From the first moment it starts, you're hook and that's enough!
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If you consider yourself a gamer...BUY THIS GAME NOW!!!!
by Frogdude69 on July 18, 2006
Pros: Great graphics, smart A.I., in-depth characters, fun online play.
Cons: Absolutely nothing.
Summary: This is quite possibly the best game EVER created. The graphics are amazing, wonderful lighting effects, very very smart A.I., able to have conversations with each other. Great online ...
Summary: This is quite possibly the best game EVER created. The graphics are amazing, wonderful lighting effects, very very smart A.I., able to have conversations with each other. Great online play, and characters that you can really get to know. I look forward to the next game in this saga...and I hope I get a 360 by then.
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Ubisoft Entertainment
- Part number: 59214
- Description: The year is 2008. Citywide blackouts... stock exchange sabotage... electronic hijacking of national defense systems... this is information warfare. To prevent these attacks, operatives must infiltrate deep into hostile territory and aggressively collect critical intelligence, closer than ever to enemy soldiers. You are Sam Fisher, the NSA's most elite black-ops agent. To achieve your mission you will kill from close range, attack with your combat knife, shoot with the prototype Land Warrior rifle, and use radical suppression techniques such as the inverted neck break. Also take on cooperative multiplayer infiltration missions, where teamwork is the ultimate weapon. As the enemy evolves, so must you.
Product Basic Spec
- Platform Xbox
- ESRB rating Mature - Blood,Violence,Strong Language
- Genre Action
- Elements Action - 3D shooter
- Context Realistic
- Number of players 1-4 Players
- Connectivity System Link,Live Aware
- Difficulty Medium
- Learning curve About a half hour
- Offline modes Cooperative
- Online modes Competitive,Team Oriented,Cooperative
Game
- Developer Ubisoft Montreal
- ESRB Mature
- ESRB descriptors Blood,Violence,Strong Language
Manufacturer info
- Ubisoft Entertainment
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Ubisoft Entertainment products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.ubisoft.com/
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