Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory Review
Splinter Cell Chaos Theory is the first game in the series to feature a co-op campaign. This unique seven-mission story mode allows two players to play Sam Fisher through a parallel story that can be played locally or over Xbox Live.
The sound is a key element in the atmosphere; radio chatter, raindrops, wind and mechanical hums add to the setting. A new noise meter makes it important to be silent; as long as Sam’s clatter stays below a certain threshold.
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory Gameplay – The Masterpiece
Splinter Cell Chaos Theory takes the solid gameplay of previous games and refines it to an almost flawless level. It is a stealth game that sets itself apart from the competition with its superbly refined sense of realism. The game takes place in the world of Sam Fisher, US agent with special skills in the information warfare age.
The game includes many improvements over the previous games such as ragdoll physics, , HDR lighting and the addition of thermal and night vision modes for Sam’s famous goggles. A sound meter is also included to add another element of strategy. It was possible for enemies to hear Sam even when he is not in direct visual contact. The graphics also include a number of new techniques including a more realistic water shader. It was futuristic for the time to use objects in the environment to break glass or manipulate locked doors.
The game has a great story to tell and the voice acting is excellent. The mission design is much better than the second game, Pandora Tomorrow and the level layouts are a joy to behold. The game also has a good multiplayer mode and while it may not be as deep as the single player campaign it is still an entertaining way to spend a couple of hours with some friends.
Graphics
The games in the Splinter Cell series have always been a breath of fresh air in a genre dominated by cookie cutter’s.
The biggest improvement was from the addition of a new multiplayer mode. This could have been played either online or locally and offers a new way to complete missions. The gameplay is still stealth focused but now players can work together as a team. For example, if a player needs to get past an obstacle like a wall that blocks a room’s exit they can crouch down and clasp their hands together. This allow’s the other player to boost them over the wall.
Another improvement is in the graphics and animations. The game uses a new physics system called Rag Doll that gives the characters more realistic behavior. For instance, if you knock someone unconscious with your bare hands they will slump down on the ground. Usually the AI just falls face first into the floor. This makes the game feel more real and is a welcome improvement from the cheesy action sequences. That usually ends up killing even many modern military games.
Splinter Cell Chaos Theory – Our Review
The core stealth gameplay has been refined, the controls were a lot more intuitive and there was even a new “rag doll” physics system that made bodies react more realistically. The glitzy, edgy style that oozes from the game also helped to give it an extra edge over the competition. Fisher might not blow up trucks or have extraordinary leaps from cliffs but he certainly beats Bond, Snake, Ethan Hunt and Joanna Dark at their own games!
The visuals have been improved yet again, and the lighting and shadow effects really give it a cinematic feel. The game looks gorgeous on a high-end graphics card, and the dark environments are creepy without being too scary. There are flickering candles, ominous shadows and other atmospheric touches that help to create an unsettling atmosphere in the levels.
The sound was also top notch, and the voice acting does a good job of making Sam feel like he’s the only one in this dark.
Splinter Cell Chaos Theory Soundtrack
While not quite as eye popping as the graphics, audio is also a cut above most of its competition. The soundtrack by Amon Tobin fits the game well, blending guitar riffs and techno with the dread of international espionage. The sound effects also add to the sense of realism; the slight rumble as Sam sneaks up on a guard, or the flicker of the flashlight in a dark room, both feel right. The voice acting is also solid, with Sam’s trademark bitter cynicism coming through nicely in his spoken lines.
Multiplayer offers a great variety of modes, from the standard deathmatch to a story mode which feels more like a second campaign. The graphical polish from the single player levels has also been carried over to multiplayer.
While the game does suffer from some minor irritations, it is still a must-have for fans of the genre. The core stealth gameplay is as good as it gets, and the improvements in both the action and story mode make this a solid sequel to Pandora Tomorrow. for a more action-oriented stealth title, Blacklist or Conviction offer some fun variations on the theme. We think both fall short of the depth and replay value of Chaos Theory. There also was a mobile version of the Splinter Cell Chaos Theory.
