Stealth is the key

Splinter Cell
Chaos Theory
XBox
MA15+

The game:
Sam Fisher is back in this stealth-based assault thriller and this time he’s on a perilous mission to stop a cyber-terrorist plot that threatens worldwide war. Always remember that in darkness there is death – stealth is the key.

Without a trace: Patience is the greatest weapon against your enemies in this cyber-terrorism thriller.

The play:
Make no mistake, this game is full of cool, stealthy ways to take down the baddies – the only limit is your patience.

A wealth of advanced prototype weapons and gadgets, including electronic jammers and the newly customisable SC-20K modular weapons platform, allow you to get up-close and personal — but let’s not forget the ever-trusty combat knife.

It’s not just the weapons; an expanded variety of stealth manoeuvres, including covert combat knife kills, crushing submission holds and swift assault moves, make for some awesome takedowns.

Whistle to attract an opponent’s attention, cut through material to grab an enemy from behind, throw objects to make noise, switch off objects (like a stereo) to attract attention – in fact, there’s so much more and it’s fun to see how the baddies will react. But don’t be too predictable, the AI allows the enemies to flank, take cover and remember past events.

In multiplayer modes, you can coordinate infiltration missions with a partner against the computer over Xbox Live, System Link, or split screen, and use innovative joint strategies to complete the mission. This is a great feature of this title and in my opinion makes it a must-have title in the same style as the Rainbow series.

The terrain:
Urban areas are well designed and the scenery is acceptable, but the real attention to detail has gone into the fluid moves and the use of all-new gadgets, and that is where this title sets itself apart from any of the competitors.

The experience:
Humiliation and co-operative moves are so much fun it shouldn’t be legal – but online against your mates, give them an invite to the top floor of the “Smackdown Hotel” and let the sledging begin.

— Squadron Leader Nick Hogan

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