There are few games so strategy-laden as Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell®: Pandora Tomorrow™'s multiplayer component. The additions and changes to the mode in Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell®: Chaos Theory™ only add to the depth of that strategy. The adversarial mode simply teems with subtle tactics and strategy, and those that choose to dig deeper are constantly rewarded with not just the sense of outsmarting the enemy, but also with a better win percentage. Who can ask for more?
Don't move. No. Wait. Move!
There are dozens of different ways to approach every map, every gadget, and every objective. While we can't detail every possible strategy, we can certainly put you on the right path with some good and proper Splinter Cell multiplayer tactics theory. This includes some tips that worked well in Pandora Tomorrowand will certainly succeed in Chaos Theory, as well as some hints that are specific to Chaos Theory. Let's get right to it ….
Cameras in Place The mercenaries now have access to a new toy. It's called the Camera Network, and it works like this: Simply activate the gadget, and you can cycle through all the different active cameras on the map. Here's a quick little strategy for you:
Have one mercenary stay back at the spawn point and activate the camera network. Focus on the rooms and areas where the spies have come in. If you spot a spy, you can relay the information to your teammate and let him hunt them down.
Don't forget that you can switch vision modes with the camera. You can check for EMF (spot spies using their own vision modes as well as when they have a spy-cam active) and motion tracking. Note that the lens on the camera will change color when you switch vision modes, so don't use this tactic for too long or a spy may notice.
Crap! What did I do now?
Smoke and Camo The new camouflage suit doesn't last long, but it can do wonders for you in a tight spot. Here are a few examples:
In a hiding spot near an objective? Wait for a merc to stroll in and take a look around. When he does, turn on the camo suit. He is likely to view the room as clear and move on. After he has been gone for a few seconds, start the objective.
Is a merc chasing you? Throw a smoke grenade behind you, and while the merc is coughing and sputtering, turn on your camo suit. Odds are good that he'll run right by you as he tries to find you. This gives you a perfect opportunity to turn off the suit and catch him from behind.
Don't forget that the mercenary can spot you with his EMF vision when you have your camo suit activated. If you see the merc's visor turn blue, it's time to turn off the suit.
Noise Alarms This is an old favorite where spy tactics are concerned. If you find a merc in a room that you want to go through, try filling the room with noise alarms. This way, he has no idea which direction you're coming from. As long as you're careful, you can slip on by. Don't move too fast, though, as mercs can still detect you with motion tracking.
Playing Possum A great merc doesn't need to be overly aggressive. Let's say you spot a spy in the corner. There's no need to open fire right away. That just gives him a chance to get away. Instead, act like you're just searching the room and edge your way over toward the spy. You can let him make the first move and be ready to respond. Or you can lull him into thinking that you don't know where he is, and then get close enough to one-shot him with the shotgun, Taser him, or maybe even enter Sniper mode with the assault rifle and take him out with a quick headshot.
That's a lot of objectives.
Peek-a-Boo Another old tried-and-true favorite is the peek-a-boo spy technique. Have one spy hide around the corner from where the merc is, and let a second spy get noticed. When the merc takes chase, have the spy run right past the hidden spy. When the merc runs past, the hidden spy can grab him from behind. It takes some subtle artistry to pull this off with a veteran merc, but when it works, it's oh so sweet.
Complimentary Load-Outs It's rarely a good idea to head into a session with your partner carrying the exact same equipment as you are. Instead, try to find complimentary equipment load-outs. For example, it may be best for one merc to carry the backpack while another uses the camera network. Carrying both would limit a merc's offensive abilities. If you split up the equipment, you get the functionality you need, but can still dedicate the bulk of your load-out to eliminating the spies.
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory's versus mode on XboxLive™ is set to blow the doors off its predecessor. But luckily for us, it's still the same basic foundation, only with new twists on both strategy and basic gameplay. No doubt you can find all manner of different tactics on your own, but the preceding tips should help you up the ante in your multiplayer games.
