Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell®: Chaos Theory™ introduces a whole new gameplay mode: a cooperative campaign that gives you and a partner a set of missions designed specifically with two spies in mind. These are not revamped versions of single-player missions, but instead wholly new levels designed to test the limits of two-player teamwork. You need every ounce of team-based strategy you possess to get through the levels that Ubisoft has in store for you. Of course, a few tips and some basic strategy won't hurt.
Tutorial Time No one likes to be told to read the manual from cover to cover, so I won't do that. Instead, I will urge you to take full advantage of the co-op tutorial before heading into the missions. It's vital that you have a full understanding of how the cooperative moves work. Otherwise, you might sit in front of a wall for 10 minutes without realizing that you can throw your buddy over it. Do yourself and your partner a favor, and take the tutorial together to get a feel for the co-op mechanics.
Synchronize It may seem like a slightly childish thing to do, but synchronizing your movements can ease the tenser moments immeasurably. There's nothing worse than tripping up a well-laid plan with bad timing. The solution is simple: Institute a countdown to all co-op movements. A simple "One, two, three, go!" will work wonders for you.
Designate a Leader No one likes to be an underling, but having a designated point man will make things a lot easier for everyone. Usually, one player should head into the next area alone, scope out the environment, and report any findings to the partner. Then both partners can come up with a plan together. Also, if one player finds himself in an emergency in a new area, both players won't get in trouble. The second player can come and revive the first, allowing the mission to continue. Try switching up the position of point man with each new area, or even every other level.
Whoops, I'm Caught! This strategy works well in the versus mode, but it works even better here. Find a good hiding spot for one spy along the path of a wandering guard. Then allow the second spy to get noticed or make noise near the first spy. When the guard comes near, the hidden spy can pop up and snag him.
Lights Out Your sidearm pistol has a gadget that can help turn off electrical devices. Hold down the left trigger when aiming your pistol and you can turn off lights and the like. This is incredibly useful when working in tandem. Have one spy hang back and shut down a light ahead of the team. Then, while the first spy holds down the left trigger to keep the light off, the other spy can move slowly into the darkened area unnoticed.
Trade Off Each spy comes with his own load-out of gadgets, weapons, and ammunition. It's important to make sure that you both possess about the same amount of ammunition and charges for items. If one spy does the majority of the shooting, he may find himself without ammo near the end of the level. Be sure to switch up item-usage responsibility. If one spy uses an airfoil round to take down a guard, make sure the partner spy uses up one of his the next time around.
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory's cooperative campaign is an almost indefinable treat. The ability to sneak through four lengthy missions in the style of Sam Fisher, but with a running partner, adds reams of depth and replay value to Chaos Theory. But it's also an incredibly difficult and challenging mode that requires patience, careful planning, and impeccable timing to complete unscathed. As long teamwork is the first thing on your mind, chances are you'll be fine.
