Playing Both Sides

Fans of shooter console games all know Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell® franchise. In it, you play an agent, a spy, who's tasked with missions that take him to exotic locales. Known as "sneaker" games in some circles, Splinter Cell games rely on the main character's ability to sneak up on his opponents and kill them before they even know he's there.

The latest installment, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent™, sees the return of Sam Fisher, the game's iconic main character. He's off on a new set of missions, this time as a double agent infiltrating a terrorist organization. His stealth ability takes on even greater importance. Discovery would be disastrous.

Sam's about to introduce himself.

Dirt and Dust
The level of intensity in the single player game has increased compared to previous chapters in Agent Fisher's life. He's still in the thick of things, often surrounded by the ugliness of war. In this portion of his story, you have complete control over how he approaches his challenges and what he chooses to do or not do.

Expect a rich and varied experience that will
take you into the heart of what it
feels like to be a double agent.

No matter what he does, however, there will be consequences. As he moves through his story, he can choose to intervene in various situations he'll pass, or not. Whichever choice he (you) makes impacts future events.

The storyline has gotten more sophisticated in Double Agent. Because Fisher suffers consequences for his actions, and because of the added complexity of being a double agent, mission objectives aren't always clearly defined. Sometimes your orders from the NSA conflict with what your terrorist bosses want you to do.

Don't look up …

How you handle these situations determines how future events unfold. You'll have your ethics challenged before the first mission is over, so be prepared. Your actions could mean life or death to hundreds of innocent people. So, when in doubt, ask yourself, "What would Sam Fisher do?"

Bullets and Blood
Fisher performs a number of new feats in Double Agent. He parachutes from a plane and scuba dives in a frozen sea, to name two examples. Other changes to the game include the removal of the HUD and subtitles. This opens up the screen and makes it easier to control Fisher, see where you're going, and suspend disbelief. It also fits with the fact that Fisher is now working undercover and no longer has the benefit of the NSA whispering instructions directly into his ear. He's on his own out here, like it or not.

Because the bad guys consider Fisher to be one of their own, until he gives them reason to think otherwise, his stealth strategies vary from previous Splinter Cell chapters. He may not have to sneak around as much, since he's considered an ally. Of course, if he's caught doing something he shouldn't, then the repercussions may prove extra severe, especially if he manages to blow his own cover.

Sand and Snow
The graphical capabilities of Xbox 360™ allow Splinter Cell Double Agent to really spice up the visual effects. Not only are the character animations next gen in quality, but the environments have a level of realism that is inspiring. The developers are particularly proud of the lighting effects they've managed to incorporate with Xbox 360 technology.

He's a fly on the wall.

Most importantly, this new game gives Ubisoft the opportunity to improve their multiplayer gaming within Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell universe. You can play in standard co-op and system link modes, offline, but more interesting than that even is the Xbox Live™ component.

Mercenaries and Spies
Ubisoft has actively worked to make the online experience approachable for new players. A crucial goal for them involved making the rules easier to grasp and the gameplay quicker to understand. In the Versus mode, where hardcore players can sometimes run roughshod over newer ones, a new matchmaking function has been implemented. Players always play with others of equivalent experience based on their scores. Xbox 360 has a Versus Mode and a Challenge Mode, both designed for maximum fun.

Play by yourself or bring together a team of agents, depending on which of the multiplayer modes you choose. In Deathmatch mode you compete either as an individual or as a team. Key Run equates to a capture the flag game, except you're after the key to a high security block of servers. Will you get the key first or will your opponents?

Splinter Cell Double Agent promises all the fun you had in previous chapters and much more. With the upgrade in graphics, A.I., and story complexity thanks to Xbox 360 next gen capacity, you can expect a rich and varied experience that will take you into the heart of what it feels like to be a double agent. You'll be sneaking around in the dark, gathering intel and choosing which enemy agents to kill and which to let live. It's all very serious. After all, being a double agent isn't just a job, it's life or death.

All screenshots from the Xbox 360 version fo the game.

Article by Angel Leigh McCoy