Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell

HonestGamers (Staff reviews only) (10 out of 10)

Last of all, immersion. This is like playing a Tom Clancy novel. You will not want to put it down at all until you've beaten it twice. The only downfall is the occasional glitch, such as the ''head through the door'' glitch. What's even funnier, however, is when the guard on the other side of the door doesn't seem to think that a half of a head through a door and a fist through a wall is a bad thing. Despite these small errors, they won't detract from your game. I give it, like Halo, a perfect 10.

The Next Level (USA) (A)

At the beginning of this review I stated my opinion that Splinter Cell is superior to MGS2, but conceded that the games are substantially different. To elaborate further, Splinter Cell more closely resembles a modern-day version of an action-platformer like Flashback, the classic Sega Genesis/Super Nintendo sci-fi platformer. Much like Flashback, you must overcome a series of puzzles through creative use of an extensive physical vocabulary. Solving these puzzles through mastery of Splinter Cell’s control scheme is a gratifying challenge. Hence, the game focuses on precision, finesse, and technique at the expense of all-out action. This may disappoint some who enjoy the classic firefights of Metal Gear, but for those who prefer more demanding, skill-based challenges, Splinter Cell is the better game.

Game Vortex (100 out of 100)

As you can tell from the score, Splinter Cell is just that good. Some may find the difficulty level a bit of a problem, but the game is still accessible and has a high enough fun factor that players will still want to play. With ability to download new content via Xbox Live, Splinter Cell is, without question, one of the best games available on the Xbox and makes Xbox owners happy to own the system.

XBox Solution (XBS) (10 out of 10)

Splinter Cell is absolutely one of the most revolutionary new games of the next-gen consoles. From the drop dead gorgeous graphics, to the amount of gadgets, this game delivers a solid stealth/action gameplay experience. Sam Fisher is capable of making some pretty damn impressive moves as you go along on this shadow operation. Be quiet, be smart, and be invisible in order to complete your mission. Splinter Cell is honored by receiving the first ever Gronar Snaggletooth Award of Damn Bad Ass Coolness! I don’t give these out easily.

GamePro (US) ( )

Perhaps one of the most anticipated Xbox titles this year, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell certainly lives up to all the hype. All the way up to the very end, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell weaves well-balanced gameplay with fantastic visuals, creating an unforgettable adventure in the stealth/action genre.

UGO (UnderGroundOnline) (A)

Aside from Halo, Splinter Cell is the best reason to own an Xbox. Those looking for yet another reason to dignify their purchase need look no further. While the technical nature of Splinter Cell may turn off casual gamers, whereas a game like Metal Gear Solid practically lays the answers out before you, most will find the do-it-yourself method to be more enjoyable on the whole. Although Metal Gear Solid may have the one-up in terms of storytelling and cinematic acting, Splinter Cell’s low-key approach to plot development is a refreshing change for those of us that would rather play our games than watch them. But Splinter Cell is not a perfect game. In fact, the touchy A.I. and the trial-and-error style of play will likely ruffle more than a few feathers, but in the end most will find Splinter Cell to be a highly enjoyable, greatly rewarding experience.

PGNx Media (9.8 out of 10)

I found this game to be amazing. It just gives you this classic super spy feeling. The missions are great and it truly proves that there is another way to make a spy game. All of its amazing elements melt into an amazing experience. I urge ANY Xbox owner to run out and buy it right now.

Game Chronicles (9.8 out of 10)

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell is one of those games that reviewers dream of almost as much as the gamers who play them. For me, the dream began at the 2002 E3 show where I was treated to a personal demo from one of the lead art designers. Even as I watched Sam Fisher gracefully move around with stealthy precision I knew that Ubisoft had a mega-hit ready to explode onto the gaming world.

Xbox Gamers First (XGF) (9.7 out of 10)

We've finally got some competition in the genre for Kojima's masterpiece. It should be interesting to see how much of Splinter Cell's innovation Konami "borrows" for the next MGS.

Game Freaks 365 (9.7 out of 10)

Splinter Cell is a long game spanning over 20 hours, but the game doesn't have many extras to keep people playing it. Most people though will keep playing the games levels until they get bored of it or something better and more challenging comes along. But all the power in the world, Except Halo and Doom, cannot match the power of Splinter Cell.

GameZone (9.7 out of 10)

Splinter Cell features one of the smoothest, most precise, easy-to-use cameras that I have ever experienced in a game. This is perhaps the game's greatest innovation. Manual cameras are extremely difficult to add to a game, especially if no one has ever done it before. Although it wasn't needed in either of the Metal Gear Solid games, Ubi Soft has proven that the more control you have in a game, the more immersive the experience becomes.

Gamers' Temple, The (96 out of 100)

The game's missions will keep you busy for quite some time, but once you're finished them the experience does not end there. If you subscribe to Xbox Live, then you'll be able to download new levels to your Xbox's hard drive.

IGN (9.6 out of 10)

This game literally shines on the Xbox and has enough gameplay hours to satisfy dedicated Halo junkies who've been waiting for the next landmark single player game on the system. Since you can play with varying degrees of stealth and aggression, you'll have every reason to play through Splinter Cell multiple times.

GamersMark (9.6 out of 10)

It’s hard to really give a good impression because the game has so many important elements to it, and you really need to play it for yourself. I can’t imagine anyone not being able to find something that keeps them wanting to play Splinter Cell. I think I’ve made it clear that I love this game, and so does almost everyone else I’ve heard from. This game was undoubtedly one the best games of last year, on any platform, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best games I’ve ever played.

TeamXbox (9.6 out of 10)

Other than that and some minor clipping problems with the character models the game is more or less flawless. All of this compile to create the second best game on the Xbox, and if first person shooters aren’t your thing, then I suppose it is the best. If you have an Xbox, you must have this game. If you don’t have an Xbox, buy the game anyway – it’s that good.

GameSpy (95 out of 100)

Visually, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell is spectacular. The textures are incredibly detailed -- probably some of the best I've seen on Xbox. The animations for Fisher are also incredibly smooth and lifelike. It's hard to believe Ubi Soft took the hand-drawn approach rather than using motion-capture. The end result is rather impressive. But the true star of Splinter Cell is the lighting. It left me speechless. Imagine seeing light coming through vents and then casting a shadow on the opposite wall. The engine also showcases real-time shadows and dynamic light sourcing. Without question, the presentation is perfect.

ZTGameDomain (9.5 out of 10)

If you own and XBox this is the game to get, taking everything MGS founded and upping it a notch truly delivers a solid gameplay experience. If you are a huge fan of MGS then you will love SC. It takes years of developing to deliver a game of this magnitude and we should appreciate the level of excellence it delivers. Truly a great game for any gamer. A little short on story and really deep in gameplay, Splinter Cell will go down as one of the best XBox games ever created. Highly recommended!

Consoles Plus (95 out of 100)

Une véritable simulation d'infiltration, plus poussée que Metal Gear Solid, mais un poil moins riche côté action. Un des titres du moment.

Jeuxvideo.com (19 out of 20)

Un titre dont on peut dire qu'il frôle la perfection. Splinter Cell est une merveille, tant au niveau de son gameplay d'une richesse incroyable, que de sa réalisation tout simplement à couper le souffle. Le killer-app de la fin d'année sur Xbox, à se procurer d'urgence et à consommer sans aucune modération !

Armchair Empire, The (9.5 out of 10)

Splinter Cell oozes cool and sophistication from it’s lead character through it’s many and varied levels, and very slick control scheme. Basically, Splinter Cell is a great game (even with the difficulty level) and one worth playing through many times over – and with promised downloadable content via Xbox Live you could be playing this one for a long time.

Netjak (9.5 out of 10)

I have to admit Ubi Soft has won me over as a fanboy ever since the creation of the Rainbow Six series. Being a fan of Tom Clancy as well as quality FPS titles; the two fit hand-in-hand. When I thought the genre just couldn't get any better, Ghost Recon was released and ended up being my "Game of the Year for 2001".

Gamers.at (95 out of 100)

In Splinter Cell geht es primär nicht darum die Gegner umzunieten, sondern nicht entdeckt zu werden. Der beste Freund von Sam Fisher ist der Schatten. Der Schatten spielt im Spiel eine sehr wichtige Rolle. Anders als in anderen Tom Clancy Spielen hat man hier keinen Geräuschemeter sonder eine Stealth- Anzeige die einem sagt wie stark sichtbar man ist. Ist die Anzeige im schwarzen Bereich so ist man für den Gegner unsichtbar, andererseits ist er im hellen Bereich leuchtet man wie ein Weihnachtsbaum.

ActionTrip (95 out of 100)

To cut a long story short, Splinter Cell is one heck of a game. Possibly the best game of the year. No other title in 2002 can rival the technical excellence and the phenomenal game design I've witnessed in Splinter Cell. Immersing, gritty, intelligent and hella fun to play - that's Splinter Cell, people!

Worth Playing (9.4 out of 10)

This was obviously an intentional thing on the part of the developers, but still very frustrating. Also, the fact that Sam can be an inch from death yet still run around at full speed, literally unimpeded by the various flesh wounds he has sustained doesn’t help matters either. Nevertheless, these are minor qualms on an otherwise other-worldly experience that deserves the highest praise possible and should be used as a template for stealth-based games in the future.

Play.tm (94 out of 100)

Any gamer who enjoys the stealth/action genre and vicariously lives through the lives of covert assassins/operators will absolutely adore Splinter Cell. Do yourself a favour and pick it up without hesitation; you will have a grand time playing through what must be close to the real lives of these shadowy figures.

Xbox Exclusive (9.3 out of 10)

Go out and get this game, you won't regret it. What else could you want in a game that has great graphics, gameplay and gadgets that would make James Bond envious!

IC-Games (93 out of 100)

As far as game-play and control are concerned, there are no problems with becoming Sam Fisher. The interfaces work very well. Special to note is the flawless manner that various aspects of being a master operative were integrated into the game. One of the most enjoyable experiences within the game is picking locks. I played this game all the way through to completion on the PC, but I got about halfway through on the Xbox version. The vibration through the duration to success of picking a lock was great. Many of the other systems were also very well done including keypads and interrogation. The control system works very well, and I felt that on the Xbox it took a while to get into and also that the controls often times did not stick if you were unable to pick up the controls for a week or so. I personally feel that this game is best played on the PC, because you can’t beat the keyboard-mouse combo.

Just RPG (93 out of 100)

It's not often that a developer creates a game that depends on stealth with the addition of modern technology. With challenges such as video cameras, revealing lights, and snipers, Ubisoft has managed to pull this off.

Peliplaneetta.net (92 out of 100)

Sam Fisher ei ole mikään Solid Snaken veroinen kovis, mutta Splinter Cellissä piisaa kyllä imua ilman henkilönpalvontaakin. Realistinen tunnelma ja oikean kaltaiset aseet luovat kiinnostavan ilmapiirin, jossa vaikeaakin tehtävää jaksaa väkertää kerrasta toiseen. Grafiikka toimii, kontrollit toimivat ja puutteidenkin kanssa voi elää. Ihmettelenpä, ellei tätä nähdä vielä lisää.

DarkZero (9.2 out of 10)

I urge you to buy Splinter Cell but don’t expect Fun. Expect the worst but I guarantee you will enjoy every moment of it. This game is every thing a young boys dream is made of, Espionage, Guns and stealth. This game has raised the bar of stealth games and surpassed MGS, expect it to be copied in every way because it is a revolution. Just buy this game now and prepare from an experience you will never forget.

Gaming Target (9.2 out of 10)

Aside from Halo, Splinter Cell is the best reason to own an Xbox. Those looking for yet another reason to dignify their purchase need look no further. While the technical nature of Splinter Cell may turn off casual gamers, whereas a game like Metal Gear Solid practically lays the answers out before you, most will find the do-it-yourself method to be more enjoyable on the whole. Although Metal Gear Solid may have the one-up in terms of storytelling and cinematic acting, Splinter Cell’s low-key approach to plot development is a refreshing change for those of us that would rather play our games than watch them. But Splinter Cell is not a perfect game. In fact, the touchy A.I. and the trial-and-error style of play will likely ruffle more than a few feathers, but in the end most will find Splinter Cell to be a highly enjoyable, greatly rewarding experience.

Game Over Online (92 out of 100)

Despite these minor flaws, Splinter Cell is still an amazing title. In many ways, Tom Clancy’s magic with storytelling has provided gamers with a title that could be translated into a summer blockbuster. Fortunately, we have access to the game before Hollywood can get its hands on the story, and can savor a unique story that’s just as compelling as one of the author’s books. Plus, considering the number of military conflicts arising in the world, it’s not unreasonable to believe that this scenario could arise later this year or even next. Ubi Soft has a title for best Xbox game of the year on its hands, and PC owners won’t be disappointed when it hits their systems later in January.

Game Revolution (A-)

Don't let that sway you, though, because this is one of the best games to come out for the Xbox this year. Its combination of great gameplay mechanics and simply astounding graphics easily outweigh its faults. Trust me, you will see the light.

1UP (A-)

Splinter Cell is a perfect example of style meets substance. While the audiovisuals are cutting edge in their pursuit of realism, what sets the game apart is how both aspects are integrated into gameplay. In true stealth-action fashion, sticking to the shadows renders you invisible to enemy guards, allowing for some truly classic moments where you actually feel like a predator stalking his prey. Throw in a wide assortment of useful (and fascinating) gadgets with responsive, no-fuss controls and you've got an adventure that's both inventive and fun. But I have two complaints: You can't skip cut-scenes, and the story isn't really all that exciting. Nitpicks aside, it's a must-buy for Xbox owners.

Gamesmania.de (91 out of 100)

Splinter Cell ist das bis dato beste "Stealth-Action" Game auf dem Konsolenmarkt. Sam Fishers Abenteuer lösen ein, was Metal Gear Solid 2 versprach und man kann nur hoffen, dass die Starentwickler bei Konami für ihren nächsten Teil sich weniger aufs Filmemachen konzentrieren und sich das eine oder andere von Splinter Cell abschauen.

Gaming Age (A-)

Bottom line? This is the best Xbox game released to date - yes, better than Halo. If you have an Xbox and you don?t give Splinter Cell a chance, you?re an absolute fool.

Computer Bild Spiele (1.49 out of 6)

(...) Splinter Cell ist eines der innovativsten und sicherlich besten Spiele für Xbox. Verblüffend geschmeidige Bewegungen des Helden und wirklich grandiose Effekte – das gab es in solcher Qualität und Realitätsnähe bislang noch bei keinem Spiel. Ein paar Kostproben: Vorhänge, die Sam Fisher streift, gleiten in sanftem Faltenwurf an ihm ab wie echte Gardinen. In Fenstern spiegelt sich der Superspion je nach Glasfärbung immer wieder anders. Und die Wucht der Explosion eines Ölfasses hängt davon ab, wie gut der Mann auf die Tonne gezielt hat. Geheimagent Fisher schleicht sich aus dem Nichts in die erste Liga der Xbox-Spiele: ohne Wenn und Aber „sehr gut“.

GamesAreFun.com (GAF) (9 out of 10)

Splinter Cell’s high frustration/difficulty level and the required slow progression means that it might not be for everyone. However, the feeling of accomplishment for completion is greater because of this challenge. Splinter Cell is a sight to behold with the best use of lighting and cloth effects on any system. With promised downloadable content through Xbox Live, you could constantly be getting pulled out of retirement for just one more mission.

All Game Guide ( )

Each mission becomes more involving than the last, requiring full command of Fisher's many moves, whether it's avoiding searchlights, disarming a bomb, picking a lock, or hiding the body of a cook in the freezer. Bon appétit. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell is one of the most impressive games released on the Xbox, one of the rare titles where turning off the lights is often more effective than squeezing the trigger.

Extreme Gamer (9 out of 10)

Splinter Cell is amazing and you'll be happy you picked an Xbox when you get your hands on this one. The games graphics and level of gameplay makes a Splinter Cell an instant classic. Don't delay - "Pick This Sucka Up!"

Darkstation (9 out of 10)

This is definitely going to be a high bid for a game of the year winner. There are so many things that Splinter Cell does well, and it is still amazing even after you complete the whole game. The replay value is definitely there you will most likely want to go back and try the game out on hard and then there is still downloadable content soon to come. This is one of those games that I would recommend to anyone, this is sure to make anyone happy over the holidays.

GameCell UK (9 out of 10)

Even with a few noticeable flaws, Splinter Cell is one of the best Xbox games so far and provides a tense, challenging experience, and downloadable levels on Xbox live promise an extended lifespan. It's like MGS2 with much better and varied levels, but without the painful link sequences and weird sci-fi bits (and we think that's a good thing).

Silicon-Fusion.com (9 out of 10)

Overall, Splinter Cell is one of the best games to hit the Xbox since its launch in March, and is certainly a good match for Metal Gear Solid 2. Although it may not be quite as cinematic as Konami's masterpiece, it has better graphics, more atmosphere and a wider selection of moves and gadgets, making it one of the best, if not the best stealthy-action game across any platform.

Power Unlimited (90 out of 100)

Splinter Cell is een spygame om je vingers bij af te likken. Na Halo is dit eindelijk weer eens zo'n killer waarvoor je een Xbox in huis haalt.

Gamereactor (Sweden) (9 out of 10)

Överlag är Splinter Cell ett lysande spel på alla sätt och vis. Det kan bli frustrerande ibland, men det är en helt ny upplevelse som inget annat spel erbjudit. Och grafiken är som sagt sensationell. Det ska bli intressant att se hur Playstation 2- och Gamecube-versionerna blir, men om Microsoft hade haft något vett i kroppen så skulle de ha köpt exklusivitet på det här spelet. En klar systemsäljare som räddar vintern för alla Xbox-fans.

VicioJuegos.com / uVeJuegos.com (90 out of 100)

El juego de Sam Fisher es ya un clásico (recordemos que esta crítica esta escrita a comienzos de 2005), pero más aún, nació ya con maneras de clásico. Un juego original, un apartado técnico de lujo, y es que Splinter Cell, propuso una muy interesante y espectacular forma de ver los juegos de infiltración. El tiempo ha pasado y otros títulos semejantes en temática han superado en calidad general a Splinter Cell, como The Chronicles of Riddick, o la continuación Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow, pero para la historia y para el presente Sam Fisher quedará como el héroe que deslumbró al mundo del videojuego en el 2002. Ahora podemos numerar puntos negativos, como el que no tenga modo multijugador, o el que no tenga modo online. Pero sería como pedir a Colón que además de descubrir América escribiese Hamlet. Rescatar este título del catálogo de Xbox tiene premio, pues sigue siendo hermosísimo técnicamente y jugablemente podremos decir que hemos disfrutado de un pionero.

DreamStation.cc (9 out of 10)

plinter Cell has raised the bar on “stealth” games such as Metal Gear Solid 2, Hitman, and others. The graphics are stunning, and watching how Sam Fisher skulks around is awesome. The movements are very fluid for a computer character. Add the nifty weapons and gadgets, and you will find yourself immersed in the Tom Clancy World.

PAL Gaming Network (PALGN) (9 out of 10)

Splinter Cell has ten missions overall – including training – and that may not seem a lot at first, but once you realise that these missions can take anywhere from one to three hours to complete, you’ll appreciate the length of the game. You can play the through one of two difficulty settings, Normal and Expert, the latter being only for those who stare death in the face. The Xbox version also includes the ability to download extra levels from Xbox Live, indefinitely extending the length of the game until Splinter Cell 2 comes out.

Eurogamer.net (UK) (9 out of 10)

But will you want to part with your cash? If you're even remotely a fan of the Metal Gear series, or fancy a cutting edge stealth based game then the answer is, of course, yes. If you find trial and error based games hugely annoying, and haven't got hours to spare learning the intricacies of each of the nine levels, then you'd be better off trying before you buy. At the very least try it - you might just like it, (and frankly it'd be rude not to), if only to admire the delicious visuals on display. We reckon it stands tall as one of the games of the year, and along with Halo one of the main reasons to own an Xbox - although a PC version is due out at the end of January.

X-Power (9 out of 10)

De enige logische conclusie die ik kan vormen na het spelen van Splinter Cell is dat we hier te maken hebben met een spel dat alle verwachtingen, hooggespannen als ze waren, inlost. Zoals zowat elk spel is het niet voor iedereen, maar iedereen die zelfs de lichtste interesse heeft voor spionage/stealth zal wel in de wolken zijn van Splinter Cell. Sam Fisher en zijn wereld zijn zo overtuigend dat je je in een speelbare film waant. Negen intensieve levels staan je te wachten, en het spel verveelt op geen enkel moment. Mensen die echter snel opgeven wanneer een spel uitdagend worden dienen zich echter niet aan te melden. Splinter Cell verkoopt alvast vrij goed, en in mijn opinie is dat meer dan terecht !

4Players.de (90 out of 100)

Mit Splinter Cell bricht eine neue Zeitrechnung für Stealth-Action an. Anfänglich fühlt man sich zwar an den Genre-Vorreiter Metal Gear Solid 2 erinnert, doch die Ähnlichkeiten bleiben an der Oberfläche. Denn wo Solid Snake immer wieder in den Action-Bereich abdriftet, bleibt Sam Fisher lieber im Schatten und versucht, die Gehirnzellen herauszufordern. Aufgrund des durchdachten Gameplays und vor allem der stimmigen Atmosphäre, die von Grafik und Sound gezaubert wird, hat sich Splinter Cell den Award redlich verdient. Zwar gibt es mit dem hohen Schwierigkeitsgrad und dem streng linearen Levelaufbau ein paar Punkte, die für Unmut sorgen, doch unter dem Strich wird Splinter Cell dem Hype absolut gerecht und dürfte sich als einer der herausragenden Titel des ausklingenden Xbox-Jahres etablieren. Solid Snake hat in Sam Fisher einen ebenbürtigen Partner gefunden, der sich vor allem an die richtet, denen der Stealth-Anteil in MGS2 zu gering war.

GamingTrend (539 out of 600)

A great game marred by too much trial and error. At least more missions are coming for X-Box Live. The rumor is the first level will be free but the rest you will have to pay for. This is great if the levels are not already created, but if they purposefully kept levels from the final game in order to get money I give Ubi Soft thumbs down.

Game Informer Magazine (8.75 out of 10)

What we have on our hands is a game that is most assuredly good, but far from the masterpiece that Halo was. If I could rate a game based purely on its graphical power, there’s no doubt that this would have been given a 10 instantly. The gameplay simply acts as a moderate restraint on the overall enjoyment the title can deliver. It’s worthy of purchase, but not worship.

GameSpot (8.6 out of 10)

Splinter Cell is a great game on its own merits, and it offers a slick and rewardingly suspenseful gameplay experience that's sometimes reduced to frustrating bouts of trial and error.

The Video Game Critic (B+)

Overall Splinter Cell provides a terrific fix for cerebral gamers who crave strategy. But those looking for nonstop action and mayhem won't get too far.

Super Play (Sweden) (8 out of 10)

Som jag nämnde tidigare så skapas extremt höga förväntningar efter att man tagit del av spelets första banor. Som en bortskämd unge i en godisbutik vill man frossa i interaktivitet och grafiska fyrverkerier. Mycket vill ha mer, sägs det, men efter att ha spelat det sönder och samman inser jag att Splinter Cell är tillräckligt för att fängsla mig.

Games TM (8 out of 10)

With many gamers finding Metal Gear Solid 2 a bit of a let down, and no other big Japanese companies even trying to create something on a similar scale, it's great to see a Western developer taking on the challenge. Even though it isn't quite perfect, Splinter Cell is still a stunning title that deserves to be praised. Nice one, Ubi Soft.

Game Critics (7.5 out of 10)

At its core, Splinter Cell is a relatively simple game giving the player more tricks than the game seems to need. Because of the non-decisions you make for most of the game, the only real freedom the game offers is the versatile assault rifle, giving you many options to approach a potentially disastrous situation with cameras, guards and innocent bystanders all factoring into your final decision. It's sad to see so much potential lost in what is your basic action game with heavily emphasized stealth elements. Otherwise Splinter Cell is an outstandingly detailed game, ushering in a new age of graphics, and hopefully more games will follow suit in using graphics not only as a tool for immersing a player into the experience, but also allowing players to use it as part of their arsenal. And hopefully future installments of this game will allow freedom to the players, visible pain to the enemies and an equal amount of versatile moves and weapons. And what a game that could turn out to be.

Bordersdown (7 out of 10)

But then, most of Splinter Cell is familiar. It’s not a game that can claim a huge amount of originality, but what it does well is gather the best stealth elements from the Thief series, Rainbow Six, Metal Gear Solid and others and tries to compress them into the best single player stealth game yet. In doing so, the developers have introduced some problems of their own, but this still remains a worthy purchase. Just don’t believe the hype.

Game Critics (6.5 out of 10)

I was very excited to get my hands on Splinter Cell and had been looking forward to it since the first screenshots. The Xbox has been badly in need of another superstar title besides Halo, and Splinter Cell was poised to be it. The game's abundant "cool" is plain even to casual observers, and it's almost inconceivable that it would fail to impress. However, as much as I wanted to like it, the various gadgetry and other elements just don't come together without a solid core to attach themselves to. I wish Ubi Soft had spent more time expanding the gameplay instead of tweaking the lighting and shadow. As striking as the presentation is, the actual play feels very shallow and limited. If these issues are addressed, a future sequel should be incredible.