Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow
Score: 60% ESRB: Teen Publisher: Ubisoft Entertainment Developer: Ubisoft Entertainment Media: Cart/1 Players: 1 Genre: Stealth/ Action
Graphics & Sound: The GameBoy Advance version of Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow can be considered the Little Engine That Could that is hampered by shoddy tracks while trying to go up the hill. While not a complete loss, the game isn't able to capture the heart-pounding intensity of its console cousins. Instead, the experience tries to do what it can when translated into a 2D side-scroller. Overall the game looks good, but is lacking in major details. Granted the game isn't going to look as stellar as on the consoles, but at the same time the game world is a little too flat -- even for 2D. Levels are rather bland and can at best be described as utilitarian. Some variety can be seen as you go from zone to zone, but repetition does tend to settle in within each area. There are a few attempts to jazz up some locales, but really -- how many flags can one person have in a house? Some other elements just don't make sense, such as the big square pole sitting in the middle of a room. Character animations, especially those of Sam, are smooth and spot on. Though a lack of variety does settle in at times, the animations for some of Sam's new moves more than make up for guards who either stand, run or do some kind of 'shocked and awww hell... you're going to kill me now' stance. Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow really won't make you clamor for a headphone jack on you GBA. Background music is threadbare and what you do hear isn't great. Sound effects are limited to gunshots mostly (of course, the number of times you can use your gun in the game can be counted on one hand).
Gameplay: If you had the chance to play the portable version of the original Splinter Cell, then you're already way ahead of the curve. Essentially the portable version tries to take the 3D version of the game and translate it into a 2D side-scroller. The results aren't what you would expect. Players control Sam Fisher through 9 missions as he tries to stop a madman from attacking the world with a deadly viral outbreak. As a Splinter Cell, a secret government operative, Sam must use stealth to accomplish his missions. Killing is only to be used as a last resort. In fact, except for a handful of missions, using deadly force will result in a mission failure. Perhaps the biggest problem with the game is the lack of line of sight that comes with side-scrollers. Splinter Cell tries to alleviate this by giving Sam the ability to scan ahead in the level, but this isn't as helpful as it sounds. As a result, the stealth action in the game is crippled and often becomes frustrating (or outright boring). Sam can use most elements in his environment to hide behind, including curtains, bushes and shadowy alcoves. When you come across enemies, you can either try to sneak past them or choose to engage them. Sneaking is the preferred option, although you don't always have the option. Since you can only use killing force in limited circumstances, you'll either have to sneak up on enemies and take them out from behind (or above if you can) or face them fist-to-fist. Again, the sneaky way is preferred. Once an enemy is knocked out you can drag the body and hide it. According to the training level, you have to hide all bodies, however during the game I left levels littered with bodies and suffered no repercussions. In fact, the only time I ever hid a body was when the game told me to. A few lock picking mini-games appear throughout each level. Most of these 'puzzles' are a little too simple and don't offer much challenge, but still -- it's better than nothing. Pandora Tomorrow lacks any form of multiplayer, which I found surprising. One of the best parts of the console versions is the multiplayer aspect. In addition, the N-Gage version of the original features multiplayer -- which makes you wonder why something wasn't worked out.
Difficulty: As a general rule of thumb, stealth games are hard (well, all except Mission Impossible on the GBA, but that's its own story). Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow upholds the fine tradition of difficulty, but brings with it a new set to trials and tribulations. I know you're probably getting tired of me harping on the 2D side-scrolling element, but this truly is the root of all evil in the game. To recap, you can't see very far ahead, and when you do, you're left vulnerable to attacks. Enemies, although incredibly stupid, also turn around way too quickly -- which makes planning for their actions hard. The game is also sporadic as to how close you have to be to someone before they see you. I ran into times when I was practically hugging an enemy and he couldn't see me.
Game Mechanics: The best part about being a spy is, of course, the cool toys you get to play with. These are something that Sam isn't without, although they take a backseat to Sam's extensive catalog of moves. The gadget you'll get the most mileage out of is Sam's eyewear, which endows him with both Night and Thermal Vision. Swapping between these modes is a quick menu away. Also found in the utility belt is a rope, flash grenades and a rifle. The rope is only used during certain parts of the game while the flash grenade and rifle can be drawn at any time. Flash grenades blind enemies for a few seconds while the rifle, obviously, kills them. Using the rifle is easy, but you rarely use it. Sam's move list is impressive and the level designs reflect these. You'll make use of all of these moves while navigating levels, but the layouts a little too straight forward. There's very little room to improvise (as in the bigger versions) and most areas boil down to 'I see that stack of boxes and that plank, which means I must go there.' As alluded to, the game's platform, as well as its engine, is its own worst enemy. The side-scrolling format doesn't work with the type of game. Is there a better way they could have done it? Yes. Metal Gear on the NES, as well as Metal Gear Solid on the GameBoy Color are testament to non-3D stealth games that work. Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow isn't a completely terrible game and may provide some fun moments. However, anyone looking to recreate the fun of the console versions on the GBA will be disappointed.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
The Egyptian Prophecy IL-2 Sturmovik: Forgotten Battles Ace Expansion Pack