Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory carries on the great tradition of tactical espionage like no other title out there. Long after the
Metal Gear games stopped delivering the kind of stealthy action that they helped create,
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory still carries the torch. In the third console rendition of the series, you once again play as Sam Fisher, a top-secret spy more of the neoprene and less of the tuxedo variety. And, as suits these classic games, you are on a mission to save the world.
The story is nothing new: continue on a path of missions as you uncover people with devious plots to do something mean to the world. Likewise, the gameplay is relatively the same here as it was in previous games. In most cases this would be a bad thing, but not with Splinter Cell. Not only have the developers kept what worked in the past Splinter Cell games, but they have cut out what didn’t work, trimmed the fat if you will, to produce a leaner, more streamlined game.
This also means that little has been done in the way of innovation. All of the same tactics have to be used again this time around. Enemies are still slightly on the mindless side, but they follow a trail if you’re careless, such as open doors, broken lights, and, of course, bodies lying on the ground. What has been improved upon are the levels. Each level in Chaos Theory is bigger than levels in previous Splinter Cell games, and they are also much less linear. Though the goal is always the same, you now have many ways of achieving it. Different paths lead to different tactics, and this, coupled with all of the abilities that Sam has, makes for a very dynamic game with some decent replay value.
Also new to the game is the ability to play a few maps of the Campaign in either a Split Screen or LAN Co-Op mode. It is apparent that the developers were watching their steps when building this into the game, but despite the lack of substance here, I think they’ve hit on something good. Both players play as spies to accomplish the same goals as in the single-player maps, but there are combo moves, such as using one guy as a human ladder in order to reach certain areas, that make things very interesting at times. The ability to lure enemies with one player while sneaking up on them with the other also feels great. There are some downsides as well though. There is no map like in the single-player experience, and this means players can easily get separated and not see each other for the rest of the level. Despite its drawbacks, this is definitely a mode that should be built upon and considered for future projects.
If cooperating with people isn’t your style, there is the classic Multiplayer mode that allows you to play as either a spy or a hired security guard. Like the single-player experience, little has been improved upon here. But being such a solid feature in the first place means that there is still plenty of fun to be had by those who have never experienced this kind of gameplay.
