Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory

"An amazing game in every aspect!!!"

I've always been a fan of Splinter Cell games, and they always improve a certain amount from game to game, but the improvement from Pandora Tomorrow to this game is simply amazing. The graphics are amazing, better than you ever thought you'd see on the Xbox, probably stuff you'd IMAGINE for the Xbox 2. Anyway, I know the question you all are asking is: "Is this game better than Halo 2?" The answer is both yes, and no. They are both great games, one is a first person shooter, one is a stealth game, those two gametypes just shouldn't be compared. That aside, this game does outshine Halo 2 in almost every aspect (except online play). Now, I'll go on with the rest of the review....

Graphics10/10
The graphics are simply amazing, the cutscenes look just like real life, and the entire game is extremely close to that quality. I never thought the Xbox's processor could handle something like this. The framerate is always constant, and NEVER lags one bit. As in all the other splinter cell games, lighting is still great, but they managed to squeeze some improvements in there, as well. Definitely the best graphics of any game on any system.

Audio9/10
A new feature in this game is the ability to interrogate ANY character. That in itself was a ton of audio to record, but they also have every pair of guards having a funny/helpful conversation. Quality is great, sound effects are great, not much more to say here.

Controls9/10
Hasn't changed much from the last game. No new features added, but the game does seem to control a little better, and allows you to get better views around corners than in the last game. Once again, simply amazing.

Gameplay10/10
The game is just so awesome, you really can't describe it, you just have to play the game to experience it. The guards are so freaking smart, its scary. Some guards are lazy on their patrols, and some are thorough. The mercenaries body guarding some characters are like the secret service, never missing a thing that goes by, even if its pitch black.

Multiplayer9/10
This is the weakest part of the game. Don't get me wrong, it is extremely awesome. The online play has improved since last time, still the same idea, just somehow better. The reason I gave a 9 here is because there are only 4 co-op maps, and the guards always spawn in the exact same points when you re-do these missions. I'm sure there will be more to download later, but as of now, it just feels "unfinished" in this category. I'm not complaining, its still awesome, just could be a little better

Overall, this is a great game. It is definitely a buy over a rent, the replay value is extremly high, as you can go with a different difficulty, or a different combination of weapons. If you've liked splinter cell games before, I can guarantee this one won't let you down.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/31/05, Updated 03/21/08

Game Release: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (US, 03/28/05)