Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (GameCube)

Author Tom Clancy has written some fine novels, and UbiSoft has written some great games based on these works; Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell is one such release. This one is a bit different, however: it models itself on that champion of espionage Metal Gear Solid 2, which, as it happens, is a good thing.

As Sam Fisher, you're out to save the world from international terrorism. In doing this, stealth is of paramount importance. Splinter Cell makes terrific use of light and shadows in this regard. If Sam Fisher stays in the dark, he is less likely to be seen; but equipped with night-vision goggles you're not hindered by the lighting effects. It's a clever system that creates some memorable scenes and adds to the sensation of being undercover.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell is a supremely balanced game. The initial training received is just long enough, gameplay is perfectly weighted between stealth and action, and the blend of different objectives in missions ensures that the experience never becomes a chore. This is as compelling a spy game as you'll ever play. --Jonti Davies

This review refers to the Xbox version of the game.

"Blends stealth and action near-perfectly. Tense and thrilling, the GameCube version even has extra features and gadgets. 89%."

"Stealth done in a totally new, stylish way with shadows and darkness perfectly utilised. 89%."

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell grants players access to the highest echelons of national security, where shadowy operatives have the freedom to do whatever it takes to safeguard America. The player controls Sam Fisher, a field operative of a secretive black-ops NSA sub-agency called Third Echelon. Sam Fisher is geared up to infiltrate high-security strongholds, seize critical intelligence, destroy threatening data and neutralise the enemy--all without leaving a trace.