Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (PS2)

Getting used to the controls may seems quite daunting at first, but generally you gradually get used to it as you're introduced to the earlier levels of the game. This game uses predetermined save points, which I think is better in the long run as the freedom to save right before or after any point takes away the challenge aspect of the game, and makes it seem much more like anyone can complete it.

Be prepared though, you must have the perseverence to see this one through as there is no doubt that you will get stuck at some point or another. If you do have the patience to think things through, then this title is a must buy.

4 stars out of 5 is fitting since it would be wrong for me to say that any game can't be bettered.

This game allows you to do everything you can imagine that a secret agent would do. There is a range of amazing gadgets to use, which adds to the experience of the superb gameplay. There are optical cables that allow you to see through to the other side of doors, lock picks, which can be used to unlock certain doors and an assault rifle with capabilities such as stunning, using grenades and also just for killing enemies.

The game also allows a much greater control over the character than most games offer. This means that the environment can be used to an advantage, as he can climb on pipes, and use the walls to springboard himself onto higher ledges or platforms.

The developers have thought of everything, which makes this one of the most realistic games around. However this results in losing health more rapidly than other games, which can be fixed by medical kits, which are found at different places on various missions. Another backdrop is, where you could obtain ammo from dead enemies in other games, you cannot with Splinter Cell, and unlike medical kits there are very few ammo packages on missions. This means that on most missions the ammo you enter with, is all you've got, so you have to ration you're ammo very carefully.

Everything about this game, such as the stealth aspect and the many gadgets to use more than make up for the few glitches in the game, and although the story isn't the best around it does compliment the gameplay, which is what makes this game a 'must have' for all gamers!

Playing as Sam Fisher (an undercover operative for the 'Third Echelon'), your job is to infiltrate various locations around the world, drawing as little attention to yourself as possible. The plot itself involves the Georgian President operating with rogue Chinese & Russian radicals to wage war on the USA and it is your mission to prevent them from succeeding. In some cases, the storyline seems a little true to life (The war on terror, American soldiers being executed) which may leave some people feeling a little bit uneasy.

Some levels are more stealth orientated than others - it is possible to get around certain parts of the game with all guns blazing once the alarms have been deactivated (if that is more your type of thing). Other parts require you to avoid tripping any alarms which involves hiding dead bodies, using the sniper rifle, interrogating the enemy etc.

In summary, Splinter Cell is a fine example of a stealth adventure game and is very innovative throughout. There are ten levels that are progressively more difficult to overcome - if I have one gripe it would be that towards the end of the game, there is an element of deja vu. I can highly reccommend this to anyone with a PS2 who enjoys a bit of a challenge and as a technical achievement it is up there with the best on the platform, including MGS2.