‘Splinter Cell’ thrives in multiplayer mode
By CHRIS CAMPBELL | Howard Scripps News Service
“Splinter Cell: Blacklist”
Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Genre: Action
Publisher: Ubisoft
ESRB Rating: M, for Mature
Grade: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
The latest incarnation of “Splinter Cell” operative Sam Fisher has taken cues from Hollywood. Fisher’s voice is more palatable to all ages, while his love of lingering in the shadows and his silent takedowns have been softened to make him more of a threat to enter situations with guns blazing. I preferred Fisher as a silent, brooding agent, but I recognize the desire to widen his appeal.
“Blacklist” carries over much of the visual flair and excellence from the last game in the series, “Conviction.” The dialogue snaps with more one-liners, and, if you choose, the baddies fall violently from the explosion of gunfire at your disposal. You can still lurk in the shadows and silently execute everyone; in fact, I think that’s the way you should play it, as the tension ramps up and the stakes feel higher. The game introduces a few new gadgets, such as an unmanned drone, and some gameplay tropes familiar to military shooters, such as attacks at night from military aircraft. My only complaint is that these additions take you away from the more daring, up-close-and-personal nature of Fisher’s takedowns.
I recommend working through the campaign quickly because you need to enjoy the superb multiplayer option. The popular Spies-vs.-Mercs mode returns, and it remains one of the best cooperative modes ever created. Teams of stealthy spies must complete tasks while gun-toters hunt down and kill anything that moves. Playing modes that reward teamwork will always win my praise, and few perform better than this one.
The far-superior online mode overshadows the solid, if slightly watered-down, campaign mode. As a whole, however, the game is a worthy addition to the franchise.
