Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (Nintendo DS) - Review by Andrew

Introduction

Even though it started out as an X-Box exclusive it's hard for anyone with even a passing interest in console games not to have encountered the original Splinter Cell or its sequels. There have even been a handful of showings on the GBA but unlike the glorious 3D original, the handheld game was diluted into little more than a simple 2D platformer so you could feel a little cheated. Both gamers and critics argued that although these outings were reasonably entertaining they couldn't even begin to produce the type of atmosphere that made the original such a hit. The DS, on the other hand, allows developers a little more freedom, not to mention more options, and with Gameloft already demonstrating what can be done with a racer on this new platform let's hope they can do the same for tactical espionage.

Gameplay

Splinter Cell is widely known as the stealth game that all other aspire to and as with the others you control Sam Fisher, a kind of 'jack of all trades' when it comes to getting in and getting out of anywhere it's too dangerous to go or simply, no one wants to go. Be it political espionage, smuggling, kidnap or even saving the world then Sam's your man. Without spoiling the plot too much this latest adventure tests all of Sam's skills and abilities from hacking computers and picking locks to pinpoint sniping, rifles and stealth. It's this latter part which is at the core of the game?s design and rather than charging through levels 'guns a blazing' you are actually rewarded for not being seen and not injuring or killing anyone. Unfortunately it's these levels where the game?s first problem arises and while the console versions were very open in their possible solutions things here are incredibly linear. This, along with the automatic save function, turns the whole thing into a game of trial and error. The best example I can give of this is in the first level where I mistakenly shot a soldier rather than interrogating him. No problem, simply restart the game and replay the section. This does occasionally make you feel like you're just there for the ride but thankfully it's not all like this.

Multiplayer fans are also catered for and two or four players can opt for a Co-op or Versus Mission. These are edited down missions from the console version that proved a huge hit with gamers and so it's something of a bonus that they're included here at all. Unfortunately while the Co-op Missions are enjoyable enough the 'Spy versus Mercenary' option becomes a little too complicated for its own good mostly due to the control system. It's not something that all gamers will find impossible to overcome but given that this is a game and not an exam we'd recommend you stick to the more enjoyable single player mode.

Controls

Although you are invited to join a tutorial early on in the game things are still a little too complicated for their own good. This is mostly due to the fact that not only are all the buttons required at one time or another but the touch screen is also extensively used throughout the game. To give you an example of the problems you'll encounter just try transferring from a stealth position to a combat stance before being gunned down by the opposition. This should be simple but you'll find yourself replaying the same section while you fumble with the controls.

Graphics

Overall the presentation is very good but as this is the team behind the aesthetically pleasing Asphalt Urban you'll know what to expect. Unfortunately Splinter Cell?s biggest problem is that of the hardware not matching the developers ambitious design and as a result the framerate is not what it should be especially given that this is a stealth game and there are sections with very little going on. There's also a problem with lighting and while you'll realise that some areas must be drenched in shadow in order for Sam to hide from enemies some sections are just too dark forcing you to use a variety of visual enhancement headgear.

Sound

Audio wise the whole package is pretty good with the various sampled music segments doing a fine job of building up tension or warning of on-coming danger. For speech, you get the odd guard or henchmen shouting a couple of lines but disappointingly the chilling voice of Sam Fisher, played by Michael Ironside, has been left out. Clearly this was because of space constraints but with the GBA version of Max Payne boasting over 30 minutes of spoken dialogue maybe we'll see a more complete conversion soon.

Dual screen

Developers Gameloft has certainly put a great deal of emphasis on the touch screen use. It's just a shame you often feel like you need another hand to truly get the best out of this system. This is mostly because not only is the bottom screen in charge of your inventory, it's also your camera, so moving your finger around the touch screen in turn alters what Sam is seeing. The same is also true when you're aiming a gun allowing you pinpoint, if not entirely speedy, accuracy. There's also a rather neat lock-picking feature where you utilise your stylus in order to manipulate a cross section of a locked door. It's pretty simple stuff but does show that developers are slowly starting to get to grips with the system. The remaining functions allow you to change your assisted sight to thermo or night vision, depending on your situation, and finally weapons and gadgets selection.

Final comments

Hardcore Splinter Cell fans will be delighted with this DS version of Chaos Theory as will everyone who had hoped for a 3D handheld outing. It's certainly truer to the original in both atmosphere and stealth tactics but due to the nature of the platform it's not without its drawbacks. Most of the problems with Chaos Theory stem from the developer?s desire to produce a solid and engaging title but their ambitious design is simply too much for the DS, and the gamer, to handle. Once you manage to overcome these glitches there's a truly memorable and enjoyable experience to be had as long as you manage to stick with it throughout the various frustrating elements. Not quite the DS classic we were all hoping for then but certainly closer to the console versions than has previously been possible on a handheld system.

Pro: Great Presentation
Con: Complicated Controls
Final score: 6.2

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