Splinter Cell: Conviction
Producer: Ubisoft
Release Date: April 13, 2010
Platform: Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
Rating: Mature
Genre: Stealth Action
Mark & Execute
Written by Mike Lowther
Who says change is bad? I don’t, as long as it’s executed correctly. The Splinter Cell series has been known for stealth espionage tactics with compelling stories. Set at the most later date in the saga, we’re once again reunited with Sam Fisher in a more arcade-style title adhering to the LEAD Engine.
For a game that got some mixed reviews, I was probably one of the very few to have played Sierra’s The Bourne Conspiracy. It was a fast-paced action title that recreates a cinematic experience, similar to the movie series, and it was actually pretty damn good. Splinter Cell: Conviction lost a portion of its hardcore stealth touch and now has an added action vibe, similar to the Bourne game.
Some of the first, and coolest things I noticed when playing this are the in-game objective reminders. Typically in just about any game, you’d have to go into the options or press the BACK button to see what you have to do to reach the goal. In Conviction, your objectives are marked up on a water tower, or in huge print on the asphalt in huge bold lettering. Great production value here. Throughout the game, Sam experiences flashbacks. Instead of cutting to a past experience and coming back to reality, the flashback will get projected on a wall or a smooth surface in the area you’re standing in. Very original, and definitely unique.
To get the job done, you’ll have to hide in the shadows and carefully plan you’re attack. The game retains its ability to let you complete portions of missions in multiple ways. For instance, while attempting to break into a guard office in an underground parking garage, you can set off a car alarm to lure a guard out and take his key. Or, you can climb on top of the office and hop in through the ceiling and blow away the guards. Whichever way, it’s your choice. There is also a new ‘mark & execute’ feature that allows you to mark a limited amount of enemies, click a button, and nail them all down automatically with your stock handgun. Very similar to Red Steel, but it works. Upgrade your weapons by completing challenges to earn more execute marks and larger clip sizes.
Unfortunately, I’ve endured a painstaking amount of re-dos to finish particular objectives. I quickly learned that some levels require only stealth, and some only straight-on brutal action. What bothers me is that there’s no solid mix of both, as the Metal Gear series succeeds in capturing. It’s trying so hard to be Gears, but wants you to hide in the shadows and shoot out lights. It’s like being with your second cousin at a theme park, and he just can’t make up his mind.
Overall, the developers changed direction in this episode of the series to appeal to a wider variety of audiences. We’re handed a flashy arcade-style game with some fancy visuals and excellent lighting, but lacking in solid and structured gameplay. Missions can force a bitter taste in your mouth, as you can find yourself repeating and loading checkpoints over and over again. If you’re looking for a simulation in the stealth genre where strictly using your environment as a weapon is mandatory, look elsewhere. For newcomers searching for something with the Splinter Cell logo, this is a game for you.