26.3.2004

Right, first of I'll talk about the single player aspect of this game (as the multiplayer is quite a bit different). If you have played the first game you know what to expect here. Long, hard, nicely scripted missions. Basically they've just made the single player game more exotic, added a few new moves, and included a few multiple paths on each mission. Although they all end up at the same point, so it's still a pretty linear game. All of what I have written so far is in no way a bad game, though. I loved every bit of the first splinter cell, so the idea of playing new levels, some of which are very stunning - hanging onto the edge of a speeding train, crawling through the deep grass of the jungle.The graphics are pretty much the same, with a few minor tweaks here and an extra animation there. But then again the graphics in the first were fantastic and still stand up today. So this game has very good graphics, but just not as stunning from the first time you saw them. One problem a few people with the first, and it is still here, is the trial-and-error feel to some situations. A lot of times you will get caught purely because you didn't know someone would be watching a certain area. This means you either have to adopt a ninja level of stealth and caution. Or you stumble into an area get killed but mentally note where the bad guys are, so the next time you play you get it right (trial-and-error). For a lot of people this was very offputing, as it felt you were just having to learn where each enemy was.Personally this didn't detract from my enjoyment of the first game, and it hasn't in this game. This is basically a hardcore stealth game, i'm talking "I can't see stealth - yes this game is dark. If you liked the stealth aspects of other games like Metal Gear Solid, you should be in for a treat here. If you didn't, then you're better of renting this first. This is one of those games you either love or hate. Personally I love it.So to sum up the single player aspect:Splinter Cell 1.5 really, not a full blown sequel, but satisfying, nonetheless.Aaahh, now for the multiplayer. Basically this is where I had problems between giving it 4 or 5 stars. But I've always believed words can better sum up a game, so here goes. The multiplayer isn't revolutionary. No I wouldn't go that far, but it's just very very excellent. If you don't know, you get to play as either the super spy (same fisher from single player, basically) or the gaurd. Up to 4 people can play either online or over system link, generally the idea is you have 2 spies against 2 gaurds, but you can have 3 against 1 if you want. The spies play out in 3rd person perspective like single player. Whereas the gaurds are in first person view. This difference alone makes for a unique playing style for each team. Much like how you would expect from a spy, he can see a lot more around him, and can perform greater acrobatic feats. Unlike the gaurd, who makes up for his tunnel vision like perspective by having a stronger arsonal of weapons. All i'm going to say is that myself and four other friends have been waiting a long time for this game to come out. And now that we've played it system link I can say it was deffinetely worth the wait. I don't have Xbox Live so I can't say I've played that, but I've heard it's pretty much lag free and 100% goodness.Ok, I'm getting tired and I need to go to bed. So I'll quickly sum up multiplayer, then the game. The levels for mulltiplayer are completely seperet to the main game, and are complex enough and sensibly built for four people. More levels would have been nice, but they are each varied aswell so it's a minor point. The controls in multiplayer (and single player) are very well refined and rarely offer any problems.Game sumary:An excellent package. The multiplayer is without a doubt the most exciting aspect of this game. But fans of the original without multiplayer in mind will still get a lot out of the single player game. Ok, if you like stealth games, and you've never played Splinter Cell, get this game. If you don't like stealth games, don't get this game. If you're a fan of the original, deffinetely get this game. And if you don't know much about the original, and is not particularly off put from extreme stealth, then deffinetely give this game a go. 9/10 people will love it.

30.3.2004

I thought long and hard before buying Splinter Cell (yeah, about two minutes!) because of up-coming essay deadlines and exams, and knowing how much I loved the previous game, I was worried I might not give my Uni work enough time... and I was right to be worried! Working on the age old maxim of 'If it ain't broke, then don't fix it', SCPT serves another edifying gaming experience. You could perhaps moan that it's not as original now as when the first game came out (we don't talk about the cheap Solid Snake games in our house!) and there's not a lot of variation in the gameplay, but if the last game was so fantastic, why would you change it?The graphics do, to me at least,look a significant improvement on the previous games (especially the cut scenes - there's one quick scene where you see brains on the floor in a lab, and they're very realistic!), and the sound is perfect as well - once you turn the distracting backing music right off. There are the multiplayer and online options now too, which I confess that I haven't tried yet (too busy playing the main game!), so I shall refrain from writing about that which I have not tried.There have been a small, subtle but effective changes to the game controls. The option to use the optic cable, for example, now pops up when you come to a door, so you don't have to go through the inventory to find it! Everything in your inventory is selected through the D-pad, and it's faster than the last system. Beware though, the black button has changed function - it makes Sam whistle now - try to remember that when you're hiding and not allowed to use lethal force!As well as that, you now have the night-sight and thermal vision goggles from the off, as well as the binoculars, so you don't have to wait to be given permission to use them. I would say though, that the binoculars and telescopic sight on the rifle don't seem to have much of a range, I'm sure in the last game the level of magnification was greater. Also, when you're using the rifle for a sniper shot, and you're holding Sam's breath, it seems to go down a lot quicker. Maybe that's just me, I don't know what anyone else thinks.Sam also comes with some flashy new moves, too. He has a new turn, to get across illuminated gaps stealthily, and a new jump that can be done from the splits position to jump even higher. My favourite move has to be hanging upside down from a pole to shoot, using your legs to hold on!It's not without it's bugs, though. I got chased out of a corridor by two guys on the first level. I escaped in the nick of time by going into the garden. When I used the optics cable to look under the door, the bad guy was there, with his back to the door. Stealthily, I opened it, and shot the sucker point blank in the back of the head! Except, he didn't go down - turns out, he was just 'frozen' there, stuck, not doing anything, and further down the corridor there was another one, then in the room it took my ten minutes to get through was another one!Obviously I've had the game less than a week (it only came out last Friday) so I haven't finished the game yet, but I have played a significant portion of it, and I can truly recommend the game. If you - as I - loved the last game, then you will need to come up with new superlatives. Buy it from Amazon too, where it's a tenner cheaper than rip-off High Street stores!One gripe to finish off with. Technically it's not connected to the game, so skip it if you want. Last Friday, when I thought about buying the game (before running out of the house in a sweaty palm panic, anxious that it had been in the shops for several hours and they might have sold out!) I came to Amazon to read the reviews, in case there were any advance copies or imports been reviewed, as there sometimes are. It's annoying to see it get 4.5 stars and think, 'Must be good', only to read the reviews and find they're basically just comments about somebody else's review of a demo level given away on a magazine! How can you say 'ooh, it's going to be great!', give a game you've never played 4/5 stars, and call it a review! Amazon, can you sort stuff like that out please? When we come on looking for reviews, we don't expect people looking forward to it or just slagging off a different console, that's not, never been and never will be a review!

6.3.2004

The best new feature for the single player is undoubtly it's less linear. I haven't payed the game but I heard that you are on a train mission. There are 4 ways to go. Go under the train whilst hanging upside down(I'm not sure if you can do that) and go through a hatch from the underneath of the train. You can hang from the train from the train windows. It should be dark so the passengers won't spot you easily and you have to watch that no one see's you shadow when creeping round the corner when going throug a tunnel. You can go through the top of the train on the roof(It would be the best leval in the game if they did it like under siege 2 with Steven Seagal).Or go for the easier option by going through the train the normal way.The game developers would of found it hard to make it realistick and fun. Whats going to happen when a passenger spots a man with a black stealth suit. I know that the annoying alarm system from the first game has gone. Are you going to have to knockout all the people with trankerlisers. I know that some pasengers will be asleep. When going through the train the seats won't be transparent and how are you going to know when an enemy is going to get of his seat. A problem with most stealth games is that enemies can't spot you from about 7 metres(I think games will be anoying if they were too realistic).On the original Splinter Cell, remember on the CIA leval(where you infaultrate American Headquarters and you obviously can't kill anyone and you can only stun the Americans). When you go through the over the head projecter room and go out on the other side theres a guy sitting on a chair and he can't see you.Another problem from the previouse Splinter that could be improved for Splinter Cell 2 was that when you hid bodies you always had to put them in dark shadows. When you turn the light of in a room and hide a body couldn't an enemy potroling the room just of turned on the light. Come on develepors, you called of tried a bit harder to make a game worthy of a 10/10. It would be nice to hide enemies in lockers, out of windows and throw them of cliffs in the second instalment.Another thing is when you try to knock out an enemy(with hand to hand combat) from the front, you could only atack with your elbow and it took two shots and you'd be dead before you knock out the enemy. It would of been nice to at least punch them.I know that the splitjump(where you hang on top of two narrow walls and you drop onto an onwalking enemy) will be used more often.Theres a new commando swat roll(where you dodge bullets and roll from one side of a door to the other and without being heard or spotted.In the first game you can't hurt enemies by shooting them in the leg. They just stood their. Atleast Splinter doesn't have the dramatic musique from MGS2.Xbox live should be auwsome by you being the bad guy with flash lights in dark rooms and finding the stealth guy. A cool thing is you can grab someone from behind in a headlock possition and talk trash through your head phones.If theres origonality on gameplay for SplinterCell 2 It will be worth getting along with Halo 2.

4.6.2004

For those of you who are contemplating buying Pandora Tomorrow having played and enjoyed the first Splinter Cell please be aware that the general consensus of other reviewers is correct. Pandora Tomorrow is not a true sequel in the computer games sense of the word and if this were a PC only game it probably would have been released as an expansion pack rather than as a stand alone title. Yes its true, Pandora Tomorrow is the same game engine, the same graphics, the same gadgets and the same kind of set pieces as the original. The only new feature seems to be the coming online play (which I am unable to take advantage of anyway).

21.6.2004

This game is amazing. There is not a word to describe it. It is nearly perfect. The first thing you notice when you play it is the new starting format. The screen looks quite different to splinter cell 1 and this could throw people off, for about 5 seconds. The first level cum tutorial shows you all the basic principles of the game, and is definitely a good starter for newbies or veterans of splinter cell 1 for a memory refreshment.The levels are in diverse terrains, with some actually set out in the jungle, which provides a different atmosphere to the cooped up slinter cell 1. The amount of freedom in the game is increased as well. There are many new cunning ploys the mercenaries use such as a grenade tied to a sting,

24.5.2004

Pandora Tomorrow is the follow up to 2002's critically acclaimed Splinter Cell which redefined the stealth game genre , which at the time was filled with Metal Gear Solid rip offs so Spliter Cell was a breath of fresh air at the time.The sequel is now here and its about time too!You see yourself fill the deadly shoes of Sam Fisher once again in a one man war against a Indonesian Terrorist Network determined to put America to a standstill.The game itself plays identical to the original although you now have a few more weapons and moves at youre disposle but neither really adds anything new to the game which is a real shame.The story itself is very badly presented it is a case of another boring

29.3.2004

Well what can I say about "SC-PT"? After playing (And loving the original) Ubi-Soft have another great title to add to the list of all time greats. I've been playing this game for two days now and I can see area's in which it's taking over my life already... The car hasn't been washed, the lawn hasn't been cut and the wife is nagging more than usual. This is a seriously challenging game and like the original not one that you're going to be able to run around the maps thoughtlessly blasting away at the enemy with unrealistic weaponry at the first sign of trouble. If that's your thing then don't buy this game. If you're after something with a gripping story line, amazing graphics,

27.6.2004

You are alone in your work. You must remain invisible. You are a shadow. Okay, enough with the starters, this game is a real cracker. Graphics are 9/10, online play is 9/10 ( It is amazing, but there should have been more than 4 players in the 'hide and seek'multiplay), single player is 10/10. The music also adds to the suspense in a tense situatioon, say when someone spots you the music really turns on. The AI is quite good, but at times the enemies seem slightly blind, as you could literally be stood in front of somebody and they won't see you. The only frustrating part of the game is when you get stuck on a level, as the game offes very little hints for you, and also if you are about to get to a checkpoint,

5.4.2004

This is one heck of a game, that I've been waiting for ever since it was announced. I just loved the original..and this oneby and large..builds on it.Though I had read a lot about gameplay being less linear and graphics spruced up, I did not really notice that much of a difference. In fact, I did find this version a lot easier(which would be my only complaint) than the original. A measure of this is that I landed up renting it on the Friday it released and by Sunday nite, was playing the Telelvision HQ in Indonesia, which I think isnt that far from the end.Whats amazing though is the level designs, and its really intriguing to play in the various environments(train in Paris, jungles on Indonesia,

31.5.2004

So you've probably read the other reviews which I feel are a litle harsh, but hey that is what opinions is all about. Pandora tomorrow was my first Xbox game, and wow what a great game. Haven't played the first one, so I can't offer a comparison but this version is fantastic. The graphics are great, the controls not over complicated, and actually do what you want them to do. Now lets just say that perhaps I'm your average gamer. I may play the game a couple hours at at time, 3/4 times a week. This game took my 4 weeks to complete. Yes I agree its not extremely hard, but to the majority of us gamers, who don't finish games in a weekend, that is what we are looking for.

6.6.2004

The game begins with a nicely based training level which is an actual level and not just training. New gadgets make game-play interesting and smooth and life like graphics take the game to the next level. There are some nice touches, including rats in the lab and the airport scenery. However the AI can lack a bit and it can be tempting just to run at all the guards and knock them over with a blow to the head. The game also seems to stop very quickly as the first levels are fairly easy with only the second to last level being a challenge, which i only passed because of a glitch in the game.Despite these nags the game is stunning and the two level security thing and the music bring a good sense of realism.

2.11.2003

Splinter cell for xbox is an excellent game, Just play the first splinter cell on xbox then you will see why its so good. Well this version Splinter cell: Pandora Tomorrow for xbox is even better with loads of new levels plus if you have xbox live then you can download extra levels from xbox live, good for when you have completed the game and want more so you can download extra levels. The storyline in pandora tomorrow is different from the first splinter cell but will be much better. This game you must get, also its made by ubisoft so you can be certain it will be good as all the other titles made and to be released like, Tom clancys: Ghost recon, Ghost recon: Island thunder and the excellent to be released,

28.3.2004

I pre-ordered the game from amazon and i was really pleased when it arrived EARLY!!!! on the day the game came out. The graphics have been souped up and the textures and lighting effects are brilliant. The old game had a feel of light green about it, but this is more colourful, with vibrant oranges. The missions are difficult, but rewarding. If you have the game make sure you take it in slowly. The pistol has a new advanced aiming system, and its much easier to use that the old one. Therer is no big blob, and you have a laser sight, but, as splinter cell is totaly realistic, the enemy can see the spot and sometimes can find you. If you liked splinter cell you will like this game.

26.3.2004

Ive played the first level in this game, and what conclusions have i drawn, look at the subject. This is an improvement on the original and although i aint tried the multiplayer. So far i reckon its an improvement, considering i still put the original splinter cell as 9/10 u can see what i think of this, 9.5/10. The reason it aint 10 (apart from not aving played the mp which could move it up) is the fact that i wouldnt want to replay the first level again, not because of the challenge, because it lacks a buzz to it which made me play MGS 10 times, SCPT made me play it twice.Graphics10/10 (shadow effects are something you have to see, mix that with the water on level 1)controls9/10lifespanungraded (update this later)over allnear perfect game,

25.5.2004

Having played Splinter Cell I was waiting with baited breath to get my hands on SCPT.Although the single game play mode is much the same, it has been tweaked here and there to improve things somewhat. I have to say though that I felt kind of deflated playing the game. It does not leave much to the imagination on how to complete tasks in order to move on which I felt the first one did. Whilst the graphics are excellent I can't feel that this game has lost some of the original appeal. Maybe there are now too many of this type around? Overall it's a good game, and again one that other software companies should aspire to in terms of the quality of game play and attention to detail.Worthing getting,

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell - Pandora Tomorrow (Xbox) - Reviews

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