When Splinter Cell came out for the Xbox it was an instant hit among stealth fans everwhere. Now the story of Sam Fisher has been recreated for the PS2 and Gamecube.
But just how well does the GC version compare against the Xbox?
Graphics
Well if you’ve played the Xbox version you know what to expect. Crisp, clear, and very detailed graphics–possibly some of the best ever seen. The detail involved in this game is just amazing. Light and shadows play a key role here, unlike some other ‘so called’ stealth titles. To complete missions you’ll need to remain unnoticed in the shadows, and since obviously there aren’t any shadows in very bright rooms you’ll have to take you’re gun out and improvise…alot. Another point for detail is the movement. Such as when you turn night vision on and off. Instead of it just changing, you see Sam’s arm move the goggles. Not anything major but still a pleasing detail.
Sound
Well, just like the graphics, the sound is also great. Everything makes noise from singing birds to blazing gunfire. The music also sets the mood for the in-game action. When things are slow and no enemies have spotted you, the music is eerie and calm until you get spotted. Then the music becomes fast paced, and alarms and all sorts of fun things go off.
Controls
The controls are pretty easy to get used to, but do have a few minor problems. Aiming with the C-stick is a bit awkward, which makes for some difficultly when trying to execute headshots. Other than that, I saw no problems with the controls at all.
Gameplay
Splinter Cell is all about stealth. Don’t expect to run into a room of bad guys with a blaze of gun toting glory. It doesn’t quite work that way. Through most of the game you try to avoid ‘all’ enemy contact. When you are forced to fight it’s accuracy that will count. Let me put it this way: if you’re used to, or favor, first-person shooters with tons of unbridled action, then this experience might not be the game for you.
Overall
This is a great game and a definite buy for all Gamecube owners. This version of Splinter Cell has a little more to offer than the Xbox version, thanks to its Gameboy Advance connectivity. Even so, if you already own an Xbox and Splinter Cell, don’t spend your money twice.
Oh yeah, between the Xbox version and Gamecubes version (I hate to say this) the Xbox version does have the advantage through slightly better graphics, but they don’t totally blow away the Gamecube or PS2 versions. Splinter Cell is a great quality game, regardless of the platform it’s playing on.
