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Quarter Circle Forward Review: Splinter Cell: Conviction
“It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything.”
Toast here with the Quarter Circle Forward Review that we discussed in Episode 21, Splinter Cell: Conviction
Splinter Cell: Conviction begins where Double Agent left off, continuing the struggle of Sam Fisher who has recently left Third Echelon. To avoid potential spoilers of the previous game, it is safe to say that the agent left his former employer on less than positive terms. Revenge is the overwhelming theme of Conviction, as Fisher searches for answers by any means necessary. No longer held back by government regulations and protocol, Sam now can dispatch his enemies without mercy. This is done through the new Mark/Execute and Interrogation mechanics.
Many die-hard Splinter Cell fans may think of the Mark and Execute ability as too easy, and in many ways it can be. Performing a hand to hand kill or execution will allow the player to mark a certain number of enemies and then instantly execute them with one button press. The camera angles and dramatic motions make this look amazing every time, and can easily clear a room of bad guys. For fans of stealth action games, this may be considered an insult to their abilities as gamers. For myself, I found it almost essential and required to progress through some of the games tougher levels. Having almost no experience with this particular genre, I found myself reloading my checkpoints multiple times even on the Rookie difficulty setting. I simply do not play enough stealth action games to be good at being invisible, and for this reason I really appreciated the more casual approach that Ubisoft has taken for this latest Splinter Cell.
Interrogations are simply interactive cut-scenes, and are done only to progress the story. The same can be said of the reflective instructions and images that will be displayed throughout the level on various walls and other parts of the environment. Both elements make the player feel like a cold blooded killer, but will not impact the gameplay at all. For the game as a whole, the story and voice acting can be perhaps it's main flaws. The story seems like a lackluster season of 24, and can be very predictable. Micheal Ironside as Sam Fisher can be unbearable at times, but can be considered an Oscar worthy performance compared to the enemies who will yell ridiculous lines of dialog as you hide and avoid detection.
Overall I enjoyed finishing the campaign, which can be done in roughly six or seven hours. The co-op campaign and various multiplayer modes can extend the longevity of the game, and purchasers of Conviction will have access to the Ghost Recon: Future Soldier beta later this year. For fans of the Splinter Cell franchise, I will say it's an excellent addition to the collection. For more casual gamers or new arrivals to the series, I would suggest perhaps a rental only.
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