tom clancy's splinter cell review
splinter cellHere it is, there it is, there it is, the playful jewel that comes to us from the Xbox joins the PC world for the best and only for the best. Missing out on Splinter Cell would be one of the biggest blunders of the year.
What about Splinter Cell that you don't already know? Because, I do not know why but I assume that everything that we could say about it, the impatient reader has already read it, whether it is the Xbox test or the PC preview. But some may have waited for this PC test to discover the title of Ubi Soft. So please forgive me if you read too much already known. Written by Tom Clancy whose work has already fueled a number of tactical FPS. Here is a title in the third person that awaits us and whose adventure will begin in Georgia, in the footsteps of a disturbing head of state. You play Sam, Sam Fisher whom some people already like to call Sam the fisherman. Sam is a shadow in the service of Echellon 3, a special unit of the NSA which does not exist any more than does Sam Fisher, shadow among the shadows.
But a shadow capable of performing wonders when it comes to infiltrating the best kept places. Between his physical abilities and his incredible gadgets, he offers us absolutely monstrous gameplay. In terms of his movements, Sam can of course stick to a wall, but he is also able to do the Vandamian splits to hang between two walls, to slide along a pipe, to make a abseiling, clinging to all kinds of ledges, jumping from wall to wall to reach an inaccessible height or ajar a door. What about the Forced Cooperation which consists in seizing a man to force him to confess his secrets to you, to stick his eye on a retinal scanner or to use it as a human shield? I would say: "rhââ! " But Splinter Cell is also a ton of gadgets that aren't just there for figuration. First we have the fabulous visual filters that are night and thermal vision but also a micro laser, a mini-camera to slide under the doors before opening them, a diversion camera to attract the guards and neutralize them etc. So many utensils which, added to your physical skills will allow you to raise infiltration to the rank of art. But the ultimate element is the play of light and shadow. You must become a creature of the night, taking advantage of the slightest patch of shade to lurk in it, waiting for the opportunity to pass discreetly or throw yourself on your prey. This is why, the lighting effects are so prodigiously well done, but we will come back to this. If observation will be essential, listening will not be a luxury to locate a guard or a security camera. Among the not insignificant details, note the lock picking system (see screenshots) or the snipe sessions during which you have to control your breathing.
Everyone knows that Splinter Cell has absolutely incomparable gameplay. What many have to wonder is what are the differences from the Xbox version? I will start with maneuverability. Fearing that the gameplay of SC is not adapted to the keyboard / mouse couple is legitimate ... but unfounded. Indeed, controlling Sam poses no problem except at the level of certain jumps which will sometimes be a little more perilous than with a pad. But for the rest, personally anyway, I have a clear preference for this version for at least two reasons. The first being the control of the gait pace which is calibrated using the mouse wheel (on Xbox, varies the pressure on the analog stick), this method is more precise and avoids much trouble making the blunders more improbable. Another advantage, probably more universal, is that the camera control is more functional.
And now, tada, the technique! As I said to you, one of the crucial points of SC, it is the light, finally, the shade especially which is almost palpable. But both are simply sublime and incredibly detailed. You cannot imagine the happiness that one feels when one passes behind a palisade and that one can admire the light filtering through the interstices between the boards. The night vision graphic filters are superb. And the animation is not to be outdone, watching Sam evolve is scotching, these gestures are perfectly detailed, flowing and are linked perfectly. To achieve this result, the developers have chosen to make a cross on the motion capture to create each of the hero's gestures and predict each sequence of movements. The result is magnificent. Generally speaking, if we compare this PC version with its Xbox brother, we have to look for gaps. But what is certain is that on PC we always have better resolution than on a TV screen. The downside is that you need good gear to run it all without the shadow of a slowdown.
Soundtrack side, the French version has been neat and the dubber of Shwarzy ensures his office by lending his voice to Sam Fisher. As for the musical theme that is triggered when a guard is alerted, it perfectly expresses the tension of the situation. Dare I report faults? Yes. Some may wonder why certain places are plunged into total darkness (CIA offices for example) and even address some criticisms to an AI sometimes failing. But are we going to spoil the fun for a little inconsistency or one or two more stupid guards than the others? On this point I let you judge. Here it is, there is probably no need to add more, Splinter Cell is a must have on Xbox, it is just as much on our PCs. An immersive masterpiece with striking gameplay and great richness.
The notes
Graphics 19/20
The shock Unreal 2 is not far but there, SC comes out victorious for its incredible dynamic light effects. Never has the play of light and shadow been so convincing. And of course, there is also the very finely detailed animation of Sam, the different views ...
Gameplay 18/20
The gameplay is extremely varied, the action often surprises us and turns out to be very immersive, in addition, the game prides itself on not being completely linear, leaving the player free to opt for this or that method when faced with certain problems. In terms of handling, only jumps can sometimes be tricky on the keyboard, but the pads exist.
Lifespan 14/20
Important novelty since the Xbox version, the appearance of Quick Saves which greatly change the way of approaching the game and which slightly reduce its lifespan even if certain levels can be apprehended a second time in a different way.
Soundtrack 18/20
The soundscape is particularly successful. A discreet musical tablecloth supports the atmosphere, coupled with specific themes. The sound effects are searched and the French voices successful.
Scenario 15/20
"A frame that fades a little before the breathless action of the title, fans of titles stamped Tom Clancy should not be disoriented, it is classic but effective. "Thank you Pilou for your Xbox test, I could not have said it better :)
Quite simply, a wonder. Rich gameplay and breathtaking achievement. The meager reproaches that one could address to SC are far from spoiling the pleasure of play. The title was entitled to its 19/20 on console, I see no reason to deprive it on PC.
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