Splinter Cell review

It was a big hit on the X-box - and now the superb stealth game Splinter Cell has finally made it to the PC.

Splinter Cell focuses on the sneaky activities of one central character. In this case it's Sam Fisher, a covert operative for a secret group called the Third Echelon, who is enlisted to help uncover the mysteries behind the deaths of two other agents.

As you'd expect, things are never simple, and Sam soon uncovers the group's nefarious plans for global destruction. It comes as no surprise to learn that Tom Clancy, the master of covert action thrillers, was involved in the development of the game. The gameplay and storyline develop through nine huge missions, each of which is split into separate sections.

One of the game's most impressive features is its use of lighting for the purposes of stealth. Sam can shoot out the lights to provide cover. All figures cast shadows too,which comes in particularly handy when you're trying to keep track of guards.

Alongside this graphical trickery is a technique the developers describe as 'soft body physics'. This makes objects such as sheet plastic and material sway and distort realistically. Sam's movement is also very true to life, as his motion is based on video footage of real people. He can also perform some astonishing acrobatic feats, such as jumping up and suspending himself between two walls in a Kids from Fame pose, which lets him shoot or knock out guards as they walk beneath.

Thanks to Clancy's influence, the game is crammed full of techno-spy gadgetry, such as tiny cameras that can see under doors and stick to walls. And what stealth game would be complete without night vision goggles? Splinter Cell's realism and intricate missions combine to make it top dog among today's action stealth games.

Author: Rhianna Pratchett