Splinter Cell: Blacklist Preview

Sam Fisher Returns to Multiplatform

 

Chaos Theory is considered one of the better titles in the Splinter Cell series.

Blacklist marks the return of Sam Fisher to the PS3 and to a Nintendo console--the Wii U--as the previous outing Splinter Cell: Conviction was an Xbox 360 exclusive. This latest entry in the Splinter Cell series has me giddy with anticipation. Blacklist is due to be released soon so lets take a quick look. 

Blacklist presents itself as a do as you will experience. The player is offered three different approaches to gameplay situations. The traditional stealth options are still there under the moniker of the Ghost style. Staying undetected and avoiding combat is the highlight here. With non-lethal take-downs, and possibly a propensity for scouting tech--such as the UMV. Then there is the Panther style, marked by an approach of silent, but deadly gameplay. Staying out of sight and permanently ridding your paths of enemies using any means necessary. Finally, we have the Assault style, which calls for your dexterity and careful elimination of all threats--without any regard for stealth-- either when detected or as a preferred approach.


The loadouts for Blacklist look simply incredible. The level of detail and variety seen in what gameplay footage has been presented thus far, is evocative of an immersive experience at the ready.  There seems to also be a level of customization that is completely dependent on the players choosing. Panthers and Assault players may want to equip lethal weapons and gadgets. There is a cash system of a sort that allows mods/upgrades to your weapons and gear. Gear upgrades seem to be a prerequisite in many game genres  now-a-days, and I honestly see nothing wrong with the practice, as it adds another layer of depth to keep things interesting. 

There are scenes filled with the traditional stealth tension most gamers are used to. Enemies patrol aggressively and you must use the new-aged gadgets at hand in the perspective way you see fit. Scanning around you with the marking ability and keeping the enemy at a distance. The Ubisoft team seems to feel that the player can easily transition between ghost, panther and assault at will, instead of opting to restart or reload a section, one could simply react as Sam would and tactically alter your approach based on the present situation. I personally believe that this type of "give' or buffer zone allows for a freer experience. Meaning the stifling frustration of perfection is done away with. This isn't to say one cannot set their own terms/goals for their mission approaches, though. It just means that the gameplay is less restrictive and more tactical, because your constantly able to switch strategies on the fly. 


The co-op offering is there, but the Spies vs. Merc's mode seems to be where its at. The mode offers up a classic Splinter Cell experience that many fans have been clamoring for. I have seen gameplay for it and I think the dynamics present, between the Spies and the Merc's, are shaping up to offer a unique spin on competitive multiplayer.  While the mercenaries may handle and play through a traditional first-person view, like most other shooters out there, the added dynamic of agile, crafty, deadly and fragile spies makes for a number of novel situations that tend to put a smile on your face.  The merc's scan and scan an area only to be vaulted upon from above by a stalking spy. The spies are controlled in third-person and offer up loadouts for their silent and deadly approach. It can make for a tense situation trying to secure a hacking location from what are essentially super-ninjas --or black, Teflon outfitted Ezio's and Altair's. 

The sweeping cinematic presentation, modestly integrated into gameplay, through what seems to be in-engine directed cut-scenes, presents an engaging narrative about stopping the nefarious doings of a terrorist organization called the Engineers.The graphical presentation of the game is nothing short of late-gen magic. The game looks crisp and  robustly detailed. I was shocked by the 2012 E3 presentation, and I continue to be delighted by the trailers and gameplay I have witnessed. It is to be seen whether or not the promising open-ended gameplay, gear customization, and a greater cinematic emphasis will come together to make for a compelling and enjoyable gaming experience.  Splinter Cell: Blacklist releases on August 20th in the US, and August 22 in the Europe.    

Checkout Ubisoft's Splinter Cell: Blacklist trailer that previews a lot of the games features: