|
A bit late, but Sam is finally on Gamecube.
Splinter Cell redefined the stealth genre. That’s not something to be taking lightly considering that the genre also holds heavy weights like Metal Gear Solid. Splinter Cell was different. It actually made sitting around waiting fun, partly thanks to its excellent visuals and the most breathtaking light/shadow graphics engine ever. Everything about the game just screamed AAA game, and you’ll notice that some of the key additions are now showing up (anyone notice similarities between Metal Gear Solid 3’s “Cameo Meter” and the original “Light Meter”).
Splinter Cell is technically a Tom Clancy-branded product but the storyline isn’t really that important. Basically, it’s up to Sam to save the world by visiting various worldwide locales and stopping the enemies in a quiet matter. Remember, if you mess up, the CIA will deny any knowledge of you. You are a Splinter Cell after all.
Considering how great the original’s single player mode was, no one really expected Ubisoft to change much. The gameplay is almost exactly the same as its prequel. Basically, you’ll sneak around, taking out enemies without their partner’s knowledge. You’ll still gather items from fallen enemies, interrogate others, pick up data from laptops and rescue hostages.
Likewise, the same faults from the original return. You still won’t be able to shoot anyone you wish or pick up weapons from fallen enemies. The shoddy AI can be found here also. Some enemies are extremely keen while others are the exact opposite.
The excellent stealth system returns, basically unchanged, also. There are still three alarm stages, with the alarm getting higher as you leave bodies behind or an enemy spots you. To make sure no one does, you’ll need to hide your bodies, stay in the shadows, take out enemies one by one and generally make no noise. If this all sounds similar, it should, as you did the same thing in the original Splinter Cell, granted there are a few new gadgets and (rarely used) moves.
The level design is solid in Pandora Tomorrow, although the Gamecube’s levels are hampered by simpler, less-detailed designs than its Xbox counterpart. The levels are also much more broken up with numerous checkpoints and save points not found in the Xbox version. Nonetheless, the various locales are good particularly visit to Jerusalem and France’s speeding train level (the one in the PC demo). There is also an additional jungle level found only in this version.
One of the best features of the PC, Playstation 2 and Xbox versions of Pandora Tomorrow was its outstanding multiplayer mode. Unfortunately, Ubisoft decided to totally cut multiplayer from the Gamecube build since well, the Gamecube isn’t a very online-eccentric console. Unlike the recent Gamecube port of Rainbow Six 3, there is no multiplayer at all. Not one thing.
Additionally, due to the Gamecube controller lacking some buttons compared to PS2 and Xbox, some buttons are pulling double duty so you’ll occasionally do something when you meant to perform a different action. If you played the first Splinter Cell on Gamecube, you know what to expect, but still a tad annoying nonetheless.
The game’s visuals are as good as the first Splinter Cell on Gamecube. Unfortunately, the Gamecube build is ported over from the PS2 build, and doesn’t look as its Xbox and PC peers. Nonetheless, Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow’s visuals are striking with a great shadow and lighting system. The character models are equally impressive, with killer character models and solid animation. Sam’s character model, in particularly, is immensely detailed and his move set works wonderfully thanks to the awesome animation system. Compared to the Xbox and PS2 versions though, you’ll notice that there are fewer enemies on-screen and less destructible light sources. Progressive scan is supported in this version, unlike the PS2 version. It also runs at a higher frame rate, although there are occasional graphical glitches.
The audio is similar to the previous game, with standard background music. The sound effects steal the show, however. You’ll hear everything in the game. You’ll hear enemies walk around; you’ll hear Sam walk around, every gunshot, every fall, etc. The voice acting is very solid with professionals like Dennis Haysbert (Sam’s boss, Lambert) and Michael Ironside voicing Sam. As expected, the revolutionary 7.1 surround sound is gone.
Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow’s single player mode is solid. If you liked it the first time, you’ll like it now. If you didn’t, you won’t like it now. The online component of the other versions made you forget this since it added so much replay value and innovation to the Splinter Cell gameplay. Unfortunately, the Gamecube version doesn’t have it. If you have any of the other systems, you should pick up Pandora Tomorrow for it. If you only own a Gamecube, and don’t need online play, Pandora Tomorrow is still recommended but more for a rental than a purchase. -- Jose Liz, PGNx Media
---- Jul 30, 2004
|
