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Authentic Splinter Cell on a portable? Done. Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow was a great game for Gameboy Advance (and later N-Gage). It was probably the closest Ubisoft Montreal could have gotten to authentic Splinter Cell gameplay on 2D. Gameloft, the developers behind the brilliant Ghost Recon: Jungle Storm for N-Gage, have once again upped the ante for the “gamer’s phone.” Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is the best game the N-Gage has to offer. It is also one of the finest portable experiences available, across all platforms.
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory on N-Gage shares the story of its console (and PC) cousins. You’ll once again control Fisher as he ventures to many different locations, using sometimes morally questionable measures to accomplish his goals. Chaos Theory makes good use of cinematics. It isn’t too immersive, however, because they are letterboxed and thus reducing the N-Gage’s already small screen. The scrolling text that tells the story isn’t particularly appealing, either.
Chaos Theory doesn’t negate the appeal of the console versions. Sam has all of the moves available. The game includes a training mission to get you acquainted with these moves and how they are mapped on the N-Gage’s button layout. Incidentally, the free demo of the game will allow you to play the training mission. Within a few minutes, you’ll be controlling Sam like a pro. With ease, you’ll be able to do a wall jump or peak around the corner. The game uses all of the N-Gage’s keys, but it does so intuitively; it never feels like a burden. Additionally, the camera is completely maneuverable. Of course, gunplay switches to a pseudo-first person view point. Considering that the game uses the Jungle Storm engine I mentioned above, it is no surprise that the gunplay is top-notch.
Aside from the lengthy singleplayer mode, Chaos Theory includes a fully functional cooperative mode via Bluetooth wireless. One player will work as the heavy fire person, handling physical assaults, while the other works as a hacker. The game’s levels, already large, feel smaller and more comfortable with another player.
N-Gage Arena is also supported. The game scores you based on how well and quickly you complete the objectives. You can upload this score and be ranked on the leaderboards. Additionally, you can download replay of actual gameplay sessions, so you can play like the masters.
Visually, the game pushes the N-Gage a great deal. Sam’s character model is top-notch, though his face is a bit awkward; the rest of the body is excellent. He moves around with grace, as expected from the Splinter Cell franchise, and you’ll notice the subtle animations as he peaks over a corner, and the like. The different levels are all varied, with interesting architecture and top-notch quality textures. Lighting, such a major part of the Splinter Cell franchise, is present. Obviously, interactive lights are missing, but the game still manages to provide enough shadows and lit areas to make it feel like Splinter Cell. All three of Sam’s different goggles are support, each with their own filter. Despite the visual complexity, the framerate remains solid.
The game’s sound is equally stunning. It is easily the best on N-Gage. Some portions of the console versions’ soundtrack have found its way to the portable. The game’s sound effects are incredible. Every footstep, opening door is heard.
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is easily the best game on N-Gage. Aside from that, the game is something that Splinter Cell fans should definitely consider. It is truly an impressive portable rendition of a great game. Gameloft is making quite a name for itself on N-Gage, and don’t be surprised if the N-Gage version finds its way to the Nintendo DS in a few months. -- Jose Liz, PGNx Media
---- Apr 13, 2005
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