For Splinter Cell fans it's more of the same pretend stealth...for new players it's the very interesting take on multiplayer gaming that should draw interest.

In the words of Blur, modern life is rubbish. Presumably this is why escapist activities do so well in the industrialised parts of the globe. The closest most of us come to stealth is trying to dodge the tax man, or attempting to stick a 'kick me' sign on the back of a gullible friend. None of us will sneak into a military guarded building and steal world changing documents. So we pretend, we play Splinter Cell.

It seems unfair to begin a review of what is in all respects a very respectable title with a list of grievances, but perhaps it's the only way development teams will learn. With it's swish graphics and deliciously over the top lighting effects, Splinter Cell tries its best to convince the sweaty palmed and slightly odious gamers slouched on sofas across the land that in fact they are doing something important. It's saddening then that the illusion is spoiled by the small things.

With all his military training, it seems odd for example that Fisher is unable to lie down, the best he can manage is a crouch. Meanwhile with all their specialist terrorist training, it also bemuses that the AI has no suspicion whatsoever. In a well lit room I quite happily shot out no less than seven light-bulbs, only to be met with comments of "it's probably just my imagination". Should we assume that perhaps these men had one too many cups of coffee whilst on shift?

The game itself hasn't changed much from the original, a linear progression from one set-piece to the next with audio aid from the omniscient onlookers watching and guiding your every step. Such is the game's nature, when a tricky situation does occur there is no way around it, perhaps leading to frustration for some. The 'three alarms and you're out' rule-set returns, with the additional twist of guards increasing their armour after every code red.

Multiplayer ensures that the phrase 'same old, same old' isn't used. The intriguing scissor-paper-stone gameplay as mercenaries (who play in a first person perspective defending) and spies (who take on the 3rd person camera and try to outwit their opponents) is a fantastic test of tactical competence. Dedicated players are sure to explore this deep side of the game on Xbox Live!

It's a shame the unskipable dialogue and questionable logic spoil this otherwise solid title. For Splinter Cell fans it's more of the same, for new players it's the very interesting take on multiplayer gaming that should draw interest.

7/10

Bushby