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The Splinter Cell series of games has found success on home consoles, but has had shaky outings on handheld consoles. Undaunted, UbiSoft is gearing up to release Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory on the Nintendo DS.
Chaos Theory takes place in 2008 and finds the United States engaged in an information war. Terrorists have resorted to causing citywide blackouts, stock exchange sabotage and electronic defense systems hijacking in order to destroy the US. In order to prevent these attacks, the US begins sending undercover operatives to infiltrate hostile territory and collect information critical to preventing further electronic attacks. The DS version of Chaos Theory will span eight levels -- one of which will be exclusive to the DS -- as players once again slip on Sam Fisher's green-tinted, tri-ocular goggles.
Sam will have access to all of the new gadgets and tools introduced in the console versions of the game, including a survival knife and Land Warrior rifle. Sam will also be able to pull off new moves such as the inverted neck-breaker and the DS-exclusive SWAT Turn.
In addition to being the first fully 3D Splinter Cell on a handheld platform, Chaos Theory will also take full advantage of the DS's technology. These uses include inventory management, rotating between the game's three vision modes and maneuvering the camera. The DS's touch screen will also allow players to interact with various mini-games during Sam's mission, such as picking locks. According to Tony Kee, Ubisoft's vice president of marketing, the touch screen will also make "...extensive use of the two screens and wireless communication for multiplayer games."
It's unclear whether Splinter Cell will make use of Nintendo's newly announced wireless online play with DS, but the game will offer several Co-op and competitive multiplayer games. In Co-op play, players can choose between two Shadownet expertises, Hacker or Assault, and play through five levels. Chaos Theory will also include the console version's innovative competitive multiplayer mode. Two to four players will take on the role of either a Shadownet spy or ARGUS mercenary. Spies will attempt to hack computers for information using the game's stealth gameplay, while mercenaries will play using FPS mechanics to hunt down the spies and protect the information.
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory sneaks into stores this Summer. |
