Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory

[Glockstar]

We've been talking a little bit about this game already (in the Jade Empire demo thread) but I think there's going to be a whole lot more to talk about real soon, so I've decided to give SC:CT it's own thread.

To quickly catch you up, The OXM gave Chaos Theory a 9.9 - the highest score they've ever given!

Well, I just got the newest issue of EGM last nite, and they've got a very decent review of their own. I can give you some quotes (of either article) if you'd like - and if you ask nice enough :p - but for right now, I'll just give you the scores: 9.5, 10, 9.0 ! (Those from Shawn, Shoe, and Mark; respectively.) These scores are for the XBox version only. (They didn't have final copies to review for any of the other systems.)

[Darwin]

Did the reviews talk about the type of multiplayer that it will have? I.e. is it similar to the multiplayer in Pandora Tomorrow?

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Well, I just got the newest issue of EGM last nite, and they've got a very decent review of their own. I can give you some quotes (of either article) if you'd like - and if you ask nice enough :p - but for right now, I'll just give you the scores: 9.5, 10, 9.0 ! (Those from Shawn, Shoe, and Mark; respectively.) These scores are for the XBox version only. (They didn't have final copies to review for any of the other systems.)

I'm glad the scores were from the Xbox version only. I don't like it when EGM groups different versions of the same game together, unless they are exactly identical, especially since we all know Splinter Cell is never identical on the consoles.

Did the reviews talk about the type of multiplayer that it will have? I.e. is it similar to the multiplayer in Pandora Tomorrow?

Here's what EGM said:

Deathmatch mode, disc hunt mode, & story (if I'm reading it right, I think it's a mode). "In all modes, you can edit the rules: limit gadget, ban certain moves, etc. The replayability here is Pandora times 100."

Here's a couple of other things they mentioned in versus mode:

Maps- 11, but only six are new
New spy equipment
New merc equipment
Upgraded gadgets
New Moves
Help
Fixed- all previous known bugs are fixed in Chaos Theory.

Of course, there is the co-op mode, which is 1/2 the reason why I'm picking up Chaos Theory. I wasn't even interested in getting the game this early until yesterday, but I have read about the new things they are doing in single player. I hope things does go well and those blasted 3 alarms are really gone. With that, along with a more non-linear feel to the game, this title should have no problem kicking MGS down the king of stealth mountain.

[Glockstar]

...from the OXM review (Ryan McCaffrey):

~ And while previous iterations in the series have relied on frustrating trial-and-error exercises to be successful, Chaos Theory perfectly fixes this weakness. First, no longer do you fail a mission every time you mess up. Instead, you've got primary, secondary, and opportunity objectives, and it's only when you botch the former that you must reload. Second, the quick-save option is your new friend.

~ Indeed, choice is the heart of the new Splinter Cell. Before a mission even starts, you have three weapon-loadout options: gadget-laden "stealth", bullet-packing "assault", and a moderate pick. In the field, tactical options open up further, and improved AI only makes it better. ... Sam's SC-20K gun can now transform on the fly into a sniper rifle or shotgun, while the knife provides unique enemy-disposal options...

~ And each of those levels [a.i. the ten missions], much like those in Pandora Tomorrow, is a visually extravagant set piece that constantly reminds you that this is the best-looking Xbox game yet. Even the camera's been made smarter so that it requires less manipulating on your part...

~ You're awarded a new mission-success rating at the end of each area, too, which allows you to challenge yourself to replay the game to perfection.

~ The versus mode evolves the brilliantly original multiplayer introduced in Pandora Tomorrow: two-on-two, stealthy spies versus armed mercenaries... with new moves and gadget sharing added. Six of the eleven maps are new and five return... while a handy tour-guide mode and improved training area help introduce new players to this complex but one-of-a-kind team game...

~ As awesome as Versus is, however, the real star of the multiplayer show is Co-op. A unique, four-mission story arc pits you and a friend (online or off) as Splinter-Cells-in-training against the games's AI while Fisher pursues his goals in single-player. Frequently required tandem moves, such as boost, human ladder, and the "Tomo enage" human missile force you to stick together, and you have all of the freedoms of the solo campaign

~ The simple-but-genius kicker to the co-op play? On Xbox Live, if you speak too loudly through the microphone, the enemies will hear you. Of course, you can use that to your advantage too. Like, if a bad guy is heading straight for your cornered partner, you can yell, "Hey (expletive)!" Then when he comes for you, your pal can nab him from behind.

~ Yes! We asked, and Ubisoft told us that more Co-op and Versus maps are planned for release on Xbox Live. They must, like us, be expecting Co-op to immediately become the most popular part of the game.

~ There are often several ways in and out of each area. In the bank, you can go in the front or the roof.

~ If you kill a light, the NPC's will bring their own. Doh!

:
... from the EGM review(s):

Shawn
~ Chaos Theory isn't the cruel, ball-busting taskmaster of Splinter Cells past - the exacting details don't matter so long as the duties get done, and it's a better game because of it.

~ ...and a camera - the most flawlessly functional in it's genre - that captures every atmospheric detail from every conceivable angle.

~ What looks lifelike also acts it. ...as anything out of the ordinary - open doors, lights unexpectedly turned off - sets your enemies on edge, at which point they'll use flares and flashlights, or, based on the severity of the situation, create ramshackle barricades with overturned shelves and bookcases. The result: You're constantly wary of possible repurcussion's, always prepping a countermeasure for the next contingency. And when guards who somehow gurgle for backup through slit throats do blow Sam's cover (a snafu as old as the series), the new save-when-and-where-you-want feature makes it (almost) OK.

~ Even the intimidatingly technical spies-against-guards versus game - now with even more complex levels, objectives, and tactics - offers tutorials to get you started.

~ ...cooperative mode (playable via splitscreen, system link, and online). ...so contagious that I wished I could've played Sam's entire solo campaign with my partner in crime prevention. Joint acrobatics - think cheerleaders turned covert operatives - make getting from point to point as gripping as sussing out attack schemes , and the same cause-and-effect that makes every move count in Sam's outing carries over here (sometimes with unforeseen consequences, as I learned whn yammering too loudly over my headset rattled a watchman).

:
Shoe
~ My dilemma was as big this game. Dare I score this review a 10? For its predecessor, Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow, that was easy. ...and I sure hate giving a game a 10 unless I seriously, seriously mean it.

~ The first half of the solo game, although solid, didn't show me anything mind-blowingly new. The co-op campaign - which has horrible voice acting by the way - ended on quite the whimper. I knew most players would have a tough time with the versus game, a hardcore mode that requires patience, newbie-friendly tutorials (of which there are plenty), and hours of practice. And why are the controls slightly different from mode to mode? That won't allow anyone to ride the steep learning curve more easily. Maybe this game isn't a 10, huh?

~ ...I felt like I was there.

~ It's simply brilliant. The modes, graphics, gameplay, sound, music, acting, dialog, and every little piece in between all come together to create a tense, sweaty-palm experience you can't find anywhere else.

:
Mark
~ I want to stress that it takes time to learn versus multiplayer's convoluted maps (even with the new, much needed walkthrough tutorials), discover the rules and gadgets that suit your style, and find other players at your level, but once you do - and the game helps you do all three - the payoff is incredible. Co-op is even better.

~ But I had expected the online game to be brilliant. As for single player...well, frankly I thought Mr. Fisher was getting a "a little too old for this s***", as the scruffy middle-aged special agent himself might say. But Chaos Theory's admittedly minor tweaks - a gun to suppress electronics and lights, a few new moves, small interface issues finally smoothed out - taken together make what's basically the same game exciting again. More than ever, the levels brilliantly encourage and allow for stealth, no matter which of the various possible paths you take through them, so they rarely devolve into the big shootouts my previous Cell missions always somehow became (though that option is cetainly still available for you Rambo types).

:
What's New in Versus Mode
~ Maps ~ 11, but only six are new. The rest are taken from Pandora (Museum, Deftech, Warehouse, Bank, and River Mall). Boo.

~ New spy equipment ~ Heartbeat detectors aren't that handy with their limited range, and the thermoptic camouflage suit (think Predator invisible) seems to get us into trouble more often than not.

~ New merc equipment ~ Spy smoke grenades aren't so bad now because gas masks are real lifesavers (when we remember to activate them). And our Reviews Editor Demian Linn is in love with the Camera Network Browsing Device, which lets you scan the different areas of each stage. Team players will appreciate the new backpack, which replenishes grenades and mines. Mercs get new guns (assault rifle, shotgun, and submachine gun), though none of us like the shotgun.

~ Upgraded gadgets ~ Mines now have three functions (the new one is a poison that drains a spy's health), and spy traps (now "spy finders" have two (you can now set them for proximity detection).

~ New moves ~ Boost your spy teammate to reach new heights , share equipment, heal, your partner, spin 360 degrees in a "berserk attack" to nail that pesky spy sneaking up on your six, and more. We like.

~ Modes ~ Story combines all of Pandora's modes into one: Deactivate computers, sabotage targets, and extract, discs to deposit them somewhere else - depending on the stage, it's mix and match. Some objectives even cause reactions in the level (for example: blow up the water heaters and you can release blinding steam everywhere). Disc hunt mode has spies running around in an Easter egg hunt, picking up discs everywhere. Deathmatch mode says good-bye to any objectives; just kill the other guys. In all modes, you can edit the rules: limit grenades, ban certain moves, etc. The replayability here is Pandora times 100.

~ Help ~ An unlockable tutor mode and guided level walkthroughs help agents-in-training get used to the stages.

~ Fixed ~ All previously known bugs are fixed here. So all you cheaters out there will have to find new exploits to take advantage of. Or better yet, just bugger off.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

With Pandora Tomorrow, did Ubisoft have downloadable content for the game? If so, did they also have the downloadable content available on OXM demo discs?

I'm curious if OXM will have some co-op missions on the demo discs after a few months......

[ThaMaskedGamer]

With Pandora Tomorrow, did Ubisoft have downloadable content for the game? If so, did they also have the downloadable content available on OXM demo discs?

I'm curious if OXM will have some co-op missions on the demo discs after a few months......


Yes they did have downloadable content, however it wasn't free. It was one of those $6 jammies. It included two online multiplayer maps. A lot of people including myself got the maps, but many didn't. It was a problem because most people wanted to play them, if you bought them, but if one of your partners didn't have it, then you obviously couldn't use that map. The maps were huge, multileveled, had crazy elevators shafts, and air-ducts, alarm zones that could be disabled, they were clearly head and shoulders above the already great included PT maps. From what I understand a few PT maps will be in SC CT, i'm sure the Federal Bank and the Mall will be those from PT.

Interest must be sparked in the franchise, for the first time in a while i've noticed people playing PT again. Guess they are brushing up on their spy skills.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Yes they did have downloadable content, however it wasn't free. It was one of those $6 jammies. It included two online multiplayer maps. A lot of people including myself got the maps, but many didn't. It was a problem because most people wanted to play them, if you bought them, but if one of your partners didn't have it, then you obviously couldn't use that map. The maps were huge, multileveled, had crazy elevators shafts, and air-ducts, alarm zones that could be disabled, they were clearly head and shoulders above the already great included PT maps. From what I understand a few PT maps will be in SC CT, i'm sure the Federal Bank and the Mall will be those from PT.

Interest must be sparked in the franchise, for the first time in a while i've noticed people playing PT again. Guess they are brushing up on their spy skills.



Thanks for the info. I guess it's safe to assume Chaos Theory will follow the same pay to play extras logic. Oh, well I guess the 4 co-op missions will have to do, especially for off-line gamers.

From the two reviews I read, there will definitely be a few of the PT maps in Chaos Theory's Mercs vs Spies mode.

[joquito]

I for one don't mind paying for downloadable content if its worth it. I sold off my copy of PT before the DL content was available. I definately would pay for Co-op maps over multi-player maps. I wasn't going to buy SC Chaos Theory until I heard about Online Co-op.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

IGN has their review up. They scored it a 9.6/10. So far, their review does the best job in telling how much the single player is improved over the other 2 Splinter Cells. It sounds a lot less frustrating to play, overall.