Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Double Agent (Xbox 360) - BUY IT!!

Over the years, Tom Clancy’ successful novels have almost made him a house hold name, though it’s the adaptations of his militaristic genre of writings that have made him a virtual god in the gaming community. From the plethora of games in the Rainbow Six series, to his Ghost Recon creations, this tactical shooter style of writing have laid the foundations of some truly awesome titles, and Splinter Cell is no exception.

The success of the original Splinter Cell (SC) is well known amongst even the most green of gamers, though the second and third of the series didn’t make quite as much impact, they certainly kept the bar extremely high for competitors. With the release of the fourth title, Double Agent, we see players once again take on the identity of Special Agent Sam Fish, a now veteran of the Spec Ops sect of the NSA. The game follows Fisher as he goes behind enemy lines to seek out, from the inside, a terrorist plot against the US.

The gameplay of Double Agent, as with the previous three SC, has stayed relatively similar, but as always, Ubisoft have added a few new treats, such as around-corner grabs, EMP grenades, and a grappling attachment (think Mission Impossible). The graphics are amazing this time round, even in the pitch black of the shadows you can see the detail in the world design. The sound is cold and suspenseful as you skulk through the shadows, and picks up to heart racing pace in a firefight. Unlike previous titles Fisher attains new equipment by completing “mission critical” objectives throughout the game. It also features a trust system, where in doing missions for the NSA keeps them thinking you are working for them, and similar for the Terrorists, the trouble is juggling the both of them.

While the game lacks a little in replay-ability and multiplayer capabilities, it’s easily overlooked in the innovations and overall great gameplay of the title. Whether you’re a veteran Splinter Cell player, or never played before, this game will keep you entertained for hours.