Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell – GBA – Review

Since its Xbox release,
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell has been so well received by gamers everywhere that
now the game can be found on multiple platforms.  And now Game Boy Advance
gamers will get their chance to play a unique 2D version of this action-packed
espionage game set in Tom Clancy’s special ops, gadget-loaded universe.   It’s
time to take out the terrorist trash GBA style.

The story hasn’t changed
for this version and it’s still just as interesting.  You assume the role of Sam
Fisher, a Splinter Cell operative working for a shadowy special-ops branch of
the National Security Agency known as the Third Echelon.  You’re sent on a
mission to discover what happened to two CIA agents sent to the former Soviet
Republic of Georgia who seemed to have suddenly disappeared.  Sam Fisher soon
finds himself deep in a terrorist plot bigger than he could ever imagine.

With this deep and
interesting storyline, you begin your adventure into espionage action through a
basic training course so gamers can learn the controls.  Fisher’s movements are
smooth and pleasantly enough many of the moves found in the console version can
be found here.  You could slide down zip lines and rappel your way down to the
next room.  Fisher even comes with many of his useful gadgets such as his
silenced pistol, thermal goggles (with a night and thermal vision setting) and
sticky cameras (which scouts out the area for you).

Stealth, which plays a big
part in the console version, plays a minimal one here.  This is a good thing
really since it’s not done very well here (think X2: Wolverine’s Revenge
in terms of poor execution of stealthy movements).  Sam Fisher can crouch past
guards or hide in dark corners, but somehow the field-of-depth for most of the
enemies is downright exaggerated.  Still, this is nothing a shot from your
silenced pistol won’t fix or you can slam your elbow into their faces to drop
them cold.  You can also drop down on your opponent, knocking him out.

To keep the game fresh,
the lock picking moments are also found here and it’s timed so you have to be
quick about picking said lock.  Usually it’s aligning tumblers on each lock or
tapping certain key location inside a lock.  These things keep the game fresh
and fun, although gamers will have a blast just moving around in through each
well-designed level.  For the most part, the levels are almost similar to the
one found in the other version, that is, until you go into a sort of sniper
mode.  To add to this, GameCube owners who own Splinter Cell can hook the GBA to
their Cube (via the compatible cable) and download five new levels.  Oh yeah, it
doesn’t get any better than that.

A visual treat the minute
Sam Fisher starts his first mission; this just happens to be a good example of
how many details the GBA system is capable of displaying on screen at once.  The
backgrounds are filled with plenty of small details that really make this one
astonishingly great-looking game.  When Sam Fisher rips out his SC Pistol, he
does it with the same fluid motion as the console version Sam Fisher.  It’s just
great seeing him hang from a ledge and smoothly shimmy along or rappel down a
chimney.  The use of the thermal goggles also enhances the visuals in two
different ways (night vision and thermal vision) somewhat similar to what is
seen in Encore’s Daredevil for the GBA.

The game’s soundtrack is
also a surprising treat in that it sets the mood perfectly during the stealthy
parts and then quickly picks up during chaotic moments when the guards trigger
the alarm.  The sound effects are also plentiful here, showcasing a slew of
background noises.  You’ll know a video camera is nearby because you can hear
the mechanical whirl as the video camera slowly pans from side to side.  The
guard’s startled cry lets you know that you’ve been seen, leaving you no choice
but to fire a muffled shot from your pistol. Great stuff, indeed.

Splinter Cell for the Game
Boy Advance is just one of those games that are worthy enough to be found in any
game fan’s library.  While it’s not the exact Splinter Cell experience found in
the console version (and who in their right mind would expect it to be), this is
an intoxicatingly addictive and highly entertaining game with enough goodies to
love.  If you’re looking for an action-packed covert-ops game, you cannot go
wrong with this one.

#Reviewer’s Scoring Details

Gameplay: 8.2
Surprisingly smooth and filled with
most of the cool moves, Splinter Cell’s controls are handled excellently in this
version.  The 2D action might seem a bit awkward, but game does a great job of
keeping the action going through the use of many of the things we love about
this game as well as good level design.  Stealth plays a big role in the console
version and here it is thankfully used sparsely since it’s difficult to
successfully perform Fisher’s sneaky moves when the enemy’s line of sight
includes being able to see through concrete. 

Still, the surprising part
is that just like the console version; you get to use all the cool gadgets
throughout the lengthy levels.  You also get three cartridge saves as well as
the opportunity to download five extra levels through the GameCube (you have to
own this console‘s version of the game, though). 

Graphics: 8.5
Splinter Cell’s graphics are the
kind that makes Game Boy Advance owners proud to own our portable gaming
system.  It truly pushes the system’s graphics capabilities and you’ll see it
throughout each level.  The environments, be it indoors or out, are designed
with a plenty of details.  In the police station, for instance, you can see a
well-equipped office behind the desk clerks.  Fisher’s movements are also smooth
and, thanks to the detailed characters, you’ll notice when an enemy has taken
out a weapon.     

Sound: 8.5
Sound-wise, the game’s soundtrack
consists of a dramatic score that plays throughout the game.  At its stealthy
moments the score is nicely mellow until guards are alerted or you’re spotted by
video cameras–that’s when the score really picks up.  Mixed in are some neat
sound effects, such as the sound of crackling fire during the game’s first
mission to the sound of an automated gun turret.  If a guard spots you, he cries
out “Hey!”  Your weapons make distinct sounds and stepping on a mine treats you
to an impressive explosion.

Difficulty: Medium
While the game is extremely fun, it
is also challenging enough to have you stuck in certain levels.  Still this is
not an incredibly difficult game, in fact, the real challenge comes from not
getting lost (although your contact, Lambert, pops up to tell you if you still
need to complete a mission objective.  It’s also difficult sneaking up on a
guard and slamming your elbow into his cranium even with the dark corner to hide
in or Fisher’s ability to move and crouch.  Boss fight, though; provide another
challenge–although gamers will more likely enjoy replaying the sniper mode
fight.

Concept: 8.0
Since it made its big splash on the
Xbox, Splinter Cell as since found itself ported to the PS2 and GameCube . . .
and why not?  It features a great story and plenty of high-tech prototype
gadgets that hero Sam Fisher puts to good use throughout the game.  While many
of Fisher’s cool moves are absent in this version, his basic moves are present
and used creatively here.  You’ll also find that the game takes you through
familiar areas seen on the console version.  It’s also refreshing to see the
lock picking features.

Overall: 8.5
While it’s impossible to display all
of the innovative features of the console version, Splinter Cell for the GBA is
still able to capture all the intensity and thrilling action.  Although the
stealth segments could have been handled a little better, gamers will enjoy all
the cool moves Sam Fisher has at his disposal.  And, to top it all off, you can
download levels using your GameCube.  What else can be said except for . . . buy
this great game?