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SINGLE PLAYER:
The cutscenes are better than Rainbow Six 3, and the missions are SOOOO cool. Wait until you see Sam crawling under a train going 120 mph, or infiltrate a guerrilla camp in the jungle during broad daylight. There aren't any generic alleys like in the first game, ALL of the missions take place in exotic locations like Jerusalem or Indonesia. The plot has some cool twists that I won't give away, but they even managed to work the multiplayer mode into the plot. Graphics are such a huge improvement, the whole games looks like some high-budget James Bond movie. The production values are astronomical. Other observations:

-Controls are tigher, gadgets are easier to access when you need them.

-You actually have a use for Sam's cool acrobatic moves in this game.

-Plenty of ways to approach any situation. Nothing is linear, play the way you want.

-Lighting is more useful, you can visual tell what places will or won't hide you.

-A quick flash of the stealth meter tells you if a body is in a good hiding spot.

MULTIPLAYER:
One-of-a-Kind. Four players max. Spies vs. Mercenaries, each team has radically different strengths & weaknesses that play off each other very well. Mercs can use the inplace security systems and set their own traps, plus they are armed to the teeth, but they are blind compared to the spies; Spies hide in the ceilings and air ducts, places the mercs can't go, and have lots of diversion gear from the single player game, but they are physically weak. The emphasis is on stealth and outwitting your opponent, not action. There are lots of environmental details you can use to your advantage. Some other observations:

-Two-on-a-team makes for very close, intense teamwork. Best game to make friends with.

-Spies play in 3rd-person, Mercs in 1st person. It's not a gimmick, it's an inspiration, and it works perfectly.

-Huge maps give you that scary "somethings out there" feeling, a la "Predator"

-Lots of variety on each map because they are so large and complex.

-You need 1 game/Xbox/TV per player. No split screen.

46 of 55 found the following review helpful:

Play it again Sam - Splinter Cell how it should have beenMar 01, 2004
By gerard
Lets face it the first Splinter cell was a third person romp that proved to be the best stealth game in its genre. When i got the first game i played it non stop and before long it was over. For some reason i've never went back to it. It hasn't drawn me in again like it did the first time. When i heard about SC:PT i had mixed views - expecting without doubt a MGS type sequel, (very dissapointing in other words), although the more i found out about it the more i was impressed. Firstly theres the new abilities such as moving side to side while doing the splits - and jumping(higher) from the splits position. This was one of the coolest things about the first game but did'nt really have very much potential as the levels were not constructed with this in mind. However in PT the levels are a lot more diverse, meaning you may be able to use this to get to a higher vantage point over the enemy such as a ledge (about two stories high), giving you a more non-linear path. Another cool move is hanging from pipes. You can do this in the original splinter cell. But now you can let go with your hands and be hanging upside down meaning you can target enemies better. The new weapons include booby traps such as trip wires which you can employ to lose that annoying guard! Theres also motion sensors and a few new grenades. While the singleplayer will be great, there will also be multiplayer which will be an extra appeal for anyone not wanting to spend their hard earned cash. In MP you can control either the spies or the guards, there are three types of game mode - For the spies it usually involves retrieving or destroying certain objects and obviously the guards job is to stop them. Basically the spies are the same Sam Fisher you play in the game, whereas the guards are all-new playable characters (in MP only)in the game and use a first person view. Spies can have (like Sam) night and thermal vision - whereas the guards have electronic tracking vision (meaning they can track electronic devices - used by spies) and motion tracking vision - meaning they can track any movement in air turbulence - you have to see it to believe it, The Movement tracking vision uses a red screen - similar to the (bad) Thermal vision in MGS. Suddenly a small square can be seen on the screen focusing onto an object (ala Terminator). Inside the square theres the normal colour. The squares getting bigger and bigger and then the figure takes shape and you realise its a spy darting towards you at speed of light. Its all so smooth and extremly satisfying to watch.The Multiplayer aspect should be enough to keep Live players up until the early hours and warrant buying the Xbox version as the Ps2 version isn't due to July and will look like a Nes compared to the Xbox lighting and effects - as well as draw distance - anyhow, if you like the first game and crave somemore, or are looking for a stealth/action game - keep your eyes peeled for this. This is the definitive stealth game for any system and no xbox owner can go without it.

17 of 19 found the following review helpful:

Devil's Advocate: Something for the fansApr 08, 2004
By Scott Walldren
Sam Fisher is back in the suspenseful sequel Pandora Tomorrow. Improved maneuverability and options are only slightly marred by the modification of the original game engine. Overall, I'm rating this one 3.75 stars. If you enjoyed the original, odds are you will love this game (as I do), but with some qualms. I played it on Normal difficulty, and beat it within about 12 hours (total) playing time.

As another reviewer previously noted, the departure of the Montreal team detracts from the originality and continuity of the original Splinter Cell. The story arc is fairly broad and impressive in its scope, yet does not connect together as well as the original. There are a few grammatical errors in the HUD display--which leads me to believe this game was somewhat rushed into the pressing stage. Also, the sense of immediacy is lost except for the final mission in LAX--which is one of the most intense levels of any game I have ever played.

New maneuvers include the Swat turn, which allows Sam to deftly and silently maneuver between doorways and windows without being detected. This is an amazing feature that helps you on more than one occassion. The jump/split is back with a slight modification for narrower spaces. All in all, the stealth system has been improved quite well. However, you lose the option of switching your rifle into single-shot mode when you're not sniping, this annoyed me.

Michael Ironside is back as Sam, and overall the voice talent is pretty darn good. Sound effects are excellent. A few places feel as if the actors were working with lackluster copy and making up for the writer's mistakes.

The shadow engine has been improved and the interactive environments are well rendered. The game looks just as beautiful as the original and the variety of environments are splendid.

With all this praise, what didn't I like about the game? That I beat it in less than 20 hours of play time on "Normal". Also, I did not like how "generic" the opponents of this game were. It would have been nice if they had integrated more of a natural cultural environment in with the different locales. Like a reviewer before me, I believe this lack of originality and inventiveness comes from leaving the Montreal team out of the project. Save points are fairly well constructed, with a few exceptions, where if you blow it...you will have to go back and re-do lots of menial tasks that take a lot of play time to accomplish. Also, the cinematics (while beautifully rendered) get to be a little buggy with the 'in between missions' screens. When I beat the game, the credits rolled, then the mission summary came up AFTER this. Maybe I'm missing something, but this was an example of how disjointed/jarring it can be.

As I do not have Xbox Live, I will not review the multiplayer aspect. I tried the training version, and it seemed OK...a bit like counter-strike/unreal tournament.

So, in summary, if you enjoyed the first Splinter Cell, you will probably like or love this one. However, it does play like a hybrid of Metal Gear and Splinter Cell--which isn't always a bad thing. I hope for the next version they bring back the Montreal team. Still, I recommend you try this one out. Enjoy, gamers!

10 of 11 found the following review helpful:

One of the BEST GAMES EVER. Period.Mar 30, 2004

The reason I bought an Xbox was because of the original Splinter Cell. Now you have two reasons why you should buy an Xbox, Splinter Cell, and Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow. The original game set new standards for so many aspects of console gaming, from a solid control layout, to exquisite lighting effects. When you hears gamers talk about the "immersion" factor of a game, SC sets the standard. I have never had so much tension, excitement, and a sense of accomplishment in a game as I did with SC. SC: Pandora Tomorrow delivers more of the same, only better. The levels are wonderfully designed. The control layout is improved to be even more intuitive. It all just works perfectly. The storyline is wonderful, and adds to the level of immersion. The control scheme/layout of a game is a huge factor for me in judging a game. SC:PT third person/first combination is perfect for stealth game play. It switches seamlessly between both, so the game play is never interrupted, especially in tense situations. There have been other games where so much time is spent on the visuals, but the camera/control scheme is terrible, and in my mind, making it no fun to play. Two games that come to mind are the Silent Hill series, and the new Ninja Gaiden. I have played both and became so annoyed with the camera/control scheme, I quit playing. Shame on you developers. Splinter Cell PT succeeds, and exceeds on all points. The graphics are top notch, with the lighting effects the best ever in a game. The sound is also great, supporting 5.1 surround. The sounds and light are keys to success in the game, and are used with perfection. The people who will not like this game are those who want to go in, kill all the bad guys, and get to the next level, lather-rinse-repeat. This game requires patience, and a willingness to grow your skills from level to level, so when you get to the last level, you are fully equipped to take on your mission. You don't just pick up the controller and start killing. If you do, you will die quickly, and miss the sheer beauty of the game. Flow with the game, read the data sticks, watch the cutscenes, and don't be in a rush to finish. If you take it easy, plan your routes, and think, you'll find the game so rewarding. I should point out that the final mission in the original SC should be in the video game hall of fame for one of the best final levels ever in a game. I have been playing video games since the original Atari days. The SC series of games has been the finest game play experience I have ever had. Now, if that's not enough, the Pandora Tomorrow ALSO adds another standard setting multiplayer option. It's NOT the same old deathmatch, but a unique spy vs. mercenary, 2 on 2, 3 on 1 game. Each team has a unique set of skills that balance out the game play like nothing you have ever played. After you finish the single player game, which is the true greatness, hop on Xbox live and have some fun. Just don't be one of the schmucks who never play through the single player campaign, and go straight for multiplayer bloodbath. SC and SC Pandora Tomorrow are two of the best games ever to hit the video game world. They are both reason alone to have an Xbox.

30 of 39 found the following review helpful:

Even Better Than Before!Dec 23, 2003

If you even began to think that the original Splinter Cell was good you will cry with joy when you play Splinter Cell: Pandorra Tommorrow. There are multiple ways of completing each and every level. Instead of using shadows for cover it is more based on using camoflauge, much more believable. The camera work which I would have given an A+ to in the first Splinter Cell, is even more improved. The sillouettes which Playstation missed out on in the first Splinter Cell have been completely reborn, it is a beautiful thing. Civilians are almost everywhere and you can interact with them, because you are in more public places this is good. The first one which used a few gadgets, whew! The gadgets are much cooler My new dream job is to be a Splinter Cell, If you play this game you'll ask for an SC20K, a pistol, and some lock picks for Christmas, I can just picture you wearing those tights.
You WILL LOVE it, trust me!

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