Chaos Theory expands and improves on the stealth/action genre to such a degree that it is capable of attracting gamers who traditionally ignore the genre.
Gameplay 9/10
You are Sam Fisher a Splinter Cell and you are still sneaking about in the shadows removing threats to America's national security. Playing as a spy is still as fun as ever thanks to all the moves and gadgets that you can use to protect "American Interests". Yes gentle reader you'll feel like a more lethal version of Bond as you traverse ten levels that range from banks to bathhouses. Expect the usual servings of "fetch" information or item and eliminate/rescue person X mission objectives. Though that may sound like just more of the same for Splinter Cell fans Chaos Theory actually has quite a bit of open-ended gameplay.
At the start of your mission you can choose three different equipment "load outs". Each one emphasizes a particular approach to the mission; stealth, assault or mixed. Once you experiment with a level or two you'll find that you can do anything you want. You can choose to bypass all the "bad guys" by drawing their attention away from their patrolled routes. You could knock everyone out and drag their bodies into the shadows thus resulting in no casualties. You can even shoot everyone in the head if you feel like being a cold-blooded killer.
Weapons, gadgets, lighting, shadows, whistling and throwing objects are all tools waiting to be utilized in any combination you can conceive. This is were the game truly shows its' colors. I went threw the "freighter" mission in a very sloppy manner which garnered me a %34 rating due to casualties, alarms triggered and being identified. I shot almost everyone I came across, didn't bother with most of my non-lethal weapons and carelessly walked about in certain lighted areas. I tried the level again with more caution in mind and a more non-violent policy against the crew. I was rewarded with a %75 rating the second time. My decision to draw the crewmen away from their posts and sneaking by proved to be an easier tactic. Plus I made sure to make as little noise as possible while I walked in the shadows, some of which I created.
For new comers to the series the learning curve can be a bit steep fortunately there are video tutorials that explain and demonstrate the controls and most of the moves that Sam can execute. As with most things that bear the "Tom Clancy" name the story is more of an excuse to get you from one level to the next rather than a compelling element that encourages you on.
Audio 10/10
Wait a second did you just hear someone cough from around the corner? And are those footsteps from behind you getting closer? Chaos Theory makes use of directional sound so well that it can make the difference between success and failure on a mission. Chaos Theory is more of an audio adventure than anything else. Footsteps, voices, grunts and coughs make up so much of the atmosphere and tension in this game that you'll find yourself listening for audible clues before you move on. Eventually the need to use a weapon will arise and when it does you'll be treated to realistic sounding weapons fire as the "bad guys" freak out and chatter to each other.
Speaking of which the voice acting is excellent with Michael Ironside reprising his role as Sam Fisher. The supporting cast is also convincing in their dialogue with most of them sporting a "no nonsense" tone that one would expect from their real world counterparts. As for the music all I can say is that it fits the situation very well and is somewhere in the vein of "electronica". If you have been identified the music picks up. If you creep about in the shadows the music comes off slow and has an almost ambient quality to it.
Video 10/10
I'm sure the point has been belabored but I will quickly state it again in case you haven't heard or seen for yourself but the graphics are outstanding. At present Chaos Theory boasts the most photo realistic graphics you can find on an Xbox. The trademark lighting/shadow effects are back in full force and show off how fluid the in game models move and react to their environments. Reading about the graphics doesn't do them enough justice watch of play this game to get the full effect.
Replay 9/10 (If you have Xbox Live bump this score up to 10)
Mission ratings, three different "load outs" available before missions, multiple ways to achieve objectives, secondary objectives and nice variety in moves make the replay value for Chaos Theory very high. Co-op mode and multiplayer mode can further increase the longevity of this game. For those who don't have Live there are several difficulty settings that are sure to please both old and new Splinter Cell fans that feel the need to be the best spy ever.
Comments
Even though Chaos Theory is capable of attracting gamers who are not fans of the genre I feel that this game does not have the universal appeal that a solid 10 game would have. As it stands the game can be frustrating on occasion and it definitely demands patience from the gamer. Sadly most gamers are used to their action packed, fast paced games that don't reward patience.
Rent or Buy?
Buy this game if you liked any of the previous Splinter Cell games or enjoy stealth/action games. Even if you don't like stealth/action games like myself rent this game and you'll still have fun.
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