Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell

88%
Game Brain Score Based on 3,494 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Game Cover
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In Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell, players step into the shoes of Sam Fisher, a highly trained agent working for a black operations subsidiary of the NSA. Using stealth and advanced gadgets, Fisher must infiltrate dangerous locations to complete missions while avoiding detection from enemies. With a focus on strategy and tactical decision-making, Splinter Cell offers a thrilling and immersive experience in a world of international espionage and conspiracy.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Nintendo Gamecube
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 2
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

88%
Audience ScoreBased on 3,494 reviews
story248 positive mentions
stability50 negative mentions
  • Classic stealth game that still holds up well after many years.
  • Engaging gameplay with a variety of gadgets and mechanics that enhance the stealth experience.
  • Strong voice acting and a decent story that adds to the overall atmosphere.
  • Clunky controls and inconsistent AI can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.
  • Linear level design often forces players into specific paths, limiting exploration and creativity.
  • Technical issues, such as lighting bugs and lack of modern resolution support, detract from the overall experience.
  • story1,050 mentions

    The story of *Splinter Cell* is a mix of engaging espionage and typical Tom Clancy tropes, featuring a straightforward narrative centered around geopolitical tensions and covert operations. While some players appreciate the nostalgic and immersive elements, others criticize it for being overly simplistic, jingoistic, and lacking depth in character development. Overall, the plot serves as a backdrop for the gameplay, with varying opinions on its effectiveness and execution.

    • “The story is the best the game can offer, the ambience and levels are crafted with attention to detail, the graphics and models look great too.”
    • “The plot is engaging, the stealth elements are very following.”
    • “The story was captivating, I really did like that it wasn't absolutely over the top narrative wise and was just the right length.”
    • “The npcs are entirely generic, the main antagonists are tragically uninspired, the level design is universally forgettable and occasionally infuriating, the protagonists are literally plug-and-play replaceable (as happens halfway through the story for no good reason and even fewer consequences), the plot was phoned in, and the gameplay is some of the worst I've ever forced myself to finish.”
    • “The story itself though is eyerollingly patriotic, with the US almost always seen as the good guys up against various Asian, Russian, and Eastern European baddies.”
    • “The story is a bit forgettable though - was Thief really the only stealth game to have a good story?”
  • gameplay702 mentions

    The gameplay of *Splinter Cell* is characterized by its innovative stealth mechanics, which emphasize light and sound, creating a tense and immersive experience. While many players appreciate the game's strategic depth and variety of approaches, criticisms often focus on outdated controls, clunky mechanics, and linear level design that can hinder the overall enjoyment. Despite these flaws, the game is regarded as a classic in the stealth genre, with its core mechanics still holding up well over time, making it a nostalgic experience for many players.

    • “A fluid gameplay experience that keeps you in suspense as you weave in and out of shadows to meet your objectives.”
    • “The stealth mechanics are very good, especially tracking light exposure and noise made.”
    • “You actually have to strategize how to get through each mission using stealth mechanics and gadgets, very immersive and it becomes fairly difficult if you mess up.”
    • “The control scheme is outdated; the gameplay mechanics are terrible.”
    • “Now the AI and mechanics are so frustrating, it's almost unplayable.”
    • “It's a shame that the gameplay is so obnoxious that any enjoyment I could've had is completely shattered.”
  • graphics424 mentions

    The graphics of "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell" are widely regarded as dated but still impressive for a game released in 2002, particularly praised for its lighting effects and atmospheric presentation. While many players acknowledge the need for mods and patches to enhance the visual experience and fix bugs, the overall consensus is that the game retains a certain charm and remains playable despite its age. Critics note that while the graphics may not meet modern standards, they were groundbreaking at the time and continue to hold up reasonably well, especially with community enhancements.

    • “For 2003, the graphics are really nice, especially the lighting.”
    • “The graphics, which were mind-blowing when it was released, have held up well.”
    • “The lighting, the graphics, the soundtrack, the atmosphere - they're amazing for its time and they still look good.”
    • “It's astonishing how outdated and pixelated the visuals appear in Splinter Cell.”
    • “The game has not aged well in terms of graphics and controls, as newer games have surpassed it in both aspects.”
    • “The graphics look incredibly dated at this point, despite doing a good job at making a little go a long way.”
  • music130 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its immersive quality and ability to enhance the stealth atmosphere, with many reviewers noting that it effectively sets the tone for various gameplay situations. While some tracks are considered repetitive or generic, the overall soundtrack is seen as impactful and memorable, contributing significantly to the game's tension and engagement. The dynamic nature of the music, which shifts based on player actions, further enriches the experience, making it a standout feature of the game.

    • “The soundtrack wraps the game up in a nice little bow and makes every situation nail biting and tense.”
    • “The music fits the feel of the game well, and the voice acting for the main cast, namely Lambert and Sam Fisher, is top notch.”
    • “The dynamic soundtrack is both helpful during gameplay and great to listen to.”
    • “The music is fine, but extremely repetitive.”
    • “It's like they used really short loops of music; it's noticeable after a while.”
    • “The music is somewhat generic and the story seems to be sort of lackluster in that it's hard to care about the characters or what's happening to them.”
  • humor78 mentions

    The game is praised for its clever humor, particularly through the dry wit of the main character, Sam Fisher, and the engaging dialogue that balances serious themes with comedic moments. Players enjoy the funny mechanics and interactions, such as amusing enemy AI behaviors and humorous in-game situations, which enhance the overall experience. The voice acting, especially by Michael Ironside, is highlighted as a key element that contributes to the game's comedic tone, making it both entertaining and immersive.

    • “The voice acting for Sam Fisher is spot on with its dry humor, and the rest of the cast don't miss a mark either.”
    • “I really like the writing because, while it tries to be serious, there are plenty of humorous moments too.”
    • “The dry, sarcastic humor Michael Ironside adds to the briefing discussions, interrogations, and in-mission communications is beyond hilarious at times.”
  • stability52 mentions

    The game is widely reported to be very buggy, with numerous glitches affecting gameplay, particularly on PC. Players have noted issues with controls, collision detection, and freezing, especially on newer systems, though some minor bugs are considered manageable. Despite these stability concerns, many still find the game enjoyable and nostalgic, suggesting that its fun factor can outweigh the technical shortcomings.

    • “It's still fun to play after all these years and it runs great on my Windows 7 machine.”
    • “Very buggy game.”
    • “On my high-end PC capable of playing Crisis at ultra settings, this game freezes every 10 seconds.”
    • “Works very buggy on Windows 10; I refunded mine as it wasn't playable.”
  • atmosphere46 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and moody design, enhanced by impressive graphics and a compelling soundtrack that effectively contributes to the tension and intrigue. Players appreciate the well-crafted environments that encourage stealth and exploration, creating a unique experience that remains engaging even years after its release. Despite some dated mechanics, the overall ambiance and sound design continue to resonate with fans, solidifying the game's status as a classic in the genre.

    • “The atmosphere and immersion are fantastic, and I have completed this game a good number of times since its original release.”
    • “It creates a unique atmosphere where you really become one with the dark and you are constantly looking for the next patch of black you can dive into.”
    • “Whether you're sneaking through an embassy or evading capture from armed guards, the game will have you on the edge of your seat with its gripping story and very atmospheric setting.”
    • “Gameplay is initially clunky with controls that can be remapped, but taming them into your personal preference means relaxing into the atmosphere, as immersion is easily achieved with a tight original soundtrack that mirrors the gameplay with ambient sounds baked in.”
    • “Much of the atmosphere of intrigue is delivered through the twists and turns in the story and the dialogue between Fisher, his handlers, and the hostiles he encounters.”
    • “Given that listening for noise is an integral part of the gameplay, music is primarily limited to combat sequences, but when it does surface, it contributes to the game's tense atmosphere.”
  • optimization32 mentions

    The game's optimization for modern hardware is inconsistent, with some players experiencing smooth performance while others encounter significant issues, including crashes and difficulty running the game. While it performs well on Windows 10 and can run at higher resolutions without stuttering, many recommend sticking to console ports or better-optimized versions like Chaos Theory. Overall, the lack of official support for modern systems and controller compatibility detracts from the experience.

    • “Game works fantastic from a performance perspective.”
    • “No stuttering, drops, crashes, nothing.”
    • “Unfortunately, this game doesn't appear optimized for modern systems, and so I've gotten four BSODs in the last hour trying to play it.”
    • “Just stick to the console ports or skip over to Chaos Theory, a better optimized port that's further improved by fan-made patches.”
    • “Just a quick note regarding graphics and performance... as you may know this is an 18-year-old game, so don't expect high resolutions, but unlike some other old games, this one worked pretty well on Windows 10.”
  • replayability30 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is mixed, with many reviewers noting its linear design and lack of varied missions, leading to low scores around 4-6/10. Some players find enjoyment in experimenting with different stealth tactics and approaches, which can enhance replay value, but the consensus is that the core experience remains largely unchanged upon replay. Compatibility issues and AI behavior also impact the overall enjoyment and replayability for some users.

    • “For me, the replay value comes in trying new ways to outsmart the AI without causing a distraction.”
    • “It has very high replayability, and is a game I will continue to love and enjoy for a long time into the future.”
    • “The game has replay value, but the story is the same; only your approach can be different. If you play the game on hard, there is no swarm of bullets to kill you—only one bullet in the right spot and you're dead. I recommend it for anybody who likes stealth, action, fast or slow gameplay; this game has it all!”
    • “It's a very linear game with only really one way to get through it, so it's not very replayable.”
    • “There also isn't much replay value at all.”
    • “[b]Replay value:[/b] no replay value.”
  • emotional16 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is polarizing; while some players appreciate the thrill of stealth and the feeling of being a covert spy, many criticize the lack of immersion, emotional investment, and narrative tension. The characters are seen as underdeveloped, and the gameplay mechanics often lead to frustration rather than engagement, detracting from the overall emotional experience.

    • “It really made me feel like some covert spy where every decision matters; you can be spotted super easily and you have to think quickly.”
    • “Stealth games always had a special place in my heart, and playing this game just made me feel really good.”
    • “What I loved and still love about the series is the ability to play every mission without touching a soul.”
  • grinding10 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be slow, tedious, and often boring, with many expressing that it requires an excessive time investment. The experience can feel more like a chore than a challenge, particularly for veterans and stealth enthusiasts who struggle against the unforgiving AI.

    • “Getting through levels feels tedious.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “For veterans or stealth game fanatics, it can feel more tedious than challenging because of the unforgiving AI.”
  • monetization4 mentions

    Reviews criticize the monetization practices of Ubisoft, labeling them as greedy and indicative of a "lazy cash grab" with incomplete products and excessive microtransactions. There is also a call for Valve to enforce stricter standards on the Steam store to prevent such practices.

    • “Valve really should not tolerate broken or incomplete products on the Steam store; shame on Ubisoft for a lazy cash grab.”
    • “Copy/pasted open world games, outposts, microtransactions, Ubisoft Connect, greed... but guess what?”
  • character development2 mentions

    Character development in the game is praised for its depth and complexity, with players noting that characters evolve meaningfully throughout the narrative. The intertwining of storytelling and character arcs enhances emotional engagement, making players feel invested in their journeys. Overall, the development of characters is seen as a standout feature that enriches the gaming experience.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
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Play time

13hMedian play time
14hAverage play time
13hMain story
16hCompletionist
8-30hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 8 analyzed playthroughs

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