Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell is definitely one of the best stealth titles currently available for gaming on any console. The game took the stealth elements that Metal Gear Solid made famous, and added a political overtone that made it seem more realistic than Metal Gear's fanciful but loveable characters. Splinter Cell also introduced revolutionary graphics, especially where lighting was concerned. Gamers everywhere marveled over the shadow and lighting effects that Splinter Cell showcased, bringing almost an entirely new dimension to the stealth genre. Of course, the handheld Gameboy wasn't left out of the Sam Fisher phenomenon, and they received a smaller, but still enjoyable version of the stealth based title. Now, the sequel to Splinter Cell, the strangely titled Pandora Tomorrow is set to release shortly on the consoles, and again, the GBA will receive its own miniature version of the action.

The major difference between the console Splinter Cell and the Gameboy Advance Splinter Cell is the change in perspective. While the consoles version have the camera slightly behind Mr. Fisher in a 3-D environment, the limitations of the GBA force the game to be played from a side-scrolling perspective. Gamers shouldn't worry, however, because the stealth elements and Fisher's ability to hide in the shadows all translate well to the GBA, allowing Fisher to still utilize most of his skills from the big brother console versions.

There will be a surprising amount of depth in the title, as Sam has a multitude of moves. Like before, he will be able to hide in shadows and behind objects, and, of course, move stealthily. He can also grab enemies and either use them as a shield or force them to cooperate with him. He can even shoot out lights, do a swift floor roll, and use his night and thermal vision goggles at any time. There are multiple levels on-screen for Sam to travel, which serves (probably to the best of the GBA's ability) to simulate a 3-D environment.

Pandora Tomorrow will also consist of a number of mini-games that will be part of Sam's objectives per missions. There will be a staggering fourteen of these mini-games spread throughout the game. There will also be three modes that will utilize the scope mode, where Sam will use a camera, a microphone, or an actual sniper rifle to accomplish his goals.

The graphics look great with large, easily recognizable characters and objects. Animation is also fluid, and the game has good lighting effects for the GBA. Sam creeps out of the shadows with a smoothness that is spooky, probably sending a chill through the gamer's spines the first few times they witness it. Of course, Sam can still sneak up on unsuspecting (and unfortunate) foes and dispatch them.

Perhaps the main drawback to the GBA version of Splinter Cell is the small screen. While sneaking, Sam will only be able to see the enemies on screen, which always makes it possible for an enemy just beyond the screen's view to spoil a long-run of uninterrupted stealth because the gamer wasn't able to see and prepare accordingly.