Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow

When I popped the first Splinter Cell title into my Xbox, the first thing to cross my mind was: "Oh my GodЕlook at those graphics!". The second thing to cross my mind was "Oh my GodЕthe gameplay rocks!" The third thing? "We need a sequel to this, ASAP!" Well, the sequel has finally arrived, and I'm pleased to report that it's yet another feather in the cap for Microsoft's big green box. Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow is simply stellar.

After his showdown with the Russian separatists in the last game, Sam's obviously needed some downtime. Unfortunately for him (but good news for gamers), a new situation is causing problems in East Timor. As the game opens, Sam is set to infiltrate the U.S Embassy, which has been overrun by a fierce guerilla leader and his group of terrorists. The first mission begins, and you've been inserted at the shoreline, and tasked with making your way into the embassy through a small, clapboard village full of enemy combatants. The scene looks absolutely breathtaking, with the deep orange hue of the setting sun behind you, and ultra-realistic waves crashing on the shore. It's at this point that Splinter Cell veterans will realize that Sam's got a whole new bag to tackle, and oh how sweet it's gonna be!

Gamers familiar with the first title will feel right at home here, as most of Sam's moves are retained whole hog from the original, with the addition of a few new ones. You'll be able to crouch, climb low objects like crates or tables (called "mantling"), or climb up a pole or fence. You'll also have access to a shimmying move, and all the other sweet looking stuff -- like wall hugging, rappelling, and the split jump (which has been modified here to allow you to use it to move up certain walls in order to reach higher areas). You'll be able to grab bad guys and use them as human shields, as well as interrogate them and/or knock them out. The visibility meter has been tweaked a bit, and now indicates when you're in the perfect spot to dump a body where it won't be found and raise the alarm. Speaking of which, the alarm system now has 3 stages, and depending on the severity of the situation, will have guards donning flak jackets and helmets once they're alerted to the fact that a transgressor has infiltrated their area. Sam's also got a very cool new move called the SWAT Turn, which allows him to quickly cross in front of a doorway while remaining mostly invisible.

An operative is only as good as his weapons, right? Fortunately, Sam comes fully equipped for any situation that may arise during his missions. His weapons include the SC pistol, and the multi-functional SC-20K assault rifle. As before, this weapon fires standard rounds in burst or autofire mode, and also features secondary functions. You can fire Sticky Shockers, Ring Airfoil Projectiles, as well as the all-purpose Sticky Camera. Shoot one of these babies into another room and you'll be able to watch what's going on from a relatively safe position. Additionally, you can gas enemies that wander too close, and knock them out. Trust me Ц that never gets old. You'll also have access to several different types of grenades, including frag, chaff, and flashbangs. As before, Sam will be able to pick locks, and use his Optic Cable to see what's up on the other side of a door. You'll also be able to use your Thermal or Night Vision, just like the first title. Sam will also be able to hit first aid stations scattered about the levels, thereby restoring his health.

Several characters from the first game make a reappearance here, including the voice in your ear Irving Lambert (now voiced by Dennis Haysbert of 24 fame), and Anna Grimsdottir. You'll also see a few new faces, including a Shin Bet agent named Dahlia Tal, and Norman Soth, a CIA trained mercenary. Overall the cast is nicely diversified, and all the voice acting is very well done. The game sports quite a few exotic locations, including Indonesia, Paris, and Israel, and includes serious attention to detail, as witnessed by the Hebrew writing on the buildings in Jerusalem, and the mostly pitch perfect accents of the major NPCs.

Graphically, Pandora Tomorrow looks spectacular. Real time volumetric lighting bathes the world of Sam Fisher in beautiful shadows and textures, the character models are all insanely detailed, and the weapons and gadgets are intricately crafted and look fantastic. All the locations look excellent as well, and the missions are nicely designed, with plenty of "wow" moments throughout each one. You'll find yourself tailing suspects in Jerusalem, and breaking into a Cryogenics research lab in France. All in all, there's plenty of variety and fun to be found in each operation. The story moves along nicely, and the plot is interesting and well executed. It's very easy to become immersed in the world of Pandora Tomorrow, a credit to the developers for sure. The sound is just as solid, with positional surround allowing you to hear everything from the crunch of glass underfoot, to the sound of a rifle bolt being pulled back around the next corner. The in-game music is excellent, and lends just the right atmosphere to the proceedings.

Speaking of atmosphere, the multiplayer component of Pandora Tomorrow is absolutely amazing. In fact, it's so incredible we felt it deserved its own article Ц which can be found here.