News: Console details are forthcoming, but here's the initial scoop on the game's PC counterpart.
Ubisoft has announced that Sam Fisher will sneak and spy his way onto the video game scene once again this fall in Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3. Right now, the only version officially announced is the PC version, but Ubisoft has promised details of other console versions will be coming soon. Splinter Cell 3 will be unveiled at a special theater-style demo this week during E3. But for now, Ubisoft has provided us with a plot outline and the a feature list:
The year is 2008. Information Warfare has evolved into the most dangerous threat to global stability. You are Sam Fisher, Third Echelon's most skilled Splinter Cell operative. You are assigned to execute a hazardous series of operations to investigate and eliminate a new source of information attacks, originating in North Korea. To succeed, you will employ a host of unconventional counterintelligence activities to gather intel, disrupt enemy operations and neutralize adversary targets.
As Information Warfare evolves, so must the Splinter Cell. You must penetrate deeper into hostile territory and operate undetected, closer to the enemy than ever before. At your disposal is a lethal array of tactics ranging from Combat Knife techniques, experimental prototype weapons skills, and more radical hand-to-hand techniques such as the Inverted Chokehold. Experience the thrill of acting as a lone operative fighting tomorrow's threats in the field, and of cooperating online with a partner to accomplish crucial missions. Die in action, and the free world dies with you.
Features:
DEADLY AGILITY: Incredibly complete and fluid variety of moves including athletic and stealth moves, as well as stealth kills
AS GOOD AS REAL: Never-before-seen graphics technology offers the best visuals ever to appear on any platform. Advanced physics engine allows rag doll physics, particle effects and perfect interaction with the environment
REAL WEAPONS OF TOMORROW: The most complete arsenal of weapons and gadgets, from the combat knife to experimental prototype combat systems
AMAZING REPLAYABILITY: Totally open level design with multipaths and optional secondary objectives
ULTIMATE CHALLENGE: Intelligent all-new A.I. with personal attributes, natural behavior where non-playable-characters are aware of their environment and remember past events
CO-OP STEALTH: Play multiplayer with a friend and coordinate your infiltration in an all new multiplayer challenge
THRILLING SCENARIO: Gut-wrenching in-game sequences. Gripping plot with multiple twists and turns
Splinter Cell 3 is the working title and currently the release date for the PC version is pegged for the Fall. Console release dates (and which consoles the game will be coming to, but I'd say all of them are a safe bet) will be revealed later.