

These opening missions were heavily checkpointed, the next objective marker never more than 50 metres ahead. Unfortunately this was frequently undermined by prevalent heavy-handed action elements. In many ways, it felt like a classic Splinter Cell experience. Lights can be switched off, bodies hidden, and walls and ledges thoroughly traversed. In open combat it only takes a few shots to down Sam, so stealth was usually the best option. I could engage aggressively but quietly with silenced weapons and lethal takedowns from cover, or use noisemakers and smoke grenades to distract guards and leave them alive. The wealth of tools at my disposal presented several ways to remain undetected. Success often relied on a careful and considered approach. The light meter of previous games has been replaced by the neat visual marker of a light flare on Sam’s gear when he’s sufficiently bathed in shadow. The majority of kit is geared toward stealth. It’s a deep system that supports, incentivises, and rewards individual play styles. New kit is unlocked by currency earned in-game through successful takedowns, evasions, etc. The visual options of Sam’s iconic goggles would make a Predator jealous. A sticky camera can make way for an EMP or surveillance drone. Smoke grenades can be swapped out for sleep or tear gas. Your loadout can be altered before launch with a huge array of kit.
#SPLINTER CELL BLACKLIST WEAPONS FULL#
The first full campaign mission takes Sam to Benghazi to infiltrate a militia stronghold and retrieve a hostage. This focus on customisation extends into all elements of the game. Other options included an improved holding cell and a weapons development lab. I built an infirmary so that Sam would recover better when injured during a mission. This seems unlikely to have a huge impact on the overall experience, but it certainly streamlines the interface. There’s an integrated social aspect too as friend activity is also displayed here. So you can jump straight from a single player mission into co-op or multiplayer without exiting to another menu. An interactive map (or Strategic Mission Interface) allows any game mode to be accessed at any time. The Fourth Echelon is gifted an airborne base called the Paladin that acts as a hub for the entire game. Sam’s new position sees some interesting additions to the series. Sam Fisher assumes command of the team dedicated to foiling the terrorist plot. In response the US government establishes The Fourth Echelon. The Engineers will unleash one new attack against the US every single week until all American troops deployed overseas are withdrawn.
#SPLINTER CELL BLACKLIST WEAPONS SERIES#
We soon discover that this was the first in a series of attacks called the Blacklist. The group behind the attack calls themselves The Engineers. The bad news is that a number of generic third-person shooter elements were equally as prominent straight away there was convenient waist high cover in abundance. The good news first: stealth is back, and Sam is immediately ordered to stay out of sight in the shadows. It’s a bombastic, if somewhat familiar opening that introduces a brief tutorial mission. Sam Fisher’s helicopter is caught in the explosion and he crashes just outside the besieged compound. A British bad guy and his team invade a US military base and slaughter all soldiers on site before blowing it sky high. Splinter Cell: Blacklist opens with several large explosions. I went hands-on with the first three missions of the game to see if Sam Fisher can be more than just another white man with a gun. Ubisoft Toronto is looking to distinguish the upcoming Splinter Cell: Blacklist - the sixth game in the series - by combining a return to its stealth roots with an accessible approach that they hope will win over casual shooter fans. This is a result of the wealth of near-identical shooters that have dominated the market in recent years. The 'white man with a gun' protagonist in video games has come under heavy fire as we near the end of this console generation. Check out this gameplay footage of them both in action. There's even co-op play with Sam and his pal Isaac. The game also comes with a neat Spies Vs Mercs multiplayer mode. Here's a clip of Sam being all stealthy to prove it. Dave Owen goes hands on to see if it succeeds.ĭeveloped by Ubisoft Montreal, Splinter Cell Blacklist hits PC, PS3, Wii U and Xbox 360 from August 20 in North America and August 23 across Europeīlacklist is billed as a return to the stealth roots of Ubisoft's series. Splinter Cell Blacklist developer Ubisoft Toronto is looking to offer something different amid a glut of similar shooters.
