Customer Reviews

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow

5 star:		(69)
4 star:		(31)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Now -this- is a game that can give Metal Gear Solid a run for its money. Both of Pandora Tomorrow's single or multiplayer modes are amazing by themselves, and taken together this game is one of the best -ever- in this generation, on any console. Stop reading and buy it!

SINGLE PLAYER:
The cutscenes are better than Rainbow Six 3, and the missions are SOOOO cool. Wait until you see Sam crawling under a train going 120 mph, or infiltrate a guerrilla camp in the jungle during broad daylight. There aren't any generic alleys like in the first game, ALL of the missions take place in exotic locations like Jerusalem or Indonesia. The plot has some cool twists that I won't give away, but they even managed to work the multiplayer mode into the plot. Graphics are such a huge improvement, the whole games looks like some high-budget James Bond movie. The production values are astronomical. Other observations:

-Controls are tigher, gadgets are easier to access when you need them.

-You actually have a use for Sam's cool acrobatic moves in this game.

-Plenty of ways to approach any situation. Nothing is linear, play the way you want.

-Lighting is more useful, you can visual tell what places will or won't hide you.

-A quick flash of the stealth meter tells you if a body is in a good hiding spot.

MULTIPLAYER:
One-of-a-Kind. Four players max. Spies vs. Mercenaries, each team has radically different strengths & weaknesses that play off each other very well. Mercs can use the inplace security systems and set their own traps, plus they are armed to the teeth, but they are blind compared to the spies; Spies hide in the ceilings and air ducts, places the mercs can't go, and have lots of diversion gear from the single player game, but they are physically weak. The emphasis is on stealth and outwitting your opponent, not action. There are lots of environmental details you can use to your advantage. Some other observations:

-Two-on-a-team makes for very close, intense teamwork. Best game to make friends with.

-Spies play in 3rd-person, Mercs in 1st person. It's not a gimmick, it's an inspiration, and it works perfectly.

-Huge maps give you that scary "somethings out there" feeling, a la "Predator"

-Lots of variety on each map because they are so large and complex.

-You need 1 game/Xbox/TV per player. No split screen.

Lets face it the first Splinter cell was a third person romp that proved to be the best stealth game in its genre. When i got the first game i played it non stop and before long it was over. For some reason i've never went back to it. It hasn't drawn me in again like it did the first time. When i heard about SC:PT i had mixed views - expecting without doubt a MGS type sequel, (very dissapointing in other words), although the more i found out about it the more i was impressed. Firstly theres the new abilities such as moving side to side while doing the splits - and jumping(higher) from the splits position. This was one of the coolest things about the first game but did'nt really have very much potential as the levels were not constructed with this in mind. However in PT the levels are a lot more diverse, meaning you may be able to use this to get to a higher vantage point over the enemy such as a ledge (about two stories high), giving you a more non-linear path. Another cool move is hanging from pipes. You can do this in the original splinter cell. But now you can let go with your hands and be hanging upside down meaning you can target enemies better. The new weapons include booby traps such as trip wires which you can employ to lose that annoying guard! Theres also motion sensors and a few new grenades. While the singleplayer will be great, there will also be multiplayer which will be an extra appeal for anyone not wanting to spend their hard earned cash. In MP you can control either the spies or the guards, there are three types of game mode - For the spies it usually involves retrieving or destroying certain objects and obviously the guards job is to stop them. Basically the spies are the same Sam Fisher you play in the game, whereas the guards are all-new playable characters (in MP only)in the game and use a first person view. Spies can have (like Sam) night and thermal vision - whereas the guards have electronic tracking vision (meaning they can track electronic devices - used by spies) and motion tracking vision - meaning they can track any movement in air turbulence - you have to see it to believe it, The Movement tracking vision uses a red screen - similar to the (bad) Thermal vision in MGS. Suddenly a small square can be seen on the screen focusing onto an object (ala Terminator). Inside the square theres the normal colour. The squares getting bigger and bigger and then the figure takes shape and you realise its a spy darting towards you at speed of light. Its all so smooth and extremly satisfying to watch.The Multiplayer aspect should be enough to keep Live players up until the early hours and warrant buying the Xbox version as the Ps2 version isn't due to July and will look like a Nes compared to the Xbox lighting and effects - as well as draw distance - anyhow, if you like the first game and crave somemore, or are looking for a stealth/action game - keep your eyes peeled for this. This is the definitive stealth game for any system and no xbox owner can go without it.

Sam Fisher is back in the suspenseful sequel Pandora Tomorrow. Improved maneuverability and options are only slightly marred by the modification of the original game engine. Overall, I'm rating this one 3.75 stars. If you enjoyed the original, odds are you will love this game (as I do), but with some qualms. I played it on Normal difficulty, and beat it within about 12 hours (total) playing time.

As another reviewer previously noted, the departure of the Montreal team detracts from the originality and continuity of the original Splinter Cell. The story arc is fairly broad and impressive in its scope, yet does not connect together as well as the original. There are a few grammatical errors in the HUD display--which leads me to believe this game was somewhat rushed into the pressing stage. Also, the sense of immediacy is lost except for the final mission in LAX--which is one of the most intense levels of any game I have ever played.

New maneuvers include the Swat turn, which allows Sam to deftly and silently maneuver between doorways and windows without being detected. This is an amazing feature that helps you on more than one occassion. The jump/split is back with a slight modification for narrower spaces. All in all, the stealth system has been improved quite well. However, you lose the option of switching your rifle into single-shot mode when you're not sniping, this annoyed me.

Michael Ironside is back as Sam, and overall the voice talent is pretty darn good. Sound effects are excellent. A few places feel as if the actors were working with lackluster copy and making up for the writer's mistakes.

The shadow engine has been improved and the interactive environments are well rendered. The game looks just as beautiful as the original and the variety of environments are splendid.

With all this praise, what didn't I like about the game? That I beat it in less than 20 hours of play time on "Normal". Also, I did not like how "generic" the opponents of this game were. It would have been nice if they had integrated more of a natural cultural environment in with the different locales. Like a reviewer before me, I believe this lack of originality and inventiveness comes from leaving the Montreal team out of the project. Save points are fairly well constructed, with a few exceptions, where if you blow it...you will have to go back and re-do lots of menial tasks that take a lot of play time to accomplish. Also, the cinematics (while beautifully rendered) get to be a little buggy with the 'in between missions' screens. When I beat the game, the credits rolled, then the mission summary came up AFTER this. Maybe I'm missing something, but this was an example of how disjointed/jarring it can be.

As I do not have Xbox Live, I will not review the multiplayer aspect. I tried the training version, and it seemed OK...a bit like counter-strike/unreal tournament.

So, in summary, if you enjoyed the first Splinter Cell, you will probably like or love this one. However, it does play like a hybrid of Metal Gear and Splinter Cell--which isn't always a bad thing. I hope for the next version they bring back the Montreal team. Still, I recommend you try this one out. Enjoy, gamers!

The reason I bought an Xbox was because of the original Splinter Cell. Now you have two reasons why you should buy an Xbox, Splinter Cell, and Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow. The original game set new standards for so many aspects of console gaming, from a solid control layout, to exquisite lighting effects. When you hears gamers talk about the "immersion" factor of a game, SC sets the standard. I have never had so much tension, excitement, and a sense of accomplishment in a game as I did with SC. SC: Pandora Tomorrow delivers more of the same, only better. The levels are wonderfully designed. The control layout is improved to be even more intuitive. It all just works perfectly. The storyline is wonderful, and adds to the level of immersion. The control scheme/layout of a game is a huge factor for me in judging a game. SC:PT third person/first combination is perfect for stealth game play. It switches seamlessly between both, so the game play is never interrupted, especially in tense situations. There have been other games where so much time is spent on the visuals, but the camera/control scheme is terrible, and in my mind, making it no fun to play. Two games that come to mind are the Silent Hill series, and the new Ninja Gaiden. I have played both and became so annoyed with the camera/control scheme, I quit playing. Shame on you developers. Splinter Cell PT succeeds, and exceeds on all points. The graphics are top notch, with the lighting effects the best ever in a game. The sound is also great, supporting 5.1 surround. The sounds and light are keys to success in the game, and are used with perfection. The people who will not like this game are those who want to go in, kill all the bad guys, and get to the next level, lather-rinse-repeat. This game requires patience, and a willingness to grow your skills from level to level, so when you get to the last level, you are fully equipped to take on your mission. You don't just pick up the controller and start killing. If you do, you will die quickly, and miss the sheer beauty of the game. Flow with the game, read the data sticks, watch the cutscenes, and don't be in a rush to finish. If you take it easy, plan your routes, and think, you'll find the game so rewarding. I should point out that the final mission in the original SC should be in the video game hall of fame for one of the best final levels ever in a game. I have been playing video games since the original Atari days. The SC series of games has been the finest game play experience I have ever had. Now, if that's not enough, the Pandora Tomorrow ALSO adds another standard setting multiplayer option. It's NOT the same old deathmatch, but a unique spy vs. mercenary, 2 on 2, 3 on 1 game. Each team has a unique set of skills that balance out the game play like nothing you have ever played. After you finish the single player game, which is the true greatness, hop on Xbox live and have some fun. Just don't be one of the schmucks who never play through the single player campaign, and go straight for multiplayer bloodbath. SC and SC Pandora Tomorrow are two of the best games ever to hit the video game world. They are both reason alone to have an Xbox.

If you even began to think that the original Splinter Cell was good you will cry with joy when you play Splinter Cell: Pandorra Tommorrow. There are multiple ways of completing each and every level. Instead of using shadows for cover it is more based on using camoflauge, much more believable. The camera work which I would have given an A+ to in the first Splinter Cell, is even more improved. The sillouettes which Playstation missed out on in the first Splinter Cell have been completely reborn, it is a beautiful thing. Civilians are almost everywhere and you can interact with them, because you are in more public places this is good. The first one which used a few gadgets, whew! The gadgets are much cooler My new dream job is to be a Splinter Cell, If you play this game you'll ask for an SC20K, a pistol, and some lock picks for Christmas, I can just picture you wearing those tights.
You WILL LOVE it, trust me!

The original Splinter Cell games ranks as one of my most favorite games for the XBox. However, in this one, UbiSoft moved the developer to Shanghai and thus removing the intellect and creativity of the Montreal team -- and removing the inspiration from the original game. The alarm system now mirrors the alarm system in Metal Gear Solid almost to a tee. Next, the graphics remained the same with significant clipping still of dead bodies. Third, the game has generally become too dark or too bright. Additionally, the automatic "auto" of the SC-20 (when not in scope mode) has to the incredibly stupid addition in the game. I liked the original when you could change whether to have single shot or automatic fire for the gun. Lastly, the supporting characters (e.g., guards) are so bland. I thought Ubisoft was going to include actual native-speak like in SOCOM 2.

Now to the good stuff --
There were several inspirational things in the game. First, Sam will encounter an area which he must hide in the light which is a change. Next, the train portion has to be the most enjoyable section of the entire game (although short-lived). Third, the overarching storyline involving biological weapons being deployed in the United States is particularly disturbing. Additionally, when Sam enters LAX Airport and the discussion between Lambert and Sam about LAX has to be the most freakish level in the entire game. Lastly, the inclusion of the SWAT turn has to be the best change for Sam Fisher in the game. It is invaluable.

Overall, this game should be considered as partial sequel. However, it was a disappointment overall compared to the original. Please bring the back the original Montreal team for the next one. PLEASE.

Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow is the second game in a series of three (to date). It is available for XBOX, Play Station 2, PC, Game Cube and Game Boy Advance. This review is in reference to the Xbox version.

The game is set in 2006: a corrupt guerilla militia attacked the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta. They now occupy the building and have taken dozens of hostages. This is where you come in, but not to save the hostages. There are top secret documents located somewhere within the embassy: you must find and destroy them before the terrorists have a chance to get hold of them.

Building on the enormous success of the original Splinter Cell game, Pandora Tomorrow once again pushes the boundaries beyond expectations. All areas of the game - the lighting & shadowing, animation, physics and sound design have been boosted to create an even more enveloping environment to play in. The single player game is nothing short of fantastic: it boasts a set of new hi-tech gadgets for you to play with as well as new moves to help you evade and engage your enemies.

However, the truly groundbreaking aspect of Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow is the Multiplayer mode. The only game of its kind, the Splinter Cell's multiplayer mode pits two on two in a very unique way; two stealthy, agile spies with third person perspective against two armed & deadly mercenaries in first person view. You wouldn't think it would work as well as it does, but it's perhaps the most well balanced multiplayer game ever made. Mercenaries may have lethal weapons, but spies are faster, can climb, hang and break your neck. Spies can move more quickly through the shadows, but mercenaries have an available motion tracking vision. Mercenaries have motion tracking but spies have hidden routs to travel unseen, etc. etc. etc. - it is this type of counteractive system that is applied to every facet of the MP experience. It's extremely addictive and even more fun than it sounds. A wide variety of maps are available to choose from, all of which are incredibly well designed. Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow is not a revamp of the original, but is an original itself.

I probably should have rented it first because this game is horrifically difficult. I didn't play the first Splinter Cell, but bought this one after reading glowing reviews and listening to my friends who said it is the best game ever made. I've put 30+ hours into it so far and haven't gotten past the second level. I never will because I'm sick of doing the same thing over and over. My copy of this game has been earmarked for the "Previously Played" bin at the local game store.

Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow is one of those games that everyone is talking about and you have to try it out for yourself. It's a stealthy action game that really lives up to the high expectations. I liked the original Splinter Cell game, but I wasn't looking forward to the sequel very much. This was because I pretty much sucked at the original game, especially playing the multiplayer on xbox live. You have to have a pretty good understanding of the maps, the controls, and your surroundings. You also have to have some practice with the game before you can become good enough to play people over xbox live. I got my [...] kicked SO many times playing this game it's not even funny. Even with all my doubts at how bad I would be at this game, I couldn't resist picking up Pandora Tomorrow the first week it came out.

I played through the single player campaign with ease. Well, not ease I guess, but it went over smoothly. I really enjoyed the single player gameplay, something that I hardly ever like. At least not as much as I like the multiplayer experience. It seemed as though the gameplay of this sequel is toned down quite a bit and makes it easier for a new player to the series to complete the game without having an extremely difficult time. I liked this a lot because it makes for a more "pick up and play" experience and not so much where you have to be SO good at the game. It was like this through the single player campaign that is. When I tried to play online, this was a while different story. I guess I'm just not up to par with my Splinter Cell skills. Again, I got destroyed in pretty much every time I played a match over xbox live. Either I really really suck at this game, or its one of those that you really need practice to be able to play well.

Even though I completely suck at the multiplayer portion of this game, it is still one of the best games overall that I have played in a while. The graphics are great. This game goes into so much detail and the lighting is phenomenal. Sam Fisher (the main character) looks incredible in this game and there is a greater level of detail in his face and his outfits. There are also things like rain and smoke that also look insane and very realistic. The sound in the game is also something that makes it shine above the rest. It's a game here if you play it with the volume too low you might actually miss something crucial to the story. The sound effects are also great along with the dialogue and voice acting. This game is a definite buy for those people looking for a great multiplayer experience. I for one enjoyed the single player game better, but with all the features and modes, you can't go wrong with Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow over xbox live (that is unless you totally suck at it like me).

The first Splinter Cell was a revolutionary game that changed the stealth action genre forever. Pandora Tomorrow simply builds on the foundation set by its predecessor and expands on it, which makes it an even more extraordinary game than the original. With the perfect combination of exciting action and stealth tactics, Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow is definitely an instant classic.

The story is told in true Tom Clancy fashion. Responding to the growing use of sophisticated digital encryption to conceal threats to the United States, the NSA (National Security Agency) has responded by making a top-secret initiative in creating the Third Echelon team. They use methods of espionage along with cutting-edge technology to collect stored data in hostile territory. Third Echelon is deployed by the government when intelligence cannot be obtained peacefully and when force must be used, but the U.S. denies any knowledge of the team's existence. Third Echelon uses units known only as Splinter Cells, which are the most elite intelligence gathering forces in the world. They consist of a lone operative in the field that is supported by a remote team. Splinter Cells must be small, sharp, and nearly invisible in order to survive. This is where you come in. You are Sam Fisher. You're sent into hostile territory to destroy top-secret documentation held deep behind enemy lines.

The gameplay is very similar to the first game. Fisher's ability to operate both silently and secretly is two of his most valuable assets in fighting against overwhelming enemy forces. While you are a Splinter Cell and you do operate alone, you still have your OPSAT. The OPSAT is like a standard civilian PDA, except designed for military use. It enables Fisher to receive mission objectives and updates from Third Echelon headquarters. It allows you to view you operation goals, personal notes, data, and items in your inventory. It also includes a visibility meter, which is an important indicator of stealth. It displays Sam's level of visibility and shows whether he is lit up and in danger of being detected or if he is completely invisible and undetectable. It will become your best friend on the field. But as a Splinter Cell, you must not only be invisible to enemy eyes but also enemy ears. While running and jumping may be necessary at times, they also generate sound, which will put enemies on alert. You must move slowly while crouched to avoid making sound and to avoid enemies. Another critical part of the core gameplay is alarms. If Sam is detected by an enemy or if they even suspect the presence of an intruder, they are specifically trained to alert other comrades or to trigger alarms rather than to engage Sam by themselves; and due to missions being extremely covert, raising alarms will sometimes result in Third Echelon aborting a mission.

In order to remain invisible, Sam has a wide variety of moves. You must learn how to get around and how to do it undetected. Sam has the basic abilities to walk, crouch, mantle, climb, and roll. He can also perform close attacks with your weapon. You can put your back to the wall, you can shimmy along ledges, you can move along pipes by going hand-over-hand, and you can use zip-lines. Fisher also has the ability to perform split-jumps over narrow corridors. He can also shoot his gun while in split-jump. If he performs a half split jump, he can jump up to higher spots. Drop attacks on enemies are also possible in split jump. In order to remain quiet, Sam can perform quiet landings after jumping. Fisher has the ability to rappel off buildings and to shoot from this position. While hanging from pipes, Fisher has the ability to do hanging shooting as well as upside-down shooting. With his back to a wall, Sam has to ability to perform back-to-wall shooting as well as back-to-wall throwing. The SWAT turn can be performed when peeking at an open door or corridor. It enables Sam to pass through the doorway almost invisibly. Fisher has the ability to pick up and move dead or unconscious bodies in order to hide them. He can also grab enemies, use them as human shields, interrogate them, or he can even force them to cooperate with him. You will need all these moves in order to survive.

Completing missions that are this difficult would be impossible to do without your huge arsenal of high-tech weapons. Of course, you are armed with Sam's trusty silenced pistol. The only difference is that this time around, the pistol is equipped with laser aiming, which shoots a laser at targets. His highlight weapon, though, is his SC-20K. It is light-weight and delivers impressive firepower. It is equipped with a sound suppressor and a multipurpose launcher. It has the ability to fire the following weapons: Ring Airfoil Projectile (incapacitates enemies), sticky cameras (can be fired onto walls and feeds images back to Sam), Sticky Shockers (incapacitates enemies), Distraction Cameras (fired onto walls and can be triggered to attract enemies with sound and then dispenses incapacitating gas), and gas grenades (knocks enemies unconscious).

Besides SC-20K gadgets, Fisher still has an entire arsenal at his disposal. Sam has flashbang grenades, which can temporarily blind enemies, and chaff grenades, which release magnetic particles that can disable electronics. Sam also has his useful lock picks, which enable him to get into locked doors. His disposable picks have micro explosive charges that will shatter the pins in any lock cylinder. To eavesdrop on conversations, Fisher has his laser microphone and can use it to gain useful information. Camera jammers are useful to disrupt surveillance cameras and gain Fisher enough time to sneak by them. Sam also has an optic cable, which can easily be slipped under doors to view the other side. Fisher's highlight gadget would have to be his famous three-light goggles. They can be used as night vision goggles, which amplify low existing light and enable Sam to see in the dark. He also has thermal vision goggles that capture heat signatures, which enable Fisher to see body heat in dark or smoky areas. In enemy territory, you will come across items that can range from the following: wall mines, emergency flares, frag grenades, medical kits, alarm panel, automated turrets, surveillance cameras armored cameras, keypad locks, retinal scanners, booby traps, and motion detectors.

Splinter Cell is not your traditional FPS in which you run through levels with your guns blazing and kill anything and everything. You must, and are required, to use stealth tactics. When you go to kill or knock out and enemy, you basically have two options. First, you can simply shoot him in the head with a round from your rifle or pistol (deadly option), or you can stun him with a sticky shocker or ring-airfoil round from your SK-20 rifle (friendly option). Second, you can sneak up to your enemies and grab them unexpectedly, drag them to the shadows, interrogate them or force them to cooperate with you, and then either kill them or knock them out (deadly or friendly option). Now you are probably thinking this is going to be easy, but it is an extremely difficult task.

Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow features some of the most outstanding and dynamic enemy A.I. ever seen in a video game. They respond to everything just like real humans; this means they are smart enough to come searching for you if they detect your presence, they will raise alarms if they sense danger, they will respond to sounds you put off, and they will even go find their buddies if they feel trouble. It's the dynamic A.I. that affects how you will play the game. These are when some of Fisher's moves come in handy, especially his ability to pick up bodies. After you kill or knock out enemies, you can not simply leave the bodies lying out in broad daylight. You must pick up bodies and drag them to the shadows in order to hide them so that they will not be found or discovered. If you leave bodies lying around, guards will stumble across them and raise alarms, which will sometimes end missions.

The gameplay wouldn't be as good as it is without the graphics. With Splinter Cell's revolutionary shadow effects system, it brings a completely new element to the stealth genre. The game makes you use the shadows to stay hidden and remain invisible to your enemies. No game has ever had shadows as realistic Splinter Cell. With the help of a visibility meter that is integrated into your Opsat, you can tell how visible you are to enemies. Detail is put into every aspect of the game. Landscapes always look extremely detailed and full of life. Characters and character animations are stunningly realistic and facial detail and expressions are great. Weapon models are excellent. Almost all textures in the game look amazing and are nice and polished. You might occasionally come across some things in the game that may seem a little blocky, but these moments are extremely rare. Overall, the graphics deliver on almost every front.

Sound effects in the game are awesome. You can hear a whole range of sound effects as Fisher tip-toes along across different surfaces; from the splash of water, to the creaking of floorboards, to the shattering of glass, it is all amazing. Weapons all sound sharp and right on target. Music in the game is great and really adds to the whole effect of being a super-spy. Voice animations are some of the best ever seen in video games. The entire cast is stunning, although some foreign accents seem a little false at time. But the sound is simply icing on the cake for such a great game.

Overall value is pretty good compared to the original. The game, of course, offers the outstanding single player game. But for the first time in a Splinter Cell game, Pandora Tomorrow has an amazing new multiplayer game both online over Xbox Live and offline. The multiplayer is split up into two teams of human players: SHADOWNET Team and ARGUS Corporation. The SHADOWNET team must progress through missions without being spotted and analyze its environment, as well as fulfill the conditions for victory. The Mercenaries team, ARGUS Corporation, must prevent the SHADOWNET team from making progress by tracking them down, find them, and eliminating them. It is an extremely fun and addicting addition to the overall Pandora Tomorrow package. So with the combination of the outstanding single player game and the stunning multiplayer, Pandora Tomorrow is definitely worth purchasing.

The storyline is riveting and pulls the gamer into the game, making them feel like they are right there in the action with Fisher. It will definitely keep you playing all the way through. While the game is difficult and you will find yourself replaying missions, the pure excitement of operating is such covert mission will immerse into the game and you won't want to put it down.

The original Splinter Cell was truly revolutionary. Everybody thought that it would be almost impossible to top such an extraordinary game; but Pandora Tomorrow proves that theory wrong. It builds and extends on the foundation set by its predecessor and delivers with a game that no others can top. It has the perfect combination of exciting first-person action and stealth combat, and it blends them together into one game almost flawlessly. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow is a truly stunning game that must be experienced and is definitely worthy of the Splinter Cell name.