System: PS2, Xbox, GC, PC
Dev: Ubisoft Montreal
Pub: Ubisoft
Released: Oct 2006
Players: 1 - 2
Review by Vaughn

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Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

It wouldn’t be a SC game if the control wasn’t finely tuned. Once players complete the excellent tutorial, they’ll be almost over-prepared for any situation that crops up. Since keeping in the shadows is the focus of the current gen console versions, Fisher won’t have to overcome the amount of odds he’s up against in the next gen game. This allows for more experimentation within the levels in regards to movement, gadgets etc. which I found to be more enjoyable than the “Rambo-esque” nature of DA on the X360. Moving Sam around and performing his numerous moves is intuitive and fluid on the Xbox and PS2. The Cube version suffers a little bit in terms of functionality and comfortability due to the controller, but otherwise it performs well too.

Visually the Splinter Cell series has always pushed the envelope and has never taken a back seat in terms of character models, animation, dynamic lighting, environment interaction and particle effects. Double Agent delivers the same high quality presentation SC fans have become accustomed over the years. While the Xbox can’t compare to the Xbox 360 version in terms of overall eye candy, it’s certainly no slouch and looks the best on the consoles (excluding the PC). The PS2 is up next and the GameCube unfortunately really takes it in the teeth this year.

The audio aspect of SC has always factored heavily in the franchise and the use of sound has been a dynamic factor in the series’ success. While the Xbox 360 version provides more visceral thrills, the console versions of DA rely heavily on the use of light and sound to enhance the danger of the missions. As mentioned, players will have to watch their light and sound meters as they have in prior games, if they want to succeed in getting Sam in and out, alive. Providing the voice for Sam Fisher once again, Michael Ironside delivers a topnotch throaty performance, which is his most personal sounding work yet for the character. Given the nature of the subject matter players will discover a more personal side to the character of Fisher, which goes beyond the one-dimensional “superspy” persona that we’ve come to know in the previous three games. Unfortunately not all of the actors are on top of their game like Ironside, but since it’s Fisher’s show, occasional wooden delivery doesn’t do all that much to marr the experience.

Although you might expect the next gen version to shine the brightest, the current gen consoles actually turn in the brightest performance overall in my opinion, with the Xbox first, PS2 second. I found the story more fleshed out since certain story elements that are glossed over in the X360 version are given more gravity and importance. The gameplay is definitely more along the lines of Chaos Theory, which I mentioned is not a bad thing unless you’re tired of the whole SC scene in general. All in all it’s good news as current gen console owners can be confident they’ll be getting stellar gameplay experience, while those who own a 360 as well, will actually be getting double Double Agent action if they play both versions, not to mention having a better understanding how the entire story plays out. Definitely recommended.

By Vaughn Smith
CCC Site Director

Sam Fisher is about to embark on his most dangerous mission ever: Self examination. by Vaughn Smith

Story: The game is set shortly after the events of Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory. While on a mission, Sam learns that his daughter, Sarah, has been killed by a drunk driver. Overcome with depression, he is unable to concentrate on the operation and is pulled out by his superior, Colonel Irving Lambert. After many months, the broken Sam Fisher begs for another mission to distract himself from his grief. Lambert reluctantly agrees and offers him a mission as an NOC (Nonofficial cover) agent. These agents comprise CIA and NSA agents who infiltrate organised crime, and are used for HUMINT purposes. As with similar organisations, the US Government denies any involvement. Sam becomes a notorious criminal by staging many bank robberies and a mock body count - a scheme set by the NSA to explore the motivations of a domestic terrorist group known as John Brown's Army (JBA). Sam finally surrenders after a three day Hostage crisis and is sent to Ellsworth Prison. He is thrown into the same cell as a JBA member, named Jamie Washington, and with his cooperation, they break out of prison.

Once the two escaped, Jamie offered Sam an invitation into the JBA. Sam accepted. As part of the JBA, Sam must complete objectives to gain their trust as well as complete NSA objectives. The decisions he will have to make will be increasingly difficult as you progress through the game. Will you kill an innocent hostage and save millions? Gain the JBA's trust but fail an NSA objective?

At this time, Double Agent is due to be released sometime in September 2006.

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