E-Mail This Article to a Friend Theoretical maximum Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory stands apart BY MITCH KRPATA
	Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory Published by Ubisoft. Developed by Ubisoft Montreal Studios. For PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Nintendo GameCube. Rated M for Mature.

"Stealth action" really ought to be an oxymoron. Where's the excitement in not gunning down armies of mutants with an energy-based weapon the size of a Volkswagen? Isn't that what video games are supposed to be all about: wanton destruction and ghoulish enemies? In Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory, the third in the wildly-popular series from Ubisoft, the most breathtaking moments come during the periods of greatest inaction. It's hard to imagine a more tense scenario in games than when protagonist Sam Fisher, clad in his black stealth gear, hides in shadow mere feet from a wary, heavily-armed mercenary. During moments like this, the only sound a gamer can hear is that of his own heartbeat.

The single-player story is typical Tom Clancy folderol. In the bizarre future world of the year, uh, 2007, tension runs high between America's Japanese allies and an unholy coalition of China and North Korea. Strange things happen: the stock market crashes, and severe blackouts hit Japan and the United States' eastern seaboard. In the meantime, a prominent mathematician goes missing, along with a super-secret algorithm he'd been developing. Why yes, there is a connection! Basically, all of this serves as a backdrop for an adventure yarn which features exotic locales, evil men with extremely foreign-sounding names, and more techno-jargon than you can shake a stick at.

Touted as offering more options for progressing through levels than ever before, Chaos Theory's open-ended gameplay sometimes seems like a detriment. Whereas its immediate predecessor, Pandora Tomorrow, demanded that the player employ his arsenal of gymnastic moves on a regular basis – like dangling off rooftops, split-jumping in narrow hallways, and hanging upside-down like a bat over unsuspecting victims – Chaos Theory merely provides those things as an option. There's no real reason not to shoot everyone you see in the head. Sure, it's much less fun, but it's a lot faster.

Taking the time to explore the myriad tactics available is where the fun really lies, though. Splinter Cell Chaos Theory is a game that reveals its pleasures slowly. Fisher's night-vision and thermal goggles are back, this time joined by a new scope that detects electro-magnetic devices like security cameras. Another new feature is the Electronically Enhanced Vision scope, which allows Fisher to manipulate computers and security systems from a distance, and adds a completely new layer to the stealth experience. Nothing beats finding oneself trapped in a laser grid and shutting it off using a little electronic telekinesis.

If Splinter Cell's single-player mode seems to have lost some zip off its fastball, Ubisoft throws a curve with the new cooperative mode (which can be played on or offline). While there are only four levels playable in co-op (compared with 10 in single-player), they display the bold invention that made the series such a hit in the first place. Played via a split-screen, the co-op mode provides several barriers than can only be accomplished by using a context-sensitive interaction button. Cooperative maneuvers range from as simple as giving one another a boost to flinging one's teammate across a gap. It's a totally new way to play.

Not totally new, but better than ever is the online multiplayer mode introduced in Pandora Tomorrow. Using the same "spies vs mercenaries" conceit as before, there are three game types, all based around viral containers called ND133s. In Neutralization, spies are to locate and destroy the ND133s; in Extraction, they are to steal them; and in Sabotage, they plant modems nearby that somehow combat the ND133s' effectiveness. Spies move swiftly, carry low-powered arms that are more useful for knocking out security cameras and laser alarms than killing people, and can hide almost anywhere. Mercenaries, playing from a first-person perspective, merely have to kill the spies. They carry large weapons, and have in their arsenal something called "motion vision," which highlights spies sneaking through the shadows.

The difference in playing styles between the two teams is enormous, and provides a unique experience that puts vanilla deathmatch games to shame. Perhaps best of all are the comprehensive tutorial modes that clearly outline everything one needs to know before jumping into a game, thereby severely reducing the number of potential profanities aimed at a clueless newbie.

Chaos Theory is the first Splinter Cell game that has launched on all three platforms simultaneously (previously, it had been an Xbox semi-exclusive). The Xbox version has the smoothest graphics and the awesome power of Xbox Live to recommend it, but for the first time, PS2 and GameCube owners don't have to wait.

Like its hero Sam Fisher, Splinter Cell is now the grizzled veteran with a few gray hairs; and just like Fisher, it gets the job done in a big way.

Score: 9.0 (out of 10)