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Publisher
Aspyr Media | Genre
Action | Release Date
9/29/2004 | Status
Available |
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Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell
August 18, 2003 | Eddie Park | |
High-Tech Toys As good as Sam is, the human body is only capable of so much. To fill in the gaps, the Third Echelon will provide him with a variety of tools and gadgets that make little things like international espionage and assassination a little easier.Sam's main tool that will undoubtedly see the most use is his night vision goggles. Spending time crouched in the dark can make it incredibly hard to see. By switching on the goggles, the game's picture will change to a simulated night vision view, showing things in a somewhat fuzzy black and white perspective while greatly amplifying the amount of light available. Later on, Sam will also acquire thermal goggles, which allow him to spot heat traces. While useful for spotting people, their use can get more creative - in one spot, Sam must learn the pass code to a numbered combination by viewing the traces of heat left on the keys after their recent use. When approaching a door, Sam may have to resort to use of a lock pick to open it, either by using a one-shot disposable pick or by jimmying it with a manual pick. If he wants to see what's on the other side before opening it, he can slide a fiber optic cable underneath and take a peek, complete with night vision. Sam can also arm himself with a silenced pistol, but by far the most useful weapon he can wield is the SC-20K M.A.W.S. (Modular Assault Weapon System). While this gun is capable of firing standard ammunition, its main use can be found in its multipurpose launcher, which can fire a variety of useful objects. When a mission requires a zero body count, Sam can use either ring airfoil projectiles or sticky shockers to incapacitate his targets. He can also fire sticky cameras that can be remotely operated to get a better view of difficult areas. A more inventive device is the distraction camera, which not only functions as a sticky camera, but can also whistle to attract nearby enemies. When they get close enough, the camera can discharge enough sleeping gas to knock out anyone nearby. Of course, the enemies in the game have access to their own toys. Security cameras capable of detecting movement will be everywhere. Alarm panels, when set off, can cause guards to come out of nowhere and often result in missions being aborted. High security areas will often be protected by key pads or retinal scanners, meaning that Sam may have to resort to either enemy interrogation or even forced cooperation in order to get past them. Killer App Splinter Cell has been widely lauded in all its incarnations for its lighting engine, incredible graphics, and white-knuckle stealth action. The fact that it's been ported to just about every platform, including that of cell phones, speaks volumes about its popularity. While it may have taken its time getting around to the Mac, its impending arrival, currently set for October, is fantastic news, and it's sure to make a fantastic addition to the Mac gaming fold.
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