Gameplay Sound    Graphics Value Genre: Action Min OS X: 10.6

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction April 26, 2011 | Jon Carr

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Click to enlarge Interrogation

All of the modes and maps are also available in Multiplayer as Cooperative modes, and an additional one, Face Off in which you compete with another player to take out the AI and each other. There is also a complete prologue campaign where two players take the roles of Archer and Kestrel who are out to stop forces from selling nuclear warheads on the black market. It's very fun and adds a lot of replayability to the experience. The maps are quite large and varied and completely different from the single player areas.

Multiplayer is really only marred by the issue of server connectivity and the baffling omission of voice or text chat. My experience with connecting to the matchmaking service for Multiplayer was very poor and largely unsuccessful. At the time of this review Ubisoft told me they were aware of the issue and working to fix it. There is a LAN mode, but that requires someone locally to play with. So while Denied Ops is fun by yourself, the co-op campaign and multiplayer modes are a lot more fun to do if you can.

Performance was great on my iMac without a hitch. Of course my system far exceeded the minimum requirements with 1GB of VRAM, 8GB of RAM and a Quad-Core i5 Processor. I wasn't able to test it on a machine with minimum requirements, but I've heard people complain about performance on older machines or laptops. It's not unfair as they do clearly state the requirements, it's just likely you'll want to meet or exceed them for a smooth and high-end graphical experience.

Whether or not you truly enjoy Splinter Cell: Conviction depends on your expectations. If you want the same tried and true Splinter Cell formula, you will find a number of changes to that here. As many seem to be doing these days, it's more "accessible." It's a different kind of Splinter Cell and a different kind of Sam Fisher. I consider myself a fan of the series and I thoroughly enjoyed all that Conviction had to offer. While the game takes some hits for occasionally clunky AI, and a few stumbles in the single and multiplayer modes, it has a lot to offer at $25. ($20 for the regular version.) A stylish and engaging story, solid action and great audio combine for a satisfying package. Sam Fisher's latest adventure in search of questions and justice is one I would recommend you do not miss.

	Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction
	Buy Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction now at MacGameStore.com

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