Sam's finally on the PSP does this adventure live up to it's name......
If you ever played any Splinter Cell game then you already know how the gameplay is, loads of stealth and using the environment to get to your objective. Splinter Cell has never been about run and gun tactics, so if you got use to the fast pace of Syphon Filter Dark Mirror and Socom Fire Team Bravo prepare to slow down ...... stealth is the name of the game here.
The Story is mostly flash back of Sam's career up until he seemingly turned, and it does a good job of telling that story. The Story presentation is told in cut scenes that are more like Max Payne (xbox/ps2/pc) with comic style art than what was done in past Splinter Cell games, is it bad no not at all it's just different and surprising at first.
The camera's a little let down, you are forced to adjust it all the time. It would of be much easier to have the camera follow Sam and use the camera control set-up for looking around, especially on the PSP where there's only one stick. That being said is it hard to know what's going on ..... no not if you take it slow and plan out your tactics before moving in.
The control are easy to get use to and work well in the game. All of Sam's moves and tactics are here, the knife attacks come in handy for stealth kills when you're up close and personal. Also the over the shoulder view when using weapons and the change in controls is good. It may take some time to get use to the control at first but after the first two missions you pretty much should get the hang of them.
Sounds are well done in the game it's works better with headset. When playing but there's also a sound meter to let you know which direction noise is coming from and comes in handy. Voice over are also good and fit in with the overall tone of the game.
The game takes a new look at Sam's career and makes for an interest first Splinter Cell game for the PSP, is it perfect no there are issues that make me believe the game needed more time in development. While Splinter Cell may not be the best shooter on the PSP it is the best hand-held version of the game. The few flaws in the game dont hurt it too much. There's still a solid Splinter Cell adventure to be had playing this game. The story ark of the game give it a broken feel at first but it comes together nicely at the end. Any fan of Splinter Cell games on the console will enjoy this game on the PSP, also it does get you ready for the events in the upcoming Splinter Cell Double Agent game.