Pandora Tomorrow continues the great gameplay, with improved graphics and better pacing. A solid sequel worth playing.
I picked up the Espionage Pack (splinter Cell 1 and 2) for $10, it's easy to scoop up this title somewhere. There's not much wrong with this game for stealth action fans. The same slick gameplay and presentation of the first with subtle improvements make Pandora Tomorrow a surprisingly great sequel.
========= GOOD ==========
GREAT EQUIPMENT: As before, players will have access to a wide arsenal of weapons, including the SC pistol, the SC-20K sniper rifle with the other enhancements, including stunning foil rounds, incapacitating sticky shockers, diversion/gas cameras, sticky cameras and smoke grenades. He can carry frag grenades, flashbangs, flares and electromagnetic grenades. Sam also has his optical cable to look under doors/grates.
SLICK ABILITIES: Sam has his usual acrobatic abilities, this time he can whistle to distract enemies and hang upside down from a pipe to shoot with his pistol. When his back is against a wall and he approaches an opening like a door, Sam can do a spin maneuver to silently get to the other side.
BETTER PACING: The objectives in Pandora Tomorrow are clear and straightforward and each section of a mission doesn't drag on. Players will not find themselves lost, or wondering what to do next.
VARIED ENVIRONMENTS: This time, Sam will sneak through more than just buildings. There various location types in Indonesia, France, Jerusalem and the US. These include jungles, city streets, a speeding passenger train, a television station, a submarine, various mercenary infested villages and even LAX airport. This keeps things fresh.
IMPROVED GRAPHICS: The graphics get an upgrade, Sam looks better than ever in his stealth suit.
========= BAD =========
TRIAL AND ERROR: Once again, this plagues the gameplay. Some mission sections are sensitive to the slightest play error and players will reload many many times to get a certain part done correctly.
POINTLESS WEAPONS: I found that some weapons like frag grenades, flashbangs, the electromagnetic grenade were too risky to use and not really useful, at least on the normal difficulty setting.
STORY: Too difficult to follow for non-Tom Clancy fans. Fortunately it doesn't get in the way of the gameplay, the objectives are clear.