Splinter Cell Double Agent detailed, previewed

Yesterday, Ubisoft revealed the new name of the upcoming chapter in Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell series. Besides the Double Agent subtitle, yesterday's news included the vague fact that the game would be coming in spring 2006 to "consoles and PC," and a brief glimpse into the game's now-not-so-supersecret plot. Today, the company came clean on the true meaning behind the name, and detailed some of its gameplay and platforms.

In addition to the PC, said consoles due for some springtime spying include the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, and yes...the Xbox 360. Each platform will also have its own original multiplayer content, though online play was not detailed. The game is currently being developed in a collaboration between Ubisoft's Montreal, Shanghai, and Annecy, France, studios.

As a double agent, gamers will not only have to answer to the National Security Administration, but also to some nefarious terrorists hiding out in the States. There will be tasks set forth from each group, and Fisher will have to find a happy medium between doing his job for the NSA and playing along with the bad guys. If he kills too many members of the terrorist organization, he may give away his allegiance too early. But if he waits too long, their plans might come to fruition and millions of unknowing citizens will die.

Missions will take place all over the world, including Asia, Africa, and the US, in a variety of environments. Fisher will not only dive underwater, trudge through sandstorms, and stealthily sneak through fog and smoke, but he'll also take the plunge as a skydiver.

Today's news is a relief for Xbox 360 owners, who did not see Double Agent (then simply Splinter Cell 4) for the 360 on the company's recent financial report. However, there is still no word on the rumored PlayStation 3 version.