Who says Splinter Cell Conviction isn't stealthy?

AOTF writes: We have had quite a big debate going on here between friends about the upcoming Splinter Cell Conviction. One of our writers, a die hard Splinter Cell Fan, is absolutely beside himself about the changes that have been made to the game. They wrote a small article about the Five Ways that Splinter Cell Conviction Might Disappoint You. Now personally I am not a fan of the series of this magnitude, or at least I don't proclaim to be. So, many of the changes will breeze by me unnoticed. The multi-player will not be missed, and some of the subtleties that have been revamped just don't seem either that important, or look like they have been replaced by something equal to or greater than the other games in the franchise. Though the one sticking point that we just don't see eye to eye on is stealth, and it's role in Splinter Cell Conviction. Sure, there have been some major changes to the game. But after about 25 playthroughs of the demo, it is with absolute certainty that Splinter Cell Conviction is going to be just as hardcore in stealth department as it has been in the past. Don't just take my word for it. Watch the video, and then say it's not. This a 100% stealth run in the demo. If the rest of the game is anything like it, "hardcore" stealth fans have nothing to worry about in the upcoming game.<more>

[Johnny5]

People that are saying that played the demo once and were biased to begin with.

[Crazyhorse]

Dont need to play the demo to now that its bad

[captain-obvious]

far less stealthy
more shooting
and noob friendly with a dumb AI
and auto aiming/shooting ( aka executing )

[Fanb0y]

Stealth works in this game - just faster paced.

And shooting is optional. I think Ubisoft wants Sam Fisher to seem like he's not restricted by Third Echelon anymore - that he can do whatever he wants.

I played the demo without firing a single bullet, except for that mark/execute tutorial. I have to say the game appears more fun without the guns, but it's nice to have the option.

BTW, is there a knife in this game?

[captain-obvious]

@above well they are nothing to brag about but i wont call them crap

im still getting this game by the way

[Cold 2000]

I played the demo on Friday and was actually pleasantly surprised. I've never been a SC fan but I really enjoyed the demo though pretty short.
Nice smooth gameplay, dont see what people are talking about when they say "clunky controls". And the stealth is definitely still there. It's just a lot faster than previous SC games.

The only bad points was the screen tearing in like the first 30 secs of the demo (but never showed up again) and the graphics. Definitely not worthy of an exclusive. Either than that, really not bad at all.

If the demo is representative of the final product I'll give it around 8.5/10.

[radyboy]

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

r.i.p. splinter cell

[erathaol]

A few of the hardcore Splinter Cell fans say that it doesn't have the same level of stealth challenge that it used to. Highlighting that the developer's said "You can still choose to use stealth..." which makes it sound like Action took a higher level of priority in this title. Along with complaints about the boring interrogation scene that has hardly any player interaction and that even upping the difficulty level doesn't make the Demo that much harder.

Beside all that its still just a Demo and the 1st stage. There is still hope that Splinter Cell: Conviction can get harder as the game progresses, as usually Demo's are made to capture new audience members, along with helping people familiarize themselves with the controls (tutorial).

[HolyOrangeCows]

You CAN use stealth in the demo, but it's just as unrewarding as shooting your way through because the AI is so unaware on all difficulties.

I was hoping the demo was going to be the level from the E3 footage.

[The Lazy One]

You could play through other splinter cell's that way too. The only difference is that in this one it has a system in place to aim more rapidly, which makes sense if you're a secret agent.

The only thing that makes the demo not stealthy is that if you're seen the mission isn't over. That alone would make a huge impact on how you play the game.

[DelbertGrady]

I thought the interrogation scene was cool.

Definately a better option to just throwing in a lenghty cut-scene with no interaction at all.

[maxcer]

"Dont need to play the demo to now that its bad"

I wish Kz2 had a demo, could have saves myself $40.

[HolyOrangeCows]

There IS a Killzone 2 demo.

[maxcer]

i guess i missed the demo

[cayal]

ouch, owned

[HolyOrangeCows]

Ahh, so you're just an IGNORANT hater. My apologies.

[pixelsword]

SC:C will be good irregardless because of it's gameplay, so don't use an intro to pass off as mid-game gameplay, which is where the interesting gameplay will occur.

Just wait, geez.

[Fire4444]

@1.12, 1.14

...I canceled my preorder of KZ2 immediately after playing the demo for it.

[ReservoirDog316]

Something most people don't mention:

Chaos Theory had the option to just shoot through most levels. It even gave a weapon loadout that had shotguns and a lot of grenades. People even praised that feature back then. And Chaos Theory is regarded as the best of the series.

This seems to further that and to be honest, leans more heavily towards action. But as long as it's a fun stealth game, why complain.

Preordered and paid in full on amazon. Day 1.

[WildArmed]

I think that game baby feeds you.
Which is fine..
I loved the demo.
Beat it over 20 times... 15 times on realistic.
The AI could use a bit more work.. but it's a demo. I dont expect the real deal from it..
I'm very excited about the game..
And it hasn't moved from my most anticipated game for 360 this year!

[FanboyAttack]

That was a nice run on the video. I think he was only even noticed once.

[Inside_out]

This video is bad...Check out Gamersyde website for excellent quality video...Ubisoft released 2 video walkthroughs of the demo, 1 is stealth the other assault...AMAZING...enlighten yourself...

If you don't like the demo...fine...I have my issues with it also...BUT...Don't base the game on the Demo...The demo is a tutorial...Any kid, including PS3 fanboys would/should know that...LMAO...The vid of the guy running through the demo is a joke, done on easy...he didn't even get the objective, which was destroy the bomb...LMFAO...Ending the entire level in the " REAL " game...plus he got lit up bad...lol...Stop watching after that...would've die on realistic setting...lol..

The game play is outstanding and when the achievement list comes out, I'm sure they're will be many stealth objectives...IMO, I prefer the in your face, balls to the wall aggressive Sam Fisher...His Daughter has been killed and his former friends/employer are involved in what has happen...Hide the bodies and lock picking not high on the things to do list....LMFAO...The entire intro RTE sets the mood for the game...must be talking to kids here...

Day 1 buy for me...co-op/multi-player to boot...Maybe if it was more like MW2 kids would be happy...If you don't have a 360 yet, this would be a good time to get one...Conviction, Alan Wake, ME2, fable3, something called Halo...and all the multi-plats with the best controller and on-line out there...What does PS3 have coming out...exactly...I have one, I know...Only KZ3 in the fall interests me....couple wks to go, me and Sam gonna kick some A$$...Personally, nobody gonna be left standing..." Looking for me A$$hol3 "....LMFAO

[cayal]

"Day 1 buy for me...co-op/multi-player to boot...Maybe if it was more like MW2 kids would be happy...If you don't have a 360 yet, this would be a good time to get one...Conviction, Alan Wake, ME2, fable3, something called Halo...and all the multi-plats with the best controller and on-line out there...What does PS3 have coming out...exactly...I have one, I know...Only KZ3 in the fall interests me....couple wks to go, me and Sam gonna kick some A$$...Personally, nobody gonna be left standing..." Looking for me A$$hol3 "....LMFAO"

Loser much?

[Foxgod]

Maybe its a bit less stealthy then its predecessor, but that has a lot to do with the newly incorporated gameplay mechanic.
Doesnt everybody always claim that innovation and change are good?

Its still by far the only true stealth game this gen.
Hopefully there will be a new Hitman as well, theres way too little stealth games atm.

[thehitman]

you havent played MGS4 lol.

[FanboyAttack]

Double Agent was pretty stealthy game.

[Foxgod]

MGS4 stealthy?

Mjah right.
The series may be stealth, but the fourth one isnt exactly praised for its stealth.

[kenlawson]

I agree. Need Moar Stealth Games. That sniper game isn't stealth, but that game looks really interesting. I think its just called Sniper.

[EvilBlackCat]

MGS a Stealth game?

x10,000 LOL!!!

Hey MGS is a great game and of course a well known game. A lot of gamers grew up playing that game series (me included) but never think that because you like something that is like a classic tradition to you is better than something more new.

MGS is a SciFi game while Splinter Cell is more closer to reality HELLO is Tom Clancy's Novel Story dumbazz!

If you ask me what do you prefer? More close to reality Stories and gameplay.

[poe]

The developer said they are giving players more options in SCC. It's too be expected. I don't see why all of the supposed fans of the series are all pissed about the new changes to the game. The gameplay is solid if the demo is any indication. I think they are just butthurt about multiplayer.

[Dr Pepper]

They really took away a lot of abilities the player used to have. I don't see how this equates to giving them, the player, more options.

Plus they really wanted people to feel more powerful, and yet with
simplifying everything and taking so much away, I felt like the character was weaker.

I'm not "butthurt" about the multiplayer, that isn't why I started playing Splinter Cell games. The reason I started playing Splinter Cell games (and kept playing them) has been removed, that is why I (and many other fans of the series) are mad.

[eemoemo52]

It's a little early for damage control huh?

[Crazyhorse]

HHAHAHAHAHHA another crappy exclusives for Xbox fans.

[kenlawson]

I have to admit the first time I played the demo I had no clue you could even use the sticky camera until I watched this video. Damn that opens up the gameplay alot. I think Im gonna go back and give it another go. It would be nice if they ran a quick tut on the gadgets in the demo, I bet Im not the only one. Still not sold on the gameplay though.

[Neurotoxin]

Barry Scott?

[DelbertGrady]

I really enjoyed the demo after playing it a couple of times trying out different ways to approach the enemies. What I'm really hyped about are the multiplayer and co-op modes. Has potential to be incredible.

[Hellsvacancy]

It does look a little easy, the AI looks proper dumb "dude, did u hear that music (or noise) cummin from over there?", "er, no, but we should go look anyway" wot was that stupid camera thing? looked lame, if im standin in the middle of a field and unexpectedly hear a random bit of music cummin from the ground im gonna freak and run, not walk up 2-it

It wont matter though, itll still score in the 9 and 10s from IGN and Edge, the graphics didnt look like much either, i did like all the writin on the walls though, cool little touch

[IdleLeeSiuLung]

You have no clue so why give an opinion?

[Hellsvacancy]

Y do u think i asked idiot!!!

[GameOn]

You didn't ask anything.

[Hellsvacancy]

"wot was that stupid camera thing?" i did ask

[30sec]

Batman AA has better stealth and no "win" button.

[kenlawson]

Whats a win button.

[FanboyAttack]

He probably means mark and execute. But is not taking into consideration that you need to get hand to hand takedowns to be able to use mark and execute.

[30sec]

I am considering that UserThree. You aren't considering the AI is so bad, getting hand-to-hand takedowns is a non issue. You don't need to try. Run up to ANYONE in the game (they can see you, it won't matter), take them out, press the win button and BAM! Ubi nerfed the hell outta this game.

[Thoreau]

up to this point. splinter cell conviction looks to be only "ok". maybe a solid 8. the animation look a little stiff to me. i have been waiting for this game. only my 60 bucks will be the judge. i have always hated demos..

[NobleRed]

Only does 576p. lol

[Dr Pepper]

"But after about 25 playthroughs of the demo, it is with absolute certainty that Splinter Cell Conviction is going to be just as hardcore in stealth department as it has been in the past."

Really?

No hiding bodies.
No knocking people out (kill them or don't touch them).
No whistling.
Can't control your speed while crouched.
Extremely casual-friendly Mark and Execute (even if you don't want to use them, it's clear that at least the demo is built around it).
AI that can't see you right next to them.
AI that just disappears altogether (the guy in the window in the demo)
No throwing objects for distractions.
ETC.

Sorry, seems pretty different "stealth-wise" to me. I went into this completely open-minded, giving the devs a chance, but wow,they completely removed everything that was Splinter Cell from the game (except the name Sam Fisher, who now looks even younger).

[math]

We see eye to eye. I think there is a niche of SC fan that is just going to end up hating it for its differences from the old. I cant stand that there is no pressure sensitive controls. UGH, and don't get me started on multiplayer. There are some good things about the game. It just doesn't feel like Splinter Cell it feels like something else, a good something else, but just not what I expected from a Splinter Cell game.

[radyboy]

its a dumbed down version of the splinter cell franchise .
i swear at times in the demo i dont feel like i am playing a splinter cell game. i couldnt believe they gave me a mp5 gun from call of duty , wow just wow !!!
i am now waiting for the next hitman 6 .

r.i.p. splinter cell

[Grown Folks Talk]

http://www.gamespot.com/sho...

[Dr Pepper]

@ Grown Folks Talk

I watched the vid, but if anything, I think that proves my point even more. The player, as shown in the vid, is rewarded for killing people (which seems to promote one style of play over the other).

It looks incredibly easy (and no, not just because he knew what to do), as well as very friendly to those who don't like figuring things out for themselves. An example of this is highlighting objects you can shoot down when hidden in shadows.

Not only that, people are conveniently standing still under objects to shoot (not patrolling so you have to time it just right), and they are split into specific groups to make the most of mark and execute (beginning where one guy is alone to knock out with two at the end of the courtyard to use M&E on).

And this is the second time the person at the window (the other time being the demo)doesn't move and just sits there to be pulled out. In chaos theory and double agent, you would either have to wait to pull him out or you had the option to enter the window unnoticed.

[Grown Folks Talk]

But the video shows more options than the demo. Switching on/off lights. More control of movement speed. It looked as if you can pick up objects. Whistling (albeit through the sticky cam). I think the replay value is going to be huge. You do have a # of ways to approach it. Plus he could have avoided a majority of the contact he made.

[Neo Nugget]

Yeah, I can't believe you can't even hide bodies.

That sucks imo :(

[Convas]

The guards were like. BOOOM!

"What the ..."

"Jesus"

"Holy Cow"

"Phuck me"

"Whoa"

Good times LMAO.

[helrazor343]

That was the single most distracting and off-putting element of this game to me. Talk about hand holding, I'll have to take a pass on this. I don't mind change, but what I've seen doesn't inspire me to give this game a chance let alone a second glance, sorry.

[Omar91]

i personally like the writings on the walls. they arent going to be telling you, crouch or hide behind wall every single time. your objectives will be writing on the walls. its basically sam fisher thinking to himself. and they just happen to have them on the walls. i think its different.

[Sileo]

I agree with you

I enjoyed the demo, played through it at least 10 times, yes they have taken a different route with it, but I like what they've done with it to an extent.

Sure they've taken out the "classic splinter cell stealth" out of it, but they've changed it, and it makes it more of an action/stealth game, which I like also.

I can understand why people prefer the older games, which I too liked, but this one, for me, is summing up to quite interesting.

I just wish they wouldn't keep comparing it to the MGS series.

[DelbertGrady]

The older SC games, and also Hitman games, relied too much on trial & error gameplay for my taste.

[John HX]

Me.

[Sir_Ken_Kutaragi_]

LOL...'PC'...and the ChavBots on this are acting like its a xBox 360 only game!!! ;-D

[AliTheBrit19]

Pfft, don't class me with Chavs

Xbot = Chav is not true.

[rhood022]

I'd hope that after playing the same demo 25 times you'd know the routine of the guards and be able to run through it without getting spotted.

Now post a video of your first, second or third playthrough.

[OpiZA]

I feel like this is the kinda game one has to buy/rent/borrow to get an accurate view. The changes are pissing way too many people off to get an unbiased opinion.

Suppose that's the story with all games ;)

[NeoBasch]

Wow, whatever happened to objectivity. The comments here make me sick. I can't believe the loads of bias being slung around from both sides. Absolutely disgusting. I thought we all enjoyed games here. What do you gain from putting down another. Each system has a plethora of amazing titles. Stop b#tching and start gaming.

[Omar91]

whats with the dumb A.I? did they not here u bassh the guys head?
and what the hell is with the auto aim system??? thats sooo homo!

[Foxgod]

Its dark, and the guy is a professional killer, he produces little to no sound.

[despair]

@foxgod

when in the dark your eyes adjust to see atleast silhouettes of movement so when someone is facing sam as he takes down an enemy its hard to believe that he could not spot him a few feet away even if he makes no sound.

But this is a game and it looks like fun but saying its a stealth based game is like saying uncharted 2 is stealth based. Its an action game with stealth elements so they pretty much reversed the gameplay from previous splinter cell games to make it easier for most casual gamers and they added a lot more action for the many action game junkies who just want to kill everything in sight.

The game looks fun and would probably be much more well received if it did not have splinter cell name attached to it. Its a bit of a betrayal to the loyal fans of the series but the developers still have to appeal to the masses to garner sales. Whether they compromised too much of the game or whether its a balance of classic splinter cell and mass appeal is yet to be seen and a short demo will not answer that.Especially one garnered around showing the new tagging feature.

I'll wait and see the final release and hope the hype doesn't inflate the review as with many games in recent years.

[maniactadpole]

with elements of stealth peppered in.I guess Ubisoft is trying to imitate Bourne films or something.It feels like a different game to me.I dont know why they chose to go down towards this stupid direction.I loved the series so much. R.I.P splinter cell

[maniactadpole]

The A.I. is pretty dumb at times even on the 'REALISTIC'mode.I was pretty much stunned when the enemy failed to see me even when i was like a few feet away from him.

[tamd]

wait stealth, u cant hide bodies anymore , there goes ur stealth . ubisoft did this to attract new gamers who never played sc

[Gun_Senshi]

1) Who played the Demo
2) Splinter Cell Fanbase

[Inside_out]

The demo is a tutorial...duh...All the terrible PS3 games have fried there collective brains...LMFAO...Can't hide there bodies...WTF...What do the PS3 guys have to play this YEAR...lol...I know, I have a PS3...Nothing...GOW3, HR...there's some good AI...LMAO...2 big games, free on-line and NO multi player...how sad is that...

Conviction releases in a couple wks ( mid April )...Not enough stealth...wait for the next stealth game, should come?????... or worse the next good PS3 game...LMFAO...Sony camp as ignorant as can be...

For Those that don't know, check out Gamersyde website for a GOOD quality video of the demo from Ubisoft...1 is stealth, the other assault...AMAZING...no doubt, many achievements gonna be based on completing this game in stealth mode...Can't wait...

[Def Warrant]

lol talk about butt hurt fanboy. You're so insecure that you had to respond to a guy/girl who stated his (somehow warranted) opinion about your precious little average game that still doesn't stack up to MGS4 (a 2008 game) lol. You are pathetic if you feel the need to bash the ps3 in order to make you feel better. Get ready the the media onslaught on this average multiplat lol.

[Gun_Senshi]

I'm surprised somone with a degree of stupidity like you exsist

[Inside_out]

Don't blame me kid the only console you have sucks...buy a 360 and play real games with real gamers...This game is on 360 console only...Put your head back in your A$$ where it belongs...Dumb fanboys strike again...LMAO...

MGS4 is all cut scenes with some game play thrown in...EVERYBODY knows that...PS3 fanboys trying to rewrite history...Walking around with a can on your head is for dummies like you...Good graphics, bad game play, sad fanboys bragging...360 version will be 10 times better...watch and see...

@gun-sushi...Your surprised?...I'm surprised a genius like yourself doesn't know where the spellcheck button is...How dumb can this kid be...No wonder Sony at the bottom...

SC Conviction is fast, smooth and deadly...Objectives shown in game on the move...That's evolution...This game looks nothing like MGS4, which is a good thing...lol...MGS4 non factor...PERIOD...Moving on...

[SDF Repellent]

Sam now does not work for Echelon anymore. He is on his own with his own objective.

Why does he need or should do the same thing as the first 3-4 games when he was working for the govenment? He is on a "TAKEN" typed of mission to find out the truth about his daughter's death. He is dangerous and can kick a$$ if he wanted to or use some stealth if he chooses.

Metal Gear Solid 4 was a action game that is greatly different from the first couple of incarnation. Did anyone complaint?

I love how this game gave players multiple ways and routes to complete a mission.

This game will be like every other game in the series if it follows the path of the games before it. Change is good but this game also retains alot of the old Splinter Cell elements that made it a great series as well.

A 10 min demo does not equal to the whole game and I am sure you will find more gadgets and features as you get your hand on the final retail game.

Already have this game reserved and can't wait to play in on the 13th of April.

[Def Warrant]

"Metal Gear Solid 4 was a action game that is greatly different from the first couple of incarnation. Did anyone complaint?"

Umm i don't know about others but i completed the game three times without killing any guards thus warranting your argument under fud.

[bujasem_89]

Stealth is having the option of finishing an entire play through without getting caught ( not even once) that my friends is stealth , this is just plain and slow action.

[prettyboy1]

but this guy doesnt even sound like hes convinced that this game is stealth.lets face it this is not the game that we saw at e3 last year

[bjornbear]

i don't know...haven't heard anyone say it isn't =P

SC is a great franchise =)

its awesome to have MGS and SC ! stealth fans on both consoles have more than enough to get their teeth into =)

anyone who bashes one or the other franchise are NOT stealth game fans, of videogame fans at all, just fanboys

[GiantEnemyCrab]

Fanboys and people who want to see the game fail.

I've said this since the demo came out. Problem is most of the n00bs can't resist using all the crutches the game provides. Most of them would get frustrated and die trying to complete the game in true stealth fashion.

[kung-fu-grip]

I'm also excited to play through the 2nd campaign mode featuring those two agents.

[Dawg360187]

the series dies when this game is released... its a damn shame!

[TrailerParkSupervisr]

am going to miss spy vs mercs bigtime. Not a better feeling in the world when creeping and waiting then finaly isolating a merc and drop down to break his neck hearing him scream for his buddy, then, popping smoke and jumping the hell out of there as blind frags start going off all around me...

Sigh, RIP Spliter Cell.

[math]

That brought an effin tear to my eye. Damn you Ubisoft.

[math]

You know the jizz in my pants song? Thats what will happen if they announce Spies vs. Mercs DLC.

[Hey Its Me Again]

It isn't just about finishing a mission with no kills. You can do that in many non-stealth games. It's the major stealth elements that they took out (as previously mentioned) and even worse, they have turned Sam Fisher into a one man army. If you blow your cover, you can still survive and whoop some ass. In previous games, enemies were a real threat and even one enemy A.I could kill you. In Conviction, Sam Fisher is the threat! These enemies are a joke, they should be scared of this superhero.