Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory

 PC
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 607 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 527 out of 607
  2. Mixed: 60 out of 607
  3. Negative: 20 out of 607
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  1. JosephP.
    Oct 27, 2009
    10
    One of the best Splinter Cell games in the franchise. The graphics are unbelievable, the voice acting is quite good and humorous, and the gameplay is flawless. Overall, due to the game being on Steam without having to worry about a scratched a corrupt disc, makes this game the best of all.
  2. danield80
    Dec 21, 2021
    6
    Splinter Cell is a self-proclaimed "Stealth Action Redefined" and Chaos Theory is arguably its best entry.
    Well, it's a pretty bold statement for a game that's solely based on the contrast of light and darkness. So, stay in the shadows and you literally do not exist for the guards. Naturally, you have to make the levels so dark in order to have somewhere to hide. This game is even darker    Splinter Cell is a self-proclaimed "Stealth Action Redefined" and Chaos Theory is arguably its best entry.
    Well, it's a pretty bold statement for a game that's solely based on the contrast of light and darkness. So, stay in the shadows and you literally do not exist for the guards. Naturally, you have to make the levels so dark in order to have somewhere to hide. This game is even darker than "Layers of Fear". Luckily, you have night vision goggles which glitch sometimes when entering a new area. Just amazing. Simply restart the level. It's nothing out of the ordinary since you've been constantly reloading saves for every missed shot since the aiming is like a lottery.
    The enemies are so big bren they find a restroom with turned off lights and nobody in it suspicious. So, now we have guards that know which specific room should be lit and which doors closed in the whole building but can't see a guy with three shining bulbs on his head in the shadows. Unbelievable.
    This game is praised for its excellent graphics yet the guards' faces look like foching goblins!
    The sound in this game is imbalanced. Sometimes you can't hear conversations that happen right in front of your nose. And the music is terrible as well. Rumbling af even if there's no threat anymore.

    Chaos Theory offers a coop multiplayer. The levels are more interesting than the single player campaign's levels. That's pathetic. The relation crashes whenever your wifi goes weak for a second. The coop is full of glitches (even game-breaking). This makes playing it a painful experience.

    As a whole, Splinter Cell is just a glorified Xbox franchise and feels like a cheap Android knock-off of Metal Gear Solid, a much better franchise. Which is predominantly a PS franchise. But don't worry, some are available on Xbox as well.    … Expand
  3. zto101
    Sep 20, 2012
    10
    First, straight off the bat, I'd like to say, GREATEST Splinter Cell game in the entire series. I mean, bravo, 2 thumbs up. Gameplay is very organized and not too tweaked around like the later games. Story line was exceptional. Running on a very good computer, this game rarely has any glitches or bugs, so, good job Ubisoft. The co-op portion is possibly the best part about Chaos Theory.First, straight off the bat, I'd like to say, GREATEST Splinter Cell game in the entire series. I mean, bravo, 2 thumbs up. Gameplay is very organized and not too tweaked around like the later games. Story line was exceptional. Running on a very good computer, this game rarely has any glitches or bugs, so, good job Ubisoft. The co-op portion is possibly the best part about Chaos Theory. If you love taking out bad guys in stealth over lan or online, this is probably the best game to do it in. Very, very fun game. I prefer it highly over Double Agent in my opinion. 10/10… Expand
  4. HellO.
    Apr 10, 2005
    6
    Ok. I bought this for it's multiplayer part and what do I get? A slightly updated version of Pandora Tomorrows multiplayer (with the exact same engine even) and a coop that doesn't work for more than 2 minutes at a time. Single player looks good but bores me to death, jut as I predicted.
  5. NateB.
    Apr 2, 2005
    0
    This is ridiculous. How was ubisoft able to release such a broken product? For about 70% of all people who buy this game, the Co-op simply does not work, and for those that it will work for you can expect to get kicked off every 2 minutes (or less). I highly suggest reading the forums on Splinter Cell's homepage (www.splintercell.com). In order to play online, you have to open all This is ridiculous. How was ubisoft able to release such a broken product? For about 70% of all people who buy this game, the Co-op simply does not work, and for those that it will work for you can expect to get kicked off every 2 minutes (or less). I highly suggest reading the forums on Splinter Cell's homepage (www.splintercell.com). In order to play online, you have to open all these ports, which is something most people do not to do. But that's only if you get past the bug where this game also has a problem with CD-RWs and DVD-Rs. So if you buy this game, there's a possibility you computer cannot read the disks. Also, some of the cd keys for a LEGAL copy do not work either. I could go on and on about the problems. All I'm interested in is the Co Op and multiplayer modes, and they just don't work. I also forgot, if you have problems and report them to Ubisoft, as kind as you are, they WILL NOT respond or help you in any way. Never buy ubi products, ever (especially this game). All you're doing is giving money to people who release unfinished products.… Expand
  6. GuessWho?
    May 9, 2006
    9
    Everyone, Please ignore this "Ryan J." He apparently has a bad taste for good games (no offense "Ryan"), but then again I suppose you cant make everyone happy these days. Anyways, on to my review. :)

    The gameplay is pretty good, though it seems to start slow in the beginning. The levels were taken good care of in the design/layout department. The graphics are really good, though    Everyone, Please ignore this "Ryan J." He apparently has a bad taste for good games (no offense "Ryan"), but then again I suppose you cant make everyone happy these days. Anyways, on to my review. :)

    The gameplay is pretty good, though it seems to start slow in the beginning. The levels were taken good care of in the design/layout department. The graphics are really good, though you need a pretty decent computer to enjoy the game in its full graphical glory. All in all, this game is a blast.    … Expand
  7. SeanN
    Aug 29, 2009
    0
    Yet another broken Ubisoft game converted to PC. I bought both Chaos Theory and Double Agent for pc through Steam. Both games have MAJORE problems. Chaos Theory wont load multiplayer or coop at all. I already tried running it in compatibility mode with another OS. Im running Windows 7. I have a 4870x2 Graphics card. The single player runs perfect no problems but i didnt buy the game for Yet another broken Ubisoft game converted to PC. I bought both Chaos Theory and Double Agent for pc through Steam. Both games have MAJORE problems. Chaos Theory wont load multiplayer or coop at all. I already tried running it in compatibility mode with another OS. Im running Windows 7. I have a 4870x2 Graphics card. The single player runs perfect no problems but i didnt buy the game for single player i bought it for multiplayer... Double agent crashes randomly, freezes randomly, wont load levels 9/10 times, and is obviously incomplete... Such a waist on Ubisofts part. Such a waist. If it meant me spending another 20 dollars for them to do this right i really would have...… Expand
  8. RyanJ
    Apr 12, 2005
    0
    This is ridiculous. To get the multiplayer to work I found out from UbiSoft that you must open up a whole bunch of ports (something the average gamer does not know how to do) and also UNINSTALL your anti-virus software. Unbelieveable. This game should not have been released, it is absurdly false advertising. The co-op and the versus simply do not work. I have played at least 10 PCThis is ridiculous. To get the multiplayer to work I found out from UbiSoft that you must open up a whole bunch of ports (something the average gamer does not know how to do) and also UNINSTALL your anti-virus software. Unbelieveable. This game should not have been released, it is absurdly false advertising. The co-op and the versus simply do not work. I have played at least 10 PC games online in both co-op and versus modes, and none of them have ever had issues like this, including Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow. Do not buy this game, teach UbiSoft a lesson.… Expand
  9. StevenB.
    Apr 2, 2005
    6
    Good game but not many improvements over the last instalemnt.
  10. RyanJ.
    May 15, 2005
    0
    Die! This is crap. My initial post got deleted because you thought I was someone else who didn't enjoy this "game". Loser. Whats to stop Matthieu R. (worst spelling of the name Matthew ever by the way) and Jacob H. from being the same person? They both gave it tens, they could just as easily be the same person as myself and Nate B. (who is not me). Oh, editor? Just because somebody Die! This is crap. My initial post got deleted because you thought I was someone else who didn't enjoy this "game". Loser. Whats to stop Matthieu R. (worst spelling of the name Matthew ever by the way) and Jacob H. from being the same person? They both gave it tens, they could just as easily be the same person as myself and Nate B. (who is not me). Oh, editor? Just because somebody says we're the same person, doesn't make it true. If you knew anything about technology you would have IP logging which would show you that we are, in fact, not the same person. Rot. Oh, just to make this something about the game, it was horrible.… Expand
  11. JacobH.
    May 9, 2005
    10
    It is a very good game
  12. MatthieuR.
    Apr 24, 2005
    10
    Hey whoever is writing the reviews as Ryan J. and Nate B.: you are entitled to voice your opinion, but only once, so enough of the double posting. [Ed: 2nd post deleted....] This game is phenomenal. I can see why the attention deficit crowd would call this boring, since this game requires patience and skill. Well worth your money.
  13. RyanJ
    May 12, 2005
    0
    This game is terrible, it doesn't work at all on multiplayer. Why was my comment taken down? Is it that far fetched that two different people have the same problem with this crappy game? Anyone who gave this a decent score deserves to be shot because they're just saying it's okay for game companies to release half completed projects and charge $50 for them. [Ed: Sorry aboutThis game is terrible, it doesn't work at all on multiplayer. Why was my comment taken down? Is it that far fetched that two different people have the same problem with this crappy game? Anyone who gave this a decent score deserves to be shot because they're just saying it's okay for game companies to release half completed projects and charge $50 for them. [Ed: Sorry about deleting your original post.]… Expand
  14. Higher_Standard
    Aug 17, 2010
    10
    I own this game for both pc and xbox. The multilayer concept and style of gameplay will keep this game among my few favorites. Sadly conviction was overseen by a baboon and the series has ended with a big fat epic fail. There will never be another game like this.
  15. KhorneFlakes
    Apr 13, 2011
    10
    Easily the best installment of the Splinter Cell series, the game play is stealthy, tactical, and just plain satisfying. This isn't a mindless, fast paced stealth action game like Conviction, Chaos Theory is the very essence of the Splinter Cell franchise. Even if your having problems with multiplayer, the single player experience is still easily worth the money, which currently costs $10Easily the best installment of the Splinter Cell series, the game play is stealthy, tactical, and just plain satisfying. This isn't a mindless, fast paced stealth action game like Conviction, Chaos Theory is the very essence of the Splinter Cell franchise. Even if your having problems with multiplayer, the single player experience is still easily worth the money, which currently costs $10 on Steam. Easily the greatest stealth game ever created!… Expand
  16. THE_COCONUT_MAN
    Aug 20, 2011
    9
    I missed the boat when this game first came out, but i recently picked it up for the PC and i was absolutely stunned by how great it looked. Game play is solid when the AI isnt being brainless or clairvoyant. Story is what you'd expect from Clancy. Other than that highly recommended!
  17. GolovA
    Jul 7, 2013
    3
    Was completely unplayable for me due to the TERRIBLE CAMERA ANGLES. When making a third person game, it is of the paramount importance to adjust the camera. Didn't look like a good job in this case: when the game starts, i can't see where i am going inside the cave, most of the time i cannot even see myself so, how can i move anywhere? When aiming using a piston half of the screen isWas completely unplayable for me due to the TERRIBLE CAMERA ANGLES. When making a third person game, it is of the paramount importance to adjust the camera. Didn't look like a good job in this case: when the game starts, i can't see where i am going inside the cave, most of the time i cannot even see myself so, how can i move anywhere? When aiming using a piston half of the screen is blocked by my own arm! What?! Seeing all the good reviews, knowing Tom Clancy's titles, i hope the aforementioned problems are local to my PC only. Can't give more than a three, since i was not able to play the game, due to its disastrous flying camera.… Expand
  18. Mike_Morhaime
    Jul 30, 2012
    10
    Great Game, great story and great graphics. This game together with Hitman is one of the BEST single player games of its Era. Much like Half life, it changed alot of things on the Market, a Modern Tomb Raider if you will. +10!
  19. WestLil0
    Nov 7, 2014
    2
    Maybe for 2005 this game was acceptable, but frankly the PC controls are horrible. The objectives and action are so basic it's way too slow and boring. I made the mistake of playing Splinter Cell Blacklist first and I liked it much more than I thought, so what the heck, figured I would try Chaos. I should have known there would be a major difference in playability and graphics. Not worthMaybe for 2005 this game was acceptable, but frankly the PC controls are horrible. The objectives and action are so basic it's way too slow and boring. I made the mistake of playing Splinter Cell Blacklist first and I liked it much more than I thought, so what the heck, figured I would try Chaos. I should have known there would be a major difference in playability and graphics. Not worth it in my opinion, even for just $9… Expand
  20. captrvs21
    Nov 5, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Story 9.7
    Characters 9.7
    Coop 9.7
    Weapons and Gadgets 9.7
    Game-play 9.7
    AI Enemies 9.7    … Expand
  21. Trix122
    Feb 13, 2023
    9
    Best splinter cell by far. Along Metal gear solid, best stealth game ever.
    It was so ahead of it's time... released in 2005 and it has insane textures details and lightning/shadows. If it wasn't for the character models you would say this was released on ps3 gen.
  22. AZE_TUR_Gamer
    Apr 15, 2021
    10
    My Favourite stealth game :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D
  23. petrkozak13
    Dec 13, 2021
    9
    I played this game long time ago but I remember it as the best Splinter Cell game available.
  24. MikeIm
    Apr 2, 2005
    10
    The best of the series so far. All three parts (Single Player, Cooperative, Spies vs Mercenaries) could have been their own game - they are all that good. This is a MUST HAVE game.
  25. Chimp
    Jun 7, 2005
    10
    Simply amazing. the single player graphics are incredible, and the loading times are about 5 seconds. the single player is better too, not just because of the graphics, it has been improved in almost every way, definitely gameplay wise too. one particular feature i like is the native tongue voices. in pandora tomorrow every guard has the same exact voice(i think, there may be one or twoSimply amazing. the single player graphics are incredible, and the loading times are about 5 seconds. the single player is better too, not just because of the graphics, it has been improved in almost every way, definitely gameplay wise too. one particular feature i like is the native tongue voices. in pandora tomorrow every guard has the same exact voice(i think, there may be one or two variations but its all basically the same), in this thehy speak their real language and when its in english they say more realistic things too. there are some new moves, and multiple paths through levels. the dialogue is better, and they have removed the most annoying thing about the previous SC games..the 3 alarm game over system! also i get an amazing framerate with everything maxed except shader on 1.1(everything else maxed, 4xAA). the multiplayer is really good too, even though it is very similar to pandora tomorrows(in case you didnt know the graphics in multiplayer are much worse than the single player graphics, but the games are usually lag free and never have framerate issues). my only complaint is that i havent been able to play co-op yet, i cant join any games but i havent really looked into this and im sure i can figure it out. also the in game advertising......wtf? it was pretty ridiculous with the sony erricson phones in pandora but every computers screensaver is for the movie war of the worlds(sigh.....) but that is very minor and doesnt get in the way of anything. the best game so far this year.… Expand
  26. KarlD.
    Mar 30, 2005
    10
    Absolutely brilliant! The best of the series yet. Great solo mode and multiplayer is simply awesomeand addictive. This game looks just great and the new gameplay tweaks makes it a lot more fun to play. Full marks!
  27. VoidMain
    Apr 2, 2005
    10
    This game is the best game I have ever played. I know it's sounds cliched but it's true, although I don't have a good enoug internet connection for the multiplayer :( the single player is enough to keep a player going. I give it 1000/10
  28. SparH.
    Jun 29, 2005
    9
    Sure there is some bugs in it, what software doesn't have bugs? It is a great game though, one definitely worth buying, the most important part of course is great gameplay single and multi player, a shame about a biggish patch though.
  29. ChrisB.
    Jul 5, 2005
    8
    I love the single player, but i cant get the bloody coop and mulitplayer to work because it wont accept my cd key -_-.
  30. MattW
    Sep 5, 2009
    10
    This is one of the few games that makes you say wow that was awsome.
  31. ChrisS
    Jan 4, 2010
    10
    Truly one of the greatest games ever made. Six years after its release, people are still spy vs. merc'ing!
  32. PatrickO.
    Mar 29, 2005
    10
    This game rocks!!!! Something for everyone!
  33. JohnS.
    Apr 20, 2005
    9
    Having only played the single player i can only comment on that. Basically if you liked the first SC formula then this game is for you. Not a great deal is different but everything is better. Better graphics, sound, dialogue and less linearity in missions. Bigger mission maps also. If it aint broke dont fix it. Yes occasioanl bug appears but nothing critical. The Game absolutely drips Having only played the single player i can only comment on that. Basically if you liked the first SC formula then this game is for you. Not a great deal is different but everything is better. Better graphics, sound, dialogue and less linearity in missions. Bigger mission maps also. If it aint broke dont fix it. Yes occasioanl bug appears but nothing critical. The Game absolutely drips quality. Anything which the multiplayer section adds i regard as a bonus. Top marks all round for the best stealth pc game on the market.… Expand
  34. DaleF.
    Apr 27, 2005
    8
    AWESOME single player, one of the best single player games ever. Versus, while updated SLIGHTLY in technical aspects, is actually a bit lacking in gameplay compared to Pandora Tomorrow. Alot of the new additions end up taking away from the fun, and the maps just don't do it for me. Coop just plain doesn't work. I've been waiting for a patch, and one finally came out AWESOME single player, one of the best single player games ever. Versus, while updated SLIGHTLY in technical aspects, is actually a bit lacking in gameplay compared to Pandora Tomorrow. Alot of the new additions end up taking away from the fun, and the maps just don't do it for me. Coop just plain doesn't work. I've been waiting for a patch, and one finally came out claiming to fix coop... Still doesn't work. But the single player is worth your money alone, so go buy it.… Expand
  35. PrestonJ.
    Feb 12, 2007
    10
    Stellar graphics, amazing coop, fun and replayable single player, spy vs merc online great with a good team, great gameplay mechanics.
  36. [anonymous]
    Aug 29, 2009
    10
    one of the best games :-). you can play in so many ways and i played them all and i loved it.
  37. BFH
    Dec 23, 2009
    10
    Gameplay was solid and AI was nice but somewhat predictable. I must say though the multiplayer is AMAZING, though sadly it is only limited to 4 players max. But the fact that you can pit 2 spies (3rd person) against 2 mercenaries (1st person) yet have it balance out very evenly is facinating and fun :D Hope Conviction brings the same multiplayer.
  38. MKokkalis
    Dec 26, 2009
    10
    WoW ! For a game that came out in 2005, it beats the hell out of some new ones in 2009. The graphics are awesome, same with the animation. The environment is awesome ! You can shoot out any light you please, making the stealth factor go way up. The ability to use your knife to cut a hole in a tent and enter through it so you can sneak up on someone is amazing. You use your mouse wheel to WoW ! For a game that came out in 2005, it beats the hell out of some new ones in 2009. The graphics are awesome, same with the animation. The environment is awesome ! You can shoot out any light you please, making the stealth factor go way up. The ability to use your knife to cut a hole in a tent and enter through it so you can sneak up on someone is amazing. You use your mouse wheel to increase or decrease your movement speed, which results in quieter or louder movement noise. All in all i'm very pleased with the game, and especially at such a cheat price of $5.00 !… Expand
  39. gas
    Aug 6, 2012
    7
    Actually is 2012, i got this game from a Steam summer sale at like 2 euros, i was curious to check it without too many expectations.
    The game in my opinion is very good, it offers a gameplay heavily stealth based, at start controls and the slow gameplay are not very intuitive/modern in my opinion, but after some time the controls end to be just a matter of practice and the game is solid.    Actually is 2012, i got this game from a Steam summer sale at like 2 euros, i was curious to check it without too many expectations.
    The game in my opinion is very good, it offers a gameplay heavily stealth based, at start controls and the slow gameplay are not very intuitive/modern in my opinion, but after some time the controls end to be just a matter of practice and the game is solid.
    The game is very slow peaced, and imo it lacks a bit of tactics and/or different things to do to keep the player interested in going on, in example i would loved to have the possibility to choose different gear and tools setup to start missions, and more ways to pass some situations.
    This game will not appeal surely the cod generation ppl (hoping they will return on consoles to save pc gamers from modern crapz), as stealth fps is very good, and easily found at very low prices.
    I didnt try the multiplayer and co op so i cant tell nothing about that, even if as idea seems interesting.    … Expand
  40. Spartan111
    Aug 4, 2011
    9
    Probably the best stealth game i have ever played and this is 6 years after the games release. The game looks great but where this game stands out is in the game play, it allows one to play the game the way one wants to and allows one to choose different options to get objectives done and send people into the next dimension or just knock them out, although this game is most rewarding whenProbably the best stealth game i have ever played and this is 6 years after the games release. The game looks great but where this game stands out is in the game play, it allows one to play the game the way one wants to and allows one to choose different options to get objectives done and send people into the next dimension or just knock them out, although this game is most rewarding when you stick to being stealthy.The game also has quite a bit of humor and will keep you grinning at certain points in the game("Did you hear about the new Prince of Persia..."). The downside of the game is quite simply the music which was nothing special and the story while being epic had a very un-epic ending. Overall a really good quality lengthy game.8.8/10.… Expand
  41. RsinX
    May 12, 2011
    8
    SC Chaos Theory is Great in almost every way! The Graphics/effects are good enough for me, and performance is perfect on a E6600 + 9600GT. I really can't think of any big problems with this one, just that sometimes the Enemy AI can get a little glitchy and the enemies taunts(talking) can get sort of annoying and kinda' foolish... also an enemy's head's turning-angle can turn around tooSC Chaos Theory is Great in almost every way! The Graphics/effects are good enough for me, and performance is perfect on a E6600 + 9600GT. I really can't think of any big problems with this one, just that sometimes the Enemy AI can get a little glitchy and the enemies taunts(talking) can get sort of annoying and kinda' foolish... also an enemy's head's turning-angle can turn around too much, sort of like an owls head, LOL... Despite the imperfections, this is my favorite of all of the SC games so far!! I just wish UBI would have designed SC-Conviction more like Chaos Theory, especially the controls and overall gameplay.… Expand
  42. DGDrocks7
    Feb 17, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. When this game first came out, I was in 6th grade. And almost all of my friends had Splinter Cell. They kept pressuring me to play them, yet for some reason I didn’t want to. Almost 10 years later, I decided to play them in order and now I’ve finished this game. As I type this, I’m beating myself up for being late to the party. If I see my 6th grade friends again, the first thing I’ll tell them, “I wish I played this when you told me to.”

    This is most definitely better that the first and second SC. For one thing, it’s less frustrating. No longer will the level fail if you raise the alarm 3 times (though the enemy will still wear vests and helmets). And you can melee enemies from the front easier (in the previous two, you had to creep behind). Now a lot of people will compare this to Metal Gear Solid. So how does Chaos Theory compare to the MGS game at that time (i.e. MGS3 Snake Eater)? Chaos Theory is better. And this is coming from a hardcore MGS fan. Controls are better, especially when the bullets start flying. If you want to play this game gun-blazing, you can do that (in MGS you would have to wait for the 4th game to do that). Plus, there are hidden objectives to complete and more than one ways to complete a level. While there is no reward for doing the hidden objectives, the gameplay is so fun that it’s worth a 2nd playthrough just to do them.

    As for the story, well, this is where Snake Eater blows Chaos Theory out of the water. That’s not to say the story is bad (quite the contrary). But it’s your typical Tom Clancy plot. Will you see the twist coming from a mile away? Yes. Will you still act surprised? YES. Minor spoiler though: this is set in the same year as Ghost Recon 2 so if you played that first, then you know that war has to break out on the Korean Peninsula.

    And the graphics: are phenomenal. Yes, it shows its age now, but while this game is from 2005, it looks like it’s from 2009-2010. It’s on a modified Unreal Engine 2, but it can pass for an early UE3 game. In fact, I compared this to Rainbow 6 Vegas (an UE3 game), and Chaos Theory looks just as good, if not better than, R6 Vegas (and probably 75% of UE3 games).

    As for the multiplayer, you can’t play it anymore, but there is a way to – that’s your job, however     … Expand
  43. Delta_Assault
    Sep 22, 2011
    10
    What can I say, I've got a hardon for this particular brand of realistic gameplay. Also why I find Counter-Strike such a disappointing and disgusting phenomenon. Ah well, back to Sam Fisher. Splinter Cell was one of the greats, and Chaos Theory, the third one in the series, just takes everything from Splinter Cell and makes it better. Better weapon mechanics, better graphics, betterWhat can I say, I've got a hardon for this particular brand of realistic gameplay. Also why I find Counter-Strike such a disappointing and disgusting phenomenon. Ah well, back to Sam Fisher. Splinter Cell was one of the greats, and Chaos Theory, the third one in the series, just takes everything from Splinter Cell and makes it better. Better weapon mechanics, better graphics, better lighting, better enemy AI, better level design, and holy **** they added a knife for Sam! Truly, the most important addition to any series, ever. Slicing someone's throat open from the side with it is one of the most satisfying moves in gaming. Chaos Theory is also superior in its addition of a fantastic co-op mode online. Instead of sneaking around by yourself, you could actually sneak around and perform stealth knockouts with a teammate. While limited to four levels, it was not a thoughtless addition and provided some genuinely exciting and tense action. While not anywhere near as cinematic or annoyingly labored with its storytelling as the Metal Gear Series, Splinter Cell is the superior stealth genre series in my humble opinion. PS: don't get SC Double Agent, it's a buggy mess on the PC.… Expand
  44. wowtgp
    Mar 12, 2012
    10
    an absolutely fantastic game.levels are well designed.i have played this game thrice and havent got bored of it.this game is best of the series.if you like stealth game then try this and thief series.both are epic.
  45. Budget_Security
    Jul 5, 2014
    5
    Played in 2014, so I may be a bit harsh:
    Solid but average (for me). It looks like DeusEx:HumanRevolution imitated much of this game. Gameplay is solid and tactical, but I found it a bit too linear and scripted. The controls also feel a bit clunky, especially if you have to start shooting. I had a few minor issues with light detection. Calling this game average may be a bit harsh (I can    Played in 2014, so I may be a bit harsh:
    Solid but average (for me). It looks like DeusEx:HumanRevolution imitated much of this game. Gameplay is solid and tactical, but I found it a bit too linear and scripted. The controls also feel a bit clunky, especially if you have to start shooting. I had a few minor issues with light detection. Calling this game average may be a bit harsh (I can see why most people loved it), but that's how I feel. Most graphics are average, but some details were really good, like a floor cleaner really making the part he cleans with his mop more reflective as he goes! Maybe worth getting in a steam sale. Fortunately no Uplay account required.
    Essential PC tip: go to pcgamingwiki for easy instructions on how to increase the FOV, which is too low.    … Expand
  46. BoozerReviews
    Jun 23, 2012
    10
    absolutley wonderful

    a+ for graphical settings

    still pretty +shadows work at the bat, no tweaking needed

    fun fun fun fun funfun best best best splinter cell
  47. Nataraja
    Apr 8, 2013
    9
    The original Splinter Cell is a good game. Ubisoft has managed to turn it into a great game in this second installment. I played only the single player and enjoyed every moment. The mechanics are great, the story and voice acting are quite good this time and the humor is awesome. The graphics, especially when pushed to their limit are incredible for the 2005 release. The one issue isThe original Splinter Cell is a good game. Ubisoft has managed to turn it into a great game in this second installment. I played only the single player and enjoyed every moment. The mechanics are great, the story and voice acting are quite good this time and the humor is awesome. The graphics, especially when pushed to their limit are incredible for the 2005 release. The one issue is the near clairvoyant ability of the AI. I would do and change NOTHING and slip past a guard and they would look at the door I just closed and say "somethings wrong here...." and go on alert. Other than that this is a very solid game 8 years after its original release.… Expand
  48. Basem101
    Aug 20, 2013
    6
    i decided to give splinter cell another shot with this one but still i can't seem to love it at all am not saying that the game is bad but somehow i didn't like it
  49. Pranay6
    Sep 1, 2013
    9
    Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory Is the best game in the series after Original Splinter Cell
    because of its story.Chaos theory has everything a Splinter Cell Fan like me would want like more interrogation with NPC & option between lethal & Non-Lethal attack.Graphics & Sound are amazing.
    Note:This review is only about single player Campaign
  50. AWG
    Jul 7, 2013
    9
    Wow. I played Chaos Theory 8 years ago and I still almost can feel the thrills this game gave me. Greatest Splinter Cell game? Maybe, even likely, but I haven't played any from the latter trilogy.
  51. Styke
    Jul 20, 2016
    10
    Without a doubt the greatest Splinter Cell title and perhaps one of the greatest PC games of all time. Launched on the classic Xbox, the amount of quality and polish is remarkable even to this day. If it wasn't for a low resolution textures (A requirement to run on the 64mb 200hz ram Xbox) this game would be on par with modern 2016 titles. Shadows, lighting and absolute use of minimalismWithout a doubt the greatest Splinter Cell title and perhaps one of the greatest PC games of all time. Launched on the classic Xbox, the amount of quality and polish is remarkable even to this day. If it wasn't for a low resolution textures (A requirement to run on the 64mb 200hz ram Xbox) this game would be on par with modern 2016 titles. Shadows, lighting and absolute use of minimalism make such a simple platform come alive in vibrant locations - the bath house level has been talked about for over a decade now.

    Chaos Theory is cited often as an example of what raised the bar and set expectations so high that everything after it with "multiple ways to complete each mission" came as a disappointment - things like Hitman games, even Crysis, reference it as the source of "non linear" gameplay when it comes to stealth or action.

    The multiplayer aspect thrived for half a decade alone, none of the sequels even came close to matching it. Eventually, Ubisoft stopped trying to copy the multiplayer and just left the servers running (until Gamespy's closure) as to not compete with the fanbase that still played Chaos Theory online. Asymetrical first-person-vs-third-person hasn't been the same since and I honestly expect kickstarters to start popping up in a few years to bring back the thrill of spies vs mercs in the same way Tribes is making a resurgence.

    Everything else that can be said of this game has already been said over the last ten years or so, but I'll explain why the reviews aren't perfect, when the game came out it was very jarring to see a stealth game offer "loud" loudouts for each mission. Splinter Cell up to Chaos Theory had been a one-alarm-and-it's-over-fisher affair, giving Sam (and the player) the ability to start a mission with a dozen HAND GRENADES did not fit the theme at all, but was part of Ubisoft's push to take on Halo in the mindless action game department. Ubisoft would go on to make poor decisions like this for the next two decades, see also: The Division, Any Assassin's Creed after 2 (there's a new one every three months), Any Rainbow Six after Raven's Shield, The Division, etc.

    The other thing reviews cited in 2005 to take points off a perfect score was simply the fact the opening cutscenes where dumbed down and "futurized" for ease of access to action gamers. Again an attempt at catering to the then-massive Halo crowd (Halo 2 was the biggest game of all time during these years, everyone wanted a piece of that pie.) which made the intriguing world of Tom Clancy look more like some sort of NCIS/Matrix spoof.

    Once you start the actual game, it's golden, but the scars of the publisher attempting to guide development towards non-stealth gamers linger as a warning of things to come.    … Expand
  52. jeffcloudy
    Mar 3, 2014
    10
    Splinter Chaos Theory, has been mentioned as the best of it's series. If you do not believe this claim, then you better believe it! I played this game on March 2nd, of 2014; and by the gods it was still able to give me (a modern day gamer) a fun ride.

    My final thoughts, Splinter Cell Chaos Theory is way better than the first Splinter Cell. The first game had an extremely weaker version    Splinter Chaos Theory, has been mentioned as the best of it's series. If you do not believe this claim, then you better believe it! I played this game on March 2nd, of 2014; and by the gods it was still able to give me (a modern day gamer) a fun ride.

    My final thoughts, Splinter Cell Chaos Theory is way better than the first Splinter Cell. The first game had an extremely weaker version of Sam. Sneaking and taking down enemies was an experience which i didn't enjoy. So if you've played the first game, and hated it, play this game. Its much better! But, please note, you still have to be patient. One of the missions actually took me 1 Hour and 20 minutes to complete! Lol, im a noob, but I was playing it on Hard.... :l    … Expand
  53. AstiX
    Jan 27, 2018
    8
    Review for Single-player only.

    Cool, slick and smooth. A great stealth game. Graphics look very pretty, ok story with great voice acting. I loved the the dialogues between Sam and Lambert and laughed at Sam's witty remarks. The voice on the AI, however, is unbelievably horrible and ridiculous. Even though it's an improvement on its predecessors in many ways, for a stealth game some    Review for Single-player only.

    Cool, slick and smooth. A great stealth game. Graphics look very pretty, ok story with great voice acting. I loved the the dialogues between Sam and Lambert and laughed at Sam's witty remarks. The voice on the AI, however, is unbelievably horrible and ridiculous.

    Even though it's an improvement on its predecessors in many ways, for a stealth game some missions present no clear way of getting through unnoticed, except by sheer luck which is not really Splinter Cell's style.    … Expand
  54. Tomle1202
    Dec 16, 2021
    9
    Chaos Theory is a thrilling experience that every stealth enthusiast should try out at least once.
  55. ArcticChod
    Jun 23, 2014
    10
    Best game in the whole franchise. Woe to those who bought anything after Double Agent. Its stealth mechanics are great, the lighting isn't glitchy (cough cough Pandora Tomorrow), and it's overall freakin' sweet. I've logged over 40 hours just playing and replaying this game on all difficulties. Holy sweet jesus this game is good.
  56. Aeolian
    Apr 19, 2020
    10
    I finished this game too many times, like most old games, and even though i know everything there is to know in the game and can finish it on expert going through it like knife through butter, i still enjoy the feeling it gave me 12 years ago, which is more than i can say for today's games. I still recommend this game for those who missed the crème de la crème. This is a game withI finished this game too many times, like most old games, and even though i know everything there is to know in the game and can finish it on expert going through it like knife through butter, i still enjoy the feeling it gave me 12 years ago, which is more than i can say for today's games. I still recommend this game for those who missed the crème de la crème. This is a game with memorable characters, interesting plot, excellent soundtrack, really funny dialogs, the mother of all Splinter Cell's. Go full "Darkness" and start making fun of the AI.… Expand
  57. CloudOJD
    Dec 25, 2014
    10
    A masterpiece of a game that stands as the peak of the series. Wonderfully atmospheric, beautifully immersive and powered by an engine that not only stands the test of time, but surpasses it in many ways.

    Insanely deep and rich in every aspect, this, next to Thief 2, is the greatest stealth game I have ever played.
  58. Darillone
    Jun 4, 2015
    10
    Best Splinter Cell ever made. Great Graphics and Art Direction, awesome gameplay, soundtrack by Amon Tobin (sounds great). Ubisoft, WHY DON'T YOU MAKE ANY GAMES LIKE THIS ONE? :(
  59. dsr478
    Jul 11, 2015
    9
    One of the best stealth games of all time (Also one of my personal treasures), chaos theory does it all. It has a pretty good and realistic plot, great voice acting, the odd bits of humour here and great gameplay. The game is long, and highly replayable due to multiple pathways and the fact that there are so many ways to dispose of or sneak by your enemies. There is also a rating system,One of the best stealth games of all time (Also one of my personal treasures), chaos theory does it all. It has a pretty good and realistic plot, great voice acting, the odd bits of humour here and great gameplay. The game is long, and highly replayable due to multiple pathways and the fact that there are so many ways to dispose of or sneak by your enemies. There is also a rating system, and getting the highest score can be a challenge on most missions. Sam also has a crap ton of moves and gadgets to use that really improve the gameplay from pandora tomorrow. The coop mode is also a nice bonus so you can play with your buddy. Unfortunately, nobody plays multiplayer anymore so its practically useless playing it now. The only real problem with the game is that the audio and ai can glitch out at times and do weird things. I also don't like how the game offers you all these new ways to kill enemies, but penalizes you for killing them. This is a stupid element that stealth games NEED to remove. But that doesn't change the fact that this is an incredible game.… Expand
  60. Gehenn666
    Oct 28, 2015
    10
    Probably the best game in the series. i can't really find any flaw on this masterpiece of a stealth game.
    First off the level design is great, the gameplay is without a doubt the best one on the franchise and that soundtrack....oh that soundtrack.
    This is a must have for any stealth enthusiast.
  61. Mats2468
    Aug 10, 2019
    10
    This game still to this date remains to be one of the best stealth games ever. The third instalment of the series gives you an abselute epic journey with really immersive level design with a badass soundtrack. Everything great from prevoius game when it comes to gameplay is even greater here, and with some new type of graphics this game holds up really great even today. It's surely theThis game still to this date remains to be one of the best stealth games ever. The third instalment of the series gives you an abselute epic journey with really immersive level design with a badass soundtrack. Everything great from prevoius game when it comes to gameplay is even greater here, and with some new type of graphics this game holds up really great even today. It's surely the best in the series, I give it a 9/10 but into the series overall 10/10.… Expand
  62. Adagidr
    Nov 30, 2016
    8
    In fact, this game is a combination of all the good that is in the previous parts of this series. The only thing I don't understand the plot. Maybe I'm stupid, but the main effect I did not understand. I guess to understand the story, you need to play the last part, which I didn't. Consider it a minus, so this rating
  63. Villa16
    Jan 22, 2017
    9
    Incredible game, good graphics for a 2005´s game , Action, good cinematics.... all perfect for me. The best PC game of the 2005 for sure. I hope that the 2006´s best pc game Obivlion could improve it :D
  64. Kotofon
    Jun 6, 2020
    8
    События шутера от первого лица начинаются с того, что мы знакомимся с известным персонажем серии Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory — Сэмом Фишером. Он агент специального назначения, выполняющий все свои убийства и дела в жанре стелс. Помимо того, что события игры развивают сторонний от сил Америки конфликт, главный герой обязан спасти программиста, работающего с неким Филипом Массе,События шутера от первого лица начинаются с того, что мы знакомимся с известным персонажем серии Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory — Сэмом Фишером. Он агент специального назначения, выполняющий все свои убийства и дела в жанре стелс. Помимо того, что события игры развивают сторонний от сил Америки конфликт, главный герой обязан спасти программиста, работающего с неким Филипом Массе, ранее разработавшим специальные компьютерные алгоритмы для ведения информационной войны. На фоне этих событий КНР и КНДР создают почву для начала информационной войны с Японией. Нарушив девятую статью конституции Японии, страна восходящего солнца дает надежды Третьему Эшелону на то, что войны не будет, но цель Фишера — выкрасть с Перу программиста Брюса Моргенхольта.… Expand
  65. GamesAreBad
    Mar 29, 2019
    9
    hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
  66. Cz3rw0ny
    Dec 16, 2020
    9
    The best installment of the Splinter Cell franchise till this day. It had the essence of the story, gameplay and graphics that this series really needed. It was very modern at the time of release and even today it looks alright. Big recommendation!
  67. Havik_destroyer
    May 8, 2022
    10
    The best game from ubisoft and one of the best STEALTH-Action games ever!!!
  68. Bloodnes
    Oct 1, 2020
    8
    Добротный стелс экшн, странно почему заглохла серия, делали вполне годные игры. 8/10 если не играли в эти серию игр, попробуйте.
  69. AliZarei
    Mar 23, 2020
    10
    The best game ever! It has everything you need. A most play game. Don’t hesitate
  70. angel4agredano
    Apr 3, 2020
    10
    This is a must to play, it's perfect just like the other games of this amazing saga. I love it.
  71. CoBALT23
    Jun 21, 2020
    10
    Masterpiece. Probably one of the best stealth games
  72. DobreBobre
    Nov 20, 2021
    0
    Adapting this game for pc is **** up. I don't care about snowflake excuses, this is not possible to play
  73. kev45m
    Jul 22, 2020
    9
    Le meilleur Splinter Cell de la franchise à ce jour !
    Le mode coop local est un vrai + qui permet de prolonger la durée de vie du jeu.
    Les graphismes sont magnifiques pour l'époque et le gameplay est d'une précision incroyable pour l'époque aussi (un peu rigide aujourd'hui).
  74. storygamer
    Aug 31, 2020
    9
    Tom Clancy`s Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is the third installment of the action stealth series and by far the best! You get wonderful graphics, perfectly balanced gameplay and a cool and thrilling plot. The multiplayer rocks too! If you ever dreamed of being a spy, this game is full satisfaction!
  75. SeyeerGame
    Jan 7, 2021
    10
    I remember playing this game with my brother as a child. It was fun

    Я помню, как в детстве играл в эту игру со своим братом. Это было весело
  76. JuanJorgeperez
    Aug 26, 2020
    10
    Soy fanatico de la saga splinter cell esta joya merece continuar :3 si sale mas de este juego lo comprare es muy bueno juego : )
  77. Gorbunov2004
    Mar 25, 2021
    6
    Игра не рыба ни мясо прикольные спец-агентские гаджеты но стрельба просто ужасна сюжет средний!
  78. nazarkin123
    Mar 12, 2021
    7
    My first and maybe the best stealth-action games. Not that cool story but the gameplay was really interesting.
  79. JohnoDeruno
    Jul 18, 2021
    8
    Attention: this is just my opinion!

    Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory - ''The best stealth action game?'' What made me very interested in this game is the new variety in the game. So when it comes to history, it is not the most interesting as always the political, terrorist wars which we have stopped in order to avoid a world war. The design itself is really quite interesting    Attention: this is just my opinion!

    Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory - ''The best stealth action game?''

    What made me very interested in this game is the new variety in the game. So when it comes to history, it is not the most interesting as always the political, terrorist wars which we have stopped in order to avoid a world war. The design itself is really quite interesting and fun. There was a lot more variety in the game like weapon mechanics, camera change, more techniques. The level design as interesting as it is not, the beginning is so fascinating and surprising, but in the end everything changes and leaves the atmosphere much more boring. The soundtrack itself has changed significantly and the better quality as well as the cutscenes. The logic of the game left much more interesting and the dialogues themselves much more realistic and lively, with a much higher AI, though sometimes annoying. Well speaking of the downsides, the game in my opinion has an uninteresting atmosphere and the level design on several levels is so uninteresting. In general, the end was the worst level mission, because there was such a problem with technology. Be careful that this does not happen to you!

    So in my opinion the game has a lot of change and variety and more action, but the point is no longer such a fun level of design and atmosphere, and the game has some challenges. I would dedicate myself to this game 8/10.    … Expand
  80. ImmenseData
    Oct 13, 2021
    10
    One of the best games ever made, period. The sheer mix of deep-yet-accessible gameplay, drop-dead gorgeous visuals (which are still strong 16 years on), the SOUND (both sound design and the amazing soundtrack by Amon Tobin), remarkably strong writing (especially for in-level dialogue) and the genius with which all these are put together make this title a supremely immersive experience.One of the best games ever made, period. The sheer mix of deep-yet-accessible gameplay, drop-dead gorgeous visuals (which are still strong 16 years on), the SOUND (both sound design and the amazing soundtrack by Amon Tobin), remarkably strong writing (especially for in-level dialogue) and the genius with which all these are put together make this title a supremely immersive experience. It's the one stealth game that can measure up to Metal Gear Solid, as different as they are. Don't look up anything else and play it for yourself. There is NOTHING like it.… Expand
  81. Solembum2
    Dec 11, 2021
    9
    "— Let me ask: три поднятия тревоги и миссия окончена?
    — Что? Конечно, нет, это не видеоигра, Фишер!"

    10 четвёртых стен из 10.

    Минус 1 бал за грёбаные непроходимые купальни. Сколько нервов там осталось...
  82. Kudlak-Sin
    Mar 30, 2022
    10
    Still the best game in the series. Classical hardcore stealth. This is Splinter Cell! Revolutionized the stealth genre as well as one of the best stealth games up there with the likes of Thief.

    Timeless masterpiece!
  83. levoxyl
    Apr 30, 2023
    8
    Amazing game, great graphics, perfect action story, interesting way of playing, really makes you feel like some spy.
  84. Jollyolfun
    Nov 18, 2022
    9
    this is certainly an older game but probably directly behind mgs5 for its stealth
  85. hyrts
    Jun 4, 2022
    10
    I'm just saving this game here for future purposes. If I only rate but not review it's not saved to my profile. Anyways a total gem.
  86. The_D4RknesS
    Nov 14, 2022
    9
    Between us this game is practically from the beginning of the 21st century and it already had beautiful and perfect graphics, until today when I enter the game I am enjoying the graphics that come to have more life than the Own Splinter Cell blacklist
  87. Gazownik
    Jun 8, 2022
    10
    My very first game from the Splinter Cell series.
    I remember the train mission till today...
  88. DiegoVildez
    Jan 31, 2023
    10
    this game is something else, I enjoyed so much , thanks for everything guys
  89. DorlGaming
    Jun 28, 2023
    10
    Absolute masterpiece game in all existing aspects. Still playing great. 10/10

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best PC Game of 2005
17
#17 Most Discussed PC Game of 2005
14
#14 Most Shared PC Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Game Informer
    98
    Writing in video games is a subject that doesn't get a lot of attention, but Chaos Theory features a simply great script. Not only is it complex and deep, it's also surprisingly funny. [Apr 2005, p.112]
  2. IGN
    96
    When combined with the excellent animations, the game feels incredibly cinematic, and on a high-end graphics card the game is stunning. Each level is a grand set piece in which players stylishly accomplish their goals.
    Read full review
  3. Worth Playing
    96
    A serious improvement in any way you care to name, from gameplay to its newly, eerily realistic graphics.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »