User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 492 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 15 out of 492
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  1. DrewL.
    May 31, 2003
    10
    This game brings out the best in every aspect of what a solo-shooter game should be. Graphics are amazing, and stealth tactics are awesome.
  2. BoMD
    May 4, 2003
    10
    TOP OF THE LINE !!!!!!! This game is realy something new and never before seen. The only bad thing about the game i can say is that it abit too hard fore me. THUMBS UP
  3. PliskinI.
    Mar 8, 2003
    10
    Best Game out There Definitely buy it.
  4. IzZo
    May 1, 2003
    10
    One of a Kind!! This game rocks!These stealth games have alwayz been my fav, especially MGS series. Man, this game has 2 b ubisoft's best piece of work yet! unfortunately like other games 2day it's a very demanding game, requiring a Geforece 2 operate, had 2 upgrade my geforce 2 to 4 jus for this n MGS 2 but seriously these games r worth it!the lighting n audio r incredible, n i One of a Kind!! This game rocks!These stealth games have alwayz been my fav, especially MGS series. Man, this game has 2 b ubisoft's best piece of work yet! unfortunately like other games 2day it's a very demanding game, requiring a Geforece 2 operate, had 2 upgrade my geforce 2 to 4 jus for this n MGS 2 but seriously these games r worth it!the lighting n audio r incredible, n i like da idea of da scroll mouse for adjustin runnnin speed, very creative me thinks, well done Ubisoft, i take my hat off 2 u for this great game! Expand
  5. TimB.
    Apr 5, 2004
    10
    Oh man. I don't know where to start. This game lets you choose whether to kick ass and take names, or just hide in the shadows and sneak past everyone. If there were no ending, I'd still be playing it. Nonstop. I wouldn't even sleep.
  6. DjE
    Dec 22, 2004
    10
    This game is the best with all the best sound graphics and levels puls how much deatial is put in to the guns this is a sweet game i would recommend this to anyone.
  7. Sneak
    Sep 4, 2008
    10
    I really, really, pity the people who think that this has been done before/is stupid/is too linear. It takes a while, but there is always an alternate route, with a few exceptions. Also, AI is amazing, mch better than in Metal Gear Solid (where pointing your gun at them caused them to crap out ammunition and supplies. Also, even though I have only played the Xbox version, the computer I really, really, pity the people who think that this has been done before/is stupid/is too linear. It takes a while, but there is always an alternate route, with a few exceptions. Also, AI is amazing, mch better than in Metal Gear Solid (where pointing your gun at them caused them to crap out ammunition and supplies. Also, even though I have only played the Xbox version, the computer version can't really be that much different. Expand
  8. Stuie
    Feb 19, 2003
    10
    Totally a wicked game, very well done, excellent gameplay, excellant sound and graphics..... all around a top notch game and totally woth the money.
  9. AdamR.
    Mar 27, 2003
    10
    Very good. I have only played the demo, but it is very good. But what is with the AI? I was using this guy as a human shield and the AI shot at me anyway. And when the shield died, the computer blamed it on me. What's up with that!? But, back to the demo I go. Another note: Graphics are bad on a GeForce2 GTS
  10. JosephPalka
    Jul 13, 2009
    10
    This was a pretty good game on the Playstation 2 when I first experienced it. The stealth element in the game made the game itself come to life. Despite the weapons, there were also a variety of objects in the game as well. Another good thing about this game are the graphics. The graphics are polished in every single environment along with the effects of the sky, explosions, fire, andThis was a pretty good game on the Playstation 2 when I first experienced it. The stealth element in the game made the game itself come to life. Despite the weapons, there were also a variety of objects in the game as well. Another good thing about this game are the graphics. The graphics are polished in every single environment along with the effects of the sky, explosions, fire, and decals. The interrogations and conversations from the NPC's are also entertaining. In the Kalinatek building, you see two guards through a transparent wall talking about how wall mines are dangerous. You have two choices: Wait for one of the guards to walk into the room and be knocked out by you or just open the door in the middle of their conversation, take out your SC20K, zoom in and shoot the mine to turn them into barbecue steaks!

    Overall: I have played all the Splinter Cell games in the franchise so far and even though this game is old, it is well worth anyone's time.
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  11. Aug 17, 2011
    10
    supremo! Sam fisher rocks! Kick the people finding flaws in this game.it is much better than hitman where if u wear enemy cloths then no one recognises you.oh come on it is impossible to unrecognise top most honour killer agent 47 in any getup specialy because they have those barcodes on the back side of head.
    Splinter cell rocks man!
  12. Sep 1, 2013
    10
    The original Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell is the best game in the series because of its
    1) Game play in which we can do the same thing again and again in different ways.
    2)Graphics which is good for game of 2003.
    3)Sets which are awesome like the CIA HQ & Kalinatek
  13. Aug 26, 2020
    10
    Este juego vale mucho la pena tengo toda la coleccion del splinter cell este juego debe continuar gracias tom clancys me gusta mucho este juego ; )
  14. ChristopherW.
    Mar 6, 2003
    9
    A superb game, way better than the console versions.
  15. Jun 23, 2012
    9
    after playing chaos theory this game looks abit stale but for it's time it's great you can pretty much tweak anything in the ini solid game showing its age
  16. Feb 12, 2013
    9
    story- it revolves around 'sam fisher' a spy agent that you play as. you work for a type of government security agency. gameplay- the controls can get a bit problematic, sometimes feels blocky. but it introduce a new way to play with tactical gameplay. you use a variety of tactical equipment to get the jobs done. video- solid for its date of release. its about the standard during thatstory- it revolves around 'sam fisher' a spy agent that you play as. you work for a type of government security agency. gameplay- the controls can get a bit problematic, sometimes feels blocky. but it introduce a new way to play with tactical gameplay. you use a variety of tactical equipment to get the jobs done. video- solid for its date of release. its about the standard during that time.

    audio- music is solid, and effects are well done. overall- the original sometimes is always the best and this one beats the recent release imo. conviction didn't really introduce much new and felt all over the place.
    Expand
  17. May 23, 2016
    9
    This game is really classic. I am playing it right now and have a lot of fun. The atmosphere is great, even by reading the manual you want to get into the world of Splinter Cell. Although the game is serious the humour of Sam Fisher is perfect and fits to the world: No too cool oneliner like in many unrealistic movies. The presentation of the story is 1s class. the story itself... too muchThis game is really classic. I am playing it right now and have a lot of fun. The atmosphere is great, even by reading the manual you want to get into the world of Splinter Cell. Although the game is serious the humour of Sam Fisher is perfect and fits to the world: No too cool oneliner like in many unrealistic movies. The presentation of the story is 1s class. the story itself... too much US propaganda.
    The graphics was great as it was released and even today your eyes won´t complain to look this game today. Dont forget to download the PS 3 textures.
    The controlling is good, often I am complaining about it, but not in this game.

    Every game has weaknesses, in this game: The KI is unrealistic, they should see and hear more. Often they not behave logically. So the game is too easy, even on hard setting. In addition the music is spoiling a lot. There is a certain music, that is played, when the enemies are alerted. Not very realistic.
    The missions are very linear, the question is only how you want to get over the enemies.
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  18. Jan 27, 2018
    9
    Одна из первых игр в жанре стелс на PC. Простой и жесткий сюжет про оперативника, современную войну и террористов, без фантастики. Качественные уровни, хорошая графика и харизма Сэма Фишера.
  19. Jun 22, 2014
    9
    I can say this is a well developed stealth/action game. This is when Ubisoft actually put some heart and soul into this franchise. It's an outstanding game with a simple, but quite unique gameplay element - hiding in the dark.
    Even though it was made in 2002, the game manages to run OK on Windows 7 64-bit. The controls are something you need to learn, but in the end they make the game
    I can say this is a well developed stealth/action game. This is when Ubisoft actually put some heart and soul into this franchise. It's an outstanding game with a simple, but quite unique gameplay element - hiding in the dark.
    Even though it was made in 2002, the game manages to run OK on Windows 7 64-bit. The controls are something you need to learn, but in the end they make the game quite enjoyable. The shooting mechanics are a bit under-powering, but I guess that's to make you feel like you should be sneaking instead. I loved all of the interesting features such as lock-picking, shooting surveillance cams, rappelling down buildings, grabbing officers to bypass a retinal scanner, using zip-lines and scaling all sorts of obstacles as well as getting into tight places.
    The story is really well written, it gives a very honest feeling of actually working for national security - to prevent any threat to the nation. It's amazing how it teaches you about how information warfare works (thanks to Tom Clancy, may this man rest in peace). The cutscenes are very good as well. The characters seem alright and well detailed and the dialogue is superb. Michael Ironside does a great job voicing the main character, Sam Fisher, making him sound cold and brave, alongside a pinch of sense of humor. Also, Irving Lambert's voice actor Don Jordan
    The level design, while at first a bit confusing, is not bad. I like how it gives more than just one option to pass an area: shall I sneak behind a guard and knock him out or climb up a pipe to get up on the roof and then strike him from above? Speaking of guards, I am a little bit disappointed with the AI. It seems at certain points their field of view is superhuman and they can sometimes hear me when I'm sneaking as slowly as possible.
    This may seem like a burden for your temper, but thankfully the environment in the game is very nicely done. Many places are quite detailed and there's quite some variation as well. There are some areas in the game that make it sound like breaking into them would be insane, but in the end you can actually pass through them. The graphics, for 2002, are quite stunning. Though most of the time the player is accustomed to using night-vision, but while the goggles are off, some very fine details can be seen like the clouds, the faces of the NPCs and the guns.
    To top it all off, the sound quality is amazing. It feels like not one bit of quality was sacrificed when it comes to hearing gunfire, explosions, dialogue and the ambiance. I have to say I love the music too, especially when guards get a bit alerted and there's a sudden piano chord followed by a tense, ninja-esque soundtrack. But when things start to get messy, there's a perfect action theme for the upcoming combat. Overall, the last mission's soundtrack has got to be the best though.
    In the end, this game was a great starter for an interesting franchise. I believe this is when Ubisoft was a respectful game developer, unlike now, unfortunately.
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  20. Nov 1, 2017
    9
    This game has aged extremely well. After some minor tweaking it legitimately looks and feels like a modern game. The most striking thing about it is the amazing lighting and crisp shadows which is pretty advanced for its time. Going back to it after so many years I didn't expect much but even today it stands as a surprisingly well-crafted title.
  21. Dec 20, 2021
    9
    These games (SC, Pandora, Chaos and Double Agent) were the ultimate definition of stealth. Games like Metal Gear in comparison is just a joke.
    The mechanics in these games is fantastic. Stealth is the core of the gameplay.
    Gunfights are not something you want to get into. Aiming is hard if you do, and hit ratio is terrible. But again, it is not the element of the game. This is the
    These games (SC, Pandora, Chaos and Double Agent) were the ultimate definition of stealth. Games like Metal Gear in comparison is just a joke.
    The mechanics in these games is fantastic. Stealth is the core of the gameplay.
    Gunfights are not something you want to get into. Aiming is hard if you do, and hit ratio is terrible.
    But again, it is not the element of the game.
    This is the first game that truly utilise darkness and shadows as you best companion. These games are pitch black experiences and it is pleasing when Sam Fischer is engulfed in darkness because that is just what you see. The 3-light goggles is your only source of orientation. It so good it is ridiculous.
    And Michael Ironside as the voice of our hero in the shadows is just perfect.
    Splinter Cell stands as a fine franchise from the past. It was a blast playing them again on emulator.
    These should have been remade and refurbished completely. Level design is quite dated with short level loads and other technical feats but the experience is still chilling.
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  22. Dec 16, 2020
    9
    Original concept, very good story, great gameplay and graphics for the time.
  23. Sep 15, 2020
    9
    When Tom Clancy´s fresh franchise Splinter Cell was released in 2003, i was totally hyped. With this game you get the full agent stealth action and a real competitor to the Metal Gear Solid series. Everything from graphics to gameplay were stunning. And this game can still hold up today. Get it for thrilling hours of high suspense!
  24. Sep 1, 2022
    9
    Like I said, I don't like stealth games much. But I like this game. It is truly legendary for its time. Very realistic and difficult. The graphics are very good for the year. Music the same. There are many methods we can use for stealth. And it's fun to use. The AI ​​is fine for its time. Those who like silencer sound already love this game.
  25. Jul 11, 2022
    9
    Yıllar geçmiş olmasına rağmen kalitesinden ödün vermemiş nadir yapımlardan bir tanesi. Özellikle gizlilik oyunları arasında sunduğu kalite nedeniyle günümüzde bile oynanabilir bir oyun.
  26. Apr 12, 2023
    9
    nagyon jó játék a történet kelőkép izgalmas a pályák nagyon megterveztek a-hoz képest hogy nem mai játék nagyon jó
  27. Jul 13, 2021
    9
    Attention: this is just my opinion!

    Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell - ''The best stealth detailed game?'' The game surprised me the most with the details and the story. Now talking about the history of the game, the game has an impressive description of the story, very easy to understand what is going on. The game details directly incredible everything seems to make perfect and detail the
    Attention: this is just my opinion!

    Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell - ''The best stealth detailed game?''

    The game surprised me the most with the details and the story. Now talking about the history of the game, the game has an impressive description of the story, very easy to understand what is going on. The game details directly incredible everything seems to make perfect and detail the atmosphere itself interesting and great. I have nothing to say about the design of the level at all, it is also very impressive, detailed, and everything is put together wisely. The design of the game is great and comfortable. The sound of the characters is 50/50, semi-poor quality, but not the worst. But can annoy you with how characters speak through walkie-talkies. The Cutscenes game was fun really great, but didn't have good quality, but you understand the reason yourself. Now, to talk about a few mistakes, the fact that in some places doesn’t explain to you exactly what to do and has to think. Stealth it is convenient, but sometimes a bug. There is a moment that sees through the wall, it is very annoying, but of course I understand that the old game and has a problem with AI and other things.

    So in my opinion, the game made very great with a lot of effort and love. There are only a few bugs that sometimes interfere with playing the game and of course sometimes don’t explain exactly what to do. I would dedicate myself to this game 9/10.
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  28. Nov 15, 2022
    9
    I play the demo back in 2004 in ps2 but now that i'm adult I was lucky to remember this game even for today standards it's really good! I like it more than SC 2 and chaos theory. Gem!
  29. Apr 27, 2023
    9
    amazing the fact that this game is from 2003 and has the graphics and physics so good until today. the difference between the PS2 and the PC is not only in the graphics but also in small details.

    Only option I didn't like was the accuracy of the Guns which is bad
  30. Oct 15, 2022
    9
    Отличный шпионский боевик.
    Помню, как в далеком 2005 году был в восторге от этой игры. Графика была отличная для своего времени (да и сейчас смотрится неплохо). Особенно доставляла "кошачья" пластика движений Сэма. Сюжет раскручивается постепенно и держит в напряжении до конца. Я прошел все 6 частей Splinter Cell, но первую всегда вспоминаю с ностальгией.
    Отличный шпионский боевик.
    Помню, как в далеком 2005 году был в восторге от этой игры. Графика была отличная для своего времени (да и сейчас смотрится неплохо). Особенно доставляла "кошачья" пластика движений Сэма. Сюжет раскручивается постепенно и держит в напряжении до конца. Я прошел все 6 частей Splinter Cell, но первую всегда вспоминаю с ностальгией.
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. It’s all rendered beautifully, possessing a realistic quality that will likely be unmatched for quite some time. Animation is incredibly fluid and the attention to detail is impeccable.
  2. The graphics in Splinter Cell are unsurpassed. The lighting effects are incredible, the character models look great, and the animations are realistic.
  3. PC Gamer
    91
    It's not all stealth. Ubi Soft's Montreal studio did a terrific job sprinkling the missions with spasms of frenetic action and tech-savvy stunts. [Mar 2003, p.84]