Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell

 PlayStation 2
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 142 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 99 out of 142
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 142
  3. Negative: 16 out of 142
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  1. Airbonicsam
    Jun 10, 2004
    6
    The overall game is not too bad. But and its a Very big But, there are a few bugs that take this game one shelf lower than MGS2. i.e. the Guard A.I can be Ridiculous. They can walk straight up to you and not see you. They will Spot you and fire at you for a while but if you hide for a bit he will "eventually forget" that he was about to be killed and continue on his patrol. I personaly The overall game is not too bad. But and its a Very big But, there are a few bugs that take this game one shelf lower than MGS2. i.e. the Guard A.I can be Ridiculous. They can walk straight up to you and not see you. They will Spot you and fire at you for a while but if you hide for a bit he will "eventually forget" that he was about to be killed and continue on his patrol. I personaly feel that this factor brings the game down alot. However the game does have its up moments. The story Fluid and the Backgrounds are whole and polished. Overall this is a game that people will play but will not remember...not as much as a certain other stealth Jewel.… Expand
  2. sufflaminandus
    May 24, 2019
    5
    + Plot. Endorsement by Tom Clancy indeed means something because the story about neutralization of crazy georgian president threats , though having some extremely cliche moments (like russian bandits or scary nuclear weapons), is solid, consistent and entertaining. The mood of agile espionage, of shadow counter-terrorism is perceivable and this experience is amazing. So is the protagonist+ Plot. Endorsement by Tom Clancy indeed means something because the story about neutralization of crazy georgian president threats , though having some extremely cliche moments (like russian bandits or scary nuclear weapons), is solid, consistent and entertaining. The mood of agile espionage, of shadow counter-terrorism is perceivable and this experience is amazing. So is the protagonist Sam Fisher - typical taciturn cynic but, damn, why taciturn cynics are always so good? His voicing is another gem.
    + Breakthrough graphics at the time. Perfect lights, shadows, animations (shattering glass), animated suspended objects (like chains or curtains). Extensive sound supplement - effect, movements, surfaces. Shooting physics. General quality of textures and detalization of environment.
    + Detailed stealth mechanic (quantity). Classics: light-sound meters, kill/stun, body movement, light extinguishing, cameras, alarms, mines, stunning projectiles, gas projectiles. Multiple degrees of movement speed. Night vision. Heat vision. Person capture and drag. Interrogation. Retinal scanners. Sticky cameras, diversion (gas) cameras. Laser floors. Mine fields. Light projectors. Guards with flashlights. Dogs (!). As you see there a great many elements in Splinter Cell and most of them are actually useful/regularly encounterable.

    +- Interface and controls. Left stick is very responsive (positively) to movement. Interface is modest but it is OK. Shooting, item switching and information screen are inconvenient. Sometimes it ruins stun combo attempts. Tutorial does not cover item use.
    +- Stealth mechanics (quality). On the one hand it seems elaborate: guards hear movements well, investigate both point and possible source of disturbance (not only the point), understand that if two light bulb were shattered near them in a quick succession, it is time to sound alarm (and not say things like “Eh? What was it?”), wake up their unconscious buddies, turn on the lights, suddenly turn around on suspicious sounds. On the other hand: they have a super eagle vision - one glance at even poorly lit up Sam and he is revealed, alarm, location is known to all the world, the fact that Sam’s passing through that bare light had a duration of one second is not excuse; they have some sort of interconnected intelligence - once one guard reveals your location, all other guards in the vicinity immediately knows your precise location too; they have super reflexes and accuracy - once Sam is revealed, it will take less than a second for guards to shoot you straight into face (and now combine it with previous sentence); when Sam is revealed, they suddenly acquire perfect night vision - so if you are revealed by sound you are dead, even if you are located in perfectly dark room (and now combine it with two previous sentences). Therefore at times Splinter Cell feels very realistic but most of the time (for me) it felt like a save-load bore where everything needs to be done exactly like game engine allows, as opposed to natural perception.
    +- Data sticks. Aka audio logs, notes, codex entries, etc, etc. Do I need it really?

    - Total linearity. Whole big levels but always one corridor. The game also kindly creates false hope of diversity by putting many doors but interactable always only one: you may be assured it will progress the story. Therefore nothing to explore. Also Splinter Cell very often put you into situations with one predetermined solution. For me, as a Thief player, this seems outrageous. What if I want to be a ghost and don’t even knockout guards? It is impossible because some story doors are code locked and codes sometimes can be found only on guards’ satchels (that can be acquired only from fallen bodies). Other example of predeterminism - some corridors are explicitly not passable via common path (turret placed right on the doorway, etc.). Thief player will think: “Hmm, there must be multiple ways to bypass that”; Splinter Cell player should think: “Hmm, there must be this *exact one* way to bypass that”. And there is always (always) only that one pipe/stairs/hole/switch that will solve your problem. At times I felt like I am playing a puzzle game.
    - The game forces you to play in one predetermined way. This fault is basically derivative from previous one so I will only add few more sentences. I assumed Splinter Cell is a stealth game so I decided to play it stealthy - no killing, no alarms, minimum knockouts. Imagine this - it has multiple stages where you are forced into shootout! Damn, even action-role playing Deus Ex allows to complete the game without killing a single person but here… it is insulting. And ‘no-knockout’ challenge - just forget it, not only code locked doors but many other situations are not bypassable without knockouts.

    Verdict: total linearity and being forced into predetermined playstyle outweigh all advantages of the game. Guard mechanic does not help too.

    5/10    … Expand
  3. ChrisB.
    Apr 17, 2003
    10
    Excellent game. It follows in the stealthy, quiet, sneaking footsteps of such great games as Thief: The Dark Project and System Shock 2. I gave it a 10 to make up for the idiot who gave it a 0 who obviously doesnt know anything about games.
  4. BradleyF.
    May 3, 2003
    10
    The only bad thing about this game is the camera and even after a while you get used to it.
  5. MG
    May 7, 2003
    7
    This game is too easy! How many guys can you sneek up on and put in a headlock? It gets real boring. I wish there was more freedom throughout the levels. Every level has a specific path drawn out for you. I'd like to see alternate shortcuts, passage ways. I want to be able to repell off all the buildings. I think I repelled like four times the hole game. Splinter Cell is a cool game,This game is too easy! How many guys can you sneek up on and put in a headlock? It gets real boring. I wish there was more freedom throughout the levels. Every level has a specific path drawn out for you. I'd like to see alternate shortcuts, passage ways. I want to be able to repell off all the buildings. I think I repelled like four times the hole game. Splinter Cell is a cool game, but it gets real old, real quick.… Expand
  6. GarrethO.
    Aug 20, 2003
    3
    This Game is average at best, The main character is stolen from a certain Solid snake, the graphics are shoddy even with the lighting effects, the game controlls like a dead bear and there's no storyline or sense of tension. The Enemy AI is very simplistic even though you have the lighting sensor thing (That by the way was on spiderman so it's not that ground breaking) If you This Game is average at best, The main character is stolen from a certain Solid snake, the graphics are shoddy even with the lighting effects, the game controlls like a dead bear and there's no storyline or sense of tension. The Enemy AI is very simplistic even though you have the lighting sensor thing (That by the way was on spiderman so it's not that ground breaking) If you come near a guard he'll see you and you get a slight change in the music. The guy will run at you with a gun...so what? As for the great array of moves at fisher's command, the splits jump is just about usefull in 2 part of the game and apart from that he can jump like an old man and punch people in the neck (even when they're sat down and he's stood up, it looks bizzare). When Fisher dies he just flops on the ground like a puppet with his strings cut, not that you care because the guy has no real character or depth to him. You have to press about 9 buttons to shoot too, you can't run and shoot at the same time because the game is geared soley towards stealth rather than fighting when we all know that you need both to make a really memorable game. There's no balance, if you get spotted, you're screwed there's no way to run off because he runs like a penguin after an enema. Oh and the guns suck. Apart from that the gadgets are a nice touch I guess.… Expand
  7. IanA.
    May 11, 2004
    10
    it seems to me like everybody who gave this game a bad rating did to kiss snakes butt however I love almost everything about it the only thing I have had problems with are that some of the levels have restrictions on wether or not you can kill poeple and some dont give much ammo so it cuts into the kombat experience however I figure that since there are levels with plenty of ammo and that it seems to me like everybody who gave this game a bad rating did to kiss snakes butt however I love almost everything about it the only thing I have had problems with are that some of the levels have restrictions on wether or not you can kill poeple and some dont give much ammo so it cuts into the kombat experience however I figure that since there are levels with plenty of ammo and that the restrictions make it abit more challenging (which I like) that it is more than made up for … Expand
  8. SamS.
    Jul 22, 2004
    9
    Amazing visuals, but the best thing about this game is the controls and gameplay. While The Sequel Pandora Tommorow is better in every way, that does not mean that this game stinks. Enemy AI is horrible though, but this still should be called "Doesn't matter what it's called get to a store and buy this game now! Steal it if you have to but get it you fool!"
  9. AlexC.
    Apr 2, 2003
    10
    Good.
  10. Xelitexdesecrator
    May 1, 2003
    10
    This is by far the best first person shooter game I've ever seen. The control, graphics, story, everything is great. It's a breath of fresh air in a fog of horrible money-maker games.
  11. DanielD.
    May 13, 2003
    10
    What a mint game is so good.
  12. BanditG.
    May 16, 2003
    10
    Beyond Perfect.
  13. JoshL.
    May 21, 2003
    1
    This game sucks. there needs to be more blood and guts.
  14. DanG.
    May 6, 2003
    9
    Very cool stealth action game. I reccomend it to anyone who likes realistic action.
  15. Pavil
    May 7, 2003
    9
    Incredible attention to detail and "easy to use" controls make this game a keeper.
  16. BrandonS.
    Jun 4, 2003
    10
    This is my favorite game besides Enter The Matrix.
  17. JackM.
    Jul 25, 2003
    9
    This game is great, some of the missions r hard though, even on the easy diffuculty, i aint completed it yet, cause im stuck and its a hard mission, the graphics r pretty phat as well, i like this game probably one of my best ones.
  18. Jeff
    Aug 7, 2003
    8
    Compared to most everything out there, this is a great game. But don't believe ALL the hype. While the lighting effects and some other graphics are truly mind-blowing, the collision detection is not flawless, and Mr. Fisher floats above stairs and other inclines. Figuring out how to sneak into various locations is fun... but replay value? Nope.
  19. RafaelS.
    Feb 2, 2004
    10
    One of the Best Games in PS2.
  20. NickT.
    Jan 8, 2008
    10
    Can we say, "amazing game?" this game changed stealth games forever!! probably not for people who only like action. it takes some patience. it's a great game!!
  21. BillG.
    Apr 12, 2003
    0
    This game is rubbish for 1 its to hard 3 shots and your dead and even the so-called lighting effects are fake its crap.
  22. GilesP.
    Apr 14, 2003
    8
    This is a very good game, the only real problem is the no. of bullets.
  23. JuanR.
    Apr 22, 2003
    10
    I think this is one of the best stealth games made for this or any console. Right up there with MGS:2. Bill G. is a moron and doesn't know a good game when its right in his face.
  24. JordanC.
    Apr 24, 2003
    10
    The best Game ever made!
  25. GazzerM.
    Apr 27, 2003
    9
    Not bad, other than the first 45 mins are just running around via training missions, but still better than mgs2. If i was you i would buy this if i hadn't already got it, or rent it at least. Definitely worth a look
  26. Ads
    May 12, 2003
    0
    10 thumbs down THIS SUX u cant reload without waistin shots.
  27. JohnP.
    May 6, 2003
    10
    AWESOME!!!
  28. EvanK.
    May 8, 2003
    10
    This game rocks!! I haven't beaten it, and I am not really far, but it is so awesome!! The moves and tactics you can pull off are great, not to those of MGS2. Also, Sam is awesome!! MGS2 would also be better, everyone, if Snake was in the whole game. Raiden is so gay!! He is such a friggin wuss. That really hurst the game. SPLINTER CELL ROCKS!!
  29. BrianM.
    Jul 3, 2003
    9
    Having spent a major part of my youth and adulthood crawling through bushes and climbing walls in strange places, I can say that the ethos behind this game is about as totally accurate as you are going to get. Kind of stripped down on the equipment and support, but the heart is there. Kind of like the zen of stealth...except for the splits on the wall thingamabob...can't/won't do that.
  30. RandyV.
    Aug 1, 2003
    9
    Excellent gameplay very intense, great layout of the levels, superb controls. Very believable story, loved that, great ending too. The shadows and the lighting were also very well done, but the rest of the visuals are somewhat lacking although still far superior to original PSX games. Great game! Definitely a must buy!!!
  31. KeithM.
    Oct 26, 2004
    5
    Ubisoft was smart to make a game in reflection of the ever popular metal gear, however cool the idea of being a stealth commando and using high tech gear its no good if you can't have full mobility! user friendly controls are the regards, flat out the game is bad ass, but more work needs to be put into the make of it or it will lose its cool points very fast.
  32. BryanM.
    Oct 23, 2007
    2
    This game is so bad! it is so dang slow, but maybe that because I am now used to the later games for ps2. and that pick lock thing was just lame. the only reason I got this game was because it was free because I bought two other games. that is the only reason it got a two insted of 1. it would have goting a 1 just becasue it is kind of like metal gear solid. if you want a good splinter This game is so bad! it is so dang slow, but maybe that because I am now used to the later games for ps2. and that pick lock thing was just lame. the only reason I got this game was because it was free because I bought two other games. that is the only reason it got a two insted of 1. it would have goting a 1 just becasue it is kind of like metal gear solid. if you want a good splinter cell game on the ps2 get Tom clancy's splinter cell Pandora it is much better and also is faster.… Expand
  33. CraigS.
    Apr 15, 2003
    10
    I rented the game over the weekend and I couldn't believe how comparable this game was to the Xbox and PC versions. My friend has the Xbox version so I know what I'm talking about. The controls are like 29 billion times better than the Xbox. The graphics may have taken a hit, but remember that this game was exculsive to the Xbox and was in development for the Xbox for a longer I rented the game over the weekend and I couldn't believe how comparable this game was to the Xbox and PC versions. My friend has the Xbox version so I know what I'm talking about. The controls are like 29 billion times better than the Xbox. The graphics may have taken a hit, but remember that this game was exculsive to the Xbox and was in development for the Xbox for a longer time period than the GC or PS2 version... A great filler until Syphon Filter and MGS3 come along.… Expand
  34. JaredH.
    Apr 26, 2003
    9
    Most amazing game ever, but except for the controls, the X-BOX versions beats it in every way. The PS2 version has many things missing from the background and lack of details. Obviously the lighting effects and whatnot aren't as good as the X-BOX either. But, PS2 does have that extra level...
  35. JohnL
    Apr 26, 2003
    10
    Great game. A bit dificult but who wants a pos game that you can beat in 10 minutes. *slaps Bill G. Obviously a microsuck fan who pissed on this game bacause he doesn't like playstation.
  36. TonyB.
    Apr 27, 2003
    10
    This is one of the best games out on the PS2! The graphics and the gameplay are out standing! Once you master the contols, You truly become the splinter cell !
  37. JonathanL.
    Aug 18, 2003
    10
    This is arugably one of the best games ubi soft has made. Splinter Cell makes you feel like you are in the game. The graphics are very high tech compared to other stealth games.
  38. Mr_solidusS.
    Mar 24, 2004
    3
    Everything that gareth said. Metal Gear Solid Forever!
  39. ChristopherC.
    Oct 18, 2005
    7
    Excellent graphics however the game play shall we say is not up to standards expected. The missions are hard to follow, but I still can't wait until the next one. Please hurry Ubisoft.
  40. Stealthgear
    Jul 16, 2013
    7
    This is a stealth game with some decent missions. Most of the fun is hiding in the shadows. It doesn't quite match the excitement of James Bond or detail of Metal Gear Solid. Splinter Cell is a slower paced 3rd person game. If you do get in a pinch, you seem to end up dead instead of having any fighting chance. Saves obviously help a lot and there is a lot of replaying the same level.This is a stealth game with some decent missions. Most of the fun is hiding in the shadows. It doesn't quite match the excitement of James Bond or detail of Metal Gear Solid. Splinter Cell is a slower paced 3rd person game. If you do get in a pinch, you seem to end up dead instead of having any fighting chance. Saves obviously help a lot and there is a lot of replaying the same level. Careless mistakes will burn you or make you fall into forbidden zones that game over. The controls are easy and more fluid than Metal Gear. The gun play is not really here though, and is more clumsy with a not-so-great crosshair. The first training mission bogs the game's pacing a little bit. Mostly these are just small criticisms. They did an awesome job for a 2003 title. It looks like it could be on PS3. I find myself wanting to play this casually and progress a couple of levels every once in awhile. I'm not super attached to this game.There are so many options on the PS2 for this style. It did help define the genre and become is on phenomenon, but that doesn't free it from criticism or competition. With a slower paced game there needs to be more in-game cutscenes (close ups) and atmosphere. You mostly get voiceovers. With the media powerhouse that is the PS2, it just became a necessity to do extra character animations and I didn't see many. Since the gameplay is more about navigation and cleverness, and not arcade style, they could have made it more comical or add some more flavor (which MGS does best). Great graphics, controls, jungle gym levels and nice progressing game. Would I recommend a buy in 2013? I'd probably say YES. This was a popular game, on multi-platforms, and adheres to a common 3rd-person style that has been adopted in so many other games, so maybe not the most essential game to collect. It would have been more fun with crazier weapons, vehicles, and over the top baddies. The realism is null these days. Its just a game. You probably won't feel bad if you don't play Splinter Cell, but hey, its not bad at all if you manage to find a copy! Kinda fun, but not mind blowing or difficult.… Expand
  41. Watermelon789
    Jul 15, 2011
    9
    Metal Gear Solid has now a solid rival, hat's off for Splinter Cell. The stealth gameplay is more creative and fluid than Metal Gear Solid. And a realistic story makes better approach for gamers that don't like fantasy games ( story) . If you don't like fantasy story , but a great stealth game with realistic story , go for this, other than that, if you like stealth , this is a most one..
  42. drlowdon
    Jun 9, 2013
    7
    Originally released as a timed exclusive on the original Xbox Splinter Cell was considered a ‘killer app’ and quickly became one of the primary reasons to get the console. In terms of gameplay the most obvious comparison was Metal Gear Solid but, whereas Kojima favoured over the top characters and long drawn out cut scenes, Ubisoft’s ‘stealth em-up’ retained a more realistic style.

    At    Originally released as a timed exclusive on the original Xbox Splinter Cell was considered a ‘killer app’ and quickly became one of the primary reasons to get the console. In terms of gameplay the most obvious comparison was Metal Gear Solid but, whereas Kojima favoured over the top characters and long drawn out cut scenes, Ubisoft’s ‘stealth em-up’ retained a more realistic style.

    At times the game could be genuinely tense as you used all manner of clever gadgets in an attempt to avoid being spotted and for the most part the challenge was set just about right, although things could become frustrating when faced with missions that were failed instantly as soon as you were spotted. A further flaw, that was the case with many games in the genre at the time, was the fact that the enemies would walk pre-set routes over and over again meaning that simply memorising these patterns was often the key to success.

    Of course none of that prevented Splinter Cell from being a top quality title even if it has now been surpassed by more modern efforts.    … Expand
  43. M9ki
    Nov 25, 2013
    7
    This game was ok, but I would not get all hippy and jippy about it its just a decent game. Way to difficult for me so I did not really get to experience it well...
  44. SIPPIO
    Sep 16, 2022
    0
    This game is a 10/10 but since someone is acting childish and calling Xbox Microsuck
    as if Xbox has anything whaqtsoever to do with this game..
    Well in messing with the games score because i can.. All gamers should always own both platforms.. Being loyal to any brand is /cringe if you have no reason. And to hate on Xbox just because you like SOny is only hurtinG yourself. whatevs...    This game is a 10/10 but since someone is acting childish and calling Xbox Microsuck
    as if Xbox has anything whaqtsoever to do with this game..
    Well in messing with the games score because i can..
    All gamers should always own both platforms..
    Being loyal to any brand is /cringe if you have no reason.
    And to hate on Xbox just because you like SOny is only
    hurtinG yourself. whatevs...

    ~Whos replaying this in 2022?? besides me ;)
    (ignore the scores, they mean NOTHING!)    … Expand
  45. Shadow1
    Apr 10, 2016
    7
    This is normal game . Sam Fisher one of the best characters from stealth games . Splinter Cell is a good series and this game too . This game release on april 2003 on PS2 . Splinter Cell series similar to MGS series , but MGS series better than Splinter Cell series . First game in Splinter Cell series has got good graphics for 2002-2003 , amazing storyline and excellent gameplay . 7/10
  46. Leoka
    Aug 19, 2016
    8
    Esto no es un Metal gear (que me encantan) aca hay que ser sigiloso en serio, usar las sombras y disparar solo cuando sea necesario. Gran juego, que para ser de PS2 se ve bastante bien.
  47. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Sep 11, 2023
    8
    This version of Splinter Cell is the best Tom Clancy game on PS2. It is slightly different from the Xbox edition. Levels are much shorter and less detailed. The graphics were also downgraded. But an exclusive mission, an alert system, cutscenes and binoculars were added. Overall, this is still a terrific stealth-action game. I would rate it with an 8.5 out of 10.
  48. FelleBanan_ygsr
    Feb 15, 2018
    5
    One of the most mediocre games ever. I’m usually not frustrated by video games, but this is really not a fun game. Tedious and slow with bad pay-off.
  49. AKthaBeast
    May 18, 2018
    9
    This game is one of the few stealth games that can pull off also being a great game. The camera does take time to get used to but once you get used to it it becomes very easy to manuver
  50. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    9
    The first actual stealth game i ever played, and i sucked at it. I remember having a friend of mine come to my house just to help me with very basic things lol I loved every second of it.

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best PS2 Game of 2003
26
#26 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003
42
#42 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. GameSpy
    92
    Where the PS2 version really shines is in the control department. The controls become almost second nature after only a few minutes of running around.
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  2. GamingTrend
    80
    Good game, Good graphics. Not as good as "Metal Gear Solid 2." Not enough content. Kind of short.
    Read full review
  3. Games Radar
    89
    Superior to the Xbox version in every way... Massively enjoyable yet enormously painful, Splinter Cell is a serious game whose brilliant realism should shake up a few complacent gamers. [PS2 MAX]
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »