Splinter Cell: Conviction

It seems a while since we last saw the gruff, but ever vigilant, Sam Fisher. Splinter Cell: Conviction marks the return of the best-selling series and is again developed by Ubisoft Montreal (who last brought us Splinter Cell: Double Agent). However, this title is most noted for the choice of release on Microsoft only platforms – the Xbox 360 and Windows. Sad news indeed for PS3 owners.

The story follows the untimely demise of Fisher’s daughter that unwittingly leads poor old Sam to discover he’s been double-crossed by his former employee – the Third Echelon. Adding to this, the “Jack Bauer effect” plunges Sam into a web of deceit, corruption and a deadly terrorism plot that could result in the loss of millions of lives.

Now hunted by the agency and the government he swore to protect, Sam must not only stay alive but attempt to unravel the mystery behind his daughter’s death and save the lives of the innocent. In a similar vein to Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed, the game will revolve around the player’s environments – letting you blend into crowds, create diversions and scale buildings to keep out of line of sight. Using objects around you in ways that wouldn’t normally be thought of will be essential to survival.

This is mainly because you are no longer an agent of the Third Echelon, so Sam can’t rely on his multitude of gadgets that we grew to love in the franchise. Instead Splinter Cell: Conviction offers an entirely new sense of gameplay that fans have yet to see. One of the highlights of the game will be mimicking civilians to go by unnoticed – and when combined with the promised multiplayer mode, not knowing who your enemies are in a crowd could prove to be a very adrenaline pumping experience. Conviction has been delayed for some time now, with fans eagerly awaiting the return of Sam Fisher. So far it looks promising, but sadly there is a bit more waiting ahead with the game due out at the end of October. Stay tuned in with NZGamer to keep updated.