It only takes a few minutes with Splinter Cell: Conviction to realize that Sam Fisher is a new man. He’s done knocking out enemies, hiding their bodies, and working solely in the shadows. What we get in this departure from Ubisoft’s previous efforts is a far more cut-throat, revenge-driven experience than what the franchise has been known for in the past. For the most part, it comes as a welcome change, as Conviction offers a tightly-scripted, intense campaign, and multiplayer features that combine to make it an unforgettable experience.
What caused such a noticeable change in Sam? Well, one could say he’s a family man before he’s a trained killer. As such, the murder of his daughter was more than enough to cut him loose on a no-holds-barred quest to find her murderer. After receiving some tips from old co-workers, the journey is underway. But it shouldn’t come as a surprise that there are many twists along the way. Betrayals, renewed loyalties, and the slow revelation of a politically-motivated terrorist plot all take their turn in the spotlight, as Sam gets ever-closer to discovering who is responsible for what happened to his daughter and why his life has come off the rails. The quest stays fresh thanks to unique level designs, a decent variety of mission objectives, and graphics that get the job done. The visuals are nothing too high-end, but in a way, some of the rough edges lend credibility to the game’s gritty, raw nature. Whether we’re in the white house or a carnival fair ground near the Washington Monument, each is vividly distinct, even if they’re not as polished as the graphics of other recent releases.
Like Sam’s motives and the measures he’s willing to take, the controls have evolved into something that hardly resembles earlier installments. The focus of Conviction is on the new cover system, which allows Sam to take cover and move between objects without being discovered. These are intuitive actions accomplished by simple commands, and they do a good job of helping to retain some of the stealth factors we know and love. Another major element is the mark-and-execute system. Sam has the ability to take down multiple targets without a fight, but only after completing a hand-to-hand kill. Once this is done, Sam marks two to four enemies (depending on the weapon), and eliminates them in a slow-motion, dramatized fashion. This option provides a great change of pace and allows for various approaches to clearing rooms and moving forward. The developer’s use of lighting becomes a gameplay element in and of itself. When Sam is hidden from enemies, the screen goes black and white and we can move freely without fear of discovery. Though it can hinder visibility at times, this lighting technique provides vivid contrast and a nice sense of freedom when slinking around.
The story at the heart of Conviction’s campaign is moderately compelling, striking as it does the chords of family ties and Sam Fisher’s softer side; however, it’s the method of the storytelling that really deserves high praise. Ubisoft manages to convey backstory, motivations, and clues in an entirely new way. While there are the obligatory cut scenes, lengthy dialogues, and plot developments that are sometimes difficult to track, additional bits of story unfold as reels of film, projected onto the scenery. When a memory is triggered, a movie might start playing on a brick wall or on the roof of a nearby building. New objectives are also displayed in this manner, etched on objects as we pass by. The fact that all of this is accomplished in-game, while we continue to play, makes learning about Sam’s past a seamless and welcome addition.
Despite a solidly constructed solo campaign (though quite brief), it’s in the multiplayer modes that Conviction rises to its full potential. The “Last Stand,” “Hunter,” and “Face-Off” modes offer challenging scenarios in which two players coordinate and attack a set number of enemies (and in Face-Off, each other as well). But the multiplayer campaign is especially well done. It serves as a prologue to the solo campaign’s story, providing more detail on the characters and events that lead to Sam’s last-ditch effort at discovering the truth about his daughter. When playing Conviction with a partner, there are occasional moments that are true videogame magic. Each player has the ability to revive the other, and the wounded player can still shoot from his vulnerable position on the floor. In addition, enemies can grab a player and use him as a shield, though an accurate shot from a partner (even a wounded partner), is a satisfactory solution. Combine these elements and let your imagination run wild to get an idea of the thrilling, intense, replay-worthy moments that will be created when playing through the prologue.
Splinter Cell: Conviction likely has the highest amount of profanity of any recent release. When sneaking around, expect enemies to ceaselessly shout expletives and derogatory remarks. The cursing is even more exaggerated and pointed during firefights. While many mature gamers may have become accustomed to a lot of foul language, Conviction also crosses new territory in its approach to violence. Most of the missions are designed so that Sam arrives at his “target” at the end. This is usually a character who needs to be interrogated. To be blunt, this involves torturing them until they talk, though Sam’s brand of torture mostly consists of bashing them into nearby objects. The fact that these “interrogations” are at the end of levels has the effect of glorifying the violent, revengeful nature of each situation. Indeed, Sam’s journey here is soaked in blood and riddled with cursing. He is a character drawn to appear equally deadly hand-to-hand or at gunpoint. The game is full of situations that demonstrate this point, and they are all verbally and physically graphic.
Ubisoft has allowed Sam Fisher and company to lead the way with this installment. Conviction has the look and feel of a new chapter in the franchise, and it’s refreshing to see the developer not try and keep things within the confines we’ve come to expect. Yes, this adventure is far grittier and less graceful, but it manages to preserve just the right amount of stealth, opening itself to a wider audience but not alienating the long-time followers. The theme of family works very well, and though the extreme language and violence will push many away, it’s easy to sympathize with Sam and understand his motivation. Conviction may be a stark departure, but don’t assume that you know where Sam Fisher will show up next or what he’ll be doing. He has a way of catching people off guard, and that’s something that’s not likely to change with the times.
» By Devin Wieland, Plain Games. Published 6/3/2010 11:03:03 PM.
