Splinter Cell - Conviction

God Damn, Finally!  The Demo for the newest Installment of the Splinter Cell Series has dropped and it's a WHOLE lot of fun.  It looks as though you get to see a much more unhinged version of Sam Fisher this time around.  Along with a new found look into Sam's emotions he also has a few new tricks up his sleeve. 

The "Mark and Drop" feature is pretty damn cool.  I was worried when I first heard about this that it would make the game-play too easy.  If any of you have played Fallout, you know what I mean.  Fallout gives you the option to target specific points on an enemy's body.  While this is a really nice feature, it becomes repetitive as you get to higher levels in the game as head-shots get dealt out with reckless abandon.  Thankfully, Sam has to earn this before using it...each time.  Nicely done Ubisoft.  Becoming adept at this will provide hours upon hours of enjoyment in replying these levels. 

The new controls and cover system seem to work and flow smoothly together.  Now, granted I am making this assumption based solely on playing the demo, but I am very pleased and feel like I'm home again.

What I am most curious of is the Multi-player.  The player versus player stuff.  The other installments had this feature and it was a great deal of fun.  That said, I have heard virtually nothing in regards to this, except for "it has it."  Looking at the menu on the demo we are teased with this option being there.  However, no clips to mention of in the videos.  Hopefully Ubisoft has saw fit to keep things as they were but more polished.  God help us if the "Mark and Drop" system shows up there too.  That would certainly change the dynamic of on-line gaming in the Splinter Cell world. 

For a game I truly didn't believe was ever going to get released, I am fucking SO happy that it looks like it finally will get out of it's cage.  One can only hope that Ubisoft has been delaying its release because they want to polish it up and make sure the final product is clean and pretty.  Probably not the case though, yeah?  It probably has more to do with Ubisoft making the most money they can from it so they do not want to drop it when some other big title is scheduled to get released.  Selfish pricks.  Oh Well, que sera, sera.  It's coming, and I can't fucking wait.  I look forward to pulling Timmies out of windows and snapping their unsuspecting necks from the shadows.

Here's to hoping we don't see yet another delay.

Cheers and have a great fucking day!

Chet Chesterson