Splinter Cell Chaos Theory Update

Some recently released details and a fresh helping of screens.

Ubisoft recently announced that Splinter Cell Chaos Theory both co-operative multiplayer (as shown at E3 2004) and also the successful adversarial style of gameplay debuted in Pandora Tomorrow. Ubisoft's Montreal studio is developing both the single-player and cooperative multiplayer portions of the game, while the firm's Annecy studio, developers of the versus mode of Pandora Tomorrow, is creating the versus multiplayer campaign.

Players will have to work with a partner to gather intel, using stealth and smarts, according to UbiSoft. Florence Alibert said, "Gamers will be able to enjoy both styles as they work together to prevent a global conflict of epic proportions, or fight against each other in the addictive adversarial mode."

Co-operative Multiplayer

The new co-operative maps require players to work together to accomplish crucial intelligence-gathering objectives that are directly related to the plot of the single-player game. Pairs of operatives must develop trust and be willing to depend on one another as they use a host of new gadgets and team-based maneuvers to infiltrate enemy strongholds and help Sam Fisher defuse escalating conflicts around the world. In tandem, the operatives will help each other complete tasks such as scaling walls too high to climb alone, reaching pipes too high for one person and keeping watch while hacking enemy computers.

Created to support online, System Link or split-screen game sessions, the specifically-designed, unique maps emphasize stealth gameplay based on shadow detection and AI stimulus, and will force players to attain a new level of strategic coordination using a headset and microphone, or talking each other through the tension from opposite ends of the sofa. A special co-op knife challenge mode offers additional ways for players to collaborate and further enhances replayability.

Versus Multiplayer

Players will work as teams and will compete against each other by embodying either stealthy, third-person Shadow Net Spies with specific stealth objectives, or heavily armed, first-person Argus Mercenaries charged with protecting their compounds. In several completely new levels, players will have at their disposal a host of new cooperative maneuvers and interactions, gadgets and weapons, hand-to-hand combat actions, additional ways to taunt adversaries, and two game modes (scenario and disk hunt).

With destructible items, integrated climate affects that directly impact gameplay and totally redesigned visuals designed to improve accessibility and immersion, the adversarial gameplay could make Chaos Theory one of the most diverse and immersive multiplayer games on the market.

Adam Doree
Director, Kikizo.com