Summary

Splinter Cell: Blacklist revitalizes the franchise with its innovative approach to stealth-action gameplay, allowing players to embody their preferred playstyle. It’s a compelling blend of strategy, action, and narrative depth that rewards creativity and skill.

Release Year: 2013
Genres: Adventure, Shooter, Tactical
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, Wii U, Xbox 360
Developers: Ubisoft Toronto
Publishers: Ubisoft Entertainment

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the high-stakes world of espionage with Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist. This installment challenges players to think creatively, offering multiple pathways to achieve objectives whether through undetected movements, brute force, or strategic eliminations.

Synopsis

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist, developed by Ubisoft Toronto and published by Ubisoft, is a 2013 stealth action-adventure video game. It is the seventh installment of the Splinter Cell series and the sequel to Splinter Cell: Conviction.

The game’s protagonist is Sam Fisher, a highly trained operative working for the Fourth Echelon. The narrative unfolds as Sam Fisher is appointed to stop a dangerous terrorist group known as the Engineers. The Engineers have initiated a terror ultimatum called the Blacklist, a deadly countdown of escalating attacks on U.S. interests. Their goal is to coerce the United States into recalling all of its troops stationed abroad.

The game takes place two years after Conviction, as Third Echelon is discharged by President Patricia Caldwell. She decides to form Fourth Echelon after a terrorist attack, labelled Blacklist Zero. Sam Fisher is appointed as the leader to stop future attacks.

The gameplay emphasizes stealth and utilizes the third-person perspective. Players can rotate the camera, run, crouch, and leap over obstacles. The game endeavors to combine elements of its predecessors, including the action focus of Conviction and the stealth focus of the older games.

Blacklist marks the return of the asymmetrical multiplayer mode Spies vs. Mercs, which was introduced in Pandora Tomorrow. This mode allows players to experience the game from different perspectives and strategies, adding another layer of complexity and excitement to the gameplay.

Throughout the game, Sam Fisher and his team follow a trail of intelligence and confrontations across the globe. They encounter a group of smugglers linked to the Engineers and discover intelligence connecting them to the Russian intelligence organization Voron. However, they narrowly escape during a drone attack.

The game received generally positive reviews from critics when it was released, with praise for its level design, story, gameplay, combat, soundtrack, and multiplayer mode. However, criticism was directed at its graphics, lack of challenge, and ending. Further criticism was also directed from some fans toward the choice to cast Eric Johnson as Fisher instead of Michael Ironside.

Despite the criticisms, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist stands as a testament to the evolution of the Splinter Cell series. It successfully combines the best elements of its predecessors while introducing new gameplay mechanics and a compelling narrative that keeps players engaged from start to finish. Whether you’re a fan of stealth games or action-adventure games, Blacklist offers a unique gaming experience that is both challenging and rewarding.

Characters

The game features Sam Fisher as the protagonist, leading a newly formed group called ‘Fourth Echelon’. Alongside Fisher, players will interact with a supporting cast including Anna ‘Grim’ Grimsdottír, Isaac Briggs, and Charlie Cole, each offering unique skills and perspectives.

Gameplay

Blacklist’s gameplay allows for varied approaches to missions. Players can choose stealth to avoid enemies entirely, assault for a direct confrontation, or panther for a mix of stealth and aggression. The game also features cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes, enhancing its replay value.

Conclusion

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist stands as a testament to the evolution of stealth-action games. With its innovative gameplay, rich narrative, and robust multiplayer options, it remains a pinnacle achievement within the genre.