I have made an honest effort in playing the game to the best of my ability, unfortunately since I haven't played the other series I cannot bring myself to liking this one. I am in no way bashing this game but what I think of this game is my own opinion. Splinter Cell Essentials is, basically put, a stealth game.
Controls - 60
Maybe I didn't have time to "clean off" the taste from my hands after playing Syphon Filter's controls, but the controls in this game were still confusing. It is just too much to remember what each button on the D-pad was assigned for because there was more than one assignment for each button. If you ever need to go back to some of the controls you need to pause the game and then look at the game manual for some of the answers. The controls are explained during the game, which makes it decent. When you press start during the game you are allowed to change to only two different preset controls. But eventually the large printed tutorials get in the way and there is not option to have them turn off making it a bit annoying. All the while you may or may not be fumbling with the camera movement. The only relief in the control is using a weapon, that's when it becomes easier. Even then the controls to shoot are slow and sometimes unresponsive. You can sit and wait to snipe an enemy but then the precision aiming becomes a bit tedious and alot of work to adjust to.
Graphics - 89
I try not to be nitpicky about about alot of things, but a visual presentation at best would have allowed me to look past the worst controls for the console yet. I think the PSP screen can make prettier images, however, I lack enthusiasm about the game graphics and details. It plays as if there had to be a Splinter Cell game for the PSP. All past games rolled into one isn't a bad idea. I imagine the storyline is playing through the past games of Splinter Cell, which had the same graphics? The weapons lack detail and there are no refined graphics. The gunshots coming from the barrels of the guns were white and looked like they were "drawn-in" like a low budget film of props and with the fake blood. For a mature rating it is very child-like in special effects. The cut scenes were comic stips in transition (just with little touch ups). The screen shots for the game isn't quite up to par with the actual gameplay.
Gameplay - 87
Now that the worst had past. Let me start with a little appraisal for the game. The gameplay, in its own way, is well drawn out. The games direction flows and you can interact with alot of the objects in the environment. I did say earlier the mature rating is very child-like for most people, that may be but the devs are tasteful in how interactive the environment should be(I tried throwing a body into the fire but it didn't work and yes I would be cruel enough to to that to my virtual enemies). It's like reading a well - written book. You know what the author wants to tell you, so you keep reading to find out what happens in between the beginning and the end. I found myself trying to see how far I'd get before I was caught or killed, the reason for me being killed was because I wanted to be killed (the controls really dampened my enjoyment).
Conclusion
Overall if you are a fan of the series you probably know the controls better than any other person being introduced to this game for the first time. I am a first timer and the controls were not very nice to me. I eventually figured out how to play with the camera controls to suit my style of play. Since this is not a run and gun game any average user will find themselves getting use to the controls only in a matter of time.
I've been playing this game and I like it a lot, I'd give it an 82 if I had to rate it today. I would say the graphics are better than socom. The problem is that when you use night vision (which you have to do lot) a lot of the sublte texturing is gone as the world gets brighter. I still like it so far. I haven't played another shooter in a while so my fingers have not been "tainted" by another game. I'll write a full review when I finish the game.
blah I knew it was a stealth game but this was an unbiased opinion. With alot of hype around it I thought I'd give it a try. My review is based on references of the other games for the PSP. I'm not saying this game is the worst. But for people that want to give it a try they might be a bit disappointed. So far everyone disagreeing with me hasn't said they bought the game so please before criticizing my experience, try the game. As with any individual, experience with the game will vary.
whew, now I finally know that that hour and a half sweating in the store trying to decide between this and syphon filter (and eventually getting s.f.) was worth it. lol
Traucer said: "You just cant appreciate good stealth games!"
Hey! If you don't like the Review, go write your own with your own ideas. This is Mikeike's review. He can say whatever he feels needs to be said in his opinion about this game. Back off, you don't need to get mad at him for having an opinion. Everyone is entitled to their own. If you don't like his... too bad go write down your own and share it with the rest of us. I would love to have more reviews for this game, so instead of complaining about one persons opinion go form your own and write a review! Thanks,
-brown
Traucer said: "You just cant appreciate good stealth games!"
Hey! If you don't like the Review, go write your own with your own ideas. This is Mikeike's review. He can say whatever he feels needs to be said in his opinion about this game. Back off, you don't need to get mad at him for having an opinion. Everyone is entitled to their own. If you don't like his... too bad go write down your own and share it with the rest of us. I would love to have more reviews for this game, so instead of complaining about one persons opinion go form your own and write a review! Thanks,
-brown"
Traucer said: "You just cant appreciate good stealth games!"
Hey! If you don't like the Review, go write your own with your own ideas. This is Mikeike's review. He can say whatever he feels needs to be said in his opinion about this game. Back off, you don't need to get mad at him for having an opinion. Everyone is entitled to their own. If you don't like
his... too bad go write down your own and share it with the rest of us. I would love to have more reviews for this game, so instead of complaining about one persons opinion go form your own and write a review! Thanks,
-brown"
Exactly, Entitled to their own opinion and my opinion is that splinter cell ROCKS!
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