• This game was made to be more accessible to newcomers to the series. The difficulty, while challenging in it's own right, is just easy enough for newer people to get into with less frustration then the previous games.

• The fast pace game play and mark and execute make you feel like Sam Fisher is not only competent but extremely skill and can leave you satisfied especially playing on the higher difficulties. This also makes for an interesting game play too compared to the other games.
  

• The game does have one sequence where the game play is changed to be more like COD for story-related reasons. While not perfect, it's a relatively fun sequence of it's own. A nice attempt of doing something rather different with the franchise for those who are fans and follow it closely with an open-mind.
  

•  Multiplayer is one of the game's features and it's quite fun to play and also has it's own story too that ties into the game. Multiplayer is normally a plus feature but it's rather entertaining. And has several features (some in which are DLC) such as customization of the guns, costumes, and various game modes.
  

•  The story is done rather well, characters are done well enough, and is entertaining to follow through. It's one of those games that feels like a movie.

Cons

• Despite the accessibility, the game is inevitably easier then the previous games and for older die-hard fans, it can definitely be a turn off. Features such as hiding bodies among other things are removed. Those who loved the very espionage-felt game and it's mechanics that gave it that feel may miss that very feeling. This game plays a lot more like a Jason Bourne movie.
  

• Game play glitches are present and while it does not necessarily impact the very game itself, segments such as the interrogation can be awkward or outright ruined even due to the glitches (at least in my experience on the Xbox 360) 
  

• This game is still rather difficult by it's own means. Those who are not use to really into challenging game play may not like this game, although it's reputed to be the easiest game within any installments.
  

• The removal of the infamous special vision goggles in which Splinter Cell is known for is replaced by a newer goggles in which I disfavored due to the fact using them required you to be still. While a bit abrupt, this is a minor complaint concerning new gadgetry.

• The removal of the Spy vs Mercenaries was unnecessary for those who played previous installments. It didn't make a return and it's a shame. Removal of any kind of feature from previous games makes any game go down no matter how good in it's own right. The mini games you did with hacking or lock picking is gone. While story-wise it would make sense, this could of been added for the multiplayer storyline (which said maps can play in single player too) or Sam had the resources anyway.
  

Should you play it?

Absolutely. On it's own, single player is entertaining and so is the story. The capabilities of Sam Fisher and the fast pacing of the game play as well as the espionage-mixture and movie-like environment makes it one of my favorite games as well as another favorite to the franchise. Those with open minds are encourage. If you feel Splinter Cell should stay to be very espionage like, stick to the previous games. Die-hard Splinter Cell fans may not mind this game too but those who are particular about the game play of Splinter Cell being changed may be turned off. And it's various game features will keep you busy for a while or bring you back every once in a while.

Those who are looking into expanding into the new series can easily start with this game. While it references previous games, it has it's own standalone story in which do not require immense knowledge of the previous games and may spark and garner interest in exploring the previous games.

tldr.....Diehard fans, open-mined fans, and/or newcomers will most likely enjoy this well-done game. However, those who are die hard fans but are particular about changes being made that change the dynamic of the game into something more unfamiliar or new to the series may not favor the game as much or not at all.