Chaos Theory takes the player in a stealth-like game setting, typical of the previous games and within it's genres. But before even starting the game, you get to
select your load outs. While stealth-oriented approach dominates, there's certain times you can easily use brute force to move in and the game gives you those options. These sets of load outs, called "Kits", are one of the new mechanics within the game. A great addition, as you can choose how to approach the missions. Although a bit limited since you're still going to do more stealth, a nice addition and a way to give the player more freedom.
The actual game is played in third-person and you move around and sneak your way though the levels completing whatever objective that comes up along with some bonus, optional ones. As you play, you have several gadgets to use depending on the level and the kit you've chose. In addition, probably the most important mechanic is the visibility bar and the ambient noise bar in which lets you know how much sound is making and how much the environment is (the bars above the "SC Pistol"). Features like this makes this game superb in stealth action. Although the light bar has been present in every game, the noise bar is a new feature and the capability of the background muffling some of the noise Fisher makes is rather particular and makes for interesting game play. Ubisoft definitely were definitely going in the right direction when making these mechanics.
Other mechanics include the AI being more advanced, now with patrolling guards capable of finding previous bodies should they not be properly hidden. In previous games, leaving an area with a enemy in well-lit areas caused alarms to off since the game scanned for it. In Chaos Theory, enemies will patrol the level/area and If they stumble upon them at any point, it will cause an alarms. Surprisingly enough , alarms triggering don't end the mission but make it much more harder.
Another major change within the game is the close quarters combat system, capable of making you choose between lethal and non-lethal approaches as well as adding a combat knife he can use to interrogate even normal guards to get information on the level itself for the player as well as making for some interesting dialogue. All in all, the game takes previous game play mechanics and idea from the past and improve on it exponentially. It is a good example of how to make a sequel to a game.
Modes This game's features include 10 single player missions that range from 30 minutes to hours depending on how you play and skill level. In addition comes multiplayer's campaign, adding 7 more missions with unique mission catered for the use of teamwork to complete. Returning from the previous Pandora Tomorrow is Spies vs Mercenaries in it's Vs. Mode. Here, you can
select to either go head to head in death match with spies or mercenaries (which switches for a FPS viewpoint) or a game mode called "Disk Hunt" in which the objective is to collect the disks around the level and return them to the extraction point.
(However, I should note that unless you're playing on system link in co-op campaign, the likelihood of playing Spies vs Mercenaries is extremely slim)
Pros- This sequel to Pandora Tomorrow and Original Splinter Cell takes all the beloved mechanics and improves it by 100! Want game that makes you feel like an actual super spy where you sneak around, gather intelligence, and/or partake in assassination? Chaos Theory is the game to make you feel like a spy.
- The level designs are not only immersive in it's own way (my favorite being the bank level), but also having multiple ways and methods of completing missions is impressive. I can't count how many times I've sat down to play the game and found new ways around the levels. Mainly by watching other players on youtube or accidental finds.
- The additional features enable for far more flexibility then previous games. As an fan of espionage video games, this one is by far one of the most, if not, most fun of espionage games I've played thus far! The kits and the extra added to close quarters really makes it a very interesting
Cons
- Probably the biggest issue with this game is that it is perhaps the most difficult game of the series thus far. The difficulty would turn off casual game players. Future installments and their developers have even mention fans and potential new fans alike had actually not like the increasing difficulties of the games.
- The likelihood you'll ever play any of the versus mode is slim to just about none. I myself have not been able to enjoy much of the spies vs. mercenaries game play, at all whatsoever. But this is a rather dated game so it's no surprise. Just unfortunate that the capability of enjoying it isn't there.
- The pen-ultimate portion of the game really confused me a lot. This is more of something personal and not the game itself per say since we all have different level of skill but man did I get annoyed of that level where you have to diffuse a bomb. Should you play this game, TRUST ME, you will know this.
- The enemies with infrared are very annoying in this game. They're capable of seeing you and are a challenge but it sometimes seems that they're just automatically able to know your location rather then just being able to find you just because they have the tools to do so.
Should you play it?
Absolutely. Fans of the previous Splinter Cell games, fans of challenging games, and fans of the espionage genre are highly encouraged to play this game. The story is superb, the game play is an genuine improvement, the multiplayer co-op is fun with a friend, and the game mode "Spy vs Mercenaries", should you be capable of playing it, seems enjoyable and has been popular within the community and fans previously capable of playing it. Those who're not fans of espionage or challenging games can give this one a pass.