The noisy approach to combat was a big focus of the game’s original reveal at last year’s E3 preview, so it’s understandable that the studio would want to appeal to gamers with a range of preferred gameplay styles. But then, there’s no shortage of generic cover-based military shooters out there, and one of the staples of the Splinter Cell series from the very beginning has been its focus on stealth abilities and smart infiltration, rather than simply wading in with guns blazing. Luckily, the new trailer doesn’t skimp on details about Blacklist’s stealth gameplay.
A member of Sam Fisher’s support team, Charlie Cole (voiced and modeled by David Reale), encourages the player to diversify their approach, but there are hints that the gameplay might still be slanted more towards strategic stealth than a run-and-gun offense. The ‘Ghost’ approach (in which the player strives to never be seen) is described as “the mark of a great operator,” and covert technology available includes a spy-cam that can go into small vents and fire darts to knock out bad guys, along with gas grenades to take out an entire room.
Other designated play styles include ‘Panther’ - a stealth-based but more aggressive and deadly method of approach - and the aptly-named ‘Assault,’ for players who just want to let loose. Players will also be able to mix and match strategies thanks to a wide variety of ever-upgrading gadgets and tech; letting players lean on skills that suit their play-style best.
A number of elements within Splinter Cell: Blacklist could risk upsetting hardcore fans, not the least of which is the recasting of Sam Fisher, but this nonetheless looks like a strong stealth shooter, and in a genre all too sparse these days, is well worth checking out upon release.
Splinter Cell: Blacklist will be available on PC, PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii U from August 20, 2013.
