Oct 19, 4:03 pm
I know you’re probably expecting a blog from Kitt or Sarin today, but I just have to blurble on about Splinter Cell: Double Agent!
Ever since I got it a couple of days ago I’ve been playing it obsessively. I completed my first run through of the single player mode at 2.30am this morning, and surprise surprise I feel like death in a microwave. But aaaaaah… It was worth every sleep-deprived minute. I know I’ve been talking about Double Agent for many months now, but I really am surprised with how much I love the final version. I guess it’s because I never quite got the hang of Chaos Theory. I’m not a natural at all of this stealth stuff, and I found the whole SCCT experience pretty overwhelming. However, I find SCDA to be far more accessible - but without feeling dumbed down or patronising to fans of the series. In particular, SCDA’s story (and music - must mention the amazing interactive music!) held my attention. All of the levels in single player look and play very different. I loved the tiny touches in the immense Shanghai level, and when Chris Smith said Double Agent wasn’t all creeping around in the dark, he wasn’t kidding. Just check out the third stage of Kinshasa - it may well blow your mind.
I admit, I’ve been a coward and my eight-hour journey to completion was in easy mode. Some of the levels were still pretty tough (I kept getting distracted by the sweat on Sam’s shiny bald head), and I think I’ll need some serious multiplayer practice before I can even think about tackling hard mode.
One of the three endings is still out of my grasp, and I’ll be certainly be replaying a few of the levels to find out what happens if I make different choices.
Splinter Cell Double Agent certainly earns its place in the “Frag Dolls <3” box.
Somebody needs a hug
Of course, I’ve barely even touched upon the multiplayer mode, and I’ve had a lot of fun in co-op.
I like how, for your first few plays, the game points out areas you can squeeze / crawl / jump / break through, without infringing upon the fun. There’s also nothing more intimidating than sitting on an air vent, in the darkness, remotely hacking into a terminal whilst the torch light of a merc skims beneath you.
Of course, mastering the maps is the key to victory, but it still manages to be fun when you’re screaming “Where did this building come from!? Take out the lights! Take out the lights!” Which reminds me, I must pester my frag sisters into creating a Frag Doll squad.
See you at Blackwing!
