My first run with Chaos Theory was...
...a rusty one. After firing up the disc and watching the spectacular intro I jumped right into Versus mode. I hit my first wall when I was forced to pass an entrance exam. Admittedly, this was a good thing, giving me an chance to brush up on my technique before embarrassing myself on Live!-however, the exam certainly doesn't prove that you are ready to compete.
After bumbling around in a few short (the hosts kept quitting) matches, I finally found my way into my partner's game-and we were all set to go Pandora on these kids. At least that's what we thought... in reality, the games were horridly sloppy. We resorted to snapping necks, as all attempts to find our ways around the new levels were futile. And that's when I remembered Splinter Cell takes dedication. All-nighter dedication. And I realized there would be a towering mountain to climb to reach supremacy.
Needless to say, we ran from that mountain, opting to try out the new co-op mode. After struggling through the training map�and the endless series of tip menus that kept popping up repeatedly�we were ready to hit the first level. Again, we resorted to aggressive force, and I was somewhat happy to find that Chaos Theory let�s you play rough if your game isn�t sticking to the shadows. However, I like sticking to the shadows and I almost wish the game forced you into spy-esque situations more often. After plowing through countless hordes of ambiguously European goons we found ourselves with an empty and vast level and no way out (or in to the next area). We quick saved (a nice feature) and called it quits for the night.
My first impression was certainly mixed. Although I have yet to touch the highly praised single player campaign, I was thoroughly unimpressed with the visuals in multiplayer. My partner, having just invested in a HD TV and cables, noted that Chaos Theory was not available in HD resolution. As far as the Live! experience, I found the menu system clumsy and irritating. Let me say this, Bungie worked wonders with Halo 2, and I have no idea why other developers have yet to bite their style. Why isn�t there a party system to attach you with a partner? Anyone who played Pandora knows that succeeding with a stranger is near impossible, as is coordinating with someone to find a place together in an open match.
But what annoys me the most is the fact that Versus & Co-op are completely separated (load screens and sign-ins) and switching between the two is enough of an inconvenience to keep you from playing one or the other. Also, my partner was having trouble with saved settings. Since his headset output is broken he has to send my voice through his speakers and he found that he had to change this at the beginning of every single match/level/quick load. What gives?
I�m not sure if I like Chaos Theory. I�m not sure if I want to take the time to learn the new maps. I�m not sure that I care to play the old ones�which make up nearly half of those available (don�t fall for the �New Edition� bullshit). I don�t think Versus mode has changed enough. I want to pull off co-op moves (you know, human torpedo a merc), I want more gadgets, I want- am I whining? Aargh! I�m frustrated. I�m unsure�
How was it for you?
