Splinter Cell
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Rumor: Ironside no longer voicing Splinter Cell's Sam Fisher
There's an enormous void in our brains where Splinter Cell: Conviction should be. It wasn't long ago that the Xbox 360-exclusive spy simulator used to occupy a significant chunk of the quadrant reserved for games being released in 2007 but, after several increasingly vague reports – not to mention the game's total absence at the recent Ubidays event – we're having a hard time remembering it ... this was the one where Sam Fisher goes totally emo, right?Well, he was totally emo last time we saw him but who knows what state the game's gravelly voiced protagonist is in now. If a rumor on Sarcastic Gamer is to be believed, the hero's distinctive voice – heretofore provided by star of stage and screen and Scanners, Michael "Ironside" Ironside – may be replaced for this latest version with who the hell knows. We've put our feelers out but, as long as we've got you all here, let's do some brainstorming. We all realize David Hayter will be missing those Solid Snake checks pretty soon and, assuming this rumor is true for just 7 seconds, Ubisoft may need a leading man('s voice) pretty soon. David, Ubisoft. Ubisoft, David. Imagine it: Sam! SAM! SAAAAMMMMMMM!
Rumor: Conviction loses voice of Sam Fisher
An interesting rumor coming from our chums over at Sarcastic Gamer tells us that, according to their "people", they've been informed that voice actor Michael Ironside (the iconic voice behind Splinter Cell's Sam Fisher) has been axed and will not voice Fisher in the upcoming release Conviction. Sarcastic Gamer's tipster didn't give any reason for Ironside's dismissal, but we have a feeling that, if this turns out to be true, the almighty dollar would be to blame. Let's just hope this rumor ends up being hogwash, because we think we can all agree that Sam Fisher isn't Sam Fisher without Ironside behind the mic. Ubisoft, with fury in our eyes and fists clenched, we're warning you. Don't you screw Conviction up like this.
Ubisoft coy about Splinter Cell Conviction delay rumors
Ubisoft is being very cloak and dagger about the status of Splinter Cell Conviction after its no-show at Ubidays. The publisher tells CVG that the time frame for Conviction is this fiscal year, which would be sometime before April '09; meanwhile, Ubisoft tells Eurogamer that the team is currently "polishing" the title, but wouldn't give a time frame for any further Conviction information.Ubisoft maintains that rumors of Conviction's delay until late 2009, or possibly 2010, are purely speculative. The company wouldn't elaborate, but did say that Splinter Cell is one of its major IPs and it won't release it until its perfect ... and "it's not yet perfect."Source -- Ubisoft "not ready to be more specific" about Splinter CellSource -- Conviction "not yet perfect", says Ubi
Rumor: Splinter Cell Conviction delayed way back into 2009-2010
After a much too long hiatus, the rumor mill is back to its rumor mill ways and brings us word that Ubisoft's Splinter Cell Conviction has been delayed ... into 2009 ... or 2010 ... GASP!According to CVG, the latest issue of Xbox World 360 reports that Ubisoft Montreal has gone "back to the drawing board" in regards to Conviction's development after realizing how outdated its gameplay mechanics really were in comparison to Ubisoft's own Assassin's Creed. But for now, the long, long, long delay is just a rumor. Though, with Ubisoft's refusal to comment on said rumor, we can't help but begin to come to the sad realization that our Conviction must wait a few more years. Depressing ...[Via Joystiq]
Rumor: Splinter Cell Conviction delayed until 2009-10
(Cue The Incredible Hulk "Lonely Man" theme after the break) According to CVG, the latest issue of Xbox World 360 states that Splinter Cell Conviction is going dark until late 2009 or Spring 2010. The magazine speculates Conviction was sent back to the drawing board after games like Ubisoft's own Assassin's Creed made it seem outdated.Ubisoft's response to the story has been to pull a "no comment" and say that the news piece is pure speculation. Videogaming 247 states the last press release about the title (from last Summer) had Conviction hitting retail in late 2007. Some answers on Conviction's fate may be revealed at Ubisoft's UbiDays event in Paris next weekRead -- Splinter Cell Conviction 'back to drawing board'Read -- Ubisoft refuses comment
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, Metal Arms now available on Xbox Originals
We know you're keen to see what super spy Sam Fisher was up to before he started digging Linkin Park CDs into his wrists, so we wholeheartedly suggest you check out what many consider to be his best espionage entry, Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory. And if you absolutely can't find it on Xbox for less than 15 bucks, know that it's now available on the Xbox Originals download service. If you'd rather not choke terrorists or contemplate why nobody can see a man with a Christmas tree on his head, Metal Arms: Glitch in the System should provide your "shoot first, shoot some more and then forget what you were going to ask" fix. Other fixes include (but are not limited to) "robots," "gun-toting robots" and "gun-toting robots shooting gun-toting robots." It's $15 (1,200 MS Points) for this one too.
Splinter Cell and Metal Arms become Xbox Originals
Following hand in hand with Xbox Live coming back online are two new (and previously promised) Xbox Originals titles to the Xbox Live Marketplace. Both the 5.39GB Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory and 1.61GB Metal Arms: Glitch in the System are now available for 1200 Microsoft points each to all Xbox Live regions except folks in Japan. And because it's an icky Monday and we're feeling crabby, we have to mention that that these and all Xbox Originals titles do not feature any achievements OR come with paper manuals. We know how infuriated some fanboys get without their paper manuals.
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, Metal Arms join Xbox Originals lineup
Major Nelson informs that secret agent Sam Fisher and some robots have been discovered covertly trying to sneak onto the Xbox Originals lineup. Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory and Metal Arms: Glitch in the System will be available for 1200 MS points ($15) a piece beginning next Monday (except in Korea and Japan). As usual, it behooves us to mention that unless it's 3AM and you've got the hankering for an Xbox Originals game, it's probably best to take a look around the intertubes (or a favorite gaming pawnshop) for a better deal.
Xbox Originals to add Splinter Cell and Metal Arms
Since we know that 94.8% of all Xbox Live users adore Microsoft's Xbox Originals program (it's a scientifically proven fact), we know there's a good chance that you'll be uber excited to hear that two new titles will be added to the catalog next week. On Monday, April 21st, both Ubisoft's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory and Metal Arms: Glitch In The System will be available for purchase off the XBLM for the standard 1200 Microsoft point price. So ... yup, more Xbox Originals titles next week ... what more achievement complaining can be said?
Ubisoft gives us a new countdown [Update 3]
Update 3: It seems that as every hour progresses the timer (above the five decoded files) adds another hour to the countdown. Stay tuned until we get a confirmation on what exactly is happening.Update 2: The timer now states the countdown will end at 5:50PM EST.Update: Apparently the decrypter on the Ghost Recon site went on a lunch break. The new countdown, set to expire at 1:50PM, has just added an additional 2 hours. The new countdown now ends at 3:50PM EST.Last week we reported an interesting development occurring across all of Ubisoft's Tom Clancy branded websites. First, a flash overlay of a smoking dossier (or black box) appeared over the official Ghost Recon website that provided users with no functions or information. The next morning a menu appeared allowing site visitors to click into an alternate reality game called MACSAT7 Recovery which expanded the flash window and revealed five audio and video files in the early stages of decoding. Soon reports flew in that other overlays, with what appeared to be wreckage from a downed helicopter, began appearing on the official sites for Splinter Cell, Rainbow Six and the upcoming End War that all pointed to the original Ghost Recon site.After carefully conducting mathematics we realized that each of the five files were counting down to the date and time they would be decrypted, and thus available to analyze for information, but we also noticed an overall timer that was counting down to around noon on April 2. Moments ago the ARG came to an end and we were surprised to see a new countdown has emerged for 1:50PM 3:50PM EST.Could this be the rumored Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 3, which is said to end the trilogy's stay in Mexico, or the highly expected Firehawk? Only time will tell.
End War & Splinter Cell sites redirect to Ghost Recon, countdown to April 2 appears [Update]
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Viral_marketing_points_to_possible_Ghost_Recon_announcement'; Update: At the time of this story the Rainbow Six website wasn't acting properly, however it has been reported that it too is pointing to the Ghost Recon website via a similar overlay. This story has been updated to include the Rainbow Six site.In the early hours of the day this morning one of our readers helped us spot a strange overlay on the official Ghost Recon website. Visitors of the site were treated to a smoking dossier (which might be a black box after all) but nothing could be done other than close off the overlay and scratch your head.Today, both the End War, Splinter Cell and Rainbow Six sites have received similar flash-based marketing treatments. Each site includes an overlay of smoking items that appear to be from a wreckage which, when clicked, redirects visitors to the official Ghost Recon website -- home of the original mystery.While it could all end there, today the Ghost Recon site updated with new information and a mysterious countdown timer.
Ubisoft preps for a Tom Clancy-themed MMO
Not less that two hours ago we were discussing the ways that FPSes have co-opted the trappings of MMOs, and now this. Ubisoft has announced that, as part of an IP-purchasing deal with spy-genre mogul Tom Clancy, they'll be working to create an MMO based on his works. We're just guessing what the gameplay might be like above, but company CEO Yves Guillemot seems determined to get one out the door. The game isn't even in the works yet, as Ubisoft has little experience in the post-WoW MMO marketplace, but Yves thinks they already have the technology in-hand to make the game. He also noted the abundance of options they have as regards setting: "You have Splinter Cell, Sam Fisher, the Rainbow [Sixes], the GRAWs and all the other new creations we have. So this [IP acquisition] will make that [MMO] product a really big product." This was apparently a foregone conclusion from some time ago, according to Yves. They were merely waiting for the right opportunity to jump in. It getting a might crowded out here for anyone else?
Get your stealth on with Global Agenda
Or, maybe not. Global Agenda is an upcoming title by Hi-Rez Studios that calls itself 'spy-fi'; puzzle that one out, go ahead, we'll wait. Purportedly espousing a game system of tactical espionage, the gameplay video available seems more like Halo than Splinter Cell. Not that there's anything wrong with that.Using the Unreal Engine 3, everything looks nice and moves smoothly. Other features of the game include racing for advanced technology before other players receive it; capturing and holding strategic locations; and special tech like stealth suits, holographic disguises, and remote control robots. This shows promise, and we'll keep our ear to the ground -- or at least, our sonic wavelength remote analyzer.
OPM Rumour mill: GTA I/II, Street Fighter Alpha, Splinter Cell Conviction coming to PS3
The latest issue of the British mag, Official PlayStation Magazine, contains a few tasty rumours about upcoming games that might see release on the PS3. First, it states that Grand Theft Auto I and II will be heading to the PSN Store in order to quench peoples' thirsts for GTA before the fourth chapter is released. That means we can expect to see them before April. Hopefully.Another game set to appear on the PSN Store is Street Fighter Alpha. To be honest, we're wondering why when Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix is due out at some point this year. This is probably Capcom's way of telling us that it won't be out for a while yet. Finally, Splinter Cell Conviction is reckoned to be heading to the PS3 at some point, according to UK high street retailer GAME. Sounds good to us, we're always happy to welcome more games onto our favourite system. So how do these rumours make you feel, commenters?
Splinter Cell Conviction still an Xbox exclusive
Despite a recent GAME typo that listed Splinter Cell Conviction for PlayStation 3, Ubisoft has already cashed Microsoft's blank check, er, reaffirmed its "deal" with Microsoft to keep the console version of the sneaky sequel bound exclusively to Xbox 360 – and besides, PS3 can't render Sam's new beard, right? "This is just a mistake by the retailer. The game is not coming out on PS3," an Ubisoft spokesperson told VideoGamer. The representative also dismissed GAME's suggested April 1 release date, stating, "We're sticking to the original announcement." Last we heard (and confirmed again today), the next Splinter Cell is scheduled for the company's coming fiscal year (April 2008–March 2009).
Fable 2, Alan Wake and more confirmed for 2008
Microsoft Games chief Don Mattrick has confirmed (or, in some cases, reaffirmed) via a memo a handful of exclusive titles to arrive on Xbox 360 in 2008. The list of assuredly not canceled titles include Halo Wars, Too Human, Fable 2, Alan Wake, Splinter Cell: Conviction and "several exciting yet-to-be-announced titles." Following the list of 2008 exclusives, Mattrick continues to say that "Xbox 360 will be home to the next versions of great franchises like Grand Theft Auto and Resident Evil ... Madden and FIFA." We're not sure if he meant to imply Resident Evil 5 is due out this year, but it's certainly a suspicious line. Other than this year, no schedule was given as to the release of these titles, although we now get a sense of what Microsoft feels will keep gamers happy in this post-Halo 3 world.
Haze delayed until 2008, brings Rainbow Six Vegas 2 with it
After last week's report of Haze being on track for a December release, we're now prompted to point out the rather abrupt appearance of a detour in-between the metaphorical train and its final stop at the PlayStation 3. It seems the designers at Free Radical didn't receive nearly enough coal to reach the lead platform in time for Christmas, and now hope that you'll conduct your purchase of their first-person shooter in the first quarter of 2008.Thankfully devoid of increasingly insufferable train puns, a Gamasutra article details the delay mentioned within Ubisoft's favorable first-half financial results. Sales for le publisher rose by 52% to $372.86 million, with profits jumping up 12% to $44.8 million. You might consider the money already spent on Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2, expected to arrive in the same quarter as Haze. Not much is known about the sequel, save that it'll (probably) feature soldier-types shooting up evil, one-armed bandits. Fellow Tom Clancy property, Splinter Cell: Conviction continues to be wishy-washy about a potential release date, as it's also been pushed back to Ubisoft's fiscal year 2008-2009.
Worldwide PS3 releases for the week of August 6th
Here we go again. The next three issues of "Worldwide PS3 releases" are going to be depressingly bare, so you can probably stop reading right now. Wait until the end of the month, then we'll have far more releases happening on a weekly basis. Possibly even, more than one. Fingers crossed. US Games Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent EU Games No new releases Asian Games No new releases No comment.*Update*Okay, so the confusion about Splinter Cell comes from the fact that some places like Amazon.com are listing it in 'preorder' status right now, with a ship date of tomorrow. We have no idea why it would be like this, considering it was released worldwide on March 30th of this year. Ubisoft may have cut off shipments and be rereleasing it due to some unknown bug in the original version. If we can get an answer out of Ubisoft on this weirdness, we'll let you know.
Splinter Cell: Double Agent gets lady spy, new maps on 360
Splinter Cell fans took it on the chin yesterday, finding out that the next iteration of the series, Conviction, wasn't due out until early 2008. It's sad, really. They're just sitting around now, sweating in their stealth wet suits, with their goggles down so we can't see the tears. Now it's time to perk up, guys and (specifically) gals, as new, free content for Splinter Cell: Double Agent has just been dropped on Xbox Live. It was talked about in February, but is finally here, just in time for nigh irrelevance. You can pick up two new multiplayer maps ("Kinshasa" and "Secret base"), but the real draw here is lady spy, who (as the blade description proudly touts) comes with three outfits. Who says women's liberation is over?
Ubisoft dates Haze, Splinter Cell, Raving Rabbids 2, more [update]
Ubisoft has revealed the release dates for all of its major 2007 titles, asking the majority of them to form a neat line in November and proceed to remove the contents of your wallet one by one. You're more than welcome to make a fuss about it, but having the sneaky men of Assassin's Creed and Splinter Cell: Conviction within grasp of your neck renders such action unwise. A more notable entry in the release schedule (as posted by Eurogamer) is Free Radical's sci-political first-person shooter, Haze, previously described as "leading on PS3" in a display of timed exclusivity: Haze (PS3) -- 23 November Oh, you'll be wanting the release date for the other platforms as well: Haze (Xbox 360, PC) -- 30 November [Update: Oh dear, Ubisoft has removed the Xbox 360 and PC versions of Haze from the current release list. We're waiting to hear back from Ubisoft on the matter.] Other key titles dated after the break include Assassin's Creed, Dark Messiah: Elements, Rayman Raving Rabbids 2, Brothers in Arms: Hell's Highway, and Splinter Cell: Conviction.
