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Free bonus Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory map
The team over at Ubisoft are giving away a bonus map for Xbox and PC versions of Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, free of charge. I can only assume that the reason it's free is so they can all get that warm fuzzy feeling after helping people out without demanding cash (obviously it has nothing to do with attracting more people to get out there and buy the game). The new map is playable in the 'versus' multiplayer gametype (where you try and break your buddy's neck) and is set in Brooklyn, New York. Ubisoft is also planning two new Co-op maps called Nuclear Plant based in Yongbyon, North Korea and UN Headquarters which is set in New York. All this talk of free maps puts the latest Halo maptacular pack into perspective. Sigh. [Thanks, todd]
Chaos Theory - Day 2
The future is looking bright, my friends. My second run with Chaos Theory, while not perfect, definitely eased some of my frustrations from the night before. My partner and I are committed to starting off slow, confining our multiplayer efforts to a single map, for now. We've chosen Orphanage, and until every little nook and cranny is burned into our memory banks we will not be moving on. We took a few dry runs (no mercs) in Story Mode as spies, setting the time limit to infinite. Yeah, we looked like a couple of blind mice at first, but we were also kids again, exploring the woods behind his house. There's something deeply satisfying about running through a spooky, abandoned orphanage, albeit virtual, with a life-long friend-knowing that in reality we are separated by over 100 miles.
Chaos Theory patch is here!
Ubi recently released a patch to cure some of that chaos that you PC users may be experiencing. At 77MB it's a big patch, but thank Ubi for putting it out there (released Monday) before the game hit retail. If only they had an easy cure for my doubts... [Thanks, Fady]
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.
GameSpot deals Chaos Theory lowest score yet
Granted, it's an 86. But this is really the first review that has had something critical to say about the multiplayer modes-which as a huge Pandora fan, I am really looking forward to. Yes, it often seems like GameSpot prides itself on panning (if you can call an 86 panning) the bandwagon games. But if you ignore the score, there's enough content to bring you down from your cloud. Yeah, I'll enjoy Chaos Theory, but I'm going into it knowing it won't change my life-or even blow me away.
Chaos Theory Review Roundup (Xbox)
Splinter Cell Chaos Theory is generating some serious acclaim. And while I burned myself out with Pandora Tomorrow, all this hype has got me digging into my pockets again. But with Halo 2 falling short of expectations, are the critics simply eager to appoint the definitive Xbox game? We'll find out tomorrow... 1UP (100) Cheat Code Central Platinum (100) EGM (95) Game Informer (98) Games Domain (90) GameSpy (100) GamePro (90) IGN (96) Next Level Gaming (95) Official Xbox Magazine (99) Team Xbox (98) Total Video Games (90) Worth Playing (96)
Splinter Cell Chaos Theory is golden, in more ways than one apparently
Well, if the reviews are to be believed you can expect to love the hell out of Splinter Cell Chaos Theory. GameRankings has its average at 97.2%, with 3 impressions in (from Game Informer, Official Xbox Magazine and Electronic Gaming Monthly). A little birdy over at Worthplaying told us that the game has gone gold for almost every platform under the sun. We must admit, the open-ended level design sounds intriguing when you throw in the excellent Splinter Cell game mechanics. Do you like that 50 bucks in your pocket? Great! Now say goodbye.
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory demo is out
If you want a fix of Tom Clancy chemicals, today's your day. The Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory demo is out and it's a whopper. At least size-wise. The 590mb file may even test the limits of our connection. Will that stop us? Yeah right. The demo will let you play the Lighthouse level, along with some multiplayer action. I just finished installing SWAT 4, dammit. Too many demos! Life is good... Worthplaying 3DGamers Fileshack
Chaos Theory is a lesson in music theory
In the midst of all the pre-release hoopla, it's easy to get hung up on nifty gameplay innovations, loosing sight of other important components that make for a memorable experience. In the case of Chaos Theory, the highly anticipated third installment in the Splinter Cell series, we've heard a lot about the new throat slash maneuver, or the open-ended level design, or even the co-op mode. Well today, we're gonna highlight the musical score, which according to IGN's review, is a few ticks short of a masterpiece (8.9). Hats off to Amon Tobin, the composer, sounds like he did a number on this one. The Chaos Theory soundtrack was released last Tuesday. The game will be released on March 29 (US).
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory public beta, public
For fans of Tom Clancy's latest cash cow, Splinter Cell, head on over to File Planet to get in line for the public beta for Chaos Theory. The game is about to go through stress tests, so they've opened the once-closed test to the masses. You'll have to give out a lot of personal info, but such is the life of a tester. Apparently, if you test for EA, you have to give up your first-born. Okay, not really. Maybe.
Chaos Theory: new adversarial details
If your Pandora Tomorrow experience was anything like mine, then you spent 99.9% of your time locked in teeth-grinding multiplayer showdowns. Mercilessly hunting helpless spies, or sticking to the shadows on that neck snapping, ninja tip. The upcoming Chaos Theory looks to continue this fine tradition, building off of Pandora's successful formula with a number of gameplay upgrades. Note: The PS2 version will NOT feature any of the tweaks to adversarial mode; and the GameCube version will not support adversarial mode at all. So what's new for the Xbox/PC? Besides the co-op mode (featured in all versions), the adversarial mode will be getting six new maps, plus five from Pandora. Each side's (merc & spy) move set has also been beefed-up; so for example, spies can pull off some of the team moves featured in co-op (e.g. throwing each other, human ladders, etc.). Either side can now trade items, heal each other, and remove tracking devices. In addition, Ubisoft has added humiliation moves-like the upside down neck break or the merc choke out-which will allow players to stun their opponents, taunt them, and then swiftly eliminate them. Fun. Of course, a slew of new gadgets/weapons have also been thrown into the mix. Of note are the thermoptic camo suit (invisibility for spies), network browsing device (camera system for mercs), and the ability to choice between a shotgun, sub-machine gun, or assault rifle-there have also been a number of changes made to existing equipment. And that's not all... Now there will be three different game modes to choose from: Story (featuring neutralization, extraction, & bombing), Disk Hunt, & Deathmatch-all of which are customizable. Ubisoft also plans to implement a new matchmaking system, and while not as robust as Halo 2's, will no doubt provide better matches-expect all of the other Live 3.0 goodies to be included as well (yes, that means clan support!). And of course, for you newbies, there's a tutorial mode that will let all four players talk with each other. Awww, that's sweet. Be on the lookout, Chaos Theory lands in March. Learn more, here.
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory public beta announced
The upcoming Splinter Cell game, Chaos Theory, is due to go into public beta soon. The announcement has been made that they'll be looking to the public for suggestions on balance, and big bugs. The message is pretty clear - "No nitpicking, please." The beta will start as a Gamespy exclusive to members, as usual, but may expand, as they see fit.
Chaos Theory multiplayer details exposed
Ubisoft revealed a bunch of new details about the multiplayer modes in the upcoming Splinter Cell installment, Chaos Theory. As expected, to go along with the all new co-op mode (confirmed for online, system link, and split screen), the series will revisit the incredibly addictive Spies vs. Mercs mode. This time around, besides new maps, the developers have added cooperative moves and a new set of weapons and gadgets. On top of that, it looks like there will be a little more variation in gameplay with three new modes: Scenario, Disk Hunt, and Deathmatch. Throw in the revamped game engine, and you're looking at a contender!
Splinter Cell chaos Theory delayed
We're afraid there's more news of delays today. This time we have the sad news that the much-anticipated Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory has been bit by the de-l8 bug. Gamespot has the exclusive scoop, where they say the title will be out in March of 2005, instead of November. Conspiracy theorists (i.e. realists) will speculate that the delay was to stay out of a highly competitive holiday market, where games like Halo 2 and Half-Life 2 threaten to drown out other titles. The article also mentions that the publisher approved the delay to allow "players on Xbox, PlayStation 2, GameCube, and PC to discover [the game] at the same time." So the Xbox-exclusive angle is out the window.
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory oozes charm
The upcoming Splinter Cell sequel will ceratinly be the best-looking game ever on X-box. Take a look at the latest screenshots on 3D Gamers and try to argue with that. Numbers one through three and number five seem to be the newest ones, while the rest are familiar (though they could be variations on familiar scenes). Sure, the characters look a little stiff, but the way the shadows dance off their faces should hide that. We can't wait to see this game in motion a little more. The clips we've seen are cut like a music video so we can't get a good look at the action. Usually, that would make us fear that the developer is trying to hide something from us. It's clearly not the case here.
Splinter Cell Chaos Theory trailer
The first official trailer for Chaos Theory was just released by Ubisoft. From the looks of it, Fisher seems to have done some training since we last met up with him-perhaps yoga classes. This doesn't look to be the stiff spy of old, as the trailer gives the impression that he'll be employing a lot more excessive (and deadly!) force this time around. You'll just have to see it to believe it.
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory clips debut
Sometimes you hear so much about a game that you feel like you've already played by the time you slip the CD in the drive. The next installment of Splinter Cell has been leaking previews and gossip like a New York City sewer. Okay, not that smelly, but there is a lot of crap seeping out all of a sudden. The clips you can watch at this link, however, are pure gold. The "Sprinkler" clip shows off the best graphics, but the gameplay shines in each example. The "Cleaner" clip's byline, "More ways to mop up the enemy" produces sick giggles.
