Overview
Hide in the shadows, strike from darkness. Splinter Cell’s light meter made visibility a quantifiable resource. Sam Fisher’s tri-focal goggles became iconic. The tension of waiting in darkness while guards passed inches away defined a generation of stealth gameplay. Ubisoft’s answer to Metal Gear Solid found its own identity through tactical precision.
Fast facts
- Developer: Ubisoft Montreal.
- Year: 2002.
- Protagonist: Sam Fisher.
- Creator: Tom Clancy license.
Light and shadow system
| Mechanic | Implementation |
|---|
| Light meter | Visibility gauge |
| Shadow manipulation | Shooting lights |
| NVG/thermal | Vision modes |
| Detection states | Awareness levels |
| Equipment | Function |
|---|
| SC-20K rifle | Modular weapon |
| Sticky cameras | Remote surveillance |
| Night vision | Darkness navigation |
| Split jump | Vertical concealment |
Series progression
| Title | Year | Innovation |
|---|
| Splinter Cell | 2002 | Foundation |
| Pandora Tomorrow | 2004 | Spies vs Mercs |
| Chaos Theory | 2005 | Series peak |
| Conviction | 2010 | Action shift |
Spies vs Mercs
| Mode | Design |
|---|
| Asymmetric | Different abilities |
| Spies | Third-person stealth |
| Mercenaries | First-person combat |
| Innovation | Unique multiplayer |
See also