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Name: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction

Sam Fisher returns in the latest game in the Splinter Cell series, Conviction, and a lot has changed since we last saw Sam sneaking around. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction does away with a lot of what made the original Splinter Cell games good, it has slimmed down the stealth and upped the action, and then thrown in a load of multiplayer for good measure, so does this make Conviction the worst in the Splinter Cell series? It certainly doesn't.

Conviction's plot sees Sam's daughter being murdered in a hit and run, just for a body we're told later in the game. With the loss of his daughter Sam's personality has changed from a sneaking agent intent on the mission, to a murderous out-for-revenge father who'll stop at nothing to deal out his own justice to those who caused her death. A few of Sam's old friends make an appearance in Conviction to point him in the right direction and provide information over the wireless headset Sam always wears. What's really unique is how parts of the story are told, cut-scenes appear throughout the game which progress the story in between levels, but during some of them some cut-scenes are shown playing on the walls of the environment, it's certainly different, and it works to great effect, especially during the interrogation scenes which have you smashing some unlucky fellow around as you try to 'pump' him for information. This of course is helped immensely by actor Michael Ironside's return as Sam, his deep voice gives Sam the real caring, yet desperation and anger effect that Conviction needs as the conspiracy unfolds.

The stealth element which made Splinter Cell such an excellent series has changed quite considerably in Splinter Cell: Conviction. You still have to sneak around the levels, which most involve a lot of fire fights, and others require no conflict at all, lest you be detected. The stealth system is all based around cover, much like many other games which include a similar cover system. This allows Sam to hide behind a multitude of items and sneak from one to the next to gain the upper hand before taking out any enemies, however, depending on your surroundings and the location Sam is in, there are two types of cover, the first being the traditional hiding behind an object so no one can see, while the other is darkness. Lights can be shot out to provide cover for Sam and whenever you move into the shadows the screen takes on an old black and white look to indicate that you're hidden and cannot be seen. If you are seen, and you eventually will be throughout points of the game, then as you move a ghost appears where you were first spotted, this ghost image represents where the enemies saw your position and believe you still are, as such, they will fire on that position giving you the opportunity to flank, and eventually take them down.

One of the new features Conviction brings to the series is the mark ability. This ability allows you to 'mark' up to four enemies (depending on your weapon and its upgrades), and execute them with instant an instant takedown, these are all ranged attacks and you can only use the execute manoeuvre after you have taken someone down in hand to hand combat. It's something you'll use plenty of times throughout the campaign, and even though the inevitable result always ends with some quick and easy kills, it's always a thrill to perform since you still need to get in the best position as range and objects can affect who can and cannot be marked.

Throughout the campaign you'll get to play out some of the interrogation scenes, these basically allow you to interrogate whoever it is you've been searching for. As Sam grabs the target by the throat you'll be able to move the unlucky victim around and perform an interrogation sequence, this uses the environment to great effect as Sam will smash heads against walls, doors, tables, and anything else in close proximity. They're all scripted and there is only so many different ways to interrogate someone as the invisible walls hamper your movement, but they're pleasantly appealing on the first play through, especially the first one you come across, it's just a shame more couldn't have been added to make each interrogation unique and appealing.