Parents' Guide to

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory

By Aaron Lazenby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 18+

Third entry in series demands strategy and force.

Game Windows, PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox 2005
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

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age 12+

Based on 6 parent reviews

concernedteacher
concernedteacher Adult
July 8, 2022
age 17+

Like a splinter in my mind

Legitimately one of the greatest games, of all time. The stealth action is impeckible, and for those worried of violence, it's about as violent as Mission Impossible or less. A basic plot summary: In 2007, tensions between China, Korea, and Japan are at a high due to Japan's recent formation of the Information Self Defense force. Due to the fact that Asia views this as a violation of Japan's Article 9, Japan's waters are blockaded. Due to the fact that Japan is a US ally, CIA branch Third Echelon gets involved. This is where the story begins.
Sam M.
Sam M. Parent of 0-year-old
October 14, 2017
age 13+

Essential stealth

Mechanics yet to be topped in depth and fluidity (even against MGS5) . Great level design. Sam Fisher is so cool and funny. Almost no blood in gameplay at all. What little there is is split second and or obscured by darkness. Very faint gurgling with knifings. A torture scene thats largely offscreen bit very audible, altho if u wait u can see it progress and itvmay be shocking to youngest players...Also he has a somewhat messed up face and theres blood tint in tub water. Rare profanity if you get caught mostly Sh!t bit i heard one F word during alerts.
See all 6 parent reviews

What’s It About?

TOM CLANCY'S SPLINTER CELL: CHAOS THEORY is the third installment of the popular and acclaimed series. North Korea and China, fearing the expansion of Japan's military, have responded by blockading the island nation. On top of that an American computer scientist with access to potentially dangerous data has been kidnapped in Peru, heightening the U.S. government's fears about the state of the world. Players control espionage expert Sam Fisher, who travels around the globe sneaking into increasingly secure buildings to collect data about the unfolding political events.

Fisher is outfitted with spy tools that give him the option to attack his enemies with lethal or non-lethal force. Chaos Theory is packed with puzzles and Mini games, keeping players' nerves on edge and brains working overtime. Much of the gameplay is spent surveying the environment, looking for ways to avoid the many barriers that stand in Fisher's way.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (6):
Kids say (19):

Players are required to think creatively and use their nifty tools to solve problems, often without resorting to violence to meet objectives. In fact, players' performances at the end of their missions are rated much higher if they avoid all interaction with adversaries and do not employ violent methods. And while Chaos Theory has much to offer, it demands a fairly mature mind to handle its technical details and heavy themes.

Despite the emphasis on stealth and strategy, Chaos Theory delivers its fair share of gut-wrenching violence. One mission objective requires players to assassinate a South American rebel leader while another features the grisly remnants of a torture session gone too far. Additionally, the themes of political upheaval, international terrorism, and global war may not sit well with younger players, connecting a tense and nerve-wracking game experience with a narrative that resonates with some real-world anxieties.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the moral choices behind the pragmatism presented in this game. Are a few human lives an acceptable cost if you are preventing a world war? Are covert government operations a necessary tool for keeping citizens safe?

Game Details

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