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.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

age 12+

Based on 6 parent reviews

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.
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.

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.

Game Details

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