Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory

Game review by Aaron Lazenby, Common Sense Media
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 18+

Third entry in series demands strategy and force.

Windows, PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox 2005
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Parents say

age 11+

Based on 10 reviews

Kids say

age 11+

Based on 35 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that while the game emphasizes stealth, players can still exact a fair amount of violence on their adversaries: pulling people off of cliffs, cutting people's throats, and throwing them down elevator shafts or off of buildings. The main character takes a very pragmatic approach to his missions, coldly removing whatever "obstacles" stand in his way. This game has an online component, which Common Sense Media doesn't recommend for kids under 12. The star rating given this game is based on quality of gameplay and is not an endorsement of the violence.

Community Reviews

Sam M.
Sam M. Adult
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.
BadMario13company
BadMario13company Adult
October 28, 2014
age 12+

Chaos Theory Review from a Teen

This is a Amazing Game Truly Not Vilonet as today's The Game is pretry thamed As the first 2 games being teen this is the same expect you can now do a Knife Witch is kinda thare but you can use it Your Pick You can play it without killing or knocking out anyone Even ghost Ghost is how I play Fun levels Amazing Gameplay 9.2 Co-OP amazing This game is teen On the 3ds it's Rated Teen so....

This title has:

Great role models
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 10 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?

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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