Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
Common Sense says
- Windows, PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox
- $49.99
- 2005
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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.
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Not Bad
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
- Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox
- Price: $49.99
- Available online? Not available online
- Developer: UbiSoft
- Release date: March 30, 2005
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating: M
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.