Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Essentials PlayStation Portable

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Essentials creeps its way onto PSP in an espionage adventure that touches upon Sam Fisher’s entire career, from his time as an Navy SEAL to the death of his daughter, fleshing out the story lines in each console game in the process. The viewpoint is similar to the console versions, with players controlling Fisher from a thirdperson perspective in a variety of outdoor and indoor 3D environments, some of which include levels introduced in earlier games. The handheld title runs on a modified version of Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow’s graphic engine on PS2, incorporating such trademark effects as realtime lighting.

Fisher on PSP can still jump, crouch, pick up bodies, and throw cans or bottles to create a distraction, and he’s once again outfitted with an assortment of sophisticated technology. Players can use night vision goggles, a sniper rifle, grenades, and other tools of the clandestine trade as they sneak across nine levels to complete multiple objectives. Features designed specifically for the handheld include a more streamlined control interface, the ability to save progress at any time, and WiFi support for local multiplayer matches with adjustable options that include game length, map type, and the number of kills required to win. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide