Sam, I Am- Splinter Cell Conviction Review

Photo of Robert Allen Robert AllenApril 19, 2010
206 1,914 4 minutes read

In the interest of full disclosure, a declaration needs to be issued: I am a Splinter Cell fanatic. I have purchased every Sam Fisher game on release day, and feverishly played each until the final credits rolled. Embarrassingly, three of the pulpy novels have also been digested; each carefully read to glean any new intelligence on the internal workings of Third Echelon. So, when word got out that Ubisoft was shifting direction, pushing the next Splinter Cell into more action-oriented territory, I was worried. Fisher was developed with a mystique and depth absent from the archetypical Domingo Chavez / Scott Mitchell / Logan Keller variety of protagonist. 

After playing through Splinter Cell Conviction, it is clear that both Ubisoft Montreal’s determination to give the series a reboot was an indisputably sound decision. Previous franchise entries offered players a complex landscape filled with environmental puzzles to traverse. Each title favored gamers who crept clandestinely through each location, as recklessly engaging enemies would often result in quick demise. Although Conviction has sections where foes can be circumvented, the game undeniably favors a confrontational approach, exhibiting a visceral and bloodthirsty new facet of Fisher’s persona.


“I told you that your mind would be blown”


To complement this new approach, a deviation from the characteristic Splinter Cell narrative was required. While Fisher has always dutifully exercised the ‘fifth freedom’ (the ability to take life based on the defense of the original four freedoms), Third Echelon protocol disapproved of the excessive application of lethal force. At the commencement of Conviction, we learn that Fisher has retired from the covert government agency, tormented by both the death of his daughter and the guilt of killing of his superior and close friend, Col. Irving Lambert.  These elements skillfully allow Fisher to be reframed as both merciless and desperate allowing players to bask in Conviction’s bloodshed. No longer are players required to perform thankless actions such as hacking into terminals or concealing bodies, allowing the title to maintain a sinuous, speedy tempo.

Much of Conviction’s sensation of fluidity comes from the game’s Mark and Execute mechanic. As players skulk each environment, they can designate a number of targets with a press of the right bumper. Once players perform a melee kill, a button tap automatically initiates a slow motion execution sequence, showing Sam faultlessly dropping each marked adversary with a headshot. Gratification arises in situations where gamers drop upon an unsuspecting foe, thereby activating the maneuver and clearing a room full of tangos in a single lethal sweep.


It seems Sam Fisher doesn’t like aiming for the center of mass.

Carelessness in previous Splinter Cell entries often led directly to the ‘game over’ screen. In Conviction, when the player is spotted they leave a translucent marker indicating where enemies think Fisher is lurking, known as the Last Known Position. Flanking a foe heading for this perceived position is consistently satisfying, and conveys a strong sense of how much of a badass Sam is. Deftly, adversaries won’t always succumb to this tactic, as they sporadically hold their ground and toss taunts at their unseen assassin.

With so much carefully cultivated vitality in the game, it’s easy to overlook Conviction’s small setbacks. A flashback sequence has players coming to Fisher’s aid, as players trudge through an Iraqi village. Without the game’s signature shadow sneaking, the stage feels a bit hackneyed, like a sub-standard Modern Warfare 2 clone. Although the game tries to offer a realistic tone, seeing bullets travel though desks and walls during a Mark and Execute move, damages any sense of accuracy.


“Next time, you’ll wash your hands before making my pancakes!”


Once gamers complete the eight hour single-player campaign, there are a multitude of diversions to maintain a player’s interest. Three types of trials challenges players to eliminate foes, vanish from enemies, and sneak around without being detected. A successful completion rewards players with points, which Fisher can use to augment his loadout, or acquire more simultaneous targets for the Mark and Execute command. Players also may traverse four co-operative environments through split-screen, or over Xbox Live, as they work together on stages that precede the events of the game.  Gamers are obliged stay in constant communication as they work together, as the death of one agent triggers an endgame for both parties. 

Splinter Cell Conviction’s graphics are nearly universally proficient, from the lifelike enemy animations to the meticulously rendered weapons. The game wisely forgoes the gauges used to indicate how well Fisher in hidden within the shadows, turning the screen monochromatic to signify when players are concealed. While the effect is unquestionably useful, it also means that successful players will be spending a large amount of time in a black and white world. Although Michael Ironside delivers another constantly solid vocal performance, it’s the goads from foes that will haunt players long after they’ve completed the game. Dropping a chandelier on a provocation-spewing antagonist may be one of the top gratifications in contemporary gaming.

Those apprehensive about Splinter Cell Conviction’s push into the action-oriented realm need not worry; Sam Fisher still keeps to the shadows, preserving the franchise’s celebrated stealthy mechanic. The change really moves Fisher’s role from a passive spy to an calculated assassin, carefully hunting his prey with delicate strategy. Take it from a Splinter Cell enthusiast; Conviction is an assignment that both aficionados and casual admirers won’t want to miss.

Photo of Robert Allen Robert AllenApril 19, 2010
206 1,914 4 minutes read
Photo of Robert Allen

Robert Allen

Since being a toddler, Robert Allen has been immersed in video games, anime, and tokusatsu. Currently, his days are spent teaching at two southern California colleges. But his evenings and weekends are filled with STGs, RPGs, and action titles and well at writing for Tech-Gaming since 2007.

206 Comments

  3. I’m liking the game so far, but I heard it was only about 5 hours long, so I’m dreading the ride ending so soon.

  4. I was having trouble leaving a comment. Something with the site?

    Anyway, good review. I would get this but I’m a bit broke right now.

  6. I thought the demo sucked big time. Whats the point of games doing thing for you (Mark and Excecute) I want to do the shooting.

  8. Why does the Satellite Dish say “Satellite Dish” on it?

    The sink doesn’t say sink on it…

  11. WTF is up with the ‘be spotted’ and the game ends shit.

    I thought they left that after Pandore.

  14. Thats the effect to not pull out out of the game. I think it’s pretty cool. Halo ODST did something similar.

  16. sounds like they made some nice improvements over the past iterations on the series…nice review

  18. Hey one question. I thought you could choose not to kill Lambert at the end of the last game?

  20. The best game in the series. I like the whole open-ended way this can be played. And your right Sam is such a badass now.

  23. I’ve heard so many good things about this game…and now I’ve read your review…well, I guess I’ll just have to get it. Or at least finally download the demo…

  24. The fact that you read some of the books is pretty scary. I hope you dont hide in the bushes grabbing young girls. LOL.

  28. I got this game day one for $27 and for me it’s prolly worth $30-40 rather than the full $60. That’s even with the multiplayer but the game was awesome. Mark and execute was a very satisfying feeling every time i did it.

  29. Great review, would love to give the game a try. Last Splinter Cell I played was Chaos Theory

  33. I enjoyed reading your review. I’ve tried the other 360 Splinter Cell titles and have been vastly disappointed. I would like to try this one out to see how far the series has gone. Thanks for the entry.

  34. Wow you that was a pretty long review and one I would have to say that bests some sites like IGN.com and Gamespot.com and even maybe outbests if that’s even a word them Good job!

  36. Solid review. If I had some money right now I would get it, college is keeping my pockets light.

    I think the changes are refreshing, even though I will miss a few things. Like hiding bodies.

    Random but, Fishers watch is neat looking.

  37. I kinda liked double agent, maybe this will be good too, even if it’s “revamped”

  38. i really like the demo, i will love to buy this game but i got no money right now… this is a excellent article

  39. can’t wait to play this game, I refuse to play the demo because I want the full experience the first time around.

  41. Wasn’t a big fan of Double Agent, but these changes seem right up my alley. Might have to check this out.

  43. Good review, pretty objective and doesn’t let the expectations from previous Splinter Cell installments gets in the way of calling SC:C for what it is: a good TPS with a fresh approach towards redefining stealth games.

  53. This is an excellent review! I usually check many different sites/magazines before purchasing a new game, so I will definitely add this one to the list!

  57. I want to play this game never played splinter cell before but all my friends have it and i dont

  64. Finally a good Splinter Cell game. After playing the demo I couldnt believe that it even was a Splinter Cell. Glad to have another franchise to look forward to playing now.

  65. So I’ve never been a big fan of the Splinter Cell games – that is to say, I never really played the previous ones. However, this one sounds really good, and the review sure makes it sound good. It may just be the hype talking, but I think I’ll have to check this one out sometime! Thanks for the review 🙂

  66. I just don’t know if Splinter Cell without the sneaky puzzle-game logic is still much fun! I mean, if it’s just a third person shooter that controls really slowly, what’s the point? Still entering the contest, though, ’cause I’d love to be wrong!

  69. I can’t wait to get this game. I just need to finish about 3 other games 1st. Nice article 🙂

  72. I’m glad they gave the series a reboot. Splinter Cell was one of my favorite franchises on the PC and 360 all the way up to Double Agent which was just so same-way that it got boring and I never finished it. Conviction sounds and looks (from the screenshots) great though.

  74. I loved this game alot, even though it felt very linear. The deniable OPs and cOOP makes me want to keep the game now.

  76. “Third Echelon protocol disapproved of the excessive application of lethal force.”

    When was this ever stated?

  78. I played quite a few splinter cell games and yeah I noticed the game over when you get spotted was always really annoying. I mean even for the hardest difficulties you can slaughter them to no end, but if you are seen then it is game over.

    I always use overwhelming attacking though I usually have to knock them out instead of killing them :(.

    The new addition where you can see where enemies think you are helps the game a little, but if you really want to play a stealth game go back in time and play Thief.

  79. I love the replay value they added to the game through all the challenges and multiplayer modes. I wish more single-player games tried to work in things like that.

  80. Hell, yeah, Thief was awesome. I loved the concept. Bring me a new version, please.

  81. From the SC wiki-

    “Throughout the games, Fisher attempts to uphold what he believes is “right”. A notable instance occurs in Chaos Theory during the war in the South Korean capital of Seoul where Lambert instructs Fisher to leave the unconscious bodies of downed pilots at the scene of the crash, which Fisher is about to demolish via airstrike. While the game allows the player to demolish the site, he or she can first pick up the pilots and carry them to safety. Lambert tells Fisher to stop because it may compromise the mission, but Fisher continues anyway. Lambert then reminds him that his valiant actions can not be officially recognized and that he will not receive a medal, to which Fisher replies, “Medals don’t help me sleep at night, Lambert.”

    Another instance is when Fisher is ordered to not tamper with the corpse of tortured computer engineer Bruce Morgenholt, whose body could not be extracted. The player may choose to cut down the ropes binding the corpse, causing Lambert to admonish Fisher who replies by saying, “Just because he’s dead doesn’t mean I have to leave him here hanging like a piece of meat … You can spare thirty seconds for some simple dignity.”

  83. The review was great, I am really hyped to get this game, hope to eventually.

  93. I’ve always been a fan of Splinter Cell, I’m glad to see they didn’t mess up the latest entry.

  94. while it doenst seem as stealthy as other SC cell games, i love the Fisher character and the game seems intriguing

  97. Very good review, this game is definitely worth it. I’m seriously dying to play this game and constantly hearing my friends talking about it.

  98. I was never that interested in the other Splinter Cell games, but this one has piqued my curiosity. Looking forward to trying it out sometime!

  100. I’m number 100, so I’m a winner!

    The demo was good, but not great. Also the length of the main campaign has me worried. I want to play as Fisher, not two other guys I could care less amount. Didn’t we learn anything from MGS2.

  102. Man, I hated the old games but this one sounds great. These guys should make the next bourne game.

  104. This game looks amazing, nice review!

    I just wish they would bring back the Spies Vs. Mercenary of the older games.

  105. game looked ok to me, after reading the review i might pick it up once the price drops a little

  108. Been wanting this game, but can’t buy it til couple of months! Hopefully win!!

  109. It’s good to hear the series hasn’t fallen into a rut that’s so common with long running sequels. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into it!

  112. Great review, didn’t expect anything less than an A/90. XD I played the demo even though i’ve never played a SC game before, and it was fantastic. I’d so get this game if I wasn’t broke.

  116. Could your review talk more about the actual MP experience rather than describing it for what it is? I want a perspective that tells me really is this good for a hardcore audience, somethign with enough depth that would last a long time.

  119. This review would have been better to talk a more about the MP component of the game but other then that it was an outstanding review!

  122. The co-op for this looks awesome. I would love to run through the single player, but going side by side with a buddy would be awesome.

  123. Seems like Ubisoft really worked hard to inject new life into this series, glad to see it. Solid review, liked the captions.

  124. Good review, I still haven’t bought this game yet debating if it’s worth it or not. Review gave me alot of helpful info to decide if it’s worth playing or not. Thanks.

  126. played the demo, go so pissed when it ended where it did lol. good review, looking forward to playing this.

  128. Never played a splinter cell game before. The xbox 360 could really use hardcore stealth games. There aren’t too many at the market right now.

  132. Thanks for the review. Deagle and SeanNOLA, you guys give some of the best reviews in the biz. Simply great work nearly all the time.

  133. Great review – have yet to play a Splinter Cell game, but this looks like a good time to start!

  135. Though I did enjoy Rainbow Six Vegas games, I couldn’t really bring myself into the splinter cell games. This, however does catch my interest, especially the coop mode.

  138. I’m looking forward to playing it. I hope the co-op mission lasts more than 5 hours, though.

  139. Conviction looks great!

    A friend has it, can’t stop raving about it. Hopefully we’ll get to play some co-op together, so I can show him what’s up!

  142. Hopefully I will like the move to more action-oriented game play just as much as you. I rather enjoyed the more covert things about the original SC games, like retrieving intel from computers, picking locks, using snake cams and the different gun launched gadgets.

    That second screenshot, it may be too graphic. It’s a little disturbing. I’d have to play the whole game to really tell for sure 😉

  143. I really want to play this game. I recently played Double Agent and didn’t enjoy it much but the demo of Conviction had me hooked. The problem is I’m knee-deep into FFXIII (45 hrs).

  145. i wasn’t to excited for this game when i heard about it at first, i was excited for “the stealth game” which i didn’t know was this till a few weeks befor it game out. all the reviews have been great and made me want the game, so i’ll give it a shot. tahnks for the contest.

  147. I’ve played through every SC at least two times and played through Convictions demo at least 5. I’m really excited that the game is finally about after 4+ years of no having a Sam Fisher game.

  148. Man, I’m a lot more excited for this Splinter Cell than the last one. It looks pretty awesome.

  149. Very nice review, as usual. I just ended up beating this the other night, and also highly enjoyed it. I’m not a fan of the older Splinter Cell games, though I did enjoy Double Agent quite a bit (which seems to be a hate it or love it type of game). I honestly didn’t mind the MW2 rip-off level, it was well designed and still fun, and I also did not expect to essentially take control over another character like that, so I liked it. It was a different choice and a risk, but it worked.

    I also tried the multiplayer, and it’s some of the most fun multiplayer I have ever played. I ended up playing it for hours on end with my friend, and I usually don’t play many multiplayer games (aside from Borderlands). Either way, really enjoyed the game, and good review.

  151. This game looks good and even though the gameplay looks and seems diff from my favorite splinter cell game (Pandora tomorrow) the whole splinter cell sneak and kill game play is still in tact and well refined.

  152. Splinter Cell is one of my favorite series of all time. I can’t wait to play SC:C

  166. Game looks great was waiting to get it for PC but hey, free for Xbox360 would be good too 🙂

  169. Great Review and first time I have visited the site but I love the layout I’ll be coming here often

  172. Good review, I’ve never gotten into the Splinter Cell games even though I played a few of them. This one looks a bit more Rainbow Six which is cool for me.

  175. *Same Sam, different year w/ advances. Great game & review. Keep it coming DE, and love pancakes with soiled hands!

  177. Solid review. I’ve also been a die hard Splinter Cell fan and always enjoyed the franchise with the exception of Double Agent…couldn’t really get into that one. Anyway…really excited to play this soon!

  178. I really badly want this game, although I’m kind of torn between this and saving up for other releases later this year…mhmmm

  182. Cool mang. looks very nice compared to older splinter cell games! Definitely a must get! Last picture is win! 😀

  184. I bought this last night and am pretty into it. I like the way the guys yell at Sam.

  185. I’m loving the game so far. One of the best SC’s in a long time. The last one kind of sucked.

  186. I’ve never played a Splinter Cell game before, but after reading that review this will probably be my first.

  193. I just can’t decide if I like it or not. I’ve played the demo so many times already and it just feels so different. I need to try the full game I think.

  206. Tried the demo and wasn’t very impressed. I thought that this is pretty much a last generation franchise. And the story seems incredibly simplistic. Bad dudes take a dude’s daughter? I’ve seen it a 100 times.

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