Splinter Cell: Double Agent - FInal Thoughts

Well, now for my final thoughts for this game. I will say it again, I am not doing the multiplayer since I will probably be the only one there.

The story of the game is that after a mission where Sam loses his new recruit partner, he is sent deep undercover. At the prison where he had been placed, he meets Jaime Washington, a member of JBA (John Brown's Army.) After helping Jaime escape prison, he takes Sam to the JBA headquarters to let Sam join them in the fight help America.

From there, Sam has to help the JBA and keep in their good graces; while at the same time, keep the NSA informed of the activity that is going on. It is your choice whether you help in the terrorist acts, or if you stop them and save many innocent lives.

From looking at the book, I thought I would be doing a lot more than just picking locks and hacking computers. The only things that I did other than picking locks though; cracking safes, and using my hack device. I loved the safe cracking portion, because all of the situations required speed along with the accuracy. But, I got really tired of the hacking mini game, because there was at least 2 in EVERY mission (except for the 11th, but you don't do much in the 11th). As for the other parts, I will give my quick thoughts

• lock picking is the same as its been in the other games. Not too bad to do, I could have even done without getting electronic ones
• e-mail hacking was rough. I had a guide open, not even knowing how bad it was until I got to the puzzle
• mine making/bomb defusing is basically the same thing. It was creative to do. I didn't mind it, just had to make a lot of mines

The AI in the game can be hit and miss though. Either, they are super attuned, and can detect a flea walking on the ground. Or, they hear the light get shot, and say "F that, I want to just go about my business." I do like the option of killing or knocking out enemies, and the weapons that can be used.

As for the missions, I generally enjoyed them. The HQ missions get tedious, and could use a few more minutes thrown on them. I actually enjoyed the boat mission and the prison levels. Both were set up really well. They weren't too hard to get through, and allowed for a lot of interesting ways to cross the level. Though...nothing is better than punching through the ice, and dragging a guard into the water with you to slit his throat.

All in all, I would say this is a good game. For those of you who like a good stealth game, the Splinter Cell series never disappoints. It can be plenty difficult on normal, but only a couple of times where you might want to launch your controller into the wall. If you have never played a Splinter Cell game before, rent this game before you buy. Metal Gear Solid is similar, but not the same as this game; and you will find that out quickly.