Despite not having a mainline game in some time, Ubisoft hasn’t forgotten about Splinter Cell. Even Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot still talks about a possible return for Sam Fisher, but it might not be on a traditional video game platform.

The problem that faces Splinter Cell, and many other long-running franchises, is that the game as it existed in its early days is no longer economically viable. The original Splinter Cell games were hardcore stealth titles that relied not just on patience and quick reflexes but also a considerable amount of trial and error. A title like that would now never be profitable on the sort of budget it takes to make a high end video game.

As we've grown to expect from the franchise, the story was gripping the moment I started playing Splinter Cell Blacklist($14.99 at Amazon). Hell, I was hooked the minute they handed me the razor-sharp curved assassin's blade known as the Karambit. The first series of cut scenes and the "introduction" level (which can be skipped) grabbed my attention and set my expectations pretty high. I experienced mystery, intrigue, surprise, and terror within the first few minutes of playing.

One of the biggest changes to the series is the ability to upgrade structures. The main base of Blacklist is the Paladin, a large US air force plane, which contains the operations center for Sam to get the job done. As you progress through missions, you earn cash that can be used to upgrade the Paladin. For example, if you upgrade the infirmary, Sam will have access to purchase health upgrades, whilst upgrading the tech side will lead to access to black market weaponry. How you wish to play is up to you and this is the theme of this game. Ubisoft has tried to cater to everyone and no more so than the upgrade system. Sam can also be upgraded and you can have multiple load outs.

Ghost or Panther? legacy
The Splinter Cell franchise has always been about stealth. This changed somewhat with "Conviction" which introduced some heavy straight-on combat elements. "Blacklist" builds on the stealth and combat aspects to let players use their own style to attack the different objectives.  Players are scored on their ability to get through a level using "ghost," "assault," or "panther" tactics. Ghost points are earned by playing in full-on stealth mode and making it through a level without alerting enemies. This is the most difficult set of tactics and also the most rewarding in terms of points. Panther style matches my personal style the closest and involves stealth, distraction, using cover, and ultimately disabling enemies to move through the level. And finally, assault style is exactly that – rush in headlong with guns blazing, hurling grenades, and throat slashing.

It's hard to criticize Ubisoft because they have crafted an incredible experience. The old feeling of Sam being one of the toughest bastards on the planet returns, and as you silently take out enemies, it feels rewarding. It feels much more rewarding to creep through an area undetected, instead of just shooting the place up and that plays right into the hallmarks that makes Splinter Cell the franchise that it is. As well as this, many of the locations you visit are iconic, and there is one particular mission that gave us the same feeling the CIA mission did in the very original game.

The game contains 7 different series: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (2002), Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow (2004), Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (2005), Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Essentials (2006), Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent (2006), Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction (2010), Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist (2013). No matter what series you want to explore, you can find all of them at z2u.com: Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition & DLCs. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Collection for Sale, purchase with PayPal, VISA, Credit Cards and more now!