STAYING CONNECTED KEEP OUT OF TROUBLE IN `CHAOS THEORY'.Byline: Redmond Carolipio Staff Writer In the world of me-first heroes, we need Sam Fisher For the Australian rules football player, see Samuel Fisher. Samuel Leo Fisher, is the main character in the Splinter Cell series of video games and novels. Sam Fisher is a veteran of the CIA Directorate of Operations and of U.S. Navy SEAL Team 3. . Fisher is the gruff gruff adj. gruff·er, gruff·est 1. Brusque or stern in manner or appearance: a gruff reply. 2. Hoarse; harsh: a gruff voice. star of ``Splinter SPLINTER - A PL/I interpreter with debugging features. [Sammet 1969, p.600]. Cell: Chaos Theory chaos theory, in mathematics, physics, and other fields, a set of ideas that attempts to reveal structure in aperiodic, unpredictable dynamic systems such as cloud formation or the fluctuation of biological populations. ,'' Ubisoft's third chapter of one of the most important franchises in stealth-action gaming. I call it important, because while the ``Metal Gear Solid'' games can be looked at as the genre's conscience, the ``Splinter Cell'' series has provided its soul. The basic task of stealth-action games is to stay away from the enemy. You dodge trouble, complete objectives and attack only when necessary. Most games in this style follow that plan faithfully but always tend to leave a little room for the impatient trigger-happy players to go in and light up some bad guys just for fun. Enter ``Chaos Theory.'' Of all the games in the ``Splinter Cell'' series, this one carries the strongest message of ``stay out of sight or die.'' And no character epitomizes that message more than Sam Fisher. Fisher is one of the most earthbound earth·bound also earth-bound adj. 1. Fastened in or to the soil: earthbound roots. 2. a. superstar characters in video game history. He has no mythic weapons or powers, and he isn't capable of pulling off ``Matrix''-style moves. He can't even jump really high. In true Tom Clancy-esque fashion, he's simply one of those people who is exceptionally good at his job - within the boundaries of reality. And it's the game's enforcement of these boundaries that practically weeds out the people who just want to run around and shoot things. Trying to do that will make for a miserable playing experience, until you either shut the game off or play it the ``right'' way. That's not to say the only option for players is to run and hide. Fisher comes with a bevy bevy a flock of birds. of new quick-strike moves, including being able to grab people while hanging upside down. The more exquisite moves come in the game's multiplayer mode, where a two-man team can pull off maneuvers like the ``human ladder'' (self-explanatory). One of more noticeable changes is the game's sometimes goofy Goofy bumbling, awkward dog; originally named Dippy Dawg. [Comics: “Mickey Mouse” in Horn, 492] See : Awkwardness humor humor, according to ancient theory, any of four bodily fluids that determined man's health and temperament. Hippocrates postulated that an imbalance among the humors (blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile) resulted in pain and disease, and that good health was . Funny wouldn't be a word typically attached to the series, but ``Chaos Theory'' has moments where it just doesn't take itself too seriously. You'll hear examples in the random conversations between guards, as well as interrogations. Early on, you eavesdrop eaves·drop intr.v. eaves·dropped, eaves·drop·ping, eaves·drops To listen secretly to the private conversation of others. on a long (and oddly profound) story from a guard talking about the day his family was killed and why he's scared of the thunder. When you grab and question him from behind, he says, ``I knew you would come! I am ready to join my family ... I am coming, father!'' Where Fisher replies, ``You're freakin' me out.'' A much later mission will eventually lead you to two guys talking about ninjas. This stuff never really happened in the past installments - I guess we can thank ``Max Payne'' for this. If you're a player full of patience and discipline (or need to practice it), ``Chaos Theory'' is one of the more entertaining experiences you'll find. It's also another way to appreciate one of the most understated stars in the industry. SPLINTER CELL: CHAOS THEORY - Three and one half stars Platform: All consoles, PC. Price: $49.99 (regular edition). Rated: M for Mature In a nutshell: Patience is its own reward. CAPTION(S): photo Photo: no caption (SPLINTER CELL: CHAOS THEORY) |
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