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 MUSIC: GAMES: 
The year is 2008. Information Warfare has evolved into the most dangerous threat to global stability. You are Sam Fisher, Third Echelon's most skilled Splinter Cell operative. You are assigned to execute a hazardous series of operations to investigate and eliminate a new source of information attacks, originating in North Korea. To succeed, you will employ a host of unconventional counterintelligence activities to gather intel, disrupt enemy operations and neutralize adversary targets. As Information Warfare evolves, so must the Splinter Cell. You must penetrate deeper into hostile territory and operate undetected, closer to the enemy than ever before. At your disposal is a lethal array of tactics ranging from Combat Knife techniques, experimental prototype weapons skills, and more radical hand-to-hand techniques such as the Inverted Chokehold. Experience the thrill of acting as a lone operative fighting tomorrow's threats in the field, and of cooperating online with a partner to accomplish crucial missions. Die in action, and the free world dies with you. Never-before-seen graphics technology offers the best visuals ever to appear on any platform. Advanced physics engine allows rag doll physics, particle effects and perfect interaction with the environment. The most complete arsenal of weapons and gadgets, from the combat knife to experimental prototype combat systems. Totally open level design with multipaths and optional secondary objectives. [Ubisoft]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
GameSpy
Although everything in the game has been improved, nothing makes a bigger difference than the new co-op mode, which can be played via splitscreen, system link, and Xbox Live. That's right, you and a buddy can now join up to take down enemies and pull off a variety of acrobatic moves, and it may very well be the most satisfying experience I've ever had on Live.
 100
1UP
Ubisoft's obvious dedication and purity of vision shines through in every single minute that you're playing. It never seems to get old, it's rarely frustrating, and delivers its payload of stealth, action, strategy and exploration right on target. If there's a more complete gaming experience on Xbox, I've yet to see it.
100
Cheat Code Central
I can't say enough about the graphics. I never knew there were so many shades of black. Even though much of the game is played in the shadows there is no shortage of detail.
100
Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)
Ultimately, Chaos Theory leaves the player stunned, excited and thoroughly satisfied. A landmark achievement in stealth gaming. [Xbox World]
100
Maxim Online
No longer is there just one way to solve a treacherous night mission before the enemy picks up your audio signature: stealth will pay off just as well as good old-fashioned ultraviolence.
100
AceGamez
Three brilliant games rolled into one that could all easily be sold separately. The single player is incredibly satisfying, co-op is one of a kind and adds a fresh and very compelling face to the underused online co-op genre and the adversarial mode is simply brilliant once again; an online experience no person with high speed internet should miss.
100
Pelaaja (Finland)
Sam Fisher, the western equivalent of Solid Snake, shines brightly in his third game as did his Japanese counterpart in his third game. As a whole, Chaos Theory is by far the best instalment in the Splinter Cell -series. The game does more than just recycle old ideas. [May 2005, p.60]
100
G4 TV
And the co-op means that, like the previous two games, Chaos Theory is as close to an essential buy as we can imagine.
100
Sydney Morning Herald
Visually spectacular and hugely rewarding.
100
DarkStation
By far the best game that the series has produced.
100
XGP Gaming
Ubi has improved virtually every aspect of the gameplay from the previous two versions, and introduced even more new options and gameplay types. With the solo campaign, co-op campaign and online multiplayer, it’s almost like having three games in one.
100
Gaming Age
Without a doubt the best the stealth genre can offer... One of the best games I have ever played.
100
Into Liquid Sky
UbiSoft is going to be hard pressed to beat it.
99
Talk Xbox
A blockbuster. If you don’t buy this game you don’t deserve to own an Xbox; it’s that good. Everything about this game is top-notch, from the gameplay, to the graphics, to the sound; it’s all tremendously well done.
99
Xbox Evolved
The multiplayer in Chaos Theory is incredibly addictive.
99
Official Xbox Magazine
Between the compelling gameplay of the single-player missions, the value of the versus mode, and the perfect integration of co-op play over Live, this is the definitive Xbox game. The zenith of the platform... An utterly spectacular accomplishment. [Apr 2005, p.72]
98
Game Informer
Writing in video games is a subject that doesn't get a lot of attention, but Chaos Theory features a simply great script. Not only is it complex and deep, it's also surprisingly funny. [Apr 2005, p.112]
98
Team Xbox
The formula has been tweaked to an almost perfect mix of story and engrossing gameplay that still requires more use of brain over brawn... The presentation is off the charts with mesmerizing visuals and audio production, both of which have a major impact on how you play.
98
XboxAddict
After my first week of playing, I must freely admit that one of my biggest thrills in SP mode is taking out a guard and finding a high spot from which to drop him. Cliff edges, deep crevices or anything like them will do.
98
Game Chronicles
Nearly a flawless gameplay experience.
98
Gamers' Temple
Making a return appearance is the very innovative Spies vs. Mercenaries multiplayer with its own set of improvements including a very cool active camouflage for the spies that makes them practically invisible.
98
netjak
With a slick story, great visuals, awesome multiplayer possibilities, and a style that is unmatched, Chaos Theory does not disappoint.
98
Xbox Solution
A great single-player mode and a well thought-out online Co-Op mode makes this one hard to beat in its genre.
97
GameZone
With gorgeous visuals, a great story and fantastic multiplayer modes, this one is a complete package.
97
Console Gameworld
With new graphics, new modes of play and new weapons, Chaos Theory plays like Splinter Cell but feels just different enough to keep fans of the series happy.
97
eToychest
Chaos Theory offers a ton of replay value with the solo mode alone, and the multiplayer games are a blast. With additional bonuses like great graphics, sound effects, voice acting, and a great soundtrack for any console, it’s a must-own for any fan of stealth/action.
97
Xbox World Australia
Visually stunning, audibly amazing and captivating in solo and multiplayer, Chaos Theory is the crowning achievement of the Splinter Cell series which just gets better and better with every new game.
96
Worth Playing
A serious improvement in any way you care to name, from gameplay to its newly, eerily realistic graphics.
96
IGN
It is amazing to see the range of gameplay elements that have been squeezed into this title. It is even more impressive to experience how well each of them works.
95
Next Level Gaming
You can't be a serious game player and not have this game. It's simply a must buy. It is the perfect third in a near perfect game series.
95
WHAM! Gaming
The great thing about Splinter Cell Chaos Theory is that it’s just getting warmed up once you finish playing all by your lonesome. The Multiplayer aspect of it will easily quadruple your time with the game.
95
MS Xbox World
I am truly amazed at how this game can interest nearly all types of gamers with the ability to play Chaos Theory either by stealth or action.
95
GameBiz
The best stealth game ever, period.
95
Electronic Gaming Monthly
It's simply brilliant. The modes, graphics, gameplay, sound, music, acting, dialogue, and every other little piece in between all come together to create a tense, sweaty-palm experience you can't find anywhere else. [Apr 2005, p.126]
95
PGNx Media
The only real gripe against the game is that the control isn’t as intuitive as it can be. There are many options in a given situation, and the game still relies on the same context-sensitive menu system, which is a bit cumbersome.
95
GameSpot AU
Chaos Theory takes the best aspects of the previous games and makes them shine even more. Splinter Cell veterans won't find too many new additions, but newbies and vets alike should snap it up as it's the best game in the series so far.
95
Play Magazine
In all things small and epic, from the palpable graininess of the game's predominantly poorly lit environments, to the endlessly thrilling second installment of the spies vs. mercenaries online competitions, Theory does not disappoint. [May 2005, p.44]
95
Gamezilla!
Chaos Theory has an incredibly realistic quality that, when combined with the series’ hallmark of incredible lighting and shadowing effects, will easily immerse you into Sam Fisher’s world.
95
Extreme Gamer
Easily the best Splinter Cell game released yet, from the jaw dropping graphics to the pulse pounding action Chaos Theory goes above and beyond the call and creates one of the best experiences yet for the Xbox.
95
DailyGame
This gameplay variation is a fantastic move on Ubisoft’s part, because it makes Chaos Theory more accessible to a wider audience while still supporting a more slow-paced game.
95
Electric Playground
Playing Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is like tearing open your presents Christmas morning and discovering to your shock that you got everything you asked for. No pairs of socks.
94
IC-Games
It’s still the most fluid, most stylish, most playable experience in third person action and adds another worthy page turner to the Tom Clancy library.
94
Jolt Online Gaming UK
Subjectivity aside, on a pure bang to buck ratio Chaos Theory comes out tops, but as we’re all too aware, there’s no accounting for taste (or skill, you light-loving frag-fanatics).
94
Xequted
One of the most striking things about Chaos Theory is its stunning visuals which top anything we saw in previous Splinter Cell games, even to the extent of making them look a little dull.
93
Kombo
If you’ve played the previous games, you’ll be impressed. But if it’s your first entry in the series, then you’ll be enthralled.
93
TotalGames.net
In single-player mode Chaos Theory isn't a big step in the evolution of the Splinter Cell franchise, and may seem a repetitive adventure so soon after "Pandora Tomorrow," but this doesn't stop it from being an excellent and visually stunning piece of work.
93
GamingTrend
With this much improvement in the online mode after just one new game, I think Ubisoft will knock our socks off on the next generation of hardware.
92
3DAvenue
Gone are the drab boring levels from Pandora, in are some fantastic new levels such as a Russian Boat, a security corporation and others.
92
Game Over Online
On the basis of single-player alone, Chaos Theory earns a high recommendation. If you can conquer Versus or find a buddy for co-op, it could be a Game of the Year contender.
92
Gamer's Hell
Not only is it a game that will have you hooked from the moment you pick it up, but it is the best looking title available on any console.
91
Pelit (Finland)
Offers more of the same great stealth action as the two previous instalments. This time it is smoother and even more playable than before, but the story is still virtually non-existent. The co-op mode is a great addition, it just needs more missions. [Apr. 05]
91
Game Revolution
The Xbox version of Chaos Theory is one of the system’s most complete and valuable titles, a must-have. If you like your games hard and your competition brutal, don’t let Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory out of your sight.
90
ActionTrip
The game feels real enough that you might want to sneak up on a cop on a late Saturday night after playing for a few hours.
90
Computer and Video Games
Gorgeously lit levels create some amazingly atmospheric - and realistic - shadows to lurk in. The cod liver oil's been doing the trick too, as Sam's slinky, cat-like movements are animated in a stunningly believable way. [Official UK Xbox Magazine]
90
GamerFeed
I wanted to give Chaos Theory a five-star rating like its brother before it, I really did. But something held me back, probably the lack of so many co-op maps or something about the way the gameplay didn't jar me like it used to, as excellent as it remains.
90
Total Video Games
The combination of cutting-edge technology and consuming game design creates an experience that is hard to put down, and it’s really only minor gripes that prevent this from being a perfect score.
90
Yahoo! Games
It's definitely an evolutionary step rather than something highly original, but even those who weren't enamored with earlier Splinter Cell titles should try out this more open-ended gameplay style.
90
GamePro
Whereas small refinements dominate the single-player mode, the new co-op game revolutionizes the multiplayer mode. Co-op takes on a whole new meaning in Chaos Theory as two spies must literally work together to accomplish a mission.
90
Gamestyle
Not only does Sam Fisher dethrone Solid Snake, he snaps his neck when he's not looking. Now that's a sign of greatness.
90
AltGaming
The only aspect of the game that the developers have neglected to improve is the enemy AI, who remain as simple as ever before and can be lead like well armed, extremely dangerous sheep to the slaughter.
90
GameCritics
It's not too often when a series can challenge me to think of the endless possibilities for future installments all because of a sound formula established by its flawed first installment.
90
NTSC-uk
The pinnacle of both stealth and Tom Clancy games, and is light years ahead of its peers. The changes to the gameplay structure accompanied with the very open-ended levels make for a simply brilliant single-player game.
90
PALGN
Improved in practically every way. More abilities, more weapons, more gadgets and overall just more choice. Level designs offer far more options to the player and the game is simply more fun because of it.
90
Inside Gamer Online
The single-player is short but sweet, and the multiplayer is just totally sick. With the addition of cooperative play and a new action-focused approach, it makes Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory the most accessible, entertaining, and enjoyable game in the series so far.
86
GameSpot
Chaos Theory sometimes has a designed-by-committee feel due to its many disparate parts, and despite the game's grittier new theme and its new "Mature" rating, it's going to offer a familiar experience to Splinter Cell veterans. But even if some of the changes are marginal, this is still the most entertaining, most well-rounded game in the series yet.
84
The New York Times
Perhaps Sam is just getting older, perfecting his skills while losing some feistiness. His games are following the same path, with increasingly sophisticated, deep gameplay but a little less flair.
80
Boomtown
Its learning curve is fair instead of gleefully obstinate and that’s what marks this series’ major step forward.
80
games(TM)
Despite the inclusion of new gadgets and stunning visuals, the series is starting to decompose; playing the same thing over and over is beginning to wear a little thin. It’s a good job the multiplayer experience continues to blossom. [Apr 2005, p.90]
80
Edge Magazine
Chaos Theory is the game that the original Splinter Cell was meant to deliver: a tight play experience within a trusty framework, one more of enjoyment than irritation, and a game that’s no longer exclusively for fans of repeated reloading. [Apr 2005, p.97]
75
Detroit Free Press
I'll reserve a four-star rating for the next time this series takes big leaps. In this latest edition, there's nothing so new that you'll stop and say, "Whoa." But Chaos Theory is true to the things that make Splinter Cell games so good.
Knight H. gave it a10: John M. gave it a10: Steve P. gave it a10: Lindolf B. gave it a10: T. Clancy gave it a1: Bruno B. gave it a10: Jon S. gave it a10: |
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