Splinter Cell: Double Agent review

Y'know, we've never really liked the Splinter Cell series all that much. There's just something about playing the role of a government spook working for the CIA, the NSA or whatever that rubbed us the wrong way.

But we're professionals, so when the boss asked us to play Splinter Cell Double Agent, we begrudgingly agreed. After all, we were starting to get used to being a tool of the Man (just kidding).

When we fired up Double Agent, however, it didn't take very long for this gem to surprise us with its maturity and addictively tense gameplay. Lead scary guy Sam Fisher begins the game up to his old tricks of sneaking around and knifing oblivious thugs in the neck, but it doesn't take long for things to get more complicated.

Above: Don't you love snuggling in Sam's tender arms?

When Sam learns of the death of his daughter, he breaks and loses the will to serve his country and, possibly, to live as well. That tragic event sends Sam into a spiral of depression and self-destructive behavior that culminates in him becoming a double agent in a dangerous terrorist organization.

Sam's gloomy mood colors the entire game and adds depth to the storyline. Superb voice acting from Michael Ironside brings a new dimension to Sam Fisher and provides an emotional backdrop for the disturbing events in the game. And believe us, there are many disturbing events.