The sound too is head-and-shoulders above other 3DS titles. The main characters are voiced by professional actors and there is a lot of dialogue for them to deliver. Characters talk not only in cut scenes between missions, but also during missions. Good guys jabber information in Sam’s earpiece, baddies converse with each other, and Sam can interrogate many of the villains. All of it is on a professional acting level.
The overall sound design is impressive as well. The level of detail rivals that of a movie. Background noises include nighttime insects, footsteps, and machine noises. Playing the game with headphones on is as immersive as a surround sound game. The music is fitting and spare. It is not noticeable until a tense situation where it amps up appropriately. This is the richest sound experience on the 3DS.
Splinter Cell is a great showcase of the graphic and audio capabilities of the 3DS. It is a shame the gameplay is so disappointing. This could have been the system’s killer app as it is so impressive technically. Instead, it is a pretty looking and sounding game that is not much fun to actually play.
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D is rated T (Teen) by the ESRB for Drug Reference, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence.
Article comments
1 - Mark
Nice review. Got this game on Day 1, and I completely agree with your review. Controls are the only real weakness of this game, but that's a pretty critical weakness.
2 - John
I found out how to take out a tank. All you have to do is throw a grenade in the cockpit.