Since its Xbox release, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell has been so well received by gamers everywhere that now the game can be found on multiple platforms.  And now Game Boy Advance gamers will get their chance to play a unique 2D version of this action-packed espionage game set in Tom Clancy’s special ops, gadget-loaded universe.   It’s time to take out the terrorist trash GBA style.

The story hasn’t changed for this version and it’s still just as interesting.  You assume the role of Sam Fisher, a Splinter Cell operative working for a shadowy special-ops branch of the National Security Agency known as the Third Echelon.  You’re sent on a mission to discover what happened to two CIA agents sent to the former Soviet Republic of Georgia who seemed to have suddenly disappeared.  Sam Fisher soon finds himself deep in a terrorist plot bigger than he could ever imagine.

With this deep and interesting storyline, you begin your adventure into espionage action through a basic training course so gamers can learn the controls.  Fisher’s movements are smooth and pleasantly enough many of the moves found in the console version can be found here.  You could slide down zip lines and rappel your way down to the next room.  Fisher even comes with many of his useful gadgets such as his silenced pistol, thermal goggles (with a night and thermal vision setting) and sticky cameras (which scouts out the area for you).

Stealth, which plays a big part in the console version, plays a minimal one here.  This is a good thing really since it’s not done very well here (think X2: Wolverine’s Revenge in terms of poor execution of stealthy movements).  Sam Fisher can crouch past guards or hide in dark corners, but somehow the field-of-depth for most of the enemies is downright exaggerated.  Still, this is nothing a shot from your silenced pistol won’t fix or you can slam your elbow into their faces to drop them cold.  You can also drop down on your opponent, knocking him out.

To keep the game fresh, the lock picking moments are also found here and it’s timed so you have to be quick about picking said lock.  Usually it’s aligning tumblers on each lock or tapping certain key location inside a lock.  These things keep the game fresh and fun, although gamers will have a blast just moving around in through each well-designed level.  For the most part, the levels are almost similar to the one found in the other version, that is, until you go into a sort of sniper mode.  To add to this, GameCube owners who own Splinter Cell can hook the GBA to their Cube (via the compatible cable) and download five new levels.  Oh yeah, it doesn’t get any better than that.

A visual treat the minute Sam Fisher starts his first mission; this just happens to be a good example of how many details the GBA system is capable of displaying on screen at once.  The backgrounds are filled with plenty of small details that really make this one astonishingly great-looking game.  When Sam Fisher rips out his SC Pistol, he does it with the same fluid motion as the console version Sam Fisher.  It’s just great seeing him hang from a ledge and smoothly shimmy along or rappel down a chimney.  The use of the thermal goggles also enhances the visuals in two different ways (night vision and thermal vision) somewhat similar to what is seen in Encore’s Daredevil for the GBA.

The game’s soundtrack is also a surprising treat in that it sets the mood perfectly during the stealthy parts and then quickly picks up during chaotic moments when the guards trigger the alarm.  The sound effects are also plentiful here, showcasing a slew of background noises.  You’ll know a video camera is nearby because you can hear the mechanical whirl as the video camera slowly pans from side to side.  The guard’s startled cry lets you know that you’ve been seen, leaving you no choice but to fire a muffled shot from your pistol. Great stuff, indeed.

Splinter Cell for the Game Boy Advance is just one of those games that are worthy enough to be found in any game fan’s library.  While it’s not the exact Splinter Cell experience found in the console version (and who in their right mind would expect it to be), this is an intoxicatingly addictive and highly entertaining game with enough goodies to love.  If you’re looking for an action-packed covert-ops game, you cannot go wrong with this one.

Gameplay: 8.2
Surprisingly smooth and filled with most of the cool moves, Splinter Cell’s controls are handled excellently in this version.  The 2D action might seem a bit awkward, but game does a great job of keeping the action going through the use of many of the things we love about this game as well as good level design.  Stealth plays a big role in the console version and here it is thankfully used sparsely since it’s difficult to successfully perform Fisher’s sneaky moves when the enemy’s line of sight includes being able to see through concrete. 

Still, the surprising part is that just like the console version; you get to use all the cool gadgets throughout the lengthy levels.  You also get three cartridge saves as well as the opportunity to download five extra levels through the GameCube (you have to own this console‘s version of the game, though). 

Graphics: 8.5
Splinter Cell’s graphics are the kind that makes Game Boy Advance owners proud to own our portable gaming system.  It truly pushes the system’s graphics capabilities and you’ll see it throughout each level.  The environments, be it indoors or out, are designed with a plenty of details.  In the police station, for instance, you can see a well-equipped office behind the desk clerks.  Fisher’s movements are also smooth and, thanks to the detailed characters, you’ll notice when an enemy has taken out a weapon.     

Sound: 8.5
Sound-wise, the game’s soundtrack consists of a dramatic score that plays throughout the game.  At its stealthy moments the score is nicely mellow until guards are alerted or you’re spotted by video cameras--that’s when the score really picks up.  Mixed in are some neat sound effects, such as the sound of crackling fire during the game’s first mission to the sound of an automated gun turret.  If a guard spots you, he cries out “Hey!”  Your weapons make distinct sounds and stepping on a mine treats you to an impressive explosion.

Difficulty: Medium
While the game is extremely fun, it is also challenging enough to have you stuck in certain levels.  Still this is not an incredibly difficult game, in fact, the real challenge comes from not getting lost (although your contact, Lambert, pops up to tell you if you still need to complete a mission objective.  It’s also difficult sneaking up on a guard and slamming your elbow into his cranium even with the dark corner to hide in or Fisher’s ability to move and crouch.  Boss fight, though; provide another challenge--although gamers will more likely enjoy replaying the sniper mode fight.

Concept: 8.0
Since it made its big splash on the Xbox, Splinter Cell as since found itself ported to the PS2 and GameCube . . . and why not?  It features a great story and plenty of high-tech prototype gadgets that hero Sam Fisher puts to good use throughout the game.  While many of Fisher’s cool moves are absent in this version, his basic moves are present and used creatively here.  You’ll also find that the game takes you through familiar areas seen on the console version.  It’s also refreshing to see the lock picking features.

Overall: 8.5
While it’s impossible to display all of the innovative features of the console version, Splinter Cell for the GBA is still able to capture all the intensity and thrilling action.  Although the stealth segments could have been handled a little better, gamers will enjoy all the cool moves Sam Fisher has at his disposal.  And, to top it all off, you can download levels using your GameCube.  What else can be said except for . . . buy this great game?