Splinter Cell (X box )

By JON MINIFIE

(Herald rating: * * * *)

Tom Clancy writes high-tech espionage thrillers like The Hunt for Red October or Clear and Present Danger, many of which have become Hollywood blockbusters. His novels typically involve spying, ultra-modern gadgets and weaponry, and there's usually some fiendish plot to snuff out the president, or at least kidnap his daughter. That makes them ripe for developing into games.

Splinter Cell is a 3D action adventure that appears to be modelled on the Konami classic Metal Gear Solid, although there's probably enough divergence to ensure it avoids the copycat tag.

You play as Sam Fisher, operative for a CIA sub-agency. Fisher is a highly trained specialist in military and anti-terrorism tactics. The gameplay focuses on the agent as he goes about his work.

Skilfully voice-acted by Michael Ironside, Fisher is one tough hombre, a lot more agile than Metal Gear's Solid Snake and a better fighter. He can also scurry up walls to evade detection, legs wide, bracing himself between said walls like Jackie Chan.

Like Metal Gear, Splinter Cell is more about stealth than wanton gunplay. That said, you will amass a tidy arsenal with which you can persuade guards to give you passwords, key codes and various pieces of information.

The Cold War-themed action begins at a leisurely pace, easing you into the first days back on the job as a super spy. First you have to gather information, test out your spy camera and a few gadgets, provided care of the US military.

Just as you're getting to grips, things start to ramp up but unlike Metal Gear, there's no radar or motion detector to tell you the enemy's around.

Playing Splinter Cell, you feel a lot more vulnerable to attack (almost at all times) which encourages you to err on the side of caution and stick to the shadows.

The heat-sensitive night-vision goggles will be your best friend as you tiptoe through the darkness. Players can shoot out a light, switch to night vision and pick off a target as it gropes helplessly in the dark.

Controlling the camera can be fiddly but it's a small price to pay. Splinter Cell is a top-notch 3D action title.

$129.95

jon@tenthplanet.com