Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow (GBA) (Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow (GBA)
Date:	01/06/09 (5 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gameplay, Graphics

Disadvantages: Some audio

"Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2004 by Ubisoft. It is based on the "Splinter Cell" series of video games. In the United States, the game received a rating of "T" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for teenage years and above due to its violent content.

In this title, players assume the role of Sam Fisher who is a covert operative working against an evil guerrilla soldier. Stealth is the main objective of the game as throughout each of the nine missions Sam will be required to remain undetected. Each of the levels are very similar in terms of their requirements, and players will likely find the process tedious as the crux of the game involves navigating from left to right, avoiding detection from security devices or guards and exiting in tact. Sam is equipped with small weapons but does not often make use of them. Instead of blasting all of the bad guys to oblivion, Sam will be shooting light sources and cameras to prevent his discovery. The difficulty in this title is at a very high level due to the precise requirements of the player. Upon discovery the player is often sent back to the beginning of the stage unless the situation calls for close quarter encounters; for example should Sam require a key or pass code to reach a restricted area of the level.

The graphics are presented from a side scrolling perspective which focus on Sam Fisher. Each of the game's stages features a distinct urban theme which makes use of many shades of grays, browns and blacks. The detailing to the outdoor stages is good and many buildings are accented with finer features such as drainage pipes and postboxes. I also find the animations to be good and noticed Sam to move at a responsive rate to my button commands. The soundtrack leaves more to be desired, however, as many of the musical scores are bass heavy which does not suit the Gameboy's lower audio capabilities. I found many of the "boom" sounds to emit a "hissing" noise which is not so pleasing on the ears.

Overall, Pandora Tomorrow is a fun addition to the action genre and I would recommend it to prospective buyers. It is likely that only those in the "T" age bracket would find enjoyment in this game as the requirements are complex and often difficult to execute. I find it to be a fun game overall but was reduced to frustration in many areas.

Summary: Thumbs up