Χ-Play (2003)

Splinter Cell, Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, Still Life and more! (3x33)

Air date: Apr 05, 2005

On tonight's episode of X-Play, we review Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory. Has it only been a little over two years since Ubisoft unleashed the first Splinter Cell? It doesn't seem possible, especially since we're now looking at release number three. But Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory not only presents a new techno-thriller to occupy super spy Sam Fisher, it offers players all the flexibility they wanted in the first two games. With Microsoft and Sony battling it out for the heart and mind of the core gamer, Nintendo is a company struggling to maintain its identity as the game publisher that offers unique, engaging experiences you simply can't find anywhere else. It's lead to a reputation of innovation for the sake of innovation, something that Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat represents perfectly. Fans of CSI and serial killer thrillers will be getting an adventure game just for them soon. From the developer of Syberia and Post Mortem, Still Life is an interesting melding of classic point-and-click adventuring and the current pop culture fascination with criminal investigations and homicidal maniacs. For fans of Port Mortem, there’s the added bonus of a direct tie to that game, since your alter ego here is the granddaughter of the older game’s protagonist, Gus McPherson, and you’ll even play him in psychic flashbacks. Much like an un-brushed mouth is a breeding ground for the gum disease gingivitis, Game Boy has always been beset by Pokemon clones. Shaman King, drawing from the cartoon of the same name, is the latest in a long line. The new elements it brings to the table make it better than most GBA RPGs, however, and help separate it from the other pretenders out there (Dragon Warrior Monsters, Robopon, Beyblade, etc.). Ever find yourself wanting to play a game where you’ll spend upwards of 20 hours in the shoes of a low-level advertising executive? No? What about an advertising executive from 2044 who lives in a futuristic city riddled with ta