Can Splinter Cell Blacklist be a Stealth Game AND an Action Game? Adam talks with Lead Game Designer

[@nicholsjoshua15]

They have added Night-Vision, Thermal-Vision, and Sonar-Vision. Win, win, and win! Also they are bringing back the full stealth game play.

[@HRxSterling145]

This may be a late reply but, only reason Ironside didn't do the voice of Sam is cause they were doing the Motion capture. Ironside told the director of the motion capture stuff about how could of an actor Eric Johnson is to play Sam, if you watched the video of Ironside explaining why he wasn't playing Sam that's basically what he said.

[@NinthReelProductions]

Not really, people complained similarly to Hitman but it had just as much stealth as any of the other games, if not more. It did however accommodate all out assault a whole lot better which is what Splinter Cell will do if you know how to play the game right.

[@nicholsjoshua15]

Well even in Stealth Action Redefined, Pandora Tomorrow, Chaos Theory, and Double Agent I think there where moments fire and maneuver, cover shot, and quick take downs would have been very useful. The daytime and nighttime missions seem like they will be a good change of pace. The fact that you can shoot your way out of a bad situation is very realistic. I can't wait for Splinter Cell : Blacklist.

[@LynnJynh9315]

The ghost play-through should award points for going through a level WITHOUT taking down enemies, and panther should award points for taking out enemies silently (lethal or not).

[@ADHD4856]

I kind of agree with this statement. I'm hoping they are bringing NV and therm gogg options back in this game (I don't know if they are or not) but at times I do like the sonar goggles because it's useful for a breach. (Happy breach charges are being added =) ) But when I play Conviction, I like to not use the sonar goggs if I feel like it's making it too easy. I just go by eyesight to add on a challenge. I would really like if NV came back in Blacklist, because I like the feel of the greenness.

[@kzgc8y3n]

SUCH a cool idea bro, and then have a mission or two where you control Sam for nostalgia. You're hired.

[@EddieTheBunny]

The SONAR vision was in Conviction. Not the NV and IR.

[@ADHD4856]

Blacklist is a stealth game. It's optional to go into assault mode, which I really look forward to. I really prefer the "Panther" play style, but if I want to go into assault mode, I can do that. I really like that they are appealing to different play styles because honestly, I think they're doing it right in this game. I feel very confident that they'll do a great job with Blacklist and I feel like it'll be the best Splinter Cell yet, in my opinion. Everyone has their own tastes.

[@speider]

Bought and played through every splinter cell game. Looking so much forward to blacklist.

[@almostontimehero5415]

Modern Stealth Action; shoot then hide. Shoot then hide. Shoot then hide. I remember in stealth games you had to restart if the enemy even looked at you, and you felt accomplished when they never even knew you were there.

[@ADHD4856]

I have to honestly say that I am very satisfied with Ubisoft right now. I grew up playing the very first Splinter Cell game when I was only about 7 years old. I've played all the others and have enjoyed every single one of them. I'm very happy that the innovations I wanted to see in Conviction finally coming in. And I'm very glad to see that Ubisoft is answering all of these questions about this game that I have. Every one I had is now answered and I greatly look forward to it. Right on Ubisoft

[@hitdoctor24]

Well it's a broad word...many different levels of change. There's small changes, and there's drastic changes. And then there's positive and negative small changes, and positive/negative drastic changes. Conviction was full of negative drastic changes, while blacklist seems to be moving more towards positive drastic changes.

[@error115]

I have a real love hate relationship with games that give different playstyles. I always choose to go stealthy, but I always end up shooting and killing my way through levels towards the end. I did it with Conviction, Dishonored, and Hitman. It happens every time and I hate myself for it.

[@TheBlueGoldenHawk]

I agree with you, but Sam should've been like the new Lambert (giving mission objectives and the like). I guess that's basically how Grim was in Conviction, but whatever

[@veidoceu5270]

they don't want to loose stealth fans, but they know that what really sells today is action games. so they combine both and make a game. but i agree with you, they should stick more to stealth

[@breakfastenjoyer]

So Sam is back. I thought Wiki said that he was replaced. This is good news. I hope Ironside makes a voice cameo as like an adviser.

[@lisquidsnake]

Is there an award Sessler can get for his work in industry? He needs one...ASAP

[@viperhunter126]

Those who say that blacklist cant be a run and gun game and a stealth game, if u hadnt noticed, games that force stealth are bwing integrated with run and gun options for example, assassins creed and hitman absolution. I mean think about it, its sam fisher hes a master at stealth but when caught he can clear the place out without someone even blinking.

[@vinhnhattran1183]

If you don't know About 3 Splinter Cell games, you won't know about this game. You see Sam Used to be calm guy and following order. In Double Agents, Sam returned with his new story and got difficult choice to choose. That's why you can't understand The Conviction story. Sam was hiding in the past for so long until he appeared in Conviction when he hear his daughter was alive. And also, Adam Kovic, he will be a major role in this game. We knew about Reed in Conviction. But we did not know Adam.

[@Lance_Lionroar]

I'm talking about the goggles themselves, not the vision they provide, the night-vision and thermal-vision ones always looked the same. Since I'm talking about the goggles themselves, then yes, they are indeed in Conviction and hasn't been dumped.

[@kzgc8y3n]

My answer to the title question? Yes, a game can be stealth and action, but it means a boat load of work for the devs. Almost like making two games!

[@Verd254]

Action games and stealth games adhere to very different philosophies in terms of game design. That may be obvious, but people still tend to not realize the contradiction that's going on. They are genres that require very different kinds of level design, atmosphere, A.I., and core gameplay mechanics. It takes a VERY special game (if it's possible at all) to meld the two without diluting one or the other. And so far I've yet to play a game that has truly blended them well together.

[@hitdoctor24]

Well what did chaos theory add that splinter cell 1+2 didn't have in trms of stealth. The only thing I can think of is the OCP. Blacklist has suit customization to help improve stealth. I don't get how the stealth in this game isn't similar to CT stealth. And considering you can play the entire game stealthily, I wouldn't say it's 80% action if you're always sneaking past guards.

[@hitdoctor24]

Lmao that was my temper going off at its finest. It happens. On a calmer note, I never said that completely changing a game is what change is supposed to be. You're right, SAR to CT is change. CT to conviction is not. Conviction to blacklist is change, but in the opposite direction. I honestly feel that with blacklist, they're trying to stay true to their roots.

[@mac081793]

Wish you went into more detail about co-op

[@Akabane101]

Unless you play Perfectionist mode, which removes all of what makes it a "non-stealth" game.

[@SquareOneGames2]

This game should be a great addition the fall season! :D

[@CatastrophicalPencil]

In order for this to work, assault and panther would HAVE to have bad consequences, otherwise you'd just end up going assault all the time because it'd be easier and enemies aren't really a challenge.

[@SwagibeatMM]

I'm really excited for the game which means that not all fans hate the new approach I played the first 3 on Xbox original when I got my PS3 I never played double agent or conviction (I would like to) and i still think this will be great even without Michael Ironside :(

[@Verd254]

At least he quit of his own will and wasn't forced out of the role. I know he went on record saying he was forced out because of the mocap acting or whatever, but if you look at previous interviews and connect the dots it's quite obvious he simply didn't like the direction they were taking Sam's character and so he didn't want to play the role anymore.

[@ytpaulthebest]

The option I would choose in building Fourth Echelon is to have Michael Ironside voice Sam Fisher.

[@Kaizu823]

I feel those two games you listed for this year will play more like Batman: Arkham City, which is like 25% Stealth and 75% Action (then again, imo, stealth games are all about the computer AI and puzzle-like scenarios). Anyways, speaking of Batman, I have the feeling this new Sam is like becoming a Ironman/Batman-hybrid sort of character. His skills and is now near limitless supply of arsenals. What else can Sam do now? Or better yet, what can he not do?

[@Lance_Lionroar]

How am I being cryptic? Sonar wasn't in SC before. The goggles themselves, however, have always been there. The goggles themselves are trademark in Conviction as they have been in all SC's, and haven't been dumped.

[@TheIrishGamerGuy]

I think Splinter Cell is Splinter Cell again, the knife is back, thermal goggles are back, Spying is back (not just hunting down baddies for your own personal reasons) and the gadgets are more gadgety...Yay!

[@daveman247]

yeah. Its weird how they happily send out the leader of fourth echilon into the front line XD

[@EddieTheBunny]

Well if you think Conviction is change then "Destroyed" is the word you're looking for.

[@ADHD4856]

Oops I didn't mean to say thermal vision. I know that's coming back and forgot for a minute.

[@Link10103]

play double agent on xbox or pc or even gamecube (very different from first gen consoles the whole game is designed different), dont know if its because i have the first generation ps3 but it was laggy as hell, yet more modern games i dont have that issue.

[@Jango500]

Actually Fisher is not younger, the game takes place after Conviction. Fisher just continues to look younger and gets more and more acrobatic.

[@daveman247]

Actually the "never looking up" thing is in all stealth games. If they didnt have it in, you would never look for elevation. Because its exposed up there and everyone would see you, at all times. Compromise between realism and fun :)

[@Link10103]

As long as i have the OPTION to go full stealth if i wanted to, im fine. I actually quite enjoy that I can go 2 routes, balls to the wall kill anything that moves, or become a shadow and bypass everyone. I dont really go that in depth when it comes to core game mechanics and such. Give me the option, and im good. I r simple :D

[@Lance_Lionroar]

I never said it was liked, but it was still there.

[@SwagibeatMM]

What I'm trying to say is that Fans shouldn't hate that the series is moving forward and innovating, things will change, but its still the same series

[@Reapzehz]

I am a Splinter cell fan and have been since the very beginning with the first game, so I will definitely play it ghost. At the end of the day, people can play it however they want since they did pay for it. True fans will do it stealth whereas people who never played splinter cell will take it through killing. There is a Professional difficulty that sort of forces stealth. But technically Chaos theory could be played though run and gun. (except displace and kokubo sosho obviously.)

[@ButtonBashingBunny]

It used to be grey.... ish. :P but now its green because they did bring it back!

[@RBRShortFilms13]

I'm a DIE HARD splinter cell fan of the original first 3 games and Conviction is by far the best and this looks incredible! I'm glad Ubisoft is giving you a variety in the gameplay instead of keeping it limited. Stop complaining fans and don't judge it until you play it! Splinter Cell is amazing!!!

[@hitdoctor24]

Well sorry for using the wrong adjective...of course I want splinter cell to still be awesome, classic SC, but I still want it to EVOLVE (happy now?) lol. And I'm a hardcore fan and have played through the first 4 games about 10 times each, so I know what you mean.

[@afellowbro]

The fact of the matter is that they should have built upon the stealth factor, which is where I, the long time fan, feel as though they have sold out. In my opinion they have gone total call of duty as in what can we do to sell units rather than make a great addition to the series. I don't want to even wait until this guy is fired and the game takes a new direction. Because like i said I am a fan and thus as you all know HATE waiting, which is what i feel i'm doing as these games come and go.

[@speider]

you still didn't mention which game in the series you were referring to.

[@MrIrrepressible]

why are there so many day light missions? what happened to all the night time missions>??

[@speider]

So you can't play stealthy when other options are presented as well, is that what you're saying?

[@jaymart2k]

Where's the hands-on impressions videos?

[@hitdoctor24]

So you're saying there hasn't been a single hard game since CT? And you're completely wrong. SC has always told you your objective, it's just that the display is different. It used to always tell you what to do on the OPSAT. Now it just displays it on buildings. It's not like the new way is giving you strategies and tips to beat the game.

[@Sapphire_829]

I'm a ghost, but I don't mind allowing other playstyles as long as the game can still be difficult. Conviction was easy as hell. You could easily hide behind 1 wall and spray every one down, and chuck 5 nades, mines, whatever. Way too easy. Hopes are high for Blacklist though!

[@hitdoctor24]

It's funny how people only ever mention chaos theory. Sure it's the best SC and absolute masterpiece, the first game, Pandora tomorrow. And double agent are also awesome as well.

[@richardthomas8371]

Zip line executions?! I'm fraking sold! I was already, but still...

[@Plutonia001]

The thermal goggles in the previous games were so much better because they were realistic and they weren't overpowered. You could see enemies through smoke and vague shapes through thin materials, but that was about it. The sonar goggles are not an item, but a very gamey streamlining gimmick made to dumb down the game, masquerading as an item.

[@listofromantics]

The problem is when you try to please everyone you often end up pleasing no one.

[@vinhnhattran1183]

Look Eddie, You need understand the story. In Conviction, maybe the gameplay not the same in previous games. But the story is fit with game, Sam pissed, so he was going to kill everyone who stand in his way. In BlackList, he no longer angry anymore, but he more Control and serious because he is the leader of Forth Echelon. He is the leader, and his crew will follow his style and his rule. And also, the BlackList is more threat than previous, even they got a lot of information to threat USA.

[@NOUSERNAMESLEFTFUUCK]

I understand the direction their going in, they have to appeal to the masses and looks at games of this day. Playing Chaos theory just makes me feel sad now

[@WWEMATTELANIMATOR]

but i think stealth games are improving.last year we had Dishonored and Hitman which was awesome and This Year we have Splinter Cell and Metal Gear Solid

[@Gfunk839]

That said, why was Micheal Ironside Dropped ??

[@Lance_Lionroar]

"Yes I used caps lock. I don't care." Watch out, we got a badass over here!

[@THEJAYMAN212]

Whens the game's release date for this game

[@TheDudes20]

The splinter cell series was based on the splinter cell book

[@hitdoctor24]

Well that's a hyperbole if I've ever seen one. And besides, I believe I meant simple in terms of the overall concept and gameplay. Either way, chaos theory isn't hard at all. There are hundreds of games since chaos theory that have been WAY harder. I love all SC games (especially CT), but it's not exactly hard. It just takes a little while to learn.

[@hitdoctor24]

Yeah ironside did say something about not liking what they were doing with Sam. Such a shame though.

[@Link10103]

You can only go so far with realism in games. I doubt it makes sense in games to take a sword the chest, be close to death, eat a bag of chips and suddenly be on your feet again. Regardless, at the very least I dont think this game will be bad, and since my transition from fps to more general games i wouldnt mind getting this.

[@goldbondisgod]

i came to check this out and I did

[@hitdoctor24]

Yeah, Sam should have been the new Lambert. Make a new agent that Sam trained personally, so he'll be as bad ass possible without actually being Sam. That's how they should have done it.

[@ButtonBashingBunny]

Chaos theory wasnt simple it was harder then every single fucking game on the market now. Not saying it was hard. It was just harder.

[@Shiimochi]

Well from the game, I think the terrorist initiated the attack which lead to the deployment of 4th Echelon.

[@speider]

When did having light meters become realistic? Don't you think the average player can tell by themselves whether or not they're in shadow? Using the in-game surroundings instead of gamey elements like that, can drive immersion tenfold. Light meters and health bars aren't what makes games, they are communication tools that can be done and used differently for better effect. P.S. watch the video. there is darkness.

[@AwesomeArgonanth]

Still going to hold off on giving them any money until it is actually proven I can ghost every mission without it feeling like I am glitching out the game. Conviction took a shit all over that playstyle and it has me worried that splintercell will never go back to the way it was.

[@RBRShortFilms13]

That's your opinion man. Conviction's still a stealth-action game. I've played the game many times and it's very stealthy. I love the original games, but Conviction had more of a fast paste style to it that the others didn't. And if your a die hard splinter cell fan then you would love Conviction as much as the originals. A die hard fan of a video game series is (for the most part) a fan of every single entry of that series. Just my idea. Feel free to prove me wrong.

[@Bartman954]

Awesome left handy shake

[@luukdeman111]

According to Adam (and he is my most trusted games journalist at he moment) it is less action focused then conviction so at least they are trying to turn back the damage they've done with conviction...

[@LynnJynh9315]

You can't expect Ironside to stick around forever... it's discouraging, but the series has to survive without him. I don't think he was the only reason people play these games.

[@Verd254]

Sorry, but the debut trailer showed where their priorities are.

[@EddieTheBunny]

I'm not talking about Sam's daughter. I'm talking about the terrorist plot. It doesn't make any sense which THEN doesn't make sense to fake the death of Sarah.

[@TroySapienRobot]

This isn't a Splinter Cell Game. This is Ghost Recon with a Splinter Cell title slapped on. No Michael Ironside = Not a Splinter Cell Game.

[@Lance_Lionroar]

You don't get them at the credits, do you? It's IN the game, it gets used, it gets counted as trademark Splinter Cell goggles.

[@hitdoctor24]

The game was revealed 7 months ago, meaning they've been telling us for 7 months there is still stealth, yet you're still asking why there's no stealth. That's what I mean.

[@daveman247]

Yeah the old splinter cells concentrated more on light or dark. Moving in the light anywhere was a no-no. I guess they moved away from that here.

[@hitdoctor24]

But SC was always stealth game so why would they need to add stealth if it's already in the game? And watch the e3 demo ghost version. Aside from them killing one person to show that hiding bodies was back, they were stealthy the whole way. And I agree about double agent being the worst of the originals but it's still good. Stupid how 4/10 of the missions are the same fucking location, but it's still very good.

[@XCMikeMyers26]

thought this game was put on hold.

[@daveman247]

aye, hitman too. Being able to do both is good, its what i end up doing anyway :P

[@BaconMan2489]

I think this game will be fun but I do think have say blew up half of the franchise but I see it being fun but me I'm still spending my money on watch dogs but I might pick this up later down the line

[@thejackalope408]

Stealth and action sounds great but the gaming industry has next to no good stealth titles so it sticking to more of a stealth game would be nice.

[@hitdoctor24]

Well Sam can't fly or take a a ton of bullets like batman/ironman...so I don't see the comparison lol. He's just a really badass spy.

[@BritishConcept]

They have really nice character animations, reminds me of Uncharted.

[@lukasdewit]

Will the deniable ops return?

[@Jumangji]

What video?

[@EddieTheBunny]

Or they could've never brought action in the game in the first place since Splinter Cell Conviction was never a big game anyway. And they could've just showed stealth or just not show it at E3 at all since most people aren't interested in stealth. Splinter Cell was made for people who didn't want to blow things up. It was for the stealth players. It wasn't there to be noticed by a huge audience. Only the stealth genre audience. When you're allowed to go loud whenever you want, It's not SC Period

[@c4k3two]

SESS CAN WE SEE A RETURN OF BOB AND STEVE ONCE THIS GAMES COMES OUT? I LOVE THORAX!

[@EddieTheBunny]

Oh yeah which is why ALL of those are more popular than this game and less glitchy and the developers are more confident selling.

[@ButtonBashingBunny]

-_- look at my comment. I said: Im not saying it was hard, it was just harder. With that i mean that games like this. Tell you everything you need to do/ go to on the fucking screen. In games like the old splinter cells you had to figure it out for yourself.

[@daveman247]

The magic of nivea cream.

[@DragonSade]

1. It is fun 2. No Michael is a hard hit but you get used to it. 3.IT'S NOT A FUCKING ACTION GAME 4.Play however you want STEALTH INCLUDED Smallminded friggin people