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> Results: Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
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While I have never played a Splinter Cell game on the PC, I was intrigued by the possibilities of such a game on the Nintendo DS. The use of the touch screen for camera control, movement, vision options and inventory selection seemed well thought out, and given that the game was getting good reviews on the PC and consoles, I thought that it was worth a try. Unfortunately the concept is better than reality.
You are Sam Fisher and are tasked to sneak around well-guarded and trapped areas on top-secret missions. You make use of all of your skills to keep out of the way of guards and cameras whenever possible, and take them out when needed. Unlike the more open feel touted in the original game, the DS version is pretty linear, without many options other than what is right in front of you. There is generally only one path to take and one solution for a given situation. You do not cast a shadowﾗanother difference from the original gameﾗso you just need to control your sound and visibility. You are given all of the tools to do this, but the graphics and controls limit how much fun you will have making some moves work. It is too bad, as there seems to be a lot of potential in this game. It's of decent length, it taps a good console game, and it has what seems like a good reason to use the touchscreen. The problems with Splinter Cell for DS are two-fold. Graphically the game is only passable, but the framerates feel choppy, the details are not well done, and the areas are dark and murky. In some places you need to play in near total darkness to see what you are doing. The control system is also lacking and occasionally seems to work against the player. For instance, moving Sam around requires the D-pad and touch screen, which is acceptable for most situations, but when you're spotted and need to move quickly, fumbling with the controls leaves you dead.  The game features both co-op and multiplayer challenge modes. Just like other DS games, it is a breeze to connect and get playing with others. But given the framerate and control issues, and the limited scope of multiplayer, it is not a very compelling game to play this way. Having heard such good things about the Splinter Cell games, I was very much looking forward to playing Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory on the DS. While the training mission showed some promise, it quickly faded away, mired in a see of lousy graphics, poor framerate and mediocre gameplay. 
This game is rated T and is tamer than its PC and console brethren. That said, you are killing people by slitting their throats, and engage in action that warrants the T rating at least. If your kids are up for this action level, get them the superior console or PC version. If they need a DS game, get them something decent like Kirby Canvas Curse.
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