Splinter Cell producer feels good about new direction

When Splinter Cell starring Sam Fisher first came out for the original Xbox, critics touted it as the next big thing that could possibly dethrone Solid Snake and the Metal Gear franchise.

For some time, it seemed to go that way as Sam thrilled stealth fans with ninja-like movement in the dark and assassination-style gameplay. The next three installments, however, didn’t quite surpass the first, prompting Ubisoft to re-think the whole concept.

Enter the fifth game of the series- Splinter Cell: Conviction which stars Sam Fisher as usual but with a radically different approach to the action. It was revealed that instead of hiding in the dark with your night vision goggles and picking off targets, Sam has to use blending and distractions using crowds in broad daylight to escape enemies. Oh, did we mention that you’re fighting lawmen now?

The controls have also been revamped. Doing your business is now a lot less complicated than before with three buttons taking center stage. Aggression, interact and stealth commands will drive you most of the way, so old fans will have a new learning curve.

This caused quite a stir in the Splinter Cell following’s ranks. Supporters questioned why the changes had to happen and a lot of them seems to have been displeased. QJ reader Bob says “they’re taking the best part of the game away. Hiding in the dark made me feel like a ninja or something.”

Still, Splinter Cell producer Mathieu Ferland holds his ground and explains “to us, it’s a nice way to expand the brand because Ubisoft is a nice company and you can push it hard with innovation, especially in Splinter Cell, and sometimes when you want to push innovation you need to adapt your creative direction to fit the kind of gameplay you want to provide.”

Ferland says that even if the concept behind Conviction‘s reinvention doesn’t do well “you can always go back and do different things.” He adds that having Sam in a new position, or a different character to explore light-and-shadow gameplay are among the possibilities. However, the veteran producer expressed his confidence that the new model will work and add depth to the distinguished franchise.

Via Gamesindustry

When Splinter Cell starring Sam Fisher first came out for the original Xbox, critics touted it as the next big thing that could possibly dethrone Solid Snake and the Metal Gear franchise.

For some time, it seemed to go that way as Sam thrilled stealth fans with ninja-like movement in the dark and assassination-style gameplay. The next three installments, however, didn’t quite surpass the first, prompting Ubisoft to re-think the whole concept.

Enter the fifth game of the series- Splinter Cell: Conviction which stars Sam Fisher as usual but with a radically different approach to the action. It was revealed that instead of hiding in the dark with your night vision goggles and picking off targets, Sam has to use blending and distractions using crowds in broad daylight to escape enemies. Oh, did we mention that you’re fighting lawmen now?

The controls have also been revamped. Doing your business is now a lot less complicated than before with three buttons taking center stage. Aggression, interact and stealth commands will drive you most of the way, so old fans will have a new learning curve.

This caused quite a stir in the Splinter Cell following’s ranks. Supporters questioned why the changes had to happen and a lot of them seems to have been displeased. QJ reader Bob says “they’re taking the best part of the game away. Hiding in the dark made me feel like a ninja or something.”

Still, Splinter Cell producer Mathieu Ferland holds his ground and explains “to us, it’s a nice way to expand the brand because Ubisoft is a nice company and you can push it hard with innovation, especially in Splinter Cell, and sometimes when you want to push innovation you need to adapt your creative direction to fit the kind of gameplay you want to provide.”

Ferland says that even if the concept behind Conviction‘s reinvention doesn’t do well “you can always go back and do different things.” He adds that having Sam in a new position, or a different character to explore light-and-shadow gameplay are among the possibilities. However, the veteran producer expressed his confidence that the new model will work and add depth to the distinguished franchise.

Via Gamesindustry