Splinter Cell Conviction

(Ubisoft for Xbox 360)
By Mike Delano

Somehow, playing Splinter Cell Conviction helped me put the game industry’s 3DS/Project Natal/Playstation Move hype frenzy into sharp relief. Conviction is an example of the holy grail of gameplay that developers should be chasing, rather than gimmicky interfaces. It may not be as mainstream media-friendly an experience as Wii-knockoffs, but the incredible satisfaction of controlling a character like Sam Fisher is the kind of experience that creates lifelong gamers. The fluidity of his movements, the gratifying feedback of his actions – they create the kind of connection with the player that feels natural and becomes overwhelmingly addictive. Playing Conviction brought to mind Bayonetta, an odd, out-of-genre comparison, but very similar in terms of the rhythmic pulse of the action. That Sam’s bullet ballet is housed in such a stylish, attractive game (bonus cool points for scoring a pivotal scene with DJ Shadow), and in one with a wealth of compelling post-single player campaign content, is just a bonus. If the new wave of gaming interfaces can give us gameplay as strong as this, I’ll be the first in line. But until then, I won’t be chasing after what’s next when what’s already here is close to perfect.
(www.ubisoft.com)