Scot gladly brings a knife to a gunfight.

We've been continually impressed with Chaos Theory since its emergence last year, and to be honest, we expected nothing less than what it delivers. It's been a difficult journey for Splinter Cell. For all its popularity and widespread acclaim, the series has had its share of irrational niggles namely the lack of save checkpoints in missions and the finicky alarm system, which, while just about forgivable, instigated much controller throwing. Though the basic model remains, Chaos Theory makes significant improvements over its precursors to grant the player a little bit more breathing room.

The authorisation of lethal force in most missions is a new addition, meaning you'll be killing a lot more sentries which lowers the risk of being discovered, although by permanently taking them out you'll be relinquishing important information that could assist the completion of your optional mission objectives.

While the game is made unquestionably easier as a result of this new approach, the guards are certainly no pushover. They will now work together to flush you out, moving cautiously through the dark and lighting up flares and flashlights when they suspect you're hiding in the shadows. If they think they've heard a noise, they will investigate, or even fire blindly at your general direction if they're especially spooked.

Thankfully, Sam is no pushover either.

Chaos Theory allows you to get your hands on a new range of toys to experiment with on the field, including a deadly combat knife that will definitely come in handy as you silently pounce on unsuspecting guards. It's as simple as pressing a button to take someone out; simply get within proximity of the guard and Sam's stance will adjust accordingly as he reaches for his back pocket. It's almost impossible not to wince as you watch Fisher plunge the knife into someone's stomach, or slice his throat as if he were buttering a slice of toast for breakfast. It's not just for brutality either; Sam can also use this knife to cut fine fabric such as tent walls, or wires to tap into security cameras.

On the other hand, those with a general aversion to violence and conflict will certainly appreciate the new array of defensive gadgets available for equipping this time around. Attached to his pistol is the OCP a jamming mechanism that will temporarily knock out any electrical device within range. This comes in incredibly useful for passing security cameras or distracting guards by switching the television or radio off. Short on ammo? Turn a light off and get a guard to come check it out, all the while hiding in a dimly-lit corner ready to pounce.

It's all part of an entirely convincing and logical game world. A lot of the time, if you think something will distract a guard, it will. Smash some glass and they'll go check it out. Leave a door wide open and expect passing sentries to be suspicious. Turn off a computer and someone will notice. This even extends to monotonous day-to-day expectancies such as opening a door. Do you open it gently inch by inch or slam it open in the hope that it will knock someone out on the other side? Do you have the time to neatly pick a lock? If not, bash the door in but expect passers-by to suspect a break in.

The attention to detail is on another level. Moving away from the gameplay mechanics now, watch as the faces of guards taken hostage gasp with fear. Watch as their eyes widen with terror. Take into account every meticulously placed light source. Each of Sam's character animations is so natural you'd swear you were watching a motion-captured in-game cinematic. Every single room is full of minor details that didn't necessarily need to be there, but are so to evoke a sense of awesome authenticity.

This brings us beautifully to the visuals, which are gorgeous in ways we couldn't have possibly imagined. Sure, you do seem to spend 90% of the game watching the action unfold through a lime-green hue, but even so it's staggering stuff. Along with Resident Evil 4 and Metal Gear Solid 3, it's clear that developers are certainly starting to push our home consoles to their limits.

Spies vs. Mercenaries

The multiplayer game was one of the greatest aspects of Pandora Tomorrow and Chaos Theory manages to build on this immensely. Once again, the Spies vs. Mercenaries mode provides a lot of the thrills, either in straight deathmatch or as an objective-based mission. With a headset and some competent participants, this is quite easily one of the finest gaming experiences you can find online. In addition to this though is the new co-operative mode, which sees you and a partner working together through single-player-like maps. This can be played either online or split-screen, which means even those without online capabilities can see what the fuss is all about.

I've actually stopped the comparisons most people make between Metal Gear Solid and Splinter Cell because it's become almost pointless. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is one of the finest games I've ever played, but it just can't touch Chaos Theory when it comes down to sneaking around undetected. The stealth mechanics here are vastly superior.

If you're in the market for a solid, unadulterated stealth game with all the trimmings, you can't fail to be impressed by Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory. It takes the basic foundations of the series and turns them around; delivering an experience that is much more entertaining than it is frustrating, and one that will justifiably appeal to a much broader demographic.

To be blunt, I couldn't care less if you're not a fan of the previous games. Chaos Theory is the crowning achievement of the stealth genre, and it should be in your collection. It's nothing short of astounding.

GAME's Verdict

• The best stealth game available.
• The knife is just so...primal. We love it.
• An outstanding graphics engine.

• A few of you who still won't get it.
• Some of the challenge has been stripped.
• Intrusive product placement.

Review by: Scot Bennet
Version Tested: Xbox
Review Published: 07.04.05