Games Database
GBA
Strategy: Stealth
| Viewed: | 2D Side-on, Scrolling | Genre: | Strategy: Stealth |
| Arcade origin: | No | ||
| Developer: | Ubisoft Montreal | Soft. Co.: | Ubisoft |
| Publishers: | Ubisoft
(GB) |
Released: | 26 Mar 2004
(GB) |
| Ratings: | PEGI 7+ | ||
| Connectivity: | Link Cable | ||
Summary
It certainly seems to have come round fairly quickly but the sequel to Ubisoft's hit stealth-em-up is already upon us. In similar vein to the Xbox version alongside which it's released, Pandora Tomorrow on Game Boy Advance picks up where the original Splinter Cell left off, offering a series of brand new adventures for the super sneaky Sam Fisher, along with a selection of new elements and improved features.
The game's story is set in 2006, when the US installs a temporary military base on East Timor to train the developing defence force of the 'world's youngest democracy'. Anti-US resentment comes to a head under the leadership of guerrilla militia leader Suhadi Sodono, acting with the unofficial support of major corrupt factions of the Indonesian government. When Suhadi's men attack and occupy the US Embassy in Jakarta, taking dozens of civilian and military personnel hostage, there's only one man for the job…
Like its predecessor, the portable version of Pandora Tomorrow eschews the lush 3D visuals of its home console big brothers in favour of the more Game Boy-friendly 2D, side-scrolling style. That's not to say there's any less of a focus on stealth, though - as well as all the moves from the original, our Sam is now equipped with a wealth of new action manoeuvres that not only allow him to sneak, roll and hide, but also enable him to grab enemies, force their co-operation, and even use them as a human shield. The game also features much more of an emphasis on lighting and, as such, Sam can now hide in the shadows, behind objects and walls, and also perform one of the favourite moves from the home console versions and shoot out lights.
There are a total of 22 new objectives to fulfil, spread across nine new missions and environments, and including 14 mini games throughout. As well as this, the game also boasts the addition of three 'silent scope' modes - which throws the action into a first-person view - including Camera Shoot, Sniper and Laser Mic.
The original GBA version of Splinter Cell was quite an accomplished title, providing more than a little portable fun. Pandora Tomorrow improves on it considerably, as well as upping the ante somewhat with regards to the game's stealth elements. But be careful not to get too involved - it can be quite embarrassing when you get caught hiding in the luggage compartment on the train!
The game's story is set in 2006, when the US installs a temporary military base on East Timor to train the developing defence force of the 'world's youngest democracy'. Anti-US resentment comes to a head under the leadership of guerrilla militia leader Suhadi Sodono, acting with the unofficial support of major corrupt factions of the Indonesian government. When Suhadi's men attack and occupy the US Embassy in Jakarta, taking dozens of civilian and military personnel hostage, there's only one man for the job…
Like its predecessor, the portable version of Pandora Tomorrow eschews the lush 3D visuals of its home console big brothers in favour of the more Game Boy-friendly 2D, side-scrolling style. That's not to say there's any less of a focus on stealth, though - as well as all the moves from the original, our Sam is now equipped with a wealth of new action manoeuvres that not only allow him to sneak, roll and hide, but also enable him to grab enemies, force their co-operation, and even use them as a human shield. The game also features much more of an emphasis on lighting and, as such, Sam can now hide in the shadows, behind objects and walls, and also perform one of the favourite moves from the home console versions and shoot out lights.
There are a total of 22 new objectives to fulfil, spread across nine new missions and environments, and including 14 mini games throughout. As well as this, the game also boasts the addition of three 'silent scope' modes - which throws the action into a first-person view - including Camera Shoot, Sniper and Laser Mic.
The original GBA version of Splinter Cell was quite an accomplished title, providing more than a little portable fun. Pandora Tomorrow improves on it considerably, as well as upping the ante somewhat with regards to the game's stealth elements. But be careful not to get too involved - it can be quite embarrassing when you get caught hiding in the luggage compartment on the train!
Artwork
