Pros: Branching plot, unique missions, nice weapons and tools.
Cons: Overly complex controls, slow response time, horrendous graphics, lack of originality in online play.
The bottom line: Fans of the Splinter Cell series should look for the same title on another console. The Wii controls are way too complex.
After getting my Nintendo Wii, I was determined to try a less “cute” game on a console that seems to boast titles like Mario rather than action/stealth games. Having played some of Tom Clancy’s game franchises (such as Splinter Cell and Rainbow Six), I was quite happy to hear the Splinter Cell Double Agent was coming out for the Wii. I had played the same title on the PC, but according to several friends, the Wii version contained different missions that were supposed to be quite exciting. I decided to give it a try.

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Double Agent for the Nintendo Wii is based off the same title for the Playstation 2 console and the PC. I had found the PC version to be quite fun and entertaining, so I decided to try the Wii title with its unique controls.

Storyline

Welcome to the world of Sam Fisher, ultimate spy and anti-terrorist agent. As Sam Fisher, the player is tossed into a struggle between good and evil as he decides where his loyalties lie. Fisher has just lost his daughter (in previous title) and has joined a new terrorist group as an undercover agent for the United States. However, he must at the same time, prove his loyalties to the terrorist organization in order to gain their trust.

The interesting part of the storyline is that it offers branched plots. Different actions performed by players in the game will lead to different outcomes. I had found this to be very interesting, because it allows players to replay the entire game, and yet feel like they are playing it for the first time.

Gameplay

Overall, the gameplay design is acceptable. Missions are well done, featuring good objectives that are flexible to the way the player wishes to play. There are a ton of weapons, tools, and upgrades available throughout the game like a good action/stealth game should have. I had a good selection to choose from, which is what I had originally expected from the latest title in the Splinter Cell franchise. The missions aren’t too short and could probably last players a whole lot of playing time. Unfortunately, the vast majority of playing time will likely be frustrating.

The only disappointment is the controls (more on that later). If you’ve played previous Splinter Cell titles (such as Chaos Theory), then you won’t be in for a surprise. Working in the dark, using high-tech gear, and sabotaging terrorist plans should feel familiar.

What fails miserably however, is the overall concept behind the design. It makes logical sense that in stealth games, the player should be given as much mobility and flexibility in movement as possible. If you’re a clumsy duck, then you’ll be easily seen and eliminated. Splinter Cell Double Agent for the Wii fails to make this in any way possible. With its entirely clumsy controls, the entire game falls apart, leading to hours of frustration.

Controls

I found the Wii controls to be entirely frustrating and confusing. Unfortunately, the motion sensory functions on the Nunchuk and the Wii remote are both terrible. I found myself unable to respond in time to the rapidly changing game environment.

The controls for shooting are terrible. Pointing and shooting on the Wii remote is not enough. Players must aim through a small circle and move the pointer to the center before shooting. This sounds confusing…because it really is confusing.

Moving around the game is just as bad. Several times, the enemy jumped out in front of me, and I was busy jabbing the Nunchuk around just to get out of the way. The motion sensors on the Nunchuk are complicated. Movements of the Nunchuk in different directions don’t result in movement of Sam Fisher, but rather performs different actions. For example, lifting the Nunchuk upwards makes Fisher jump up. Motion sideways for Fisher to lean against the wall. It was simply too hard to remember the controls when I was in the middle of trying to sneak up on someone and some random person jumps out.

The overall control layout is confusing and badly designed. The button sequences and movements were too complicated to remember and execute to be in time to perform key actions in the game. This obviously led to many outrageous fits on my part, I’m sorry to say.

Graphics

There’s nothing too great in the graphics department either. The PC version of the same title I played contained better graphics. Environments in Splinter Cell double Agent for the Wii were blurred and unclear and the overall texture quality still remains quite simple.

Sound

The audio is finally one thing that was quite decent. The in game tracks are full of suspense, fitting perfectly into the overall feel of the game and adds to the tension. Different missions and areas contain different tracks. The environmental sounds from using high-tech gadgets are also quite captivating.

The voice-overs done throughout the cut scenes between missions are well done, adding to the development of the story.

Online Play

This was a major disappointment. The Wii title offers no originality online multiplayer options. Players are presented several modes of play. Team fighting options are dull and will quickly tire. There is no online statistic system, which decreased the appeal for me to play online.

Final Thoughts

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Double Agent for the Nintendo Wii provides a solidly designed game that is ruined by the overly complicated controls. The graphics are terrible by Wii standards, but the audio is great. Hardcore fans of the Splinter Cell franchise should consider buying the same game for another console (PC, PS2, and Xbox 360) because of the nuances in controls.