Metascore
64 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 21
  2. Negative: 4 out of 21
  1. Much of Cold War is not exactly new - it feels a lot like Splinter Cell in many regards - but where Cold War separates itself is the execution.
  2. A rara avis (rare bird) of the interactive entertainment landscape. You keep playing, you lose track of time and you think that you haven't played such a good single-player game in years.
  3. The replay value is where Cold War suffers the biggest blow.
  4. Even with the laughable A.I., the game is under a twenty spot, and is quite enjoyable if you love stealth, action, and gadgets.
  5. Anyone who enjoys spy thrillers and retro settings should check out this oddball sneaker. [Jan 2005, p.55]
  6. Decent sneak-and-shoot FPS. The Cold War theme is refreshing and the X-ray camera rocks. Unfortunately the game is lacking in the AI department and never builds enough tension to really pull you in. [Dec 2005]
  7. As dated as the Cold War, but fun. [Christmas 2005, p.96]
  8. If you can get past the delinquent, fiddly menus, then you can play a pretty decent third person stealth 'em up, which has some ingenious little gimmicks and a decent storyline.
  9. If the AI was up to scratch and provided you with a challenge, then the game could have been contender.
  10. Gamers who enjoy sneaking around and going bump in the night should get some enjoyment out of Cold War.
  11. A competent if unspectacular stealth game.
  12. Lack of originality notwithstanding, gamers in search of an above average stealth action game experience with a good story and couple of minor innovations won't be disappointed with Cold War.
  13. While Cold War features some pretty impressive graphics and a decent story, the predictable enemies you'll face and the limited number of environments you'll visit prevent the game from being particularly exciting.
  14. It's gameplay and graphics are good but it does not stand out in any major way.
  15. Unfortunately, as imaginative as the X-ray camera and creative gadgets are, they simply cannot make up for Cold War's countless missteps
  16. Merely mediocre action. [Dec 2005, p.161]
  17. As for the story, well this is the stuff Tom Clancy will be writing when he's a senile old loon in a home. In all, Splinter Cell on a budget. [PC Zone]
  18. While the stealth mechanic is implemented fairly well, and enemy AI at least stands up to initial tests, there's just far too little excitement throughout the entire course of play.
  19. 40
    Cold War seems to lack the two main components that are crucial to a stealth/espionage game - a solid narrative and a competent stealth system. Combine that with a short overall length, and you've got no real reason to play it.
  20. 40
    It's such a shame that Cold War is subject to crashes and often won't even load; otherwise, it would be worth a much stronger recommendation.
  21. Silly, balking, chuckle-inducing for the wrong reasons, Cold War is the sort of pretender-to-stealth-throne that makes you squint, pinch your nose, and wave your hand rapidly in front of your face.[Feb 2006, p.59]