Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Essentials PSP
  • Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Release Date: Mar 21, 2006
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Essentials Image
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Metascore
58 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 37 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.7 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 31 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: After learning about the death of his daughter, Sam Fisher is nowhere to be found. When Homeland Security agents finally locate Fisher in New Orleans, their worst fears are realized. Surveillance photos show Fisher in the company of Emile Dufraisne, a known domestic terrorist. Third Echelon wants answers: why did their best agent throw away decades of service to forces with terrorists? As Sam defends himself, he will tell a story no one suspected. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Essentials starts where Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Double Agent ends, and takes players to the years before Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell when Sam was still a Navy Seal. Full immersion in Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell universe: Takes players deep into the saga of Sam Fisher – with missions from Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Chaos Theory. and Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Double Agent. Discover the entire Splinter Cell series through flashbacks and brand new missions. A game of gadgets for your gadget: Features all the weapons and gadgets from the Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell franchise, in addition to some new ones exclusive to the PSP system version. Accessible Wi-Fi multiplayer: Challenge your friends in Spy vs. Spy Deathmatch multiplayer mode. [Ubisoft]… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 37
  3. Negative: 10 out of 37
  1. Next Level Gaming
    81
    I wish I could say that a lack of true wireless online gameplay and sometimes frustrating controls would make me want to not play Splinter Cell: Essentials. But then I would be lying. The missions and the level designs make the game so fun overall to play that it hides some of the weaknesses in the controls.
  2. PSM2 Magazine UK
    72
    An object lesson in why certain games probably shouldn't make the transition to PSP - wait for "Double Agent" on PS2 instead and enjoy the 'Cell experience in all its intended glory. [May 2006, p.74]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Play UK
    71
    Fans of the series should be prepared for a fight if they want to get the most out of the game. [Issue#139, p.75]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Game Revolution
    42
    A lackadaisical, recycled romp that tries to emulate the Splinter Cell experience. But without the good graphics, A.I. or multiplay, all it does is put the “Why?!” in spy.

See all 37 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 2 out of 13
  1. Alexwise
    10
    Amazing game indeed. Played it through holding my breath! Stealth elements are made very well, the storyline is also catchy.
  2. BobK.
    8
    when I got this game on easter sunday it looked ace from the back. But when i started it was bad the controls were horrible and it was really hard but when i got into it it was very good. The stealth is top class. I never liked Splinter Cell games until i played this i think it has won me over!… Expand
  3. DjFIL
    7
    Reviwers were pretty harsh on this game. It's only got 2 main issues in my opinion... there is lots of graphic clipping issues... but more importantly (and maybe reviwers took this as the big reason for low marks) is the static camera, you must move the camera manualy by holding the circle... it kinda sucks (especially in tense gun down kinda situations)... but if you plan out your moves (as you should in a stealth game like Splinter Cell) you'll be able to deal with the camera issue just fine. Beyond those 2 issues, this game is everything you'd expect or want from a handheld version of Splinter Cell. It may not be a purchase, but I'm glad I rented it to play through while on my night shift.… Expand
  4. DonT.
    4
    I Really Wanted to like this game! Unfortunately, it's loaded with crash bugs, camera clipping problems, and horrible controls. That9;s Ubisoft for ya! You did the same with my favorite series Prince of Persia on PSP! As for graphics; the screenshots everywhere on the net look very good, and they had really gotten me pumped for the release. However, The majority of the game is Black (not dark...just balck!) and you end up having to use the night vision all the time. This wouldn't be so bad if the night vision didn't look so bad. If you think this game looks great, then I'm guessing you're comparing it to the DS or something 'cause the newer games like Syphon Filter and Daxter make this Splinter Cell look rather weak. As for the controls, I got used to it after a while, but not being able to shoot and move at the same time was REALLY not intuitive. Maybe it's because I played quite a bit of Syphon Filter and got spoiled by thier controls, but Essential's control implementation lacked finish and forethought. Example: the analog on the PSP is WAY too sensitive and you try to sneak by moving the nub just a bit and end up running: not the outcome you're expecting!… Expand

See all 13 User Reviews

Trailers

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