Splinter Cell: Conviction Co-Op Review (3/5)

"Splinter Cell: Conviction" has been waiting in the shadows for a blockbuster release for quite some time now, and while the overall release seems to have produced more a whimper than a bang, it's undoubtedly true that fans will be exhilarated to possess a copy of the new title today. I got the chance to briefly go hands-on with the co-op campaign segment of "Conviction", and can definitely say that the action-packed yet paced stealth game-play seen in the original demo carries through here, allowing for a fun and refined experience not usually found in video gaming. The story, taking place before "Conviction"'s main campaign, follows two covert agents on the trail of several nuclear warheads destined to reach America (destined, as we see them wreaking havoc in the Sam Fisher segment), but it is definitely the weakest element in this section of the game, lacking the emotion and finesse awaiting players in the core storyline. My time with the code was brief, but from what I saw it's an easy assumption that you'll get a lot more excitement from the mode if you put to good use traditionally silent-but-deadly weapons such as the silenced pistol and EMP grenade in contrast to simply blasting the living hell out of anything unlucky enough to move into your sights. Whether "Conviction" can truly amaze in its multi-player Deniable Ops modes and the core plot will determine if these fundamental flaws make or break the finished game. Note: the full review of "Conviction" will be posted next week