Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent

Also known as: Splinter Cell 4 [UK]

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Go deep undercover, battle conflicting loyalties, and find out what kind of guy Sam Fisher really is. Answer: A badass

Words: Chris Watters, GamesRadar US

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It is worth noting that playing Splinter Cell: Double Agent on current-gen systems is quite different than playing it on the Xbox 360. The 360 version is better in myriad ways, but the major difference is in the mission structure. While the 360 version features open environments and greater mission flexibility, the current-gen versions are more traditionally linear and have limited mission freedom.

The Gamecube (along with the PS2) version features different level maps than the Xbox version. Though the locations, cut scenes and gameplay are essentially the same, the maps seem to have been redesigned in order to avoid rendering graphically complex environments that only the Xbox can pull off. In places where plastic sheeting hangs around the room on Xbox, there is no such indulgence to be found on GameCube.

Unfortunately, playing Splinter Cell: Double Agent on GameCube is far less engrossing than it is on other platforms, due mainly to the GameCube's inability to render the deep shadow and complex lighting that help create the rich tension and tenebrous mood that make this game a pleasure to play on Xbox. Fisher is never really in a full shadow, and we all know that's where the magic happens. Combine this with the lack of multiplayer options, and you've got a far less impressive version of this game (hence, the lower score).