Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist

Ubisoft Toronto

Rank: #6 / 6
Released: 2013
Studio: Ubisoft Toronto
Genre: stealth game, action-adventure game

At a glance

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist is a stealth-action adventure from Ubisoft Toronto. Sam Fisher must stop the Engineers, a terrorist group carrying out escalating attacks on US interests. The game lets players shape their approach: Ghost play avoids detection, Assault confronts enemies directly, and Panther emphasizes silent, precise attacks. Gadgets include an upgraded Snake Cam, a Micro-trirotor Drone and the returning Sticky Shocker; players can also abduct and carry enemies or mark several targets for a Killing in Motion execution. Sam builds a new Echelon team with Anna Grímsdóttir, Isaac Briggs and Charlie Cole, operating from the Paladin stealth airliner. The listed features include single-player, multiplayer, co-op and Steam Achievements. However, online features are no longer supported, and multiplayer and co-op modes are no longer functional. Listed platforms include Windows, PlayStation 3 and Wii U; the Steam listing specifies Windows.

Who it is for

Blacklist suits players looking for a stealth-action campaign with multiple approaches to encounters and a range of gadgets. Its multiplayer and co-op listings are not a reason to choose it now, since those modes are no longer functional.

What is good

Three distinct approaches to play
Gadgets include the Snake Cam and Micro-trirotor Drone
Can abduct and carry enemies
Steam Achievements are listed

What to know first

Online features are no longer supported
Multiplayer and co-op modes are nonfunctional
Steam listing specifies Windows

Verdict

Blacklist offers stealth, direct combat and precise takedowns within a story about stopping the Engineers. Treat it as a single-player choice: its multiplayer and co-op modes no longer function.