January 26, 2005 - Sam Fisher is back, and he's not messing around. The star of Splinter Cell Chaos Theory is called upon to once again save the world from megalomaniac madmen bent on a New World Order. Each iteration of Splinter Cell has brought new tricks for Fisher, but Chaos Theory takes things to another level. In Chaos Theory Sam comes equipped with a handy (and deadly) knife. Not only can he carve his initials on trees, Sam uses that knife to slash throats, cut open tents, and generally terrorize the terrorists. The knife is but one new tool in Sam's arsenal.

Throughout the week, we'll be taking a look at Sam's new weapons, tools, and moves. If you've never played a Splinter Cell game or need a refresher in anticipation of Chaos Theory's late March release, don't worry, we'll cover the basics as well.

Along with some sweet new screenshots showing Sam in action, we'll provide details and training videos so you can learn handle Sam's newest tricks. Though the videos are from the Xbox version, it should be easy enough to imagine the controls of a PS2, GameCube of PC controller (or joypad, if you swing that way). No matter which system you own, the moves remain the same. Here's the schedule for the entire week so you never have to guess what's coming next.

Doors

Doors are one of the greatest assets in the environment. The baddies don't come equipped with thermal vision, meaning Sam has an instant advantage. You can be quick about opening a door, and risk making noise or you can be cautious. Use your optic cable to look into the next room to spot cameras and guards. Then select the stealth option to open the door slowly with analogue control. The true gem in Chaos Theory is Sam's ability to bash in doors. While this makes a lot of noise, if a guard happens to get caught by the door, it's lights out. Don't be too cocky though, as enemies can also bash doors in on Sam.

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The AI has been greatly upgraded and because of this, you need to be a bit more careful around doors than in previous Splinter Cell games. Remember that light in one room is cast under a door. If you turn off the light in a closet, a guard on the other side may notice and investigate. Yes, the AI is that advanced.

Closer than Ever

Finally, Sam Fisher has a knife. The inclusion of the highly-desired blade isn't just an afterthought. Ubisoft Montreal made certain the knife had plenty of impact throughout Chaos Theory. The versatile blade can be used in combat, hostage situations, lock picking, and even for re-upholstery.

As Sam nears an enemy, his hand moves towards his knife as he enters Closer than Ever mode. It's a nifty animation that signals Sam's predatory focus. Take an enemy hostage and the knife goes to the throat. Or, if you just want to take an enemy down you can use either a non-lethal knockout blow or use the knife to gut a foe and end them quickly (if not silently).

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Sam's knife can also be used to cut open tents and other fabric barriers. If you're in a rush or don't care to be quiet, rather than pick a lock, Sam can pop the lock off with the knife. Be careful doing this, however, as any guard who passes the broken lock will know there's an intruder. Alarms are always a bad thing. If you are truly resourceful and look for proper opportunities, a few other golden moments can be had with the blade. In the first level, for example, Sam can use the knife to puncture a gas-powered generator. The leak causes a light to go out and a guard to investigate. Step back, shoot the puddle of gas as the guard steps through and get out your s'mores.


Check back tomorrow for details on Sam's coolest moves and a look at some of Fisher's tools. You can check out the new training videos and screens by clicking the media link below.

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