E3 2004: Ubisoft announce Splinter Cell 3
Out this very year on the PC, too
French publishing monster Ubisoft has today revealed that Splinter Cell 3 is currently in the works at Ubi Montreal, and will previewed to those attending a theatre trailer at E3 this week. A PC launch for the end of 2004 has been confirmed, with other platform details promised soon. We're also reliably informed that the series has shifted a whopping six-million copies to date. Crikey.
More benchmark-setting innovation is promised with this third outing, 'completely immersive and interactive' environments and a unique 'collaborative' multiplayer experience is already being touted. The best visuals of this generation will also be delivered, we're informed by the official press release.
"With Splinter Cell 3, the series evolves to give gamers a new kind of gameplay that ensures the Splinter Cell franchise will continue to set standards for the industry," enthused Ubi chief Yves Guillemot. "We expect Splinter Cell 3 to be the best-looking game on any platform, period, thanks to Ubisoft's incredible command of the latest technologies and visionary creativity - after all, we created the first Splinter Cell, which completely redefined stealth action."
The usual diverse array of missions is promised as Sam Fisher returns to infiltrate North Korea in 2008, the source of a global security threat. Here's more:
As Information Warfare evolves, so must the Splinter Cell. You must penetrate deeper into hostile territory and operate undetected, closer to the enemy than ever before. At your disposal is a lethal array of tactics ranging from Combat Knife techniques, experimental prototype weapons skills, and more radical hand-to-hand techniques such as the Inverted Chokehold. Experience the thrill of acting as a lone operative fighting tomorrow's threats in the field, and of cooperating online with a partner to accomplish crucial missions. Die in action, and the free world dies with you.
A variety of other plusses are proudly stated by the press release, including new moves and skills, rag-doll physics, particle effects and other visuals boosts. Real prototype weapons will be also feature, as well as non-linear progression ('multipaths'), new AI (including new NPC functions), and lastly improved multiplayer and co-op modes.
All in all it sounds rather impressive. More soon.
