New ‘Splinter Cell’ has Fisher in full-on revenge mode

Sam Fisher is like an angry James Bond.

Fisher, the protagonist in “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell” series, is back and angrier than ever in the recently released “Splinter Cell: Conviction.”

The newest game in the series, which is available exclusively for the Xbox 360, puts Fisher in full-on revenge mode as he searches for those responsible for killing his daughter.

Fisher first appeared in 2002’s “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell” as a member of a covert branch of the National Security Agency named Third Echelon. Fisher’s daughter dies at the beginning of the fourth game in the series, “Splinter Cell: Double Agent,” sending him into an undercover role. But following the events of “Double Agent,” Fisher discovers that his daughter’s death was no drunk driving accident.

He’s equipped with interrogation skills that help him attempt to seek the truth behind his daughter’s death.

I won’t divulge any other plot details, but most of the game has Fisher mowing through enemies while weaving through an interesting plot full of twists.

As with the other games in the series, a heavy emphasis is placed on stealth gameplay. Fisher has the ability to climb buildings, pipes and other objects to avoid enemies. He doesn’t have “Assassin’s Creed” climbing skills, but Fisher’s new-found ability is useful.

Another new addition is the ability to target multiple enemies and trigger what is essentially a cut scene of Fisher finishing off the bad guys. That’s a huge help when dealing with a room loaded with enemies.

Developer Ubisoft really went for a stylish look. Directions and mission objectives are projected onto buildings and walls as the game progresses. During several key scenes, flashbacks are used in the form of videos that appear on walls while the game continues on. The flashbacks are a great storytelling device, but they are even better with the way they are presented.

The game also has a standout co-op mode, sort of like the one from “Modern Warfare 2” with an emphasis on stealthiness.

I think this is the strongest entry in the series. The other games nailed certain aspects like stealth gameplay. But this game just seems more streamlined than others in the series. It runs smoothly, with the visuals, gameplay and sound all coming together really well.