Spy vs Mercs isn't a gimmick, it was a very original online experience that has been associated with Splinter Cell for a while now. I'll still play the game because I enjoy the series, but it still sucks. Some of you are acting like fans of the series are asking for tacked on multiplayer in a game that's never had it, which is not the situation. I don't see how SC not having Spy vs Merc could be seen as anything but a negative. This isn't to say the game won't be great or worth the money, its just a shame people are gonna miss out on a awesome multiplayer experience.