"But is the technology behind the game capable of supporting these efforts? Well, even if the engine of Conviction seems less impressive than Alan Wake's, thought exclusively for Microsoft's console, the rendering of light sources and their integration in the environment, is very well-done. Moreover, as I stated above, the hero's animations are much more realistic and flexible than before, and it's always with great class that Fisher will slide from cover to cover, or leap from a wall on an enemy."
"The first thing that strikes us when starting the single player campaign of Splinter Cell: Conviction is the feeling of pace and rhythm. First immediate consequence, the desire to simply give in and go with the flow, and therefore to rush headlong, is big. Fisher is much more flexible and capable than before, and the possible actions are much more fluid. That being said, the classical approach remains possible, and will even be recommended in some levels especially if, like me, you opt for the realistic mode (the highest difficulty setting). By the way, I was assured that the final version will offer even more challenge in this mode. Considering the preview build didn't leave much room for mistakes (Fisher's resistance to bullets being all relative), it should satisfy many of you. Anyway, however paced the gameplay now is, those who, like me, want to take their time destroying all light sources for a better neutralization of their preys, will also be content. Even more as the means available to get rid of all the zealous guards do not lack: objects can be brought down on them, you can knock them out with lethal melee attacks, death can even come from above if you jump on them and of course you have your faithful silencer pistol."
"It took Splinter Cell: Conviction a while to finally arrive on Xbox 360. Many delays that have helped restart the concept from the beginning to try to make an experience more intense and more fluid player. The result is a game that is definitely more paced than its big brothers, but which still allows for a more subtle approach for the purists. The action has become more playable and natural, so we should not get the same awkward action sequences of the first games where Fisher was forced to use his assault rifle, the game having clearly not been designed for that. If Conviction on the whole seems a little more open than before, the various paths are easy enough to locate, an open window that gives the opportunity to step outside, a pipe wall that rises to the ceiling etc. Despite this, we must admit that having more options is definitely a good thing and gives a minimum of freedom to the player willing to try different things. Also, keep in mind that we only saw the first three levels of the single player campaign, and that the rest of the game will surely have its share of surprises. Plus, with a multiplayer mode that focuses on cooperation, the game promises many hours of infiltration in good company. As longevity goes, we were announced a meager 7-8 hours for the single player campaign, the price to pay for a highly-paced adventure, at least we can assume. To this, we must add the 4 to 6 hours needed to complete the Prologue and all the time spent playing the Special Operations mode. Maybe some will find it a bit short but after all, don't we say that all good things must come to an end?"
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