While Ubisoft has remained quiet about its planned Splinter Cell remake, a new rumor courtesy of known leaker RogueTx has revealed a few details about the upcoming title. Among other things, the leaker has said in a social media post that the game will feature quite a few upgrades over the original Splinter Cell, with enhanced visuals thanks to using DirectX 12 APIs and the modern Snowdrop engine, as well as gameplay improvements.
The biggest overall improvement will be the expansion of ways to deal with threats in a non-lethal manner. It is also expected to feature destructible environments, giving players more ways to navigate through its otherwise linear mission structure. Some of the expanded player tools include sticky cameras, gas grenades, and the ability to trigger or disable alarms manually. Player movement will also be expanded thanks to zip lines and the ability to slide down pipes.
Core features of the original Splinter Cell, like a meter to indicate how visible you are in a well-lit or darkened area, will also be returning, which indicates that Ubisoft isn’t moving away from the stealth gameplay roots that made the franchise so popular to begin with.
A recent report has indicated that the Splinter Cell remake’s release has been pushed back to 2027. It is likely being developed for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, and back in February, Ubisoft confirmed that development on the game was continuing despite company-wide layoffs happening at the time.
“Following the recent announcement of the final phase of Ubisoft’s global cost-savings plan and the discontinuation of projects, Ubisoft Toronto will be reducing its workforce by 40 roles,” said a spokesperson for the company. “This decision was not taken lightly and does not in any way reflect the talent, dedication, or contributions of the individuals affected. Our priority now is to support them through this transition with comprehensive severance packages and robust career placement assistance.”
“The Toronto studio continues development on the Splinter Cell game and serves as a co-development partner on Rainbow Six, along with supporting additional co-development projects.”
The remake of Splinter Cell will be the first release in the franchise since 2013’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist, which came out on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360. The original Splinter Cell’s story revolved around series protagonist Sam Fisher joining the National Security Agency’s newly-formed Third Echelon division, with his main mission revolving around the investigation of the disappearance of two CIA officers.
As is typical for a game in the stealth espionage genre, Splinter Cell is packed to the gills with plot twists and turns, with plenty of double crosses and inter-agency drama unfolding over the story. The title was released back in 2002 and served as one of the major competing franchises, going toe-to-toe with Konami’s Metal Gear Solid franchise at the time.
In terms of gameplay, Splinter Cell is beloved for its slow and methodical approach to stealth gameplay. Along with giving players the ability to shoot out light sources, it also included a light meter that would let players know how visible they would be to patrolling guards. Fisher himself was equipped with his iconic night vision goggles to help him navigate the dark environments of the game.
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