View source for Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory

{{short description|2005 stealth video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=July 2019}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
| image = Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell - Chaos Theory Coverart.png
| caption = North American cover art
| developer = {{Ubl|[[Ubisoft Montreal]]|[[Ubisoft Milan]]{{efn|[[Ubisoft Annecy]] worked on the multiplayer part; [[N-Gage (device)|N-Gage]], [[Nintendo DS]] and mobile versions were done by [[Gameloft]].}}}}
| publisher = [[Ubisoft]]
| director = {{Ubl|[[Clint Hocking]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/05/10/splinter-cell-chaos-theory-lets-play-clint-hocking/|title=Watch Clint Hocking Revisit Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory|last=O'Connor|first=Alice|date=2016-05-10|website=Rock, Paper, Shotgun|language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-01|archive-date=January 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101220001/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2016/05/10/splinter-cell-chaos-theory-lets-play-clint-hocking/|url-status=live}}</ref>|Patrick Fortier}}
| producer = Andre Roy
| designer = {{Ubl|Christine Blondeau|Francois Lapikas}}
| artist = {{Ubl|Jean-Sebastian Morin|Martin Dubeau}}
| programmer = Dominic Guay
| writer = {{Ubl|Clint Hocking|Morgan Jaffit|Alexis Nolent}}
| composer = {{Ubl|[[Amon Tobin]]|[[Jesper Kyd]]}}
| series = ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell]]''
| engine = [[Unreal Engine 2]]
| platforms = {{plainlist|
* [[Mobile game|Mobile (Java) ]]
* [[N-Gage (device)|N-Gage]]
* [[Microsoft Windows]]
* [[PlayStation 2]]
* [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]
* [[GameCube]]
* [[Nintendo DS]]
* [[Nintendo 3DS]]
* [[PlayStation 3]]
}}
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|March 29, 2005}}|'''Microsoft Windows''', '''PlayStation 2''', '''Xbox'''{{vgrelease|NA|March 29, 2005<ref name="release">{{Cite web |last=Sulic |first=Ivan |date=2005-03-28 |title=Chaos Theory to Stores |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/03/29/chaos-theory-to-stores |access-date=2024-01-08 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=I. G. N. Staff |date=2005-03-31 |title=Game of the Month: March 2005 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/03/31/game-of-the-month-march-2005-4 |access-date=2023-03-30 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330052037/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/03/31/game-of-the-month-march-2005-4 |url-status=live }}</ref>|EU|April 1, 2005<ref name="euro">{{Cite news |date=2005-02-24 |title=Chaos Theory single-player demo |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/news240205chaostheorydemo |access-date=2023-03-30 |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330050535/https://www.eurogamer.net/news240205chaostheorydemo |url-status=live }}</ref>}}'''GameCube'''{{vgrelease|NA|March 30, 2005<ref>{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=2005-03-31 |title=Splinter Selling |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/03/31/splinter-selling |access-date=2023-03-30 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330050551/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/03/31/splinter-selling |url-status=live }}</ref>|EU|April 1, 2005<ref name="euro"/>|AUS|April 14, 2005}}'''N-Gage'''{{vgrelease|NA|March 31, 2005<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-03-31 |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (TM) For The N-Gage Platform Shipping Now |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/tom-clancyrsquos-splinter-cell-chaos-theory-tm-for-the-n-gage-platform-shipping-now |access-date=2023-03-30 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330050534/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/tom-clancyrsquos-splinter-cell-chaos-theory-tm-for-the-n-gage-platform-shipping-now |url-status=live }}</ref>}}'''Mobile'''{{vgrelease|WW|April 7, 2005<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-12-07 |title=Gameloft - mobile games, download mobile games on your wireless phone |url=http://www.gameloft.com/corpo_press.php?date=2005&press1=333 |access-date=2023-03-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061207142243/http://www.gameloft.com/corpo_press.php?date=2005&press1=333 |archive-date=December 7, 2006 }}</ref>}}'''Nintendo DS'''{{vgrelease|NA|June 28, 2005<ref>{{Cite web |title=Splinter Cell Chaos Theory ships for DS |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cell-chaos-theory-ships-for-ds/1100-6128151/ |access-date=2023-03-30 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330050554/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cell-chaos-theory-ships-for-ds/1100-6128151/ |url-status=live }}</ref>|EU|July 1, 2005<ref>{{Cite news |date=2005-07-01 |title=What's New? (New releases roundup) |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/whatsnew-010705 |access-date=2023-03-30 |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330050536/https://www.eurogamer.net/whatsnew-010705 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}'''Nintendo 3DS'''{{vgrelease|EU|March 25, 2011<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-02-08 |title=The Nintendo 3DS Launch Lineup For Europe |url=https://kotaku.com/the-nintendo-3ds-launch-lineup-for-europe-5755319 |access-date=2023-03-30 |website=Kotaku |language=en |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330050534/https://kotaku.com/the-nintendo-3ds-launch-lineup-for-europe-5755319 |url-status=live }}</ref>|AUS|March 31, 2011<ref>{{Cite web |title=AU Shippin' Out March 28-April 1: 3DS bonanza |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/au-shippin-out-march-28-april-1-3ds-bonanza/1100-6306060/ |access-date=2023-03-30 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330050552/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/au-shippin-out-march-28-april-1-3ds-bonanza/1100-6306060/ |url-status=live }}</ref>|NA|April 10, 2011<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Marchiafava |first=Jeff |title=What's Next For 3DS? |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/03/29/whats-next-for-3ds.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402144550/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/03/29/whats-next-for-3ds.aspx |url-status=live |archive-date=April 2, 2011 |access-date=2023-03-30 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en}}</ref>}}'''PlayStation 3'''{{vgrelease|[[EU]]/[[Australia|AUS]]|September 16, 2011|NA|September 27, 2011}}}}
| genre = [[Stealth game|Stealth]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}
'''''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory''''' is a [[stealth game]] developed by [[Ubisoft Montreal]] and [[Ubisoft Milan]]. The game was released for [[GameCube]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] and [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] in March 2005. Handheld versions for the [[Nintendo DS]], [[Mobile game|mobile]], and [[N-Gage (device)|N-Gage]] were also released.

''Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory'' is the sequel to ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow|Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow]]'' and the third game in the ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell|Splinter Cell]]'' series endorsed by novelist [[Tom Clancy]]. As with previous entries in the franchise, ''Chaos Theory'' follows the activities of [[Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell)|Sam Fisher]], an agent working for a covert-ops branch within the [[NSA]] called "Third Echelon". The game has a significantly darker tone than its predecessors, featuring more combat and the option for Fisher to kill people he interrogates instead of merely knocking them out. As a result, it was the first ''Splinter Cell'' game to receive an [[Entertainment Software Rating Board#Ratings|M-rating]] by the [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]], an assessment which has since been applied to all subsequent releases in the series. Actor [[Michael Ironside]] reprised his role as Fisher. Don Jordan returned from the original game to voice Third Echelon director Irving Lambert, and Claudia Besso returned as the hacker and analyst Anna Grímsdóttir, having both been replaced by [[Dennis Haysbert]] and Adriana Anderson, respectively, in ''Pandora Tomorrow''.

''Chaos Theory's'' Xbox and PC versions of the game received critical acclaim;<ref name="Meta" /><ref name="MCPC" /> the GameCube and PlayStation 2 iterations were also released to generally positive reviews.<ref name="MCPS2" /><ref name="MCGC" /> ''Chaos Theory'' was a commercial success, selling 2.5 million units across all platforms within a month of its release.<ref>{{cite web |author=GameSpot staff |date=April 28, 2005 |title=Ubisoft sees record fourth quarter |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/ubisoft-sees-record-fourth-quarter/1100-6123173/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125035136/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ubisoft-sees-record-fourth-quarter/1100-6123173/ |archive-date=January 25, 2021 |access-date=December 13, 2014 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> ''[[Official Xbox Magazine]]'' named it the Xbox "Game of the Year" (2005) for its strong gameplay and lifelike graphics, and it received the highest-ever review score for the magazine at the time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Contributor |first=GamesIndustry International |date=2005-03-17 |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory™ given highest-ever review score of Official Xbox Magazine (US) |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/tom-clancyrsquos-splinter-cell-chaos-theory-given-highest-ever-review-score-of-official-xbox-magazine-us |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref> It is considered one of the [[List of video games considered the best|greatest video games ever made]]. A remastered HD edition was bundled with the first two games of the series as part of the ''Splinter Cell Trilogy'' for the [[PlayStation 3]], released on December 20, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jim|first=Reilly|title=Splinter Cell Trilogy Coming in 2011|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/12/20/splinter-cell-trilogy-coming-in-2011|work=[[IGN]]|date=December 20, 2010|publisher=[[IGN Entertainment Inc]]|access-date=July 13, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714224428/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/12/20/splinter-cell-trilogy-coming-in-2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Splinter Cell Trilogy images|url=http://www.gamersyde.com/news_10862_en.html|date=2011-04-07|publisher=Gamersyde|access-date=August 8, 2011|archive-date=October 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002142142/http://www.gamersyde.com/news_10862_en.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Another port titled ''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D'' was released for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] on March 25, 2011. A sequel, titled ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent|Double Agent]]'', released in 2006.

==Gameplay==
The game features significant changes and improvements to the series' basic gameplay. ''Chaos Theory'' is also the first game in the ''Splinter Cell'' series to use [[ragdoll physics]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://xbox.about.com/od/reviews/fr/scctrev_2.htm |title=Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory Review |access-date=July 4, 2012 |publisher=[[About.com]] |first=Eric |last=Qualls |archive-date=November 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119084921/http://xbox.about.com/od/reviews/fr/scctrev_2.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

''Chaos Theory'' features refined stealth mechanics. In addition to the standard light bar, the game also features an aural monitor that measures Sam's noise, along with the ambient noise of the environment. It is important for Sam to make less noise than his surroundings; otherwise, the enemy guards will hear him. The more sounds the player makes will gradually increase the stress levels of the guards, and they will become more alarmed as the level progresses.

The artificial intelligence in general has received an overhaul to its design ranging from how they interact with the environment, to interacting with each other. They will move furniture to create cover, detect changes in the environment (such as whether or not scanners have been hacked, lights have been shot or turned off, doors left open, and materials have been cut), will use team-based tactics to provide covering fire and flank Sam, and even light flares in dark environments to possibly reveal where the player may be hiding, and even detect Sam through seeing his reflection in a mirror. Certain levels of alarm in a level may also cause them to don heavier armor and create choke points, cutting off access to certain entry-ways, attempting to ambush Sam. <ref>{{Citation |title=#SplinterCell Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory Behind The Scenes: Artificial Intelligence | date=March 16, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aONHNALjUI |access-date=2024-01-20 |language=en}}</ref>

The AI detection has been altered as well. After Sam left an area in former titles, the game would sweep the previous area for all unconscious or dead bodies in a well-lit spot. If any were found, an alarm would be triggered. In ''Chaos Theory'', the bodies must be discovered by a patrolling guard or security camera to trigger an alarm.

Being spotted by enemies will still trigger alarms, and alarms will still cause enemies to become more alert and combat-ready (such as causing them to wear [[ballistic vest]]s and [[Combat helmet|helmets]]). However, triggering too many alarms will no longer cause the game to end automatically. Even killing civilians or friendly soldiers may not cause Fisher to fail the mission, although doing so will at least cause Fisher to be severely chastised by his superior and cost him significantly his mission score, as well as cancelling some mission objectives, such as tapping phone lines and locating [[covert listening device]]s. 

''Chaos Theory'' adds a [[combat knife]] to Sam's [[Close combat|close-quarters combat]] abilities.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427889/parentalguide |title=Parents Guide for Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory |publisher=[[IMDb]] |year=2011 |access-date=July 4, 2012 |archive-date=April 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404061042/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427889/parentalguide |url-status=live }}</ref> Sam can use the knife in multiple ways, such as threatening an enemy during an interrogation, killing an enemy in close-quarters combat, breaking door locks as opposed to picking them, or piercing gas tanks on generators to aid in his stealth operations. Also, it no longer matters what direction Sam attacks from when using melee attacks, nor does it matter if enemies are aware of his presence, as opposed to earlier entries in the series where he had to attack from behind or on the side and the enemy could not be alerted to him in order to take them down in one hit. Sam also can use lethal or non-lethal force when ending an interrogation and with his close-range attacks. As an expansion on Sam's ability to shoot while hanging upside down (introduced in ''Pandora Tomorrow''), he can now choke down or break the neck of enemies below him. He can also pull people over railings while hanging off a ledge and throw bodies off cliffs or over railings, even onto other guards. However, the ability to shoot around corners has been removed, but this is balanced by being able to switch the side of Sam's body the gun is on while in a firing position.

In terms of weaponry, Fisher can choose from one of three different equipment "kits." There is Redding's recommended kit, an assault kit and a stealth kit. Redding's Recommendation gives Sam an even balance between ammunition and non-lethal weaponry. Assault provides more ammunition at the expense of non-lethal weapons, while the Stealth kit contains more non-lethal weaponry but less 'brute force' which means reduced lethal weaponry and spare magazines. On missions where an objective is to cause no fatalities, the player cannot choose the Assault option.

The [[FN Five-seveN|5-7 SC Pistol]] returns, though the laser pointer featured in ''Pandora Tomorrow'' is replaced with a new feature: the OCP (Optically Channeled Potentiator).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://ubisoft.custhelp.com/ci/fattach/get/222401/0/filename/SCCT0665_PCS_MNL_guts.pdf |page=16 |title=SCCT0665_PCS_MNL.qxd |date=March 4, 2005 |access-date=July 4, 2012 |publisher=[[Ubisoft]] }}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=no }}</ref> When fired at certain electronics, the OCP can disable them for a limited time. Fisher can disable lights, security cameras, and more. If the device cannot be disabled, it will temporarily malfunction, such as causing the [[blue screen of death]] when attacking computer towers. When Fisher successfully disables the electronic device he aimed at, a green light appears on the pistol; if he misses, a red light appears. In both cases, Fisher must wait for the OCP to recharge and become ready for use again.

The [[FN F2000|SC-20K]] returns with many new attachments, such as a [[foregrip]] that reduces recoil and increases accuracy, a launcher that fires [[less-lethal weapon|non-lethal weaponry]], an under-barrel [[shotgun]] attachment for [[Close Quarters Battle|close quarters firing]], and a prototype [[20 mm caliber|20mm]] sniper attachment for long-range combat. The SC-20K now uses a [[reflex sight]] that zooms to 1.5x magnification, while the [[Telescopic sight|sniper scope]] allows from 1.5x to 3.5x magnification.

A large variety of non-lethal weaponry can be fired from the SC-20K launcher, such as the Sticky Camera, the Sticky Shocker, the Airfoil Round, and the Gas Grenade. The Sticky Camera will reveal an image of the area in which it was shot. It can also make a clicking sound that will attract enemies and emit a [[CS gas]] that will render any enemies in the immediate area unconscious. In contrast to former titles, Sam can now use multiple cameras simultaneously. He can switch back to any Sticky Camera that has not been destroyed by using the [[CS gas]] attack or due to enemy fire. The Sticky Shocker will shock and incapacitate its target when fired. If shot into a body of water, the shocker will incapacitate all targets in the water. The [[Airfoil Round]] is a hollow metal ring that will knock out the target. It is still possible for an unconscious enemy to die if shot, dropped from a considerable height or dropped into water, no matter how shallow.

Fisher also has multiple types of grenades.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ubi.com/ENCA/Games/Info.aspx?pId=9548 |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D |publisher=[[Ubisoft]] |access-date=July 4, 2012 |archive-date=April 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410184226/http://www.ubi.com/ENCA/Games/Info.aspx?pId=9548 |url-status=live }}</ref> There is a gas grenade, which emits a cloud of [[CS gas]] that knocks enemies unconscious, a [[smoke grenade]], which provides Fisher with a cloud of smoke to hide in, the [[Stun grenade|flashbang]], which will temporarily blind and deafen any enemy near it, and the [[Hand grenade|fragmentation grenade]], which will kill any enemy within its blast radius, and send objects flying in all directions. The Wallmine also returns from previous installments; a wall-mounted explosive equipped with a motion sensor that detonates when enemies move in front of it.

===Multiplayer===
''Chaos Theory'' features competitive and cooperative multiplayer. The cooperative mode expands play by allowing two agents to play through a unique seven-mission story mode that parallels the single-player campaign. It is playable via system link or over [[Xbox Live]]. The cooperative campaign follows the story of two ''Splinter Cells'' in training, merely known as ''Agent One'' and ''Agent Two''.  Their training is interrupted when a world crisis occurs that requires the Shadownet division of the NSA to deploy additional resources, even including agents not adequately trained.  The missions become a trial by fire for the two new agents. Though players can operate alone, the level design is such that it encourages teamwork. Ubisoft eventually developed two additional levels for download for the PC and Xbox versions.  The Nuclear Plant and UN Headquarters missions are meant to end the story for the cooperative component.

In Splinter Cell Chaos Theory VS mode, two additional gameplay modes have been added to the game.  New game modes include disk hunt, which consists of spies grabbing disks placed throughout the level, then returning the disks to their extraction point. The other game mode is deathmatch, which consists of killing players on the opposite team-spies or mercenaries.

The Spy vs. Mercenary game mode returns from ''Pandora Tomorrow'' with many improvements. These include new gadgets for both teams, cooperative moves for the spy team, and improved close-quarters combat for the mercenaries. Spies are armed with non-lethal weaponry and rely on stealth, skill, and gadgets. Spies can only kill mercenaries by breaking their necks, dropping on them, and hanging from a ledge and pulling them down. The spies' gadgets also do not generally affect other spies. Mercenaries are the heavily armed enemies of the SHADOWNET spies, who have access to lethal weaponry.

==Plot==
In June 2007, tensions are running high between [[China]], [[North Korea]], [[South Korea]], and [[Japan]] due to Japan's formation of an [[Information warfare|Information]] [[Japan Self-Defense Forces|Self Defense Force]] (I-SDF). Considering this to be a violation of [[Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution|Article 9]] of the post-World War II [[Constitution of Japan|Constitution]] and blaming the I-SDF for information warfare attacks against their countries, Chinese and North Korean forces establish a blockade in the [[Yellow Sea]] against Japanese shipping. As Japan is an ally of the United States and, by extension, the [[National Security Agency|NSA]]'s [[Third Echelon]], the [[United States Navy|US Navy]] dispatches an advanced warship, the [[List of fictional ships|USS ''Clarence E. Walsh'' (CG-80)]], to the Yellow Sea, with hopes that China and North Korea will back down.

[[Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell)|Sam Fisher]] is dispatched to a lighthouse on the [[Talara, Peru]] coastline, to locate Bruce Morgenholt, an American computer programmer who has been captured by a Peruvian separatist group led by [[El Salvador|Salvadoran]] revolutionary Hugo Lacerda. Morgenholt was working on deciphering the "Masse Kernels", highly advanced weaponized [[algorithm]]s developed by Phillip Masse, whom [[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (video game)|Fisher had assassinated in 2005]]. Fisher is tasked with ensuring the Kernels do not fall into the wrong hands. He arrives too late to prevent Morgenholt's death and the release of the Masse Kernels. Fisher boards Lacerda's ship and assassinates him. Unknown parties use the algorithms to blackout Japan and the [[East Coast of the United States|Eastern Seaboard]]. Admiral Toshiro Otomo of the I-SDF warns Third Echelon that North Korea and China are likely responsible.

Following a lead discovered in Panama, Fisher travels to New York to investigate Abrahim Zherkezhi, a man who worked with Morgenholt. He finds that Displace International, a US-based [[private military corporation]] owned by his old friend Douglas Shetland, is protecting Zherkezhi. Fisher breaks into the Displace offices and learns of Milan Nedich, a Bosnian Serb arms supplier and [[Bosnian War|war]] criminal, who has relocated Zherkezhi to [[Hokkaido]]. There, Fisher meets with Shetland, who claims that Nedich is clean. Fisher infiltrates the hideout that Zherkezhi is being held in, kills Nedich, and witnesses Shetland murdering Zherkezhi. Shetland escapes and goes underground.

The US show of force backfires when the ''Clarence E. Walsh'' is sunk by a North Korean [[anti-ship missile]] on July 4, 2007, bringing North Korea, South Korea, and the United States to the brink of war. Since North Korea claims the missile was launched unintentionally, Fisher is sent to the missile battery that fired it to determine the cause. Fisher discovers that North Korea was telling the truth, but the country suddenly launches a full-scale invasion of South Korea. Fisher heads to [[Seoul]] and learns that Displace International orchestrated the war; Shetland used the Kernels gained from Zherkezhi to hijack North Korea's missile systems and sink the ''Clarence E. Walsh'' to draw the United States into a war to "tear it all down, and start over", declaring that the politicians and bureaucrats let the country dying. Third Echelon sends Fisher to a bathhouse in [[Tokyo]] to spy on a meeting between Shetland and his accomplices, who turn out to be the I-SDF. At the meeting, the I-SDF betrays Shetland, and a firefight breaks out between Shetland's soldiers and I-SDF troops; amidst the chaos, Fisher pursues Shetland to the roof. After a standoff in which Shetland tests their friendship against fealty to the US, Fisher kills Shetland.

Following Shetland's death, and having acquired a copy of the Kernels from him, Otomo attempts to return Japan to Imperial rule; he blackmails Japanese government officials and senior [[Japan Self-Defense Forces|JSDF]] officers by threatening to use the algorithms to launch a North Korean nuclear missile against a Japanese city. As China would support North Korea, and the United States would support Japan, such an incident would likely spark [[World War III]]. Although Otomo's loyalist I-SDF soldiers manage to repel attacking JSDF soldiers, Fisher infiltrates the lowest levels of the I-SDF headquarters and stops Otomo's plans. Otomo attempts to commit [[seppuku]], but Fisher saves his life and captures him. Otomo stands trial at the [[United Nations]] and takes full responsibility for the entire Korean crisis, returning stability to the region.

==Development and release==
{{Expand section|date=October 2014}}

The graphics in ''Chaos Theory'' feature several improvements, including the addition of [[normal mapping]], [[High dynamic range rendering|HDR]] lighting, and [[parallax mapping]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/563/563765p4.html |title=Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory Walkthrough |first=Hilary |last=Goldstein |website=[[IGN]] |date=March 29, 2005 |access-date=July 4, 2012 |archive-date=February 8, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050208132402/http://cube.ign.com/articles/563/563765p4.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.gamershell.com/pc/splinter_cell_3/review.html |title=Splinter Cell 3 Review |first=Anthony |last=Brock |publisher=[[Gamers Hell]] |access-date=July 4, 2012 |archive-date=June 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626184743/http://www.gamershell.com/pc/splinter_cell_3/review.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The game had a development budget of $10 million and a marketing budget of $10 million.<ref>{{cite web|first=Peter|last=Rakobowchuk|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/91122422/calgary-herald/|title=Montreal makers add stretegy to Chaos|newspaper=[[Calgary Herald]]|page=40|date=April 2, 2005|accessdate=December 25, 2021|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|archive-date=December 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225143053/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/91122422/calgary-herald/|url-status=live}}</ref> Around 300 people worked on the game at its peak.<ref>{{cite web|first=Darren|last=Bernhardt|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/north-bay-nugget/149307910/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240614142254/https://www.newspapers.com/article/north-bay-nugget/149307910/|title=Studio a creative powerhouse|newspaper=[[North Bay Nugget]]|page=18|archivedate=June 14, 2024|date=March 18, 2006|accessdate=June 16, 2024|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref>

Because this game depicts a war between [[North Korea]] and [[South Korea]], it was banned in South Korea until 2007.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Brooke|first=James|date=2005-12-07|title=South Koreans React to Video Games' Depictions of North Koreans|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/07/arts/south-koreans-react-to-video-games-depictions-of-north-koreans.html|access-date=2022-01-27|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=January 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127114317/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/07/arts/south-koreans-react-to-video-games-depictions-of-north-koreans.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Korea lifts game censorship|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/korea-lifts-game-censorship/1100-6163609/|access-date=2022-01-27|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|archive-date=February 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225093727/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/korea-lifts-game-censorship/1100-6163609/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Limited Collector's Edition===
A Limited Collector's Edition was available for PC, PS2, Xbox, and GameCube. Each version is packaged in a collectible tin, and the PC, PS2, and Xbox versions include the following bonus features on an extra disc:

*Exclusive G4 "Making of" Video
*Music from the official Chaos Theory soundtrack by [[Amon Tobin]]
*Development Team video diaries
*[[Penny Arcade (webcomic)|Penny Arcade]] Spy Training Manual (not included in the Xbox version)
*Mega 64 Videos

The PC version also contains the version 1.3 patch for the original ''Splinter Cell'' to add the Kola Cell, Vselka Infiltration, and Vselka Submarine missions that were initially only available as downloads on [[Xbox Live]]. The initial release contained a corrupt patch that would not install and had to be requested separately from Ubisoft, after which they would send a CD-R with the patch.  The bonus disc can also be obtained with the GameCube version by contacting Ubisoft.com via e-mail. The Xbox version also contains the XBL missions on disc 2, which can be installed on the PC version of the original ''Splinter Cell''.

==Soundtrack==
{{Infobox album
| name       = Chaos Theory – The Soundtrack to Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory
| type       = Soundtrack
| artist     = [[Amon Tobin]]
| cover      =
| alt        =
| released   = {{Start date|2005|01|25}}
| recorded   = [[Buenos Aires]], 2004
| venue      =
| studio     =
| genre      = [[Breakbeat]], [[drum and bass]], [[Intelligent dance music|IDM]]
| length     = 48:20
| label      = [[Ninja Tune]]
| producer   =
| prev_title = [[Out from Out Where]]
| prev_year  = 2002
| next_title = [[Foley Room]]
| next_year  = 2007
}}
'''''Chaos Theory – The Soundtrack to Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory''''' is the fifth album by Brazilian [[electronic music]] artist [[Amon Tobin]]. It was released on January 25, 2005 by [[Ninja Tune]]. Seminal composer [[Jesper Kyd]] was also hired to score the game's cinematics.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bedigian |first=Louis |title=Chaotic Compositions Are Sure to be a "Hit" With Gamers – Jesper Kyd Talks to GameZone About His Work on Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory |url=http://pc.gamezone.com/news/02_09_05_06_43AM.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006213537/http://pc.gamezone.com/news/02_09_05_06_43AM.htm |archive-date=2008-10-06 |website=GameZone}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Goldwasser |first=Dan |date=June 13, 2005 |title=Interview - Jesper Kyd |url=http://www.soundtrack.net/features/article/?id=152 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223062700/http://www.soundtrack.net/features/article/?id=152 |archive-date=February 23, 2012 |website=SoundtrackNet}}</ref>

The album consists of a collection of songs Tobin wrote for the game. [[Ubisoft]] was so pleased with Tobin's work that they decided to release the album several months ahead of the actual game. In-game music sequences are similar but not identical to the official soundtrack, as most in-game music is produced by layering different sequences together. This album showcased the beginning of Tobin's shift from collecting samples from [[gramophone record|vinyl]] records to recording his samples.

For the recording of ''Chaos Theory – Splinter Cell 3 Soundtrack'', Tobin hired a live band whose members ranged from Mexican composer {{Interlanguage link|Nacho Méndez (composer)|lt=Nacho Méndez|es|Nacho Méndez}} to Japanese flutist Eiji Miyake.<ref name="allm">{{Cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/chaos-theory-splinter-cell-3-soundtrack-mw0000708363 |title=AllMusic review |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=November 14, 2014 |archive-date=February 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150225080258/http://www.allmusic.com/album/chaos-theory-splinter-cell-3-soundtrack-mw0000708363 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the CD's [[liner notes]], Tobin noted that "it was a real special session" to have Mendez, Eiji, and the Modugno brothers working on the album.<ref>Amon Tobin in the [[liner notes]] of the ''Chaos Theory'' CD, 2005.</ref> Tobin would more fully explore the use of his samples by using [[field recording]]s in the following 2007 album, ''[[Foley Room]]''.

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
<!-- For GameRankings, please only use two digits of precision, per [[Template:Video game reviews/doc#Guidelines]] -->
|GR = (Xbox) 94%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/921914-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/index.html |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory Reviews |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=May 8, 2008 |archive-date=May 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507195850/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/921914-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PC) 91%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/920719-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/index.html |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory for PC |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=June 15, 2014 |archive-date=June 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602152346/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/920719-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PS2) 89%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/924556-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/index.html |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory for PlayStation 2 |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=June 15, 2014 |archive-date=May 1, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501031616/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/924556-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(Mobile) 87%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/mobile/926208-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/index.html |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory for Mobile |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=July 13, 2014 |archive-date=September 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908034642/http://www.gamerankings.com/mobile/926208-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(NGE) 86%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ngage/921915-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/index.html |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory for N-Gage |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=June 15, 2014 |archive-date=March 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303225731/http://www.gamerankings.com/ngage/921915-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(GC) 81%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/924557-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/index.html |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory for GameCube Reviews |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=June 15, 2014 |archive-date=January 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128021006/http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/924557-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(3DS) 54%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/997777-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-3d/index.html |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D for 3DS |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=June 15, 2014 |archive-date=April 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110421021015/http://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/997777-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-3d/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(DS) 51%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/926307-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/index.html |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory for DS |publisher=GameRankings |access-date=June 15, 2014 |archive-date=November 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116225344/http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/926307-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|MC = (Xbox) 94/100<ref name=Meta>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory for Xbox Reviews|work=[[Metacritic]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=May 8, 2008|archive-date=April 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403063409/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory|url-status=live}}</ref><br />(PC) 92/100<ref name=MCPC>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=June 15, 2014 |archive-date=December 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226002244/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PS2) 87/100<ref name=MCPS2>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2 |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory for PlayStation 2 Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=June 15, 2014 |archive-date=April 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110408051943/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(NGE) 85/100<ref name=MCNG>{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ngage/tomclancyssplintercellchaostheory |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (ngage: 2005): Reviews |website=Metacritic |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913065420/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ngage/tomclancyssplintercellchaostheory |archive-date=September 13, 2008 |url-status=dead |access-date=July 13, 2014}}</ref><br />(GC) 81/100<ref name=MCGC>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory for GameCube Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=June 15, 2014 |archive-date=April 3, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110403063139/http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(3DS) 53/100<ref name=MC3DS>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D for 3DS Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=May 8, 2011 |archive-date=August 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830165557/http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-3d |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(DS) 50/100<ref name=MCDS>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory for DS Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=June 15, 2014 |archive-date=April 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110415022252/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory |url-status=live }}</ref>
|EGM = (Xbox) 9.5 out of 10<ref>{{cite magazine |author=EGM staff |title=Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (Xbox) |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |issue=190 |date=April 2005 |page=126}}</ref><br />(DS) 3.83 out of 10<ref>{{cite magazine |author=EGM staff |title=Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (DS) |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |issue=195 |date=September 2005}}</ref>
|EuroG = (PC) 8 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |last=Reed |first=Kristan |date=April 8, 2005 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_splintercell3_pc |title=Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (PC) |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=July 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725142704/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_splintercell3_pc |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(DS) 5 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |last=Gibson |first=Ellie |date=July 15, 2005 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_chaostheory_ds |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (DS) |website=Eurogamer |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304001501/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_chaostheory_ds |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(3DS) 4 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |last=Reed |first=Kristan |date=April 1, 2011 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-04-01-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-3d-review |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D |website=Eurogamer |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=September 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140917072647/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-04-01-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-3d-review |url-status=live }}</ref>
|GI = 9.75 out of 10<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Zoss |first=Jeremy |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/A779C5B6-A8FB-46F2-A7FC-C2EE357B65A9.htm |title=Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |issue=144 |date=April 2005 |page=112 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080526112427/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/A779C5B6-A8FB-46F2-A7FC-C2EE357B65A9.htm |archive-date=May 26, 2008 |url-status=dead |access-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref><br />(PS2) 9.25 out of 10<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Zoss |first=Jeremy |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/2B54A55F-6219-42B2-A1B2-FE30C4CD94A3.htm |title=Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (PS2) |magazine=Game Informer |issue=145 |date=May 2005 |page=114 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090613063708/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/2B54A55F-6219-42B2-A1B2-FE30C4CD94A3.htm |archive-date=June 13, 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref><br />(3DS) 5 out of 10<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Splinter Cell 3D |magazine=Game Informer |issue=218 |date=June 2011 |page=95}}</ref>
|GamePro = (Xbox) {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Four-Eyed Dragon |date=March 24, 2005 |url=http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox/games/reviews/43729.shtml |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory Review for Xbox on GamePro.com |magazine=[[GamePro]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050326230102/http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox/games/reviews/43729.shtml |archive-date=March 26, 2005 |url-status=dead |access-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref><br />(3DS) {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Rudden |first=Dave |date=April 26, 2011 |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/219035/review-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-3d |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D |magazine=GamePro |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429182624/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/219035/review-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-3d |archive-date=April 29, 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref>
|GameRev = A−<ref>{{cite web |last=Dodson |first=Joe |date=April 5, 2005 |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/splinter-cell-chaos-theory |title=Splinter Cell Chaos Theory Review (Xbox) |publisher=[[Game Revolution]] |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=December 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212215120/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/splinter-cell-chaos-theory |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Dodson |first=Joe |date=April 5, 2005 |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/pc/splinter_cell058_chaos_theory |title=Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory - PC Review |publisher=Game Revolution |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907015044/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/pc/splinter_cell058_chaos_theory |archive-date=September 7, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br />(PS2 & GC) B<ref>{{cite web |last=Dodson |first=Joe |date=April 5, 2005 |url=http://gr.bolt.com/games/ps2/action/splinter_cell_chaos_theory.htm |title=Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory - ps2 Review |publisher=Game Revolution |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050406134438/http://gr.bolt.com/games/ps2/action/splinter_cell_chaos_theory.htm |archive-date=April 6, 2005 |url-status=dead |access-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Dodson |first=Joe |date=April 5, 2005 |url=http://gr.bolt.com/games/gamecube/action/splinter_cell_chaos_theory.htm |title=Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory - gamecube Review |publisher=Game Revolution |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050406111202/http://gr.bolt.com/games/gamecube/action/splinter_cell_chaos_theory.htm |archive-date=April 6, 2005 |url-status=dead |access-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref><br />(3DS) D<ref>{{cite web |last=Laddin |first=Josh |date=May 26, 2011 |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-choas-theory |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D Review |publisher=Game Revolution |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=September 7, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907061227/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-choas-theory |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(DS) D−<ref>{{cite web |last=Dodson |first=Joe |date=July 29, 2005 |url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/splinter-cell058-chaos-theory |title=Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory Review (DS) |publisher=Game Revolution |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924173029/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/splinter-cell058-chaos-theory |url-status=live }}</ref>
|GSpot = 8.6 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |last=Kasavin |first=Greg |date=March 28, 2005 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory-review/1900-6121161/ |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory Review |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=June 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140618013247/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory-review/1900-6121161/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Score |first=Avery |date=March 28, 2005 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory-review/1900-6121193/ |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory Review (N-Gage) |website=GameSpot |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=May 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520192259/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory-review/1900-6121193/ |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PS2) 7.1 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |last=Kasavin |first=Greg |date=March 28, 2005 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory-review/1900-6121162/ |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory Review (PS2) |website=GameSpot |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=May 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519000851/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory-review/1900-6121162/ |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(GC) 6.7 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |last=Kasavin |first=Greg |date=April 4, 2005 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory-review/1900-6121632/ |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory Review (GC) |website=GameSpot |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=May 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527152038/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory-review/1900-6121632/ |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(DS) 5.6 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |last=Kasavin |first=Greg |date=July 1, 2005 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory-review/1900-6128541/ |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory Review (DS) |website=GameSpot |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=May 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520021342/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory-review/1900-6128541/ |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(3DS) 5.5 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |last=Douglas |first=Jane |date=March 25, 2011 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/splinter-cell-3d-review/1900-6305816/ |title=Splinter Cell 3D Review |website=GameSpot |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=February 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221073248/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/splinter-cell-3d-review/1900-6305816/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
|GSpy = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Tuttle |first=Will |date=March 24, 2005 |url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-3/598759p1.html |title=GameSpy: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (Xbox) |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304100916/http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-3/598759p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Tuttle |first=Will |date=March 24, 2005 |url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/598959p1.html |title=GameSpy: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (PS2) |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=January 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150129054857/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/598959p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PC & NGE) {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Osborne |first=Scott |date=April 8, 2005 |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-3/602789p1.html |title=GameSpy: Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (PC) |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=October 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011193351/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-3/602789p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Leeper |first=Justin |date=March 24, 2005 |url=http://wireless.gamespy.com/n-gage/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/598822p1.html |title=GameSpy: Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (N-Gage) |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=April 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410165620/http://wireless.gamespy.com/n-gage/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/598822p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(GC) {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Tuttle |first=Will |date=April 5, 2005 |url=http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/601749p1.html |title=GameSpy: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (GCN) |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304114102/http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/601749p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(DS) {{Rating|2.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Chapman |first=David |date=June 28, 2005 |url=http://ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/629655p1.html |title=GameSpy: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (NDS) |publisher=GameSpy |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063340/http://ds.gamespy.com/nintendo-ds/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory/629655p1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|GT = 9.5 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |date=April 5, 2005 |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/gamepage.php?id=35 |title=Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory Review |publisher=[[GameTrailers]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070807152040/http://www.gametrailers.com/gamepage.php?id=35 |archive-date=August 7, 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 13, 2016}}</ref>
|GameZone = (Xbox) 9.7 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |last=Valentino |first=Nick |date=April 10, 2005 |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/tom_clancy_s_splinter_cell_chaos_theory_xb_review |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory - XB - Review |publisher=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081017110747/http://xbox.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r21978.htm |archive-date=October 17, 2008 |url-status=live |access-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref><br />(PC) 9.1 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |last=Giacobbi |first=Kevin "BIFF" |date=April 12, 2005 |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/tom_clancy_s_splinter_cell_chaos_theory_pc_review |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory - PC - Review |publisher=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081002000134/http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r21978.htm |archive-date=October 2, 2008 |url-status=live |access-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref><br />(NGE) 9 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |last=Bedigian |first=Louis |date=May 31, 2005 |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/tom_clancy_s_splinter_cell_chaos_theory_ng_review |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory - NG - Review |publisher=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222082337/http://ngage.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r21978.htm |archive-date=February 22, 2009 |url-status=live |access-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref><br />(PS2) 8.9 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |last=Knutson |first=Michael |date=April 6, 2005 |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/tom_clancy_s_splinter_cell_chaos_theory_ps2_review |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory - PS2 - Review |publisher=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222033114/http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r21978.htm |archive-date=February 22, 2009 |url-status=live |access-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref><br />(GC) 8.7 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |last=Romano |first=Natalie |date=April 12, 2005 |url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/tom_clancy_s_splinter_cell_chaos_theory_gc_review |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory - GC - Review |publisher=GameZone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080115102720/http://gamecube.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r21978.htm |archive-date=January 15, 2008 |url-status=live |access-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref>
|IGN = 9.6 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |last=Clayman |first=David |date=March 23, 2005 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/03/24/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory-4 |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory |website=IGN |access-date=July 13, 2014 |archive-date=June 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140626030640/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/03/24/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory-4 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(NGE) 8.8 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |last=Buchanan |first=Levi |date=June 16, 2005 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/06/16/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (NNG) |website=IGN |access-date=July 13, 2014 |archive-date=October 15, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015203157/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/06/16/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(GC) 8.5 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |last=Clayman |first=David |date=April 5, 2005 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/04/05/splinter-cell-chaos-theory-3 |title=Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (GCN) |website=IGN |access-date=July 13, 2014 |archive-date=August 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140830001857/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/04/05/splinter-cell-chaos-theory-3 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(PS2) 8.4 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |last=Clayman |first=David |date=March 24, 2005 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/03/25/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory-3 |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (PS2) |website=IGN |access-date=July 13, 2014 |archive-date=August 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829112419/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/03/25/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory-3 |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(3DS) 6.5 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |last=Goldstein |first=Hilary |date=April 11, 2011 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/04/11/splinter-cell-3d-review |title=Splinter Cell 3D Review |website=IGN |access-date=July 13, 2014 |archive-date=August 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829220455/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/04/11/splinter-cell-3d-review |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(DS) 6 out of 10<ref>{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=June 28, 2005 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/06/28/splinter-cell-chaos-theory |title=Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (NDS) |website=IGN |access-date=July 13, 2014 |archive-date=February 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216011025/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/06/28/splinter-cell-chaos-theory |url-status=live }}</ref>
|NP = (GC) 4.1 out of 5<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (GC) |magazine=[[Nintendo Power]] |volume=192 |date=June 2005 |page=94}}</ref><br />(DS) 8 out of 10<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory (DS) |magazine=Nintendo Power |volume=194 |date=August 2005 |page=85}}</ref><br />(3DS) 5.5 out of 10<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 3D |magazine=Nintendo Power |volume=267 |date=May 2011 |page=88}}</ref>
|OPM = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://opm.1up.com/reviews/splinter-cell-ct_2 |title=Splinter Cell Chaos Theory |magazine=[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]] |date=May 2005 |access-date=July 14, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140717151325/http://opm.1up.com/reviews/splinter-cell-ct_2 |archive-date=July 17, 2014 }}</ref>
|OXM = 9.9 out of 10<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory |magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine]] |date=April 2005 |page=72}}</ref>
|PCGUS = 91%<ref>{{cite journal |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory |journal=[[PC Gamer]] |date=May 2005 |page=74}}</ref>
|rev1 = ''[[Detroit Free Press]]''
|rev1Score = {{Rating|3|4}}<ref name=Detroit>{{cite news |last=Schaefer |first=Jim |date=April 17, 2005 |url=http://www.freep.com/entertainment/videogames/game17e_20050417.htm |title=SUPER STEALTH: Suspense infiltrates latest 'Splinter Cell' |newspaper=[[Detroit Free Press]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050418050508/http://www.freep.com/entertainment/videogames/game17e_20050417.htm |archive-date=April 18, 2005 |url-status=dead |access-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref>
|rev2 = ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]''
|rev2Score = (Xbox) {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name=Sydney1>{{cite news |last=Hill |first=Jason |date=April 7, 2005 |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/Games/Splinter-Cell-Chaos-Theory/2005/04/06/1112489501721.html |title=Hugely rewarding |newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=January 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108214602/http://www.smh.com.au/news/Games/Splinter-Cell-Chaos-Theory/2005/04/06/1112489501721.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br />(DS) {{Rating|2.5|5}}<ref name=Sydney2>{{cite news |last=Fish |first=Eliot |date=August 20, 2005 |url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/games/flawed-interface/2005/08/16/1123958066336.html |title=Flawed interface |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=August 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809175957/http://www.smh.com.au/news/games/flawed-interface/2005/08/16/1123958066336.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|award1Pub = [[E3]]
|award1 = 2004 [[Game Critics Awards]]: Best PC Game<br/>Best Action/Adventure Game<br/>Special Commendation for Graphics<ref>{{cite web |title=2005 Winners |url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/win.html |publisher=gamecriticsawards.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060701123350/http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/win.html |archive-date=2006-07-01 }}</ref>
|award2Pub = ''[[Game Informer]]''
|award2 = "Top 50 Games of 2005"{{citation needed|date=January 2009}}
|award3Pub = ''[[Official Xbox Magazine]]''
|award3 = "#1 Xbox Game of the Year, 2005"{{citation needed|date=January 2009}}
|award4Pub = [[IGN]]
|award4 = Editors' Choice Award<ref>{{cite web|title=IGN Editors' Choice Games|url=http://xbox.ign.com/index/choice.html|work=IGN|publisher=IGN Entertainment Inc|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051101095123/http://xbox.ign.com/index/choice.html|archive-date=November 1, 2005|url-status=dead|access-date=July 13, 2014}}</ref>
}}

Splinter Cell: ''Chaos Theory'' received "universal acclaim" from critics for the Xbox and PC versions, while the PlayStation 2, N-Gage, and GameCube versions received "favorable" reviews, and the 3DS and DS versions received "mixed" reviews, according to [[review aggregator]] website [[Metacritic]].<ref name="Meta" /><ref name="MCPC" /><ref name="MCPS2" /><ref name="MCGC" /><ref name="MCNG" /><ref name="MC3DS" /><ref name="MCDS" /> 

A 2013 ''IGN'' review described ''Chaos Theory'' as a "peak" in the series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/14/splinter-cell-blacklist-review|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist Review|work=IGN|date=August 14, 2013|access-date=October 7, 2014|archive-date=October 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010083530/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/14/splinter-cell-blacklist-review|url-status=live}}</ref> Shawn Elliott of [[1UP.com]] gave the Xbox version an A and said that it "isn't the cruel, ball-busting taskmaster of Splinter Cells past—the exacting details don't matter so long as the duties get done, and it's a better game because of it."<ref>{{cite web |last=Elliott |first=Shawn |date=March 31, 2005 |url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/splinter-cell-chaos-theory_7 |title=Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (Xbox) |website=[[1UP.com]] |access-date=July 14, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716131122/http://www.1up.com/reviews/splinter-cell-chaos-theory_7 |archive-date=July 16, 2012 }}</ref> Rob Semsey of [[TeamXbox]] gave the game 9.8 out of 10 and said, "The formula has been tweaked to an almost perfect mix of story and engrossing gameplay that still requires more use of brain over brawn... The presentation is off the charts with mesmerizing visuals and audio production, both of which have a major impact on how you play."<ref>{{cite web|last=Semsey|first=Rob|url=http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox/911/Tom-Clancys-Splinter-Cell-Chaos-Theory/p1 |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory Review (Xbox) |work=[[TeamXbox]] |publisher=IGN Entertainment Inc |date=March 24, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310003759/http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox/911/Tom-Clancys-Splinter-Cell-Chaos-Theory/p1 |archive-date=March 10, 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=July 13, 2014}}</ref> ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' gave the game a score of eight out of ten and said it was "the game that the original ''Splinter Cell'' was meant to deliver: a tight play experience within a trusty framework, one more of enjoyment than irritation, and a game that's no longer exclusively for fans of repeated reloading."<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Edge staff |title=Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory review |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |issue=148 |date=April 2005 |page=97}}</ref> ''[[Famitsu]]'' gave the Xbox version a score of three eights and one seven, bringing it to a total of 31 out of 40;<ref name=Fam>{{cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=November 28, 2005 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/11/29/now-playing-in-japan-20 |title=Now Playing in Japan |website=IGN |access-date=July 28, 2015 |archive-date=July 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712125604/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/11/29/now-playing-in-japan-20 |url-status=live }}</ref> for the PS2 version, the same magazine gave it two eights, one seven, and one six, bringing it to a total of 29 out of 40.<ref name=Fam/>

Avery Score of [[GameSpot]] gave the mobile version a score of 8.6 out of 10 and called it "a terrific game in its own right, even if it doesn't stray far from the established formula."<ref>{{cite web |last=Score |first=Avery |date=April 5, 2005 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory-review/1900-6121743/ |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory Review (Mobile) |website=GameSpot |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=May 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520022503/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory-review/1900-6121743/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Likewise, Levi Buchanan of [[IGN]] gave the same version a score of 8.8 out of 10 and said it was "definitely not a one-touch game. It's complex, but Gameloft's control scheme and pacing compensate for the limited input of a handset. Gameloft rarely stumbles with their offerings, and Chaos Theory is no exception. When it pops up on your deck, download it. Your may get that familiar feeling, but that's certainly oodles better than that rot-gut anger you feel after downloading a stinker."<ref>{{cite web |last=Buchanan |first=Levi |date=April 6, 2005 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/04/07/splinter-cell-chaos-theory-2 |title=Splinter Cell Chaos Theory (Cell) |website=IGN |access-date=July 13, 2014 |archive-date=March 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322075902/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/04/07/splinter-cell-chaos-theory-2 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Non-video-game publications gave the game some favourable reviews.  ''[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]]'' gave the game a perfect ten and stated: "No longer is there just one way to solve a treacherous night mission before the enemy picks up your audio signature: stealth will pay off just as well as good old-fashioned ultraviolence."<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Stein |first=Scott |date=March 31, 2005 |url=http://www.maximonline.com/entertainment/reviews/review_games_9523.html |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory |magazine=[[Maxim (magazine)|Maxim]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050404065833/http://www.maximonline.com/entertainment/reviews/review_games_9523.html |archive-date=April 4, 2005 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 13, 2016}}</ref> ''[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]'' gave the Xbox, PC and PS2 versions all five stars and called it "Visually spectacular and hugely rewarding."<ref name=Sydney1/> However, the same newspaper also gave the DS version half of that score (two-and-a-half stars) and said that the frustration "is compounded by the choppy, stuttering frame rate of the 3D visuals, making the already convoluted controls feel twice as sluggish. Even the menu screens seem slow to respond - a sure sign that the DS is being pushed beyond its capabilities."<ref name=Sydney2/> ''[[The New York Times]]'' gave the game a favourable review and stated that "Perhaps Sam is just getting older, perfecting his skills while losing some feistiness. His games are following the same path, with increasingly sophisticated, deep gameplay but a little less flair."<ref>{{cite news |last=Herold |first=Charles |date=April 8, 2005 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/08/arts/08game.html?ex=1113624000&en=1621506e34b67a8a&ei=5070&_r=0 |title=Save the World and Get a) Redemption or b) Pay |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-date=September 25, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925142005/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/08/arts/08game.html?ex=1113624000&en=1621506e34b67a8a&ei=5070&_r=0 |url-status=live }}</ref> Jim Schaefer of ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' gave the Xbox version three stars out of four, stating, "I'll reserve a four-star rating for the next time this series takes big leaps. In this latest edition, there's nothing so new that you'll stop and say, 'Whoa.' But ''Chaos Theory'' is true to the things that make ''Splinter Cell'' games so good."<ref name=Detroit/>

=== Sales ===
''Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory'' was a commercial success, selling 2.5 million units by the end of March 2005.<ref name="sales2">{{cite press release |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921074838/https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/company/press/detail.aspx?id=33121 |url=https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/company/press/detail.aspx?id=33121 |url-status=live |title=4th Quarter 2004-2005 Sales: €221 Million (Up by 50% at Constant Exchange Rates) FY 2004-2005: 17 Million Units Sold Under 8 Major Brands, Operating Cash Flow* Over €50 Million |archive-date=September 21, 2017 |publisher=[[Ubisoft]] |date=April 28, 2005}}</ref> By March 17, 2005, the series had sold an overall total of 10 million copies. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-03-17 |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory™ given highest-ever review score of Official Xbox Magazine (US) |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/tom-clancyrsquos-splinter-cell-chaos-theory-given-highest-ever-review-score-of-official-xbox-magazine-us |access-date=2024-01-20 |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en}}</ref>

=== Awards ===
''Chaos Theory'' was a finalist for ''[[PC Gamer US]]''{{'}}s "Best Action Game 2005" and "Best Multiplayer Game 2005" awards, which ultimately went to ''[[F.E.A.R. (video game)|F.E.A.R.]]'' and ''[[Battlefield 2]]'', respectively.<ref name=pcgamerusawards2005>{{cite journal |date=March 2006 | title=The Twelfth Annual ''PC Gamer'' Awards | volume=13 | number=3 | pages=33–36, 38, 40–42, 44 | journal=[[PC Gamer US]] | author=Staff }}</ref> During the [[9th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]], the [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] nominated ''Chaos Theory'' for "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Action Game of the Year|Action/Adventure Game of the Year]]", "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Audio Design|Outstanding Achievement in Sound Design]]", and "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Character|Outstanding Character Performance - Male]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2006&idGame=133 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |website=interactive.org |access-date=30 October 2023}}</ref>

{{clear}}

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{wikiquote}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061230062823/http://splintercell.us.ubi.com/splintercellchaostheory.php Official website] via [[Internet Archive]]
* {{moby game|id=/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-chaos-theory}}
* {{IMDb title|0427889}}

{{Splinter Cell}}
{{Tom Clancy games}}
{{Amon Tobin}}
{{Authority control}}

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