View source for Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (video game)

{{short description|2002 stealth video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell 
| image = Tharealsplintercell.jpg
| developer = [[Ubisoft Montreal|Ubi Soft Montreal]]{{efn|[[Ubisoft Shanghai|Ubi Soft Shanghai]] developed the PlayStation 2 and GameCube ports, and [[Gameloft]] developed the adaptation for Game Boy Advance, mobile, and N-Gage. i5works developed the Mac OS X port.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Ships for Mac |url=https://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tom_clancys_splinter_cell_ships_for_mac |access-date=2023-03-30 |website=The Mac Observer |date=September 28, 2004 |language=en-US |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330165513/https://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tom_clancys_splinter_cell_ships_for_mac |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
| publisher = {{Ubl|[[Ubisoft|Ubi Soft]]|[[Aspyr Media]] (Mac)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.insidemacgames.com/reviews/view.php?ID=429 |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell |last=Smith |first=Dustin |work=Inside Mac Games |date=October 13, 2004 |access-date=October 26, 2008 |archive-date=February 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080225090304/http://www.insidemacgames.com/reviews/view.php?ID=429 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
| director = 
| producer = {{Ubl|[[Mathieu Ferland]]|Reid Schneider}}
| artist = Hugo Dallaire
| designer = {{Ubl|Nathan Wolff|[[Clint Hocking]]<ref name="Hocking" />}}
| programmer = Antoine Dodens
| writer = {{Ubl|[[J.T. Petty]]|Clint Hocking}}
| composer = [[Michael Richard Plowman]]
| series = ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell]]''
| engine = [[Unreal Engine 2]]
| platforms = {{Ubl|[[Xbox (console)|Xbox]]|[[Microsoft Windows]]|[[PlayStation 2]]|[[GameCube]]|[[Game Boy Advance]]|[[Mobile game|Mobile]]|[[N-Gage (device)|N-Gage]]|[[Mac OS X]]|[[PlayStation 3]]}}
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|November 18, 2002}}|
'''Xbox'''{{vgrelease|NA|November 18, 2002<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-03-11 |title=Xbox News - Award-Winning Xbox Game, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell(tm), Ships Nationwide |url=http://xbox.gamezone.com/news/11_18_02_01_11PM.htm |access-date=2023-03-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050311001119/http://xbox.gamezone.com/news/11_18_02_01_11PM.htm |archive-date=March 11, 2005 }}</ref>|EU|November 29, 2002<ref>{{Cite news |date=2002-11-29 |title=What's New? |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/article-47069 |access-date=2023-03-30 |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330165510/https://www.eurogamer.net/article-47069 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}'''Microsoft Windows'''{{vgrelease|NA|February 18, 2003<ref>{{Cite web |last=McNewserson |first=Newsey |date=2003-02-18 |title=Splinter Cell Ships |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/02/18/splinter-cell-ships-2 |access-date=2023-03-30 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330165512/https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/02/18/splinter-cell-ships-2 |url-status=live }}</ref>|EU|February 28, 2003<ref>{{Cite news |date=2003-02-19 |title=Pre-release patch for Splinter Cell PC |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/article-47438 |access-date=2023-03-30 |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330165511/https://www.eurogamer.net/article-47438 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}'''Mobile'''{{vgrelease|WW|March 3, 2003<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-08-24 |title=Gameloft - mobile games, download mobile games on your wireless phone |url=http://www.gameloft.com/corpo_press.php?date=2003&press1=100 |access-date=2023-03-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070824182902/http://www.gameloft.com/corpo_press.php?date=2003&press1=100 |archive-date=August 24, 2007 }}</ref>}}'''PlayStation 2'''{{vgrelease|EU|March 28, 2003<ref>{{Cite news |date=2003-03-28 |title=What's New? |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/article-47638 |access-date=2023-03-30 |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330165512/https://www.eurogamer.net/article-47638 |url-status=live }}</ref>|NA|April 8, 2003<ref name="release">{{Cite web |title=Splinter Cell Released for GameCube - Press Release |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/pr/8495/splinter-cell-released-for-gamecube |access-date=2023-03-30 |website=Nintendo World Report |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330165513/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/pr/8495/splinter-cell-released-for-gamecube |url-status=live }}</ref>}}'''GameCube'''{{vgrelease|NA|April 8, 2003<ref name="release"/>|EU|June 6, 2003<ref name="euro">{{Cite news |date=2003-06-06 |title=What's New? |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/news060603whatsnew |access-date=2023-03-30 |archive-date=March 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324235419/https://www.eurogamer.net/news060603whatsnew |url-status=live }}</ref>}}'''Game Boy Advance'''{{vgrelease|NA|April 24, 2003<ref>{{Cite web |date=2003-04-01 |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell |url=http://www.splintercell.com/us/ |access-date=2023-03-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030401083153/http://www.splintercell.com/us/ |archive-date=April 1, 2003 }}</ref>|EU|June 6, 2003<ref name="euro"/>}}'''N-Gage'''{{vgrelease|EU|December 5, 2003|NA|December 10, 2003}}'''Mac OS X'''{{vgrelease|NA|September 29, 2004<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aspyr ships Splinter Cell, Athena Sword at beta |url=https://www.macworld.com/article/172594/aspyr-35.html |access-date=2023-03-30 |website=Macworld |language=en |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330165511/https://www.macworld.com/article/172594/aspyr-35.html |url-status=live }}</ref>}}'''PlayStation 3'''{{vgrelease|EU/AU|September 16, 2011|NA|September 27, 2011}}}}
| genre = [[Stealth game|Stealth]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
}}

'''''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell''''' is a 2002 [[stealth game]] developed by [[Ubi Soft Montreal]] and published by [[Ubi Soft]]. It is the first game in the ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell|Splinter Cell]]'' series. Endorsed by author [[Tom Clancy]], it follows the activities of [[National Security Agency|NSA]] [[Black operation|black ops]] agent [[Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell)|Sam Fisher]] (voiced by [[Michael Ironside]]). The game was inspired by both the ''[[Metal Gear]]'' series and games created by [[Looking Glass Studios]], and was built using [[Unreal Engine 2]].<ref name="Hocking" /><ref name="venturebeat" /><ref name="ign" />

Originally released as an [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] exclusive in 2002,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_46033|title=Splinter Cell an Xbox exclusive for 2002|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=May 24, 2002|access-date=July 26, 2021|archive-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726132337/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/article_46033|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cell-exclusive-to-xbox-only-in-2002/1100-2898340/|title=Splinter Cell exclusive to Xbox only in 2002|date=November 21, 2002|access-date=July 23, 2021|archive-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726132338/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cell-exclusive-to-xbox-only-in-2002/1100-2898340/|url-status=live}}</ref> the game was ported to [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 2]], [[GameCube]] and [[Mac OS X]] in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell |work=MobyGames |access-date=October 26, 2008 |archive-date=March 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304175038/http://www.mobygames.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell |url-status=live }}</ref> A [[Side-scrolling video game|side-scrolling]] adaptation developed by [[Gameloft]] was also released in 2003 for [[Game Boy Advance]], mobile phones and [[N-Gage (device)|N-Gage]] (the latter with the subtitle ''Team Stealth Action'').<ref>{{cite web |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell |url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell- |work=MobyGames |access-date=October 26, 2008 |archive-date=December 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223092200/http://www.mobygames.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell- |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/mobile/action/splintercell/tech_info.html |title=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell'' Tech Info |work=Gamespot |publisher=CNET Networks, Inc |access-date=October 26, 2008}}</ref> A remastered [[High-definition video|high definition]] version was released on [[PlayStation 3]] in September 2011, and an Xbox version was made available for [[Xbox One]] via [[List of backward-compatible games for Xbox One and Series X/S|backward compatibility]] in June 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/2019/6/10/18660402/microsoft-xbox-one-backwards-compatibility-project-scarlett-e3-2019|title=Microsoft announces final backward-compatible games coming to Xbox One|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|first=Ben|last=Kuchera|date=June 10, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2022|archive-date=January 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131173433/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2019/6/10/18660402/microsoft-xbox-one-backwards-compatibility-project-scarlett-e3-2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Splinter Cell'' received critical acclaim on release and is considered as one of the [[List of video games considered the best|best video games ever made]]. The success of the game lead to multiple sequels, starting with ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow|Pandora Tomorrow]]'' in 2004, and a series of novels written under the pseudonym [[David Michaels (author)|David Michaels]]. A remake of the game is currently in development by [[Ubisoft Toronto]].

== Gameplay ==
The primary focus and hallmark of ''Splinter Cell''{{'}}s gameplay is stealth, with strong emphasis on light and darkness. The [[Player character|player]] is encouraged to move through the shadows for concealment whenever possible. The game displays a "light meter" that reflects how visible the player character is to enemies, and [[night vision]] and [[Thermography|thermal vision]] goggles to help the player navigate in darkness or smoke/fog, respectively. The light meter functions even when it is difficult to gauge how much light is in the environment (for example, if night vision or infrared vision goggles are being used), and it is possible to destroy lights, thus reducing the chances of exposure significantly. Certain cameras can also be shot out and disabled, although armoured security cameras are bulletproof.

''Splinter Cell'' strongly encourages the use of stealth over brute force. Although Sam Fisher is usually equipped with firearms, he carries limited ammunition and is not frequently provided with access to additional ammo. The player begins most missions with a limited supply of [[Non-lethal weapon|less-than-lethal]] weapons in addition to Fisher's firearms, a [[Silencer (firearms)|suppressed]] [[FN Five-Seven]] pistol that is provided for every mission, as well as a similarly silenced [[FN F2000]] [[assault rifle]] which is only available for a ''number'' of missions, which includes a [[telescopic sight]] and a launcher for some of the [[Less-lethal weapon|less-lethal]] devices such as [[Ring Airfoil Projectile|ring airfoil projectiles]], "sticky [[Electroshock weapon|shockers]]" and [[CS gas]] grenades. The weapon can even fire a camera that sticks onto surfaces, allowing Fisher to covertly perform surveillance from a safe area.

Flexibility of movement is a focuspoint of ''Splinter Cell''. Fisher can sneak up on enemies from behind to grab them; allowing interrogation, quiet incapacitation, or use as a [[human shield]]. Fisher is acrobatic and physically adept, and has a variety of maneuvers including the ability to mantle onto and climb along ledges, hang from pipes and perform a "[[split jump]]" in narrow spaces to mantle up a steep wall.

== Plot ==
In August 2004, former [[United States Navy SEALs|U.S. Navy SEAL]] officer [[Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell)|Sam Fisher]] joins the [[National Security Agency]], as part of its newly formed division "Third Echelon", headed by his old friend Irving Lambert. Two months later, Fisher, aided by technical expert Anna "Grim" Grimsdóttír and field runner Vernon Wilkes Jr., is sent to [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] to investigate the disappearance of two [[CIA]] officers. One had been installed into the new government of [[president of Georgia|Georgian president]] Kombayn Nikoladze, who seized power in a bloodless [[coup d'état]] following the assassination of his predecessor; the other was sent in to find the first after their disappearance. Fisher discovers both were murdered on Nikoladze's orders by former [[Spetsnaz]] member Vyacheslav Grinko, after discovering that Georgia is secretly waging an ethnic cleansing campaign across [[Azerbaijan]] with Georgian commandos. After this is exposed to the international community, [[NATO]] launches action in Azerbaijan, prompting Nikoladze to go underground.

Third Echelon soon discovers a data exchange is taking place between a [[Caspian Sea|Caspian]] oil rig and the Georgian presidential palace. Fisher intercepts this, discovering information about an item called "The Ark", as well as evidence that there is a [[Mole (espionage)|mole]] in the CIA. Shortly after this, North America is hit by a massive [[Cyberwarfare|cyber warfare]] attack directed at military targets, to which Nikoladze claims responsibility before declaring war on the United States and its allies. Investigating the leak, Fisher infiltrates the CIA headquarters and discovers a staff member backed-up data to an unsecured laptop. He captures the treacherous employee, who explains that the laptop was later exploited by a [[Virginia]]n-based network owned by Kalinatek, Inc, a tech company controlled by the Georgians. After Grim's efforts to access their servers spooks them, Fisher is sent in to recover an encryption key from a technician in the building, before Georgian-hired [[Russian mafia|mafiosos]] attempt to liquidate all the incriminating evidence. While extracting Fisher, Wilkes is mortally wounded and dies soon afterwards.

With the encryption key, the NSA discover that Nikoladze has been using a network of unconventional relays to communicate with Georgian military cells. Tracing the full relay network back to the Chinese embassy in [[Yangon]], [[Myanmar]], Fisher is sent in discreetly to investigate. Fisher discovers Nikoladze is working alongside Chinese general Kong Feirong, supplying him with nuclear waste in exchange for arms and munitions. Fearful this could lead China and the United States into war, Fisher moves to rescue captured U.S. soldiers at an abattoir before they can be executed live in a web broadcast, in the process encountering high-ranking Chinese diplomats, who reveal Feirong acts against the best interests of China. Grinko, who is at the abattoir, attempts to kill Fisher, but meets his demise in Fisher's attempt to protect the hostages. Fisher moves in to capture Feirong for information on Nikoladze's location and to expose his rogue activities to the Chinese government. After being prevented from committing suicide in a drunken stupor, Feirong is threatened at gunpoint to access his computer, with its data revealing that Nikoladze had fled back to Georgia in order to activate "The Ark". Feirong subsequently dies from the consumed alcohol.

Infiltrating the Georgian presidential palace where Nikoladze is, alongside the newly installed Georgian president Varlam Cristavi, Fisher attempts to recover the key to the Ark, which he learns is in fact a nuclear [[Suitcase nuclear device|suitcase bomb]] that has been placed somewhere in the United States. Fisher corners Nikoladze, who bargains to give the Ark key in exchange for safe passage out of Georgia. After Cristavi's forces arrive and escort Nikoladze to safety, Lambert rescues Fisher from execution by creating a diversion via power blackout. Discovering that Nikoladze is offering the Ark's location for protection, Fisher assassinates him on Lambert's orders. The [[Army National Guard|National Guard]] eventually locates the bomb in an apartment complex in the state of [[Maryland]], and secretly recovers it after evacuating the building under the pretense of dealing with a gas leak. Despite a war being averted, Nikoladze's death sparks international backlash due to the suspicious circumstances surrounding it. While watching the U.S. president giving a speech on the end of the crisis, Fisher receives a secure phone call from Lambert for [[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow|another assignment]].

== Development ==
The game originally started development as a sci-fi, [[James Bond]] type game called ''The Drift'', which Ubisoft intended to be "a ''[[Metal Gear Solid 2]]'' killer".<ref name="ign">{{cite web |last=Dyer |first=Mitch |title=House of Dreams: The Ubisoft Montreal Story |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/03/house-of-dreams-the-ubisoft-montreal-story |website=[[IGN]] |date=February 3, 2014 |access-date=April 14, 2014 |archive-date=February 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140209100312/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/03/house-of-dreams-the-ubisoft-montreal-story |url-status=live }}</ref> The game's producer [[Mathieu Ferland]] said "''[[Metal Gear Solid (1998 video game)|Metal Gear Solid]]'' was a huge inspiration for ''Splinter Cell''."<ref name="venturebeat">{{cite news |title=EGM's Final Milestone: The Legendary 200th Issue (Part 2) |url=https://venturebeat.com/2009/09/20/egms-final-milestone-the-legendary-200th-issue-part-2/ |work=[[VentureBeat]] |date=September 21, 2009 |access-date=December 6, 2018 |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220616215002/https://venturebeat.com/2009/09/20/egms-final-milestone-the-legendary-200th-issue-part-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The game's designer and writer [[Clint Hocking]] also said ''Splinter Cell'' "owes its existence to" the ''[[Metal Gear]]'' series, while noting he was also influenced by ''[[System Shock]]'', ''[[Thief: The Dark Project|Thief]]'' and ''[[Deus Ex (video game)|Deus Ex]]''.<ref name="Hocking">{{cite web |title=Interview with Clint Hocking |url=https://gamecritics.com/thom-moyles/3651/ |website=GameCritics |date=May 24, 2005 |access-date=November 26, 2018 |archive-date=June 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220616215123/https://gamecritics.com/thom-moyles/3651/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Because the development team was aiming for a Teen [[ESRB]] rating, the team tried to minimize the level of violence.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction – Reborn Identity |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |pages=72–77 |date=June 2007}}</ref> The soundtrack for the game was composed by English composer [[Michael Richard Plowman]].

=== Version differences ===
The PC version of ''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell'' is fairly closely based on the original [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] version. Both were made by Ubisoft Montreal. The GameCube and [[PlayStation 2]] versions, released later, were developed by Ubisoft Shanghai and are similar to each other, but have many small changes over the originals with the result that they are generally easier. Some doors are moved around, guards are less likely to notice gunshots, etc.

Each version of the game has some exclusive features. The Xbox and Windows versions have three new downloadable missions which involve a Russian nuclear sub. The PlayStation 2 version includes an exclusive level between Kalinatek and the Chinese Embassy which takes place in a nuclear power plant in the [[Kola Peninsula]], new cinematics, a new intro cinematic with original music by the Prague Orchestra and many behind-the-scenes interviews and documentaries both about the new intro and the game itself. The GameCube version includes the same cinematics, uses the Game Boy Advance link cable to give players a real-time overhead map, a new sticky-bomb weapon and [[progressive scan]] ([[480p]]) support. Additionally, both the GameCube and PlayStation 2 versions include new binoculars items. The Windows versions also includes support for the [[Environmental Audio Extensions|EAX 3.0 ADVANCED HD]] [[3D audio effect|3D positional audio]] technology by [[Creative Technology|Creative Labs]], which available in the EMU10K2 processor-based Soundcard such as the [[Sound Blaster Audigy|Sound Blaster Audigy and Audigy 2 series]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eax.creative.com/gaming/splinter.asp|title=EAX Featured Game: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031016203910/http://eax.creative.com/gaming/splinter.asp|website=[[Creative Technology|Creative Labs]]|archive-date=October 16, 2003|url-status=dead|access-date=October 12, 2022}}</ref>

A [[PlayStation 3]] version of the game was released in September 2011 as part of the ''Splinter Cell Trilogy'' in Sony's [[High-definition remasters for PlayStation consoles|Classics HD]] series. It is a [[Porting|port]] of the PC version,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blog.playstation.com/2011/04/07/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-trilogy-coming-to-ps3-in-june-with-3d/|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Trilogy Coming to PS3 With 3D|date=April 7, 2011|access-date=July 28, 2021|archive-date=July 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717212035/https://blog.playstation.com/2011/04/07/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-trilogy-coming-to-ps3-in-june-with-3d/|url-status=live}}</ref> but does not include the downloadable bonus missions that the Xbox and PC versions had. This version features [[Trophy (PlayStation)|trophy]] support.

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
|GR = 92.49% (Xbox)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/561102-tom-clancys-splinter-cell/index.html|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell for Xbox|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|access-date=September 30, 2011|archive-date=April 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110412225252/http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox/561102-tom-clancys-splinter-cell/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><br />90.50% (Mobile)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/mobile/920330-tom-clancys-splinter-cell/index.html|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell for Mobile|publisher=GameRankings|access-date=July 10, 2014|archive-date=December 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222212853/http://www.gamerankings.com/mobile/920330-tom-clancys-splinter-cell/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><br />90.16% (PC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/561104-tom-clancys-splinter-cell/index.html|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell for PC|publisher=GameRankings|access-date=September 30, 2011|archive-date=June 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602152955/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/561104-tom-clancys-splinter-cell/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> <br />88.07% (PS2)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/582453-tom-clancys-splinter-cell/index.html|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell for PlayStation 2|publisher=GameRankings|access-date=September 30, 2011|archive-date=December 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222203812/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/582453-tom-clancys-splinter-cell/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><br />86.82% (GC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/582454-tom-clancys-splinter-cell/index.html|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell for GameCube|publisher=GameRankings|access-date=September 30, 2011|archive-date=July 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718221146/http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/582454-tom-clancys-splinter-cell/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><br />77.28% (GBA)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/589416-tom-clancys-splinter-cell/index.html|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell for Game Boy Advance|publisher=GameRankings|access-date=September 30, 2011|archive-date=November 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101111070229/http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/589416-tom-clancys-splinter-cell/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref><br />72.43% (N-Gage)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ngage/918809-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-team-stealth-action/index.html|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Team Stealth Action for N-Gage|publisher=GameRankings|access-date=July 10, 2014|archive-date=March 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303205306/http://www.gamerankings.com/ngage/918809-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-team-stealth-action/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|MC = 93/100 (Xbox)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell for Xbox Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=July 10, 2014|archive-date=November 24, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124235941/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox/tom-clancys-splinter-cell|url-status=live}}</ref><br />91/100 (PC)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/critic-reviews/?platform=pc|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell for PC Reviews|website=Metacritic|access-date=July 10, 2014|archive-date=December 4, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204121906/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/tom-clancys-splinter-cell|url-status=live}}</ref><br />89/100 (PS2)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell for PlayStation 2 Reviews|website=Metacritic|access-date=July 10, 2014|archive-date=October 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016190005/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/tom-clancys-splinter-cell|url-status=live}}</ref><br />89/100 (GC)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell for GameCube Reviews|website=Metacritic|access-date=July 10, 2014|archive-date=March 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312062916/http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/tom-clancys-splinter-cell|url-status=live}}</ref><br />77/100 (GBA)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell for Game Boy Advance Reviews|website=Metacritic|access-date=July 10, 2014|archive-date=April 29, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120429114628/http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/tom-clancys-splinter-cell|url-status=live}}</ref><br />74/100 (N-Gage)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ngage/tomclancyssplitercell|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (ngage: 2003): Reviews|website=Metacritic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913065412/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ngage/tomclancyssplitercell|archive-date=September 13, 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=July 10, 2014}}</ref>
|Edge = 7/10<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Edge staff|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (Xbox, PC)|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|issue=118|date=December 2002}}</ref>
|EGM = 9/10 (GC)<ref>{{cite magazine|author=EGM staff|url=http://www.egmmag.com/article2/0,4364,1491528,00.asp|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (GC)|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=168|date=June 2003|page=126|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040229073450/http://www.egmmag.com/article2/0,4364,1491528,00.asp|archive-date=February 29, 2004|url-status=dead|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref><br />8.83/10 (PS2)<ref>{{cite magazine|author=EGM staff|url=http://www.egmmag.com/article2/0,2053,1496374,00.asp|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (PS2)|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=167|date=May 2003|page=120|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040417200226/http://www.egmmag.com/article2/0,2053,1496374,00.asp|archive-date=April 17, 2004|url-status=dead|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref><br />6/10 (GBA)<ref>{{cite magazine|author=EGM staff|url=http://www.egmmag.com/article2/0,2053,1504033,00.asp|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (GBA)|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=168|date=June 2003|page=127|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040531095213/http://www.egmmag.com/article2/0,2053,1504033,00.asp|archive-date=May 31, 2004|url-status=dead|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref>
|EuroG = 9/10<ref>{{cite web|last=Reed|first=Kristan|date=December 4, 2002|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_splintercell_x|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (Xbox)|website=[[Eurogamer]]|access-date=July 11, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714121842/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_splintercell_x|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Reed|first=Kristan|date=March 28, 2003|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_splintercell_ps2|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (PS2)|website=Eurogamer|access-date=July 11, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714221023/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_splintercell_ps2|url-status=live}}</ref><br />8/10 (GC)<ref>{{cite web|last=Reed|first=Kristan|date=June 16, 2003|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_splintercell_gc|title=Splinter Cell (GC)|website=Eurogamer|access-date=July 11, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714164945/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_splintercell_gc|url-status=live}}</ref><br />7/10 (GBA & N-Gage)<ref>{{cite web|last=Bramwell|first=Tom|date=May 8, 2003|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_splintercell_gba|title=Splinter Cell (GBA)|website=Eurogamer|access-date=July 11, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714163650/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_splintercell_gba|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Taylor|first=Martin|date=December 17, 2003|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_splintercell_n|title=Splinter Cell (N-Gage)|website=Eurogamer|access-date=July 11, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714164947/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_splintercell_n|url-status=live}}</ref>
|GI = 8.75/10 (Xbox)<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Brogger|first=Kristian|url=http://gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200301/R03.0731.1109.05392.htm|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (Xbox)|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|issue=117|date=January 2003|page=104|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080731190606/http://gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200301/R03.0731.1109.05392.htm|archive-date=July 31, 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref><br />8.5/10<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Barber|first=Chet|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200304/R03.0730.1236.46658.htm|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (PS2)|magazine=Game Informer|issue=120|date=April 2003|page=82|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080802154213/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200304/R03.0730.1236.46658.htm|archive-date=August 2, 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Reiner|first=Andrew|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200305/R03.0729.1616.06338.htm|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (GC)|magazine=Game Informer|issue=121|date=May 2003|page=84|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050121213427/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200305/R03.0729.1616.06338.htm|archive-date=January 21, 2005|url-status=dead|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Leeper|first=Justin|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200306/R03.0808.1510.05096.htm|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (GBA)|magazine=Game Informer|issue=122|date=June 2003|page=120|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080121203933/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200306/R03.0808.1510.05096.htm|archive-date=January 21, 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref><br />8/10 (N-Gage)<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Team Stealth Action|magazine=Game Informer|issue=130|date=February 2004|page=114}}</ref>
|GamePro = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Four-Eyed Dragon|date=November 18, 2002|url=http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox/games/reviews/27124.shtml|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Review for Xbox on GamePro.com|magazine=[[GamePro]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050115151704/http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox/games/reviews/27124.shtml|archive-date=January 15, 2005|url-status=dead|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|author=Air Hendrix|date=February 18, 2003|url=http://www.gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/28239.shtml|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Review for PC on GamePro.com|magazine=GamePro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050209104140/http://www.gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/28239.shtml|archive-date=February 9, 2005|url-status=dead|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|author=Four-Eyed Dragon|date=April 7, 2003|url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/28847.shtml|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Review for PS2 on GamePro.com|magazine=GamePro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050209104922/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/28847.shtml|archive-date=February 9, 2005|url-status=dead|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref><br />{{Rating|4|5}} (GC, GBA & N-Gage)<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Four-Eyed Dragon|date=April 10, 2003|url=http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/gamecube/games/reviews/28896.shtml|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Review for GameCube on GamePro.com|magazine=GamePro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050113220711/http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/gamecube/games/reviews/28896.shtml|archive-date=January 13, 2005|url-status=dead|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|author=Four-Eyed Dragon|date=May 1, 2003|url=http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/gameboy_advance/games/reviews/29147.shtml|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Review for Game Boy Advance on GamePro.com|magazine=GamePro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050118051255/http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/gameboy_advance/games/reviews/29147.shtml|archive-date=January 18, 2005|url-status=dead|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|author=Star Dingo|date=December 17, 2003|url=http://www.gamepro.com/nokia/ngage/games/reviews/32109.shtml|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Review for N-Gage on GamePro.com|magazine=GamePro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050209085613/http://www.gamepro.com/nokia/ngage/games/reviews/32109.shtml|archive-date=February 9, 2005|url-status=dead|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref>
|GameRev = A−<ref>{{cite web|last=Silverman|first=Ben|date=December 2002|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/splinter-cell|title=Splinter Cell Review (Xbox)|publisher=[[Game Revolution]]|access-date=July 11, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714201357/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/splinter-cell|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Dodson|first=Joe|date=March 2003|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/tom-clancys-splinter-cell|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Review (PC)|publisher=Game Revolution|access-date=July 11, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714125032/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/tom-clancys-splinter-cell|url-status=live}}</ref>
|GSpot = 9.1/10 (Mobile)<ref>{{cite web|date=January 1, 2004|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-review/1900-6094037/|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Review (Mobile)|website=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=July 10, 2014|archive-date=October 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017155341/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-review/1900-6094037/|url-status=live}}</ref><br />8.7/10 (PC)<ref>{{cite web|last=Kasavin|first=Greg|date=February 19, 2003|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-review/1900-2911182/|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Review (PC)|website=GameSpot|access-date=July 10, 2014|archive-date=December 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221111930/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-review/1900-2911182/|url-status=live}}</ref><br />8.6/10 (Xbox)<ref name="gamespotxbox">{{cite web|last=Kasavin|first=Greg|date=November 18, 2002|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-review/1900-2897896/|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Review (Xbox)|website=GameSpot|access-date=July 10, 2014|archive-date=December 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230075646/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-review/1900-2897896/|url-status=live}}</ref><br />8.4/10<ref>{{cite web|last=Kasavin|first=Greg|date=April 4, 2003|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-review/1900-6024628/|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Review|website=GameSpot|access-date=July 10, 2014|archive-date=July 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706214005/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-review/1900-6024628/|url-status=live}}</ref><br />7/10 (GBA & N-Gage)<ref>{{cite web|last=Kasavin|first=Greg|date=April 29, 2003|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-review/1900-6025954/|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Review (GBA)|website=GameSpot|access-date=July 10, 2014|archive-date=October 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017155341/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-review/1900-6025954/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Kasavin|first=Greg|date=December 12, 2003|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-review/1900-6085580/|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Review (NGE)|website=GameSpot|access-date=July 10, 2014|archive-date=October 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017155341/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-review/1900-6085580/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|GSpy = {{Rating|5|5}} (Xbox)<ref>{{cite web|last=Ham|first=Tom|date=November 23, 2002|url=http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/542437p1.html|title=GameSpy: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (Xbox)|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|access-date=July 11, 2014|archive-date=June 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601050252/http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/542437p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><br />{{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Osborne|first=Scott|date=February 22, 2003|url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/5638p1.html|title=GameSpy: Splinter Cell (PC)|publisher=GameSpy|access-date=July 11, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714120810/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/5638p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Steinberg|first=Steve|date=April 14, 2003|url=http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/5771p1.html|title=GameSpy: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (PS2)|publisher=GameSpy|access-date=July 11, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714195051/http://ps2.gamespy.com/playstation-2/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/5771p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Fischer|first=Russ|date=April 7, 2003|url=http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/5755p1.html|title=GameSpy: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (GCN)|publisher=GameSpy|access-date=July 11, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714124245/http://cube.gamespy.com/gamecube/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/5755p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Leeper|first=Justin|date=December 4, 2003|url=http://wireless.gamespy.com/n-gage/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/491560p1.html|title=GameSpy: Splinter Cell (N-Gage)|publisher=GameSpy|access-date=July 11, 2014|archive-date=September 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930041155/http://wireless.gamespy.com/n-gage/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/491560p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><br />{{Rating|4|5}} (GBA)<ref>{{cite web|last=Fischer|first=Russ|date=April 28, 2003|url=http://gba.gamespy.com/gameboy-advance/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/5822p1.html|title=GameSpy: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (GBA)|publisher=GameSpy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051112074718/http://gba.gamespy.com/gameboy-advance/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/5822p1.html|archive-date=November 12, 2005|url-status=dead|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref>
|GameZone = 9.8/10 (PS2)<ref>{{cite web|last=Valentino|first=Nick|date=April 20, 2003|url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/2003/04/20/tom_clancy_s_splinter_cell_ps2_review|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell – PS2 – Review|publisher=GameZone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222015357/http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r20186.htm|archive-date=December 22, 2008|url-status=live|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref><br />9.7/10 (Xbox)<ref>{{cite web|last=Bedigian|first=Louis|date=December 8, 2002|url=http://xbox.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r20186.htm|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Review – Xbox|publisher=GameZone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213222011/http://xbox.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r20186.htm|archive-date=February 13, 2009|url-status=dead|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref><br />9.5/10<ref>{{cite web|last=Hopper|first=Steven|date=March 10, 2003|url=http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r20186.htm|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Review – PC|publisher=GameZone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230152140/http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r20186.htm|archive-date=December 30, 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Hopper|first=Steven|date=April 23, 2003|url=http://gamecube.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r20186.htm|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Review – GameCube|publisher=GameZone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212113445/http://gamecube.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r20186.htm|archive-date=February 12, 2009|url-status=dead|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref><br />8.6/10 (N-Gage)<ref>{{cite web|last=Knutson|first=Michael|date=December 9, 2003|url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/2003/12/09/tom_clancy_s_splinter_cell_ng_review|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell – NG – Review|publisher=GameZone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201052548/http://ngage.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r20186.htm|archive-date=February 1, 2009|url-status=live|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref><br />8.5/10 (GBA)<ref>{{cite web|last=Zacarias|first=Eduardo|date=May 10, 2003|url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/2003/05/10/tom_clancy_s_splinter_cell_gba_review|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell – GBA – Review|publisher=GameZone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081104032200/http://gameboy.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r20186.htm|archive-date=November 4, 2008|url-status=live|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref>
|IGN = 9.6/10 (Xbox)<ref name="IGN">{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/18/splinter-cell-review |title=Splinter Cell Review (Xbox) |last=Boulding |first=Aaron |website=[[IGN]] |date=November 18, 2002 |access-date=July 10, 2014 |archive-date=August 29, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829233013/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/18/splinter-cell-review |url-status=live }}</ref><br />9.4/10 (PC)<ref>{{cite web|first=Ivan|last=Sulic|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/02/18/splinter-cell-review-2|title=Splinter Cell Review (PC)|website=IGN|date=February 18, 2003|access-date=July 10, 2014|archive-date=June 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601053028/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/02/18/splinter-cell-review-2|url-status=live}}</ref><br />9.1/10<ref>{{cite web|first=Kaiser|last=Hwang|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/24/splinter-cell-5|title=Splinter Cell (PS2)|website=IGN|date=March 24, 2003|access-date=July 10, 2014|archive-date=August 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140830014823/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/24/splinter-cell-5|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Cory|last=Lewis|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/04/tom-clancys-splinter-cell|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell|website=IGN|date=April 4, 2003|access-date=July 10, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714140054/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/04/tom-clancys-splinter-cell|url-status=live}}</ref><br />9/10 (Mobile)<ref>{{cite web|first=Levi|last=Buchanan|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/05/21/splinter-cell-3|title=Splinter Cell (Cell)|website=IGN|date=May 21, 2003|access-date=July 10, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714213344/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/05/21/splinter-cell-3|url-status=live}}</ref><br />8/10 (GBA)<ref>{{cite web|first=Craig|last=Harris|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/29/splinter-cell-4|title=Splinter Cell (GBA)|website=IGN|date=April 29, 2003|access-date=July 10, 2014|archive-date=July 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710080818/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/04/29/splinter-cell-4|url-status=live}}</ref><br />7/10 (N-Gage)<ref>{{cite web|first=Chadd|last=Chambers|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/01/10/splinter-cell-review-3|title=Splinter Cell Review (NNG)|website=IGN|date=January 29, 2004|access-date=July 10, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714193242/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/01/10/splinter-cell-review-3|url-status=live}}</ref>
|NP = 4.1/5 (GC)<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (GC)|magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]|volume=169|date=June 2003|page=134}}</ref><br />3.8/5 (GBA)<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (GBA)|magazine=Nintendo Power|volume=169|date=June 2003|page=140}}</ref>
|OPM = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Davison|first=John|url=http://www.playstationmagazine.com/article2/0,2053,1228051,00.asp|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell|magazine=[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]]|date=May 2003|page=89|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040621114617/http://www.playstationmagazine.com/article2/0,2053,1228051,00.asp|archive-date=June 21, 2004|url-status=dead|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref>
|OXM = 9.6/10<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell|magazine=[[Official Xbox Magazine]]|date=December 2002|page=50}}</ref>
|PCGUS = 91%<ref>{{cite journal|title=Splinter Cell|journal=[[PC Gamer]]|date=March 2003|page=84}}</ref>
|rev1 = ''[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]]''
|rev1Score = {{Rating|4|4}}<ref name=Cincinnati>{{cite news|last=Saltzman|first=Mark|date=May 20, 2003|url=http://cincinnati.com/freetime/games/reviews/052003_3gba.html|title=Three for the road|newspaper=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071120210919/http://cincinnati.com/freetime/games/reviews/052003_3gba.html|archive-date=November 20, 2007|url-status=dead|access-date=July 11, 2014}}</ref>
|rev2 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''
|rev2Score = A<ref name=EW>{{cite magazine|last=Walk|first=Gary Eng|url=https://ew.com/article/2002/11/29/tom-clancys-splinter-cell/|title=Stealth Fighter (Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Review; Xbox)|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|issue=684|date=November 29, 2002|page=114|access-date=July 11, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714133436/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,393154,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell'' received positive reviews upon the game's release. ''[[GameSpot]]''{{'}}s Greg Kasavin said that ''Splinter Cell'' has "hands down the best lighting effects seen in any game to date."<ref name="gamespotxbox" /> ''GameSpot'' later named ''Splinter Cell'' the second-best Xbox game of November 2002, behind ''[[MechAssault]]''.<ref name=gotm>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030822180514/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/gotm/120702/index.html | url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/gotm/120702/index.html | title=''GameSpot''{{'}}s Game of the Month, November 2002 | date=December 7, 2002 | work=[[GameSpot]] | archive-date=August 22, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> ''[[IGN]]'' likewise praised the game for its graphics and lighting, while also praising how it evolved ''[[Metal Gear (series)|Metal Gear Solid]]''{{'}}s third-person stealth-action gameplay.<ref name="IGN" /> Both praised the game's audio, noting that Michael Ironside as Sam Fisher's voice suited the role perfectly. Scott Alan Marriott of [[AllGame]] gave the Xbox version four-and-a-half stars out of five and called it "one of the few games to elicit a feeling of suspense without resorting to shock techniques found in [[survival horror]] titles like ''[[Resident Evil]]''."<ref>{{cite web|last=Marriott|first=Scott Alan|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=38836&tab=review|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (Xbox) – Review|publisher=[[Allgame]]|access-date=July 11, 2014|archive-date=November 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114154138/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=38836&tab=review|url-status=live}}</ref>

Criticism of the game was also present. Greg Kasavin said that ''Splinter Cell'' is "sometimes reduced to frustrating bouts of trial and error." In addition, Kasavin criticized the game's cutscenes, saying that they are not up to par with the rest of the game's graphics.<ref name="gamespotxbox" />

Non video-game publications also gave the game favorable reviews. ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' gave the Xbox version an A and called it "wickedly ingenious".<ref name=EW /> ''[[The Village Voice]]'' gave the PlayStation 2 version eight out of ten and said, "If this game were any more realistic, you'd have to hold in your farts."<ref>{{cite news|last=Catucci|first=Nick|date=April 22, 2003|url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2003-04-22/news/wind-breaker/|title=Wind Breaker|newspaper=[[The Village Voice]]|access-date=July 11, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714174506/http://www.villagevoice.com/2003-04-22/news/wind-breaker/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]]'' gave the Game Boy Advance version all four stars and said that "While it lacks 3-D graphics and an impressive use of lighting and shadows found in its predecessors, the stealthy action game still captures the thrill of modern espionage."<ref name=Cincinnati />

=== Sales ===
''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell'' was a commercial success.<ref name=sales2 /> Pre-orders reached 1.1 million units and the game sold 480,000 copies worldwide by the end of 2002, after three weeks on sale.<ref name=sales5>{{cite press release | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921053022/https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/company/press/detail.aspx?id=32201 | url=https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/company/press/detail.aspx?id=32201 | url-status=live | title=2002/2003 First-Half Results: Profitability Impacted by Significant Seasonal Trends (19% of Sales) | archive-date=September 21, 2017 | publisher=[[Ubisoft]] | date=January 12, 2003 }}</ref> France accounted for 60,000 units in the initial three weeks.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/whatsnew.htm?20021220|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030219180721/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/whatsnew.htm?20021220|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 19, 2003|title=JEUXVIDEO.COM – La Référence des Jeux Vidéo sur PC et Consoles !|date=February 19, 2003}}</ref> By early January 2003, sales in North America had surpassed 1 million units, while Europe accounted for 600,000 units.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.multiplayer.it/b2b/articoli.php3?id=6688|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031013110431/http://www.multiplayer.it/b2b/articoli.php3?id=6688|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 13, 2003|title=Multiplayer.it Business to Business|date=October 13, 2003}}</ref> By March 31, 2003, its sales had risen to 3.6 million copies.<ref name=sales7>{{cite press release | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921061032/https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/company/press/detail.aspx?id=32230 | url=https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/company/press/detail.aspx?id=32230 | url-status=live | title=Record 4th Quarter Sales of €179 Million – Up 98% (Up 109% at a Constant Rate) With 23% Annual Growth (Up 30% at a Constant Rate), Ubi Soft Once Again Outperforms the Market | archive-date=September 21, 2017 | publisher=[[Ubisoft]] | date=May 6, 2003 }}</ref> ''Splinter Cell'' sold 4.5 million copies by June and 5 million by the end of September,<ref name=sales1>{{cite press release | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921054318/https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/company/press/detail.aspx?id=32223 | url=https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/company/press/detail.aspx?id=32223 | url-status=live | title=Results for 2002/2003: Objectives Achieved; Solid Prospects for 2003/2004 | archive-date=September 21, 2017 | publisher=[[Ubisoft]] | date=June 26, 2003 | location=Paris, France }}</ref><ref name=sales2>{{cite press release | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921030040/https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/company/press/detail.aspx?id=32211 | url=https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/company/press/detail.aspx?id=32211 | url-status=live | title=A Clear-Cut Improvement in the First-Half Results for 2003–2004; Annual Objectives Confirmed | archive-date=September 21, 2017 | publisher=[[Ubisoft]] | date=December 11, 2003 }}</ref> and its sales reached 6 million units by the end of March 2004.<ref name=sales6>{{cite press release | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921070030/https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/company/press/detail.aspx?id=32326 | url=https://www.ubisoft.com/en-US/company/press/detail.aspx?id=32326 | url-status=live | title=Annual 2003/2004 Sales: €508 Million (+22.5% at Constant Exchange Rates); Free Cash Flow Revised Up to More Than €50 Million | archive-date=September 21, 2017 | publisher=[[Ubisoft]] | date=April 29, 2004 }}</ref> By July 2006, the Xbox version of ''Splinter Cell'' had sold 2.4 million copies and earned $62 million in the United States alone. ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' ranked it as the 10th highest-selling game launched for the [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] or [[GameCube]] between January 2000 and July 2006 in that country. It remained the best-selling ''Splinter Cell'' game in the United States by July 2006.<ref name=nextgensales2>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028115051/http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |url=http://www.next-gen.biz/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3537&Itemid=2&pop=1&page=1 |title=The Top 100 Games of the 21st Century| author=Campbell, Colin; Keiser, Joe | date=July 29, 2006 |work=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |archive-date=October 28, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The game's PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions each received a "Platinum" sales award from the [[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]] (ELSPA),<ref name=platinumelspa>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515224703/http://www.elspa.com/?i=3944 |url=http://www.elspa.com:80/?i=3944 |title=ELSPA Sales Awards: Platinum |work=[[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]] |archive-date=May 15, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> given to titles that sell at least 300,000 copies in the United Kingdom.<ref name=gamasutrasales>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918063107/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |url=https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/112220/ELSPA_Wii_Fit_Mario_Kart_Reach_Diamond_Status_In_UK.php |title=ELSPA: ''Wii Fit'', ''Mario Kart'' Reach Diamond Status In UK | author=Caoili, Eric | date=November 26, 2008 |work=[[Gamasutra]] |archive-date=September 18, 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Splinter Cell''{{'}}s computer version received a "Silver" sales award from ELSPA,<ref name=silverelspa>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221154943/http://www.elspa.com/?i=3942 |url=http://www.elspa.com:80/?i=3942 |title=ELSPA Sales Awards: Silver |work=[[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association]] |archive-date=February 21, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> indicating sales of at least 100,000 copies in the United Kingdom.<ref name=gamasutrasales />

=== Awards ===
*[[E3]] 2002 [[Game Critics Awards]]: "Best Action/Adventure Game"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamecriticsawards.com/2002winners.html |title=2002 Winners |publisher=Game Critics Awards |access-date=August 24, 2007 |archive-date=April 10, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410064402/http://gamecriticsawards.com/2002winners.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
*3rd Annual [[Game Developers Choice Awards]]: "Excellence in Writing"<ref name="gamechoiceawards.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_3rd.htm |title=3rd Annual Game Developers Choice Awards |work=Game Developers Choice Awards |date=March 7, 2003 |publisher=CMP Media LLC |access-date=October 26, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080704132217/http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_3rd.htm |archive-date=July 4, 2008 }}</ref>
*[[6th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]]: "Console Game of the Year", "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement|Outstanding Achievement in Gameplay Engineering]]"<ref name="interactive.org">{{cite web|url=http://interactive.org/awards.php?winners&year=2003 |title=6th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards |date=February 23, 2003 |publisher=The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |access-date=October 26, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080504095432/http://www.interactive.org/awards.php?winners&year=2003 |archive-date = May 4, 2008}}</ref>
*''[[IGN]]'' Best of 2002: "Xbox Game of the Year",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://xbox.ign.com/articles/383/383128p1.html |title=Best of 2002: Xbox Game of the Year |access-date=October 27, 2008 |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=IGN Xbox |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227091105/http://xbox.ign.com/articles/383/383128p1.html |archive-date=December 27, 2008 }}</ref> "Xbox Best Graphics"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xbox.ign.com/articles/382/382620p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030116095417/http://xbox.ign.com/articles/382/382620p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 16, 2003 |title=Best of 2002: Graphics |access-date=October 27, 2008 |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=IGN Xbox |date=January 14, 2003}}</ref>
*2003 [[Spike Video Game Awards]]: "Best Handheld Game"<ref>"Spike TV honors digital women, Ray Liotta in video game awards", ''The Victoria Advocate'', December 4, 2003.</ref>

''Splinter Cell'' was a runner-up for ''[[Computer Games Magazine]]''{{'}}s list of the 10 best games of 2003.<ref name=cgm13th>{{cite journal | author=Staff | journal=[[Computer Games Magazine]] | title=Best of 2003; The 13th Annual Awards |date=March 2004 | issue=160 | pages=58–62 }}</ref> It won ''GameSpot''{{'}}s 2002 "Best Graphics (Technical)" and "Best Action Adventure Game" awards among Xbox games, and was nominated in the "Best Sound", "Best Graphics (Artistic)" and overall "Game of the Year on Xbox" categories.<ref name=bestworst2002>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030207155400/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ | url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/ | title=''GameSpot''{{'}}s Best and Worst of 2002 | author=''GameSpot'' Staff | date=December 30, 2002 | work=[[GameSpot]] | archive-date=February 7, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Nominations ===
*3rd Annual [[Game Developers Choice Awards]]: "Game of the Year", "Original Game Character of the Year", "Excellence in Game Design", "Excellence in Level Design", "Excellence in Programming"<ref name="gamechoiceawards.com" />
*[[6th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]]:  "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Action Game of the Year|Console Action/Adventure Game of the Year]]", "Outstanding Innovation in Console Gaming", "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Audio Design|Outstanding Achievement in Sound Design]]", "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement|Outstanding Achievement in Visual Engineering]]"<ref name="interactive.org" />
*[[7th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]]: "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Outstanding Achievement in Character|Outstanding Achievement in Character Performance - Male]]" <small>([[Michael Ironside]] as [[Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell)|Sam Fisher]])</small><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2004&idGame=336 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell |publisher=[[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] |access-date=24 July 2023}}</ref>
*''IGN'' Best of 2002: "Overall Game of the Year"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://games.ign.com/articles/383/383717p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030407005938/http://games.ign.com/articles/383/383717p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 7, 2003 |title=2002 Overall Game of the Year |access-date=October 27, 2008 |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=IGN Games |date=January 24, 2003}}</ref>
{{clear}}

== Remake ==
On December 15, 2021, Ubisoft announced that a remake of the game is under development at [[Ubisoft Toronto]] using [[Snowdrop (game engine)|Snowdrop]], the game engine behind ''[[Tom Clancy's The Division]]'' and ''[[Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.ubisoft.com/en-us/article/4adJLuhgYrPboHAPRfK7Oz/splinter-cell-remake-begins-development-at-ubisoft-toronto|title=Splinter Cell Remake in development at Ubisoft Toronto|date=December 15, 2021|access-date=December 15, 2021|website=[[Ubisoft]]|archive-date=December 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215170236/https://news.ubisoft.com/en-us/article/4adJLuhgYrPboHAPRfK7Oz/splinter-cell-remake-begins-development-at-ubisoft-toronto|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20031202022649/http://www.splintercell.com/us/ Official website] via [[Internet Archive]]
*{{moby game|id=/tom-clancys-splinter-cell|name=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell''}}
*{{moby game|id=/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-|name=''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell'' (Game Boy Advance, N-Gage)}}

{{Splinter Cell}}
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{{Florent-Emilio Siri}}

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