First DS Splinter Cell screens sneak out of the shadows

It’s already one of the most anticipated DS games but the first details of Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory are certain to raise hype levels even further. Due for a June release, the game is based on the PlayStation2/Xbox version but with several specific DS features. The obvious is the use of the dual screens. Like Metroid Prime Hunters, the top screen is used for in-game action while the lower touch screen acts in a number of different modes. One is to select Sam Fisher’s inventory of gadgets and weapons and you can also toggle between the different vision modes such as heat mode and infra red. It’s also used when Sam gets out his lockpick to open locked doors, as well as allowing you to manoeuvre the camera around.

There are eight levels in the single player version; seven of which have been converted from the console version and one of which is exclusive to DS. As usual Sam is equipped with his combat knife and prototype Land Warrior rifle as well as hand-to-hand moves such as the inverted neck-break and the all-new SWAT turn.

In the Wi-Fi enabled multiplayer mode, five levels can be played in the co-operative mode, with players choosing the roles of assault or hacker. In the Verses mode, upto four can play with seven maps available. Teams are split into Shadownet Spies, who try to hack computers and steal information, and Argus Mercenaries, who patrol and guard the computers.