Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist

{{Infobox video game

| title = Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist

| image = Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Blacklist box art.png

| developer = Ubisoft Toronto

| publisher = Ubisoft

| director = {{Unbulleted list|Maxime Béland|Patrick Redding}}

| producer = {{Unbulleted list|Alexandre Parizeau|Andrew Wilson}}

| designer = {{Unbulleted list|Laurent Malville|Nitai Bessette}}

| artist = {{unbulleted list|Scott Lee|Joshua Cook|Patrick Ingoldsby}}

| writer = {{Unbulleted list|Richard Dansky|Matt MacLennan}}

| composer = {{Unbulleted list|Mike Zarin|Tony Hajjar}}

| series = Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell

| engine = Unreal Engine 2{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgameshardware.com/aid,1077934/PC-version-is-shaping-up-to-be-something-special-Interview-with-the-devs-of-Splinter-Cell-Blacklist/News/|title="PC version is shaping up to be something special" - Interview with the devs of Splinter Cell Blacklist|last=Sauter|first=Marc|publisher=PC Games Hardware|date=July 9, 2013|access-date=May 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331190749/http://www.pcgameshardware.com/aid,1077934/PC-version-is-shaping-up-to-be-something-special-Interview-with-the-devs-of-Splinter-Cell-Blacklist/News/|archive-date=March 31, 2014|url-status=live}}

| platforms = {{Unbulleted list|Microsoft Windows|PlayStation 3|Wii U|Xbox 360}}

| released = {{Video game release|NA|August 20, 2013|AUS|August 22, 2013|EU|August 23, 2013}}

| genre = Action-adventure, stealth

| modes = Single-player, multiplayer

}}

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist is a 2013 stealth action-adventure video game developed by Ubisoft Toronto and published by Ubisoft. The game is the sequel to Splinter Cell: Conviction and the seventh installment of the Splinter Cell series. Players control Sam Fisher, a highly trained operative working for the Fourth Echelon, in a mission to stop the Engineers, a group of terrorists which is trying to coerce the United States into recalling all of its troops stationed abroad. The gameplay is similar to its predecessors, with players tasked with completing objectives and defeating enemies. Blacklist marks the return of the asymmetrical multiplayer mode Spies vs. Mercs, which was introduced in Pandora Tomorrow.

Blacklist is the first title developed by Ubisoft Toronto, a studio founded by Ubisoft in 2009. The game was directed by Maxime Béland, who had worked on Conviction. The game endeavors to combine elements of its predecessors, including the action focus of Conviction and the stealth focus of the older games. To prepare for this game, Béland studied reviews and feature lists of the latter. Blacklist is the first Splinter Cell game starring Eric Johnson as Sam Fisher, since Michael Ironside, who voiced the character in previous games, was unable to reprise his role after being diagnosed with cancer. The later-announced Wii U version was developed by Ubisoft Shanghai, which also developed the game's multiplayer.

Announced at E3 2012, Blacklist was released for PlayStation 3, Windows, Wii U, and Xbox 360 in August 2013. The game received generally positive reviews from critics when it was released, with praise for its level design, story, gameplay, combat, soundtrack and multiplayer mode. However, criticism was directed at its graphics, lack of challenge, and ending. Further criticism was also directed from some fans toward the choice to cast Johnson as Fisher instead of Ironside. The game underperformed commercially, selling two million units within three months of its release.

Gameplay

File:Splinter Cell Blacklist screenshot.jpg

In Blacklist, players assume control of series protagonist Sam Fisher as he seeks to stop a terrorist group called the Engineers. The gameplay emphasizes stealth, and utilizes the third-person perspective. During the game, players can rotate its camera, run, crouch and leap over obstacles. Since Blacklist intended to continue the "aggressive stealth" of Conviction while retaining the traditional stealth features of the older games, it combines action and stealth,{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/splinter-cell-blacklist-trailer-reveals-fishers-abilities-mostly-sneaking-and-shooting/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist trailer reveals Fisher's abilities - mostly sneaking and shooting|first=Phil|last=Savage|work=PC Gamer|date=April 15, 2013|access-date=August 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071058/http://www.pcgamer.com/splinter-cell-blacklist-trailer-reveals-fishers-abilities-mostly-sneaking-and-shooting/|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}} and allows players to use different approaches and methods to complete objectives and defeat enemies. Players can complete levels without being noticed by any enemy by methods such as taking cover or scaling ledges. If the player chooses to kill enemies, other enemies are alerted when they see their companions' dead bodies. To avoid this, players can hide corpses.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/04/e3-2012-splinter-cell-blacklist-fearing-sam-fisher|title=E3 2012: Splinter Cell Blacklist - Fearing Sam Fisher|first=Richard|last=George|work=IGN|date=June 4, 2012|access-date=August 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916104347/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/04/e3-2012-splinter-cell-blacklist-fearing-sam-fisher|archive-date=September 16, 2015|url-status=live}} Fisher can also create a strategically advantageous dark environment by destroying nearby lights,{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s3834879.htm|title=Good Game Stories: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist|work=Good Game|date=August 27, 2013|access-date=August 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140805142114/http://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s3834879.htm|archive-date=August 5, 2014|url-status=live}} and is equipped with customizable night-vision and sonar goggles to detect enemies in darkness and see through walls.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-03-14-heres-how-splinter-cell-blacklists-night-vision-mode-looks|title=Here's how Splinter Cell: Blacklist's night-vision mode looks|first=Tom|last=Phillips|work=Eurogamer|date=March 14, 2015|access-date=August 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131043313/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-03-14-heres-how-splinter-cell-blacklists-night-vision-mode-looks|archive-date=January 31, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/splinter_cell_blacklist/b/xbox360/archive/2013/06/19/playing-splinter-cell-blacklist-with-friends-and-enemies.aspx|title=Playing Splinter Cell: Blacklist With Friends And Enemies|first=Kyle|last=Hilliard|magazine=Game Informer|date=June 19, 2013|access-date=August 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031124539/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/splinter_cell_blacklist/b/xbox360/archive/2013/06/19/playing-splinter-cell-blacklist-with-friends-and-enemies.aspx|archive-date=October 31, 2013|url-status=live}} He also has the Tri-Rotor, a compact surveillance drone which can spy on enemies, create distractions, give electric shocks, and self-destruct to kill enemies.{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/splinter-cell-blacklist-video-shows-the-different-play-styles-ghost-assault-and-er-panther/|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist video shows the different play-styles: Ghost, Assault and, er, Panther|first=Tom|last=Sykes|work=PC Gamer|date=March 22, 2013|access-date=July 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090057/http://www.pcgamer.com/splinter-cell-blacklist-video-shows-the-different-play-styles-ghost-assault-and-er-panther/|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}

Players can play a more aggressive run-and-gun game by using gadgets and weapons to eliminate enemies. They can interact with environmental objects, such as ledges and zip-lines, to navigate levels.{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/new-splinter-cell-blacklist-video-features-ziplines-human-shields-a-crossbow/|title=New Splinter Cell Blacklist video features ziplines, human shields, a crossbow|first=Tom|last=Sykes|work=PC Gamer|date=February 3, 2013|access-date=August 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071548/http://www.pcgamer.com/new-splinter-cell-blacklist-video-features-ziplines-human-shields-a-crossbow/|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}} Conviction{{'s}} mark-and-execute system returns in Blacklist, with refinements and additions to allow players to mark several targets. When they attack, they can kill all marked targets instantly.{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/preview-killing-in-motion-in-splinter-cell-blacklist-229417.phtml|title=Preview: Killing in motion in Splinter Cell: Blacklist|first=Bob|last=Muir|work=Destructoid|date=June 13, 2012|access-date=July 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912003157/http://www.destructoid.com/preview-killing-in-motion-in-splinter-cell-blacklist-229417.phtml|archive-date=September 12, 2015|url-status=live}} Improvements made the system work more fluidly.{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/splinter-cell-blacklist-e3-trailer-features-graphic-violence-goggles-and-a-new-sam-fisher/|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist E3 trailer features graphic violence, goggles, and a new Sam Fisher|first=Chris|last=Thursten|website=PC Gamer|date=June 5, 2012|access-date=August 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304084347/http://www.pcgamer.com/splinter-cell-blacklist-e3-trailer-features-graphic-violence-goggles-and-a-new-sam-fisher/|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}} A variety of enemies (including soldiers and dogs) are encountered in the game, following the protagonist and alerting their companions. Players have the option to kill them, leave them untouched, or incapacitate them,{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/05/why-splinter-cell-blacklist-is-throwing-pacifist-players-a-bone|title=Why Splinter Cell: Blacklist Is Throwing Pacifist Players A Bone|first=Luke|last=Reilly|work=IGN|date=August 1, 2013|access-date=August 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325111345/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/05/why-splinter-cell-blacklist-is-throwing-pacifist-players-a-bone|archive-date=March 25, 2016|url-status=live}} and the game classifies their choices in one of three categories: Ghost (stealthy play), Panther (stealthy, aggressive play), and Assault (aggressive play).{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/03/22/new-splinter-cell-blacklist-video-shows-off-abandoned-mill-level.aspx|title=New Splinter Cell Blacklist Video Shows Off Abandoned Mill Level|first=Louis|last=Garcia|magazine=Game Informer|date=March 22, 2013|access-date=August 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130710235348/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/03/22/new-splinter-cell-blacklist-video-shows-off-abandoned-mill-level.aspx|archive-date=July 10, 2013|url-status=live}} Although the game has interrogation sequences involving questioning (or torturing) targets, it does not feature Conviction{{'s}} interactive torture scenes. Players can still decide whether to spare their targets or kill them after interrogation,{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5980350/splinter-cell-blacklist-wont-have-interactive-torture-but-itll-still-have-interrogations|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist Won't Have Interactive Torture But It'll Still Have Interrogation|first=Kirk|last=Hamilton|work=Kotaku|date=January 30, 2013|access-date=January 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202055414/http://kotaku.com/5980350/splinter-cell-blacklist-wont-have-interactive-torture-but-itll-still-have-interrogations|archive-date=February 2, 2016|url-status=live}}

The Paladin is the game's hub. Between missions, players can interact with crew members on the ship and view the game's objectives. Crew members also offer the protagonist side missions to complete.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/1/30/3931136/splinter-cell-blacklists-forward-progress|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist's Forward Progress|first=Arthur|last=Gies|work=Polygon|date=January 30, 2013|access-date=August 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304110239/http://www.polygon.com/2013/1/30/3931136/splinter-cell-blacklists-forward-progress|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}} Before a mission Fisher can deploy the strategic mission interface, allowing players to see enemy positions and plan attacks and routes. Players can also use the interface to access multiplayer modes and missions.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezone.com/previews/e3-2012-splinter-cell-blacklist-preview|title=E3 2012: Splinter Cell Blacklist preview|first=Mike|last=Meredith|work=GameZone|date=June 7, 2012|access-date=August 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150117060612/http://www.gamezone.com/previews/e3-2012-splinter-cell-blacklist-preview|archive-date=January 17, 2015|url-status=live}} When players kill (or avoid) targets and complete objectives, experience points named "Ghost Points" and money are awarded to buy (or improve) weapons, and upgrade the Paladin airship and Sam's suit and equipment;{{cite web|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/2013/03/29/pax-13-splinter-cell-blacklist-proves-stealth-is-king/35183/|title=PAX East 13: Splinter Cell: Blacklist Proves Stealth is King|first=Steve|last=Hannley|work=Hardcore Gamer|date=March 29, 2013|access-date=July 5, 2020}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/splinter-cell-blacklist-hands-on-perfectionist-mode-takes-fisher-back-to-basics/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist hands-on - Perfectionist mode takes Fisher back to basics|first=Jon|last=Blyth|website=PC Gamer|date=April 18, 2013|access-date=August 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082152/http://www.pcgamer.com/splinter-cell-blacklist-hands-on-perfectionist-mode-takes-fisher-back-to-basics/|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}} the upgrades improve efficiency in completing missions.{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5980222/splinter-cell-blacklist-a-pleasing-if-somewhat-hollow-return-to-form|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist: A Pleasing If Somewhat Hollow Return To The Form|work=Kotaku|first=Kirk|last=Hamilton|date=January 30, 2013|access-date=August 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151030041309/http://kotaku.com/5980222/splinter-cell-blacklist-a-pleasing-if-somewhat-hollow-return-to-form|archive-date=October 30, 2015|url-status=live}} Experience gained depends on the difficulty level and how the game is played; the greater the stealth, the greater the reward.{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/02/04/rediscovering-sam-fishers-roots-in-splinter-cell-blacklist/|title=Rediscovering Sam Fisher's Roots In Splinter Cell Blacklist|first=David|last=Hinkle|work=Joystiq|date=February 4, 2013|access-date=August 2, 2015}} According to Ubisoft Toronto, the system, known as "universal economy", was intended to satisfy players; every action has a corresponding reward.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/7/11/4492014/splinter-cell-blacklist-prevew-single-player|title=Finance black ops with stellar kills and stealth in Splinter Cell: Blacklist|first=Megan|last=Farokhmanesh|date=July 11, 2013|access-date=August 2, 2015|work=Polygon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304113548/http://www.polygon.com/2013/7/11/4492014/splinter-cell-blacklist-prevew-single-player|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}

Blacklist has platform-specific features, including voice integration with Xbox 360's Kinect peripheral which allows players to distract enemies before attacking them or to call in an air strike.{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/117608-E3-Kill-With-Voice-Commands-in-Splinter-Cell-Blacklist|title=E3: Kill With Voice Commands In Splinter Cell: Blacklist|first=John|last=Funk|work=The Escapist|date=June 5, 2012|access-date=August 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324040707/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/117608-E3-Kill-With-Voice-Commands-in-Splinter-Cell-Blacklist|archive-date=March 24, 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-18325815|title=E3: Xbox SmartGlass links Microsoft's console to tablets|work=BBC|date=June 4, 2012|access-date=July 5, 2020}} In the Wii U version, the Gamepad controller's touchscreen is an interface, accessing gadgets and other features from the protagonist's arm-mounted computer (OPSAT), and incorporating screen and motion controls to highlight enemies with thermal vision when using Killing in Motion. The Wii U version was not shipped with the game's cooperative mode.{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/08/ubisoft_the_wii_u_gamepad_feels_like_a_natural_extension_in_splinter_cell_blacklist|title=Ubisoft: The Wii U GamePad "Feels Like a Natural Extension" in Splinter Cell Blacklist|first=Thomas|last=Whitehead|work=Nintendo Life|date=August 3, 2013|access-date=August 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905182210/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/08/ubisoft_the_wii_u_gamepad_feels_like_a_natural_extension_in_splinter_cell_blacklist|archive-date=September 5, 2015|url-status=live}}

=Multiplayer=

The "Spies vs. Mercs" competitive mode introduced in Pandora Tomorrow again appears in Blacklist.{{cite web |last=Schramm |first=Mike |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/splinter-cell-blacklist-aims-to-take-convictions-promise-to-th/ |title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist aims to take Conviction's promise to the next level and then some |work=Joystiq |publisher=AOL |date=11 September 2012 |access-date=26 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113042712/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/splinter-cell-blacklist-aims-to-take-convictions-promise-to-th/ |archive-date=13 November 2012 |url-status=live }} An asymmetrical multiplayer mode, it pits two teams (with different gadgets, playing as spies or mercenaries) against each other. Spies, in third-person perspective, are equipped with smoke grenades and flashbangs and are tasked with hacking computer stations heavily guarded by mercenaries. Spies have more versatile movements as they can also climb onto rooftops, hide inside air vents and scale ledges. Mercenaries, in first person, can access lethal and longer-range weapons despite being unable to stealth-kill enemies or move very fast.{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/09/05/14-must-read-survival-tips-for-splinter-cell-blacklists-spies-vs-mercs/|title=14 must-read survival tips for Splinter Cell: Blacklist's 'Spies vs. Mercs'|first=Dan|last=Hsu|work=VentureBeat|date=September 5, 2013|access-date=August 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150818084930/http://venturebeat.com/2013/09/05/14-must-read-survival-tips-for-splinter-cell-blacklists-spies-vs-mercs/|archive-date=August 18, 2015|url-status=live}} The mode has two varieties: Classic, supporting teams of 2v2, and Blacklist, supporting 4v4 action.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/05/07/15-things-to-know-about-splinter-cell-blacklist-co-op-spies-vs-mercs|title=15 Things To Know About Splinter Cell Blacklist Co-op, Spies vs. Mercs|first=Mitch|last=Dyer|work=IGN|date=May 7, 2013|access-date=August 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127205326/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/05/07/15-things-to-know-about-splinter-cell-blacklist-co-op-spies-vs-mercs|archive-date=January 27, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.oxm.co.uk/44864/splinter-cell-blacklists-online-features-revealed-progression-unlocks-and-fourth-echelon/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist's online features revealed: progression, unlocks and Fourth Echelon|date=January 16, 2013|publisher=Official Xbox Magazine|access-date=28 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114114235/http://www.oxm.co.uk/44864/splinter-cell-blacklists-online-features-revealed-progression-unlocks-and-fourth-echelon/|archive-date=14 November 2013|url-status=live}} This mode features a progressive leveling system, allowing players to customise and upgrade the two character classes.{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/splinter-cell-blacklist-is-full-of-multiplayer-goodness-253166.phtml|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist is full of multiplayer goodness|first=Gibel|last=Girmay|work=Destructoid|date=July 5, 2013|access-date=July 5, 2020|archive-date=September 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920175325/https://www.destructoid.com/splinter-cell-blacklist-is-full-of-multiplayer-goodness-253166.phtml|url-status=dead}}

Blacklist also has a co-operative multiplayer mode, where each mission can be accessed by talking with the crew of the Paladin. Crew members offer a variety of missions and requirements for completing them, and players play as Fisher or his colleague Briggs; both have the same abilities.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezone.com/previews/tom-clancy-s-splinter-cell-blacklist-co-op-and-multiplayer-impressions|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Blacklist Co-Op and Multiplayer Impressions|first=Robert|last=Workman|work=GameZone|date=July 14, 2013|access-date=August 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706204059/http://www.gamezone.com/previews/tom-clancy-s-splinter-cell-blacklist-co-op-and-multiplayer-impressions|archive-date=July 6, 2015|url-status=live}} The mark-and-execute system works slightly differently in the cooperative mode, with enemies wearing helmets require both players to mark them before they can be killed.{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/05/07/15-things-to-know-about-splinter-cell-blacklist-co-op-spies-vs-mercs|title=15 Things to Know About Splinter Cell: Blacklist Co-op, Spies vs. Mercs|first=Mitch|last=Dyer|work=IGN|date=July 5, 2013|access-date=July 5, 2020}} The cooperative mode has a total of 14 missions, with split-screen play supported.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/splinter-cell-blacklist-co-op-gameplay-walkthrough/|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist Co-op Gameplay Walkthrough|first=Tom|last=Ivan|work=GamesRadar|date=August 13, 2013|access-date=August 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826050136/http://www.gamesradar.com/splinter-cell-blacklist-co-op-gameplay-walkthrough/|archive-date=August 26, 2013|url-status=live}} In addition to co-op and Spies vs. Mercs, Blacklist has other multiplayer modes including Uplink control, Team Deathmatch, and Extraction.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezone.com/originals/splinter-cell-blacklist-spies-vs-mercs-multiplayer-tips-for-fun-winning/2|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist Spies vs Mercs Multiplayer Tips for Fun & Winning|date=September 17, 2013|work=GameZone|first=Joe|last=Donato|access-date=August 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061201/http://www.gamezone.com/originals/splinter-cell-blacklist-spies-vs-mercs-multiplayer-tips-for-fun-winning/2|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}

The game's multiplayer functionality was set to be shut down on September 1, 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/ubisoft-to-pull-online-from-older-games-which-also-takes-away-your-dlc/?|title=Ubisoft to pull online from older games, which also takes away your DLC|first=Ted|last=Litchfield|work=PC Gamer|date=July 3, 2022|access-date=July 4, 2022}} The date was later delayed to October 1, 2022.{{cite web |last1=Orland |first1=Kyle |title=Ubisoft delays server shutdowns, prevents purchased DLC from going away |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2022/09/ubisoft-delays-server-shutdowns-prevents-purchased-dlc-from-going-away/ |website=Game Rant |date=September 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Yang |first1=George |title=Ubisoft Delays Server Shutdown for Older Games Like Assassin's Creed 2 and Far Cry 3 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/ubisoft-delays-server-shutdown-for-older-games-assassins-creed-far-cry |website=IGN |date=31 August 2022 |access-date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220902235922/https://www.ign.com/articles/ubisoft-delays-server-shutdown-for-older-games-assassins-creed-far-cry |archive-date=2 September 2022}}

Synopsis

=Characters=

Blacklist again features Sam Fisher (Eric Johnson), a former Third Echelon Splinter Cell who is now the spymaster and commander of the newly installed Fourth Echelon. The game also sees the return of Fisher's old ally, Anna "Grim" Grímsdóttir (Kate Drummond), and new characters such as Isaac Briggs (Dwain Murphy) and Charlie Cole (David Reale). Several supporting characters from Conviction reappear, including Victor Coste (Howard Siegel), Patricia Caldwell (Mimi Kuzyk), and Andriy Kobin (Elias Toufexis), as well as interactive telephone conversations with Sarah Fisher (Victoria Sanchez).

=Plot=

File:Eric Johnson 2011.jpg replaced series veteran Michael Ironside and provided voice and motion capture for Sam Fisher.]]

Two years after Third Echelon is dissolved, Sam Fisher takes up work as a contractor for Paladin 9 Security – a mercenary contractor run by his friend Victor Coste. While assigned to a USAF base in Guam, a military force assaults the installation, neutralizing its commander and hundreds of its members, while heavily injuring Coste. A faction known as the "Engineers" publicly declare their responsibility for the operation, announcing it will launch a retaliation on the United States until it recalls its troops deployed abroad. U.S. President Caldwell appoint Sam and his colleagues – tech specialist Charlie Cole, CIA operative Isaac Briggs, and technical analyst Anna Grímsdóttir – in to Fourth Echelon, a new top secret black-ops unit which conducts out of a converted military cargo plane known as "the Paladin".

Fourth Echelon traces the weapons used in the Guam operation to arms supplier Andriy Kobin, a former target of Sam's in Benghazi. Through him, the group trace his buyers to Iraq, whereupon Sam learns that the Engineers' leader is Majid Sadiq (Carlo Rota), a former MI6 agent. Learning an operation is targeting Chicago, Sam breaks into the site of the confrontation and prevents the operation's success. Fourth Echelon traces the supplier to Iran-affiliated mercenary broker Reza Nouri (Sam Kalilieh), whom Sam extracts from Paraguay before a team of Iranian Qods Force commandos can kill him. Nouri willingly supplies information that leads Fourth Echelon to finding evidence linking the Engineers as an Iranian outfit. However, while seeking further evidence to support this, from within the Qods Force headquarters in Tehran, Sam finds the Engineers falsely implicated Iran in the attacks, in order to raise tensions between Iran and the United States.

After successfully stopping another operation in Philadelphia, pushing the Engineers to increase their efforts, Sam and Briggs move to the Guantanamo Bay torture camps when Fourth Echelon learns that Nouri is providing misleading information to the CIA to reawake the United States's hostility towards Iran. Through interrogation and torture of Nouri, he reveals that Sadiq sought to distract the US government from an imminent assault on the Gulf Coast's fuel supply.

Sam is forced to protect the Paladin when Sadiq's groups launch an assault on Fourth Echelon, allowing the Engineers to use a commandeered tanker to capture the Sabine Pass LNG terminal. After guarding the Paladin and combating the fire at the terminal, Sam finds out that the strikes were aimed at coercing the US president to start continuity-of-government procedures – Sadiq's goal was to retrieve government data files by arranging for their transfer to a secure bunker under the Denver International Airport, by having COG procedures activated by his operation.

Opposing Caldwell's orders, Fourth Echelon breaks into the bunker as Sadiq's sleeper agents take control of the facility and its personnel, including the Secretary of Defense. Before the Secretary agrees to requests to transfer the files to Sadiq, Briggs kills him, but is promptly detained along with several others. Sam, disguised as a detainee, helps Delta Force snipers to kill Sadiq's men, before injuring Sadiq after a fight, as he attempts to pull back using the Paladin. Sadiq states that his death will lead the United States into war with nations that supported the Engineers, while his trial will lead to the country's secrets being leaked. Sam opts to confine him, with Caldwell publicly cover up Sadiq's imprisonment by falsely announcing his death. In a post-credits scene, while Fourth Echelon continues its work, a recovered Coste joins Sam, as they prepare to torture Sadiq.

=Co-op missions=

Intertwining with the main plot, the co-op missions begin with Sam and Briggs infiltrating Kashmir. Finding a group of smugglers linked to the Engineers, Sam and Briggs discover intelligence connecting them to the Russian intelligence organization Voron, before they escape during a drone attack.

Following a lead to a friendly missile base in Bangalore, they find the Indian inhabitants dead and Voron agents stealing the warhead from a missile. Securing the missile and learning that the agents are led by a man named Cherski, Sam and Briggs escape as the building is destroyed and Indian authorities arrive. Unaware of Cherski's identity, Sam and Briggs track him to a Voron base in Chittagong and find him living in a nearby apartment. They breach Cherski's panic room and find two people; uncertain which one is Cherski, they begin interrogating both and learn about a secret base in Russia.

Sam and Briggs reach an abandoned naukograd, surviving a drone attack, and find a secure medical facility said to contain an OpSat (satellite uplink device used by Fourth Echelon operatives) with vital Voron information. Instead, the base contains a comatose man. Rescuing the man, Sam and Briggs narrowly escape as the base self-destructs and return the patient to the Paladin. Grim identifies him as Mikhail "Kestrel" Loskov and Kobin confirms his identity, noting that they have a history (detailed in Conviction). When he questions Kobin (who asks if Kestrel's gunshot wound has put him into a coma), Sam notes that no one had told Kobin how Kestrel had been incapacitated.

Development

File:Jade Raymond Feb 2012-cropped.jpg |publisher=Network N |access-date=27 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225175541/https://www.pcgamesn.com/splinter-cell-jade-raymond |archive-date=25 December 2018 |date=25 December 2018 |url-status=live}}]]

Ubisoft Montreal's success inspired the company to continue its Canadian expansion, and a new studio, Ubisoft Toronto, was announced on July 6, 2009.{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2009/07/06/ubisoft-opening-studio-in-toronto-continuing-to-take-over-canad/|title=Ubisoft opening studio in Toronto, continuing to take over Canada [Update]|first=Griffin|last=McElory|work=Joystiq|date=July 6, 2009|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111041956/https://www.engadget.com/2009/07/06/ubisoft-opening-studio-in-toronto-continuing-to-take-over-canad/|archive-date=November 11, 2017|url-status=live}} Headed by Jade Raymond, the studio focuses on the creation of triple-A video games and intellectual property.{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5349733/assassins-creed-producer-raymond-to-lead-ubisoft-toronto|title=Assassin's Creed Producer Raymond To Lead Ubisoft Toronto|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|work=Kotaku|date=August 31, 2009|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150718001227/http://kotaku.com/5349733/assassins-creed-producer-raymond-to-lead-ubisoft-toronto|archive-date=July 18, 2015|url-status=live}} It worked on a new installment of the Splinter Cell series, which was in parallel development with an unnamed project,{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/28677/Ubisoft_Unveils_Toronto_Studio_Splinter_Cell_Project.php|title=Ubisoft Unveils Toronto Studio, Splinter Cell Project|first=Christopher|last=Nutt|work=Gamasutra|date=May 25, 2010|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924140335/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/28677/Ubisoft_Unveils_Toronto_Studio_Splinter_Cell_Project.php|archive-date=September 24, 2015|url-status=dead}} and the Toronto team was made up of Ubisoft Montreal's core Conviction team.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/05/25/new-splinter-cell-and-unannounced-ubisoft-title-in-the-works|title=New Splinter Cell And Unannounced Ubisoft Title In the Works|first=David|last=Clayman|work=IGN|date=May 25, 2010|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419020449/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/05/25/new-splinter-cell-and-unannounced-ubisoft-title-in-the-works|archive-date=April 19, 2014|url-status=live}} Maxime Béland, who had worked on Conviction, was the game's creative director, and in November 2010 Raymond confirmed that her studio was developing Splinter Cell 6.{{cite web |access-date=26 November 2012 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-11-26-jade-raymond-making-splinter-cell-6 |title=Jade Raymond Making Splinter Cell 6 |work=Eurogamer |first=Wesley |last=Yin-Poole |date=26 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026043014/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-11-26-jade-raymond-making-splinter-cell-6 |archive-date=26 October 2012 |url-status=live }} Ubisoft Toronto was the game's lead developer, with assistance from Ubisoft Montreal.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cell-blacklist-hitting-spring-2013/1100-6380103/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist hitting spring 2013|first=Eddie|last=Makuch|work=GameSpot|date=June 4, 2012|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209080440/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cell-blacklist-hitting-spring-2013/1100-6380103/|archive-date=February 9, 2014|url-status=live}} Ubisoft Shanghai developed the game's co-operative multiplayer mode. The Toronto studio focused on the game's Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions, with the Wii U version developed by Ubisoft Shanghai.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-05-07-wii-us-splinter-cell-blacklist-is-being-developed-by-ubisoft-shanghai|title=Wii U's Splinter Cell: Blacklist is being developed by Ubisoft Shanghai|first=Martin|last=Robinson|work=Eurogamer|date=May 7, 2015|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721105112/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-05-07-wii-us-splinter-cell-blacklist-is-being-developed-by-ubisoft-shanghai|archive-date=July 21, 2016|url-status=live}}

In 2010, the series' fifth installment, Conviction, was released. Although it received generally positive reviews, it was criticized by series fans for lacking some features. Béland considered Conviction a "stepping stone" for him when he prepared for the development of Blacklist.{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2012/09/12/splinter-cell-blacklist-builds-on-convictions-story-successes-and-failures/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist builds on Conviction's story, successes and failures|first=Brenna|last=Hillier|work=VG247|date=September 12, 2012|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911092036/http://www.vg247.com/2012/09/12/splinter-cell-blacklist-builds-on-convictions-story-successes-and-failures/|archive-date=September 11, 2015|url-status=live}} The development team studied Conviction{{'s}} reviews and feature lists, deciding to discard its "black-and-white" stealth approach, and also deciding to bring back the Spies vs. Mercs mode introduced in Pandora Tomorrow. Béland called the mode's return "the easiest decision of [his] life", since the team considered its absence Conviction{{'s}} greatest misstep.{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/09/11/splinter-cell-blacklist-aims-to-take-convictions-promise-to-th/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist aims to take Conviction's promise to the next level and then some|first=Mike|last=Schramm|date=September 11, 2012|access-date=August 3, 2015|work=Joystiq|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405003839/https://www.engadget.com/2012/09/11/splinter-cell-blacklist-aims-to-take-convictions-promise-to-th/|archive-date=April 5, 2017|url-status=live}} Ubisoft sent questionnaires through Uplay to thousands of players to collect feedback on Conviction{{'s}} new features.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-04-23-raymond-splinter-cell-popularity-held-back-by-its-complexity|title=Raymond: Splinter Cell popularity held back by its complexity|first=Wesley|last=Yin-Poole|work=Eurogamer|date=April 23, 2013|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151122013521/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-04-23-raymond-splinter-cell-popularity-held-back-by-its-complexity|archive-date=November 22, 2015|url-status=live}} When players called Conviction{{'s}} campaign weak and short, the team added a stronger storyline and greater character depth by introducing the Fourth Echelon and Fisher as a leader (a series first).{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/01/30/how-ubisofts-designers-transformed-sam-fisher-into-a-panther-and-a-leader-in-splinter-cell-blacklist-interview/|title=How Ubisoft's designers transformed Sam Fisher into a 'panther' and a leader in Splinter Cell: Blacklist (interview)|first=Dean|last=Takahashi|work=VentureBeat|date=January 30, 2013|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081815/http://venturebeat.com/2013/01/30/how-ubisofts-designers-transformed-sam-fisher-into-a-panther-and-a-leader-in-splinter-cell-blacklist-interview/|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}} To encourage repeat play the team introduced the aircraft hub and the strategic mission interface, a player menu.

According to Ubisoft Toronto founder Jade Raymond, the series had become too grueling and complicated for modern gamers, and its popularity had suffered relative to Ubisoft flagship franchises such as Assassin's Creed and Far Cry.{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/splinter-cells-popularity-is-held-back-by-its-complexity-says-blacklist-studio-head/|title=Splinter Cell's popularity is held back by its complexity, says Blacklist studio head|first=Phil|last=Savage|work=PC Gamer|date=April 23, 2013|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029202947/http://www.pcgamer.com/splinter-cells-popularity-is-held-back-by-its-complexity-says-blacklist-studio-head/|archive-date=October 29, 2015|url-status=live}} The Toronto studio hoped to introduce the franchise to a broader audience, while remaining tactical and hardcore for long-term series fans. It introduced a perfectionist mode, significantly increasing the game's difficulty by removing some of Fisher's abilities.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/30/splinter-cell-blacklist-modernizes-chaos-theory|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist Modernizes Chaos Theory|first=Mitch|last=Dyer|work=IGN|date=January 30, 2013|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112072101/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/30/splinter-cell-blacklist-modernizes-chaos-theory|archive-date=January 12, 2016|url-status=live}} The team also introduced accessible, action-oriented gameplay segments which would suit new players,{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2013/06/14/splinter-cell-blacklist-sam-fisher-favors-shadows-over-gunplay/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist: Fisher favors shadows over gunplay|first=Catherine|last=Cai|work=VG247|date=June 14, 2013|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726134008/http://www.vg247.com/2013/06/14/splinter-cell-blacklist-sam-fisher-favors-shadows-over-gunplay/|archive-date=July 26, 2015|url-status=live}} crafting open-ended levels which could be reached with different approaches to broaden the variety of play.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cells-complexity-hurting-its-popularity-says-raymond/1100-6407384/|title=Splinter Cell's complexity hurting its popularity, says Raymond|first=Eddie|last=Makuch|work=GameSpot|date=April 23, 2013|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140822195825/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cells-complexity-hurting-its-popularity-says-raymond/1100-6407384/|archive-date=August 22, 2014|url-status=live}} The developers re-worked the controls to increase gameplay fluidity, allowing players to automatically leap over objects and traverse a simplified environment.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/07/17/directing-splinter-cell-an-interview-with-maxime-beland.aspx?PostPageIndex=2|title=Directing Splinter Cell: An Interview With Maxime Beland|first=Matt|last=Miller|magazine=Game Informer|date=July 17, 2012|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107225427/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/07/17/directing-splinter-cell-an-interview-with-maxime-beland.aspx?PostPageIndex=2|archive-date=November 7, 2017|url-status=live}}

During Blacklist{{'s}} development, its team faced a variety of challenges. The first was to create stealth which was satisfying and fun for players. According to the team, players gain satisfaction from stealth with freedom and choices which allow them to develop a plan. Players must experiment, with each decision having consequences. Game director Patrick Redding compared it to the development of an ecosystem; the team designed a dynamic artificial intelligence which would react differently to players' actions, making levels feel alive and adding randomness. Encouraging the "panther" style of play (aggressive stealth), the team incorporated elements from the original Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (where one mistake would abort a mission) and Conviction (where stealth seamlessly becomes combat). This approach, the team thought, could help players to feel like elite, silent predators.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cell-blacklist-and-the-challenges-of-stealth/1100-6406874/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist and the Challenges of Stealth|first=Maxwell|last=McGee|work=GameSpot|date=April 12, 2013|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213015922/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cell-blacklist-and-the-challenges-of-stealth/1100-6406874/|archive-date=February 13, 2014|url-status=live}}

Series veteran Michael Ironside did not reprise his role as the voice of Sam Fisher. His part was played by Eric Johnson, who also performed the motion capture.{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/6/5/3066844/splinter-cell-blacklist-has-a-new-voice-for-sam-fisher-heres-what|title='Splinter Cell: Blacklist' has a new voice for Sam Fisher; here's what happened to Michael Ironside|first=Russ|last=Frushtick|date=June 5, 2012|access-date=August 3, 2015|work=Polygon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907211708/http://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/6/5/3066844/splinter-cell-blacklist-has-a-new-voice-for-sam-fisher-heres-what|archive-date=September 7, 2015|url-status=live}} In a Blacklist developer diary, Ironside said that he was passing the torch to another actor. According to Ubisoft executives the change was made to take advantage of new performance-capture technology to enrich the game experience, and Ironside assisted Johnson with the role.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/05/e3-2012-why-michael-ironside-wont-return-for-splinter-cell-blacklist|title=E3 2012: Why Michael Ironside Won't Return For Splinter Cell: Blacklist|first=Mitch|last=Dyer|work=IGN|date=June 4, 2012|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914211445/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/05/e3-2012-why-michael-ironside-wont-return-for-splinter-cell-blacklist|archive-date=September 14, 2015|url-status=live}} Elias Toufexis, voice and performance-capture actor for Andriy Kobin in Splinter Cell: Conviction, said that he would return for the new game.{{cite web|title=More Than Meets The Ears|url=http://blog.ubi.com/elias-toufexis-role-playing-column-june-2013/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609032608/http://blog.ubi.com/elias-toufexis-role-playing-column-june-2013/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 9, 2013|work=UbiBlog|publisher=Ubisoft|date=June 6, 2013|access-date=August 4, 2015}}

Unlike Conviction, the game would have no interactive torture sequences. Instead, players could choose whether to kill or incapacitate a target after interrogation. The system was not complex, and it was hoped that players would choose based on instinct. According to Béland, every player choice is gray and there are no right or wrong choices. However, the game demo has an interactive torture scene in which players can decide how deeply a knife penetrates a person's shoulder.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-01-30-splinter-cell-blacklists-torture-scene-is-cut|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist's torture scene is cut|first=Martin|last=Robinson|work=Eurogamer|date=January 30, 2013|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117031611/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-01-30-splinter-cell-blacklists-torture-scene-is-cut|archive-date=November 17, 2015|url-status=live}} After a mixed-to-negative response, Ubisoft removed the scene from its final product.{{cite web|last=Conditt|first=Jessica|title=Torture scene removed from Splinter Cell: Blacklist, no one 'loved' it|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/torture-scene-removed-from-splinter-cell-blacklist-no-one-lov/|publisher=Joystiq|access-date=30 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203072406/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/torture-scene-removed-from-splinter-cell-blacklist-no-one-lov|archive-date=3 February 2013|url-status=live}}

=Marketing=

Splinter Cell: Blacklist was introduced at E3 2012's Microsoft press conference on June 4, 2012, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/06/04/splinter-cell-blacklist-revealed-for-xbox/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist coming to Xbox 360, PC, PS3 in spring 2013 [Update]|author=JC Fletcher |date= June 4, 2012|access-date=August 3, 2015|work=Joystiq}} In February 2013, a Wii U version was rumored to be in development,{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-02-27-splinter-cell-blacklist-sneaks-onto-wii-u-rumour|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist sneaks onto Wii U - rumour|first=Jeffery|last=Matulef|work=Eurogamer|date=February 27, 2013|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081600/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-02-27-splinter-cell-blacklist-sneaks-onto-wii-u-rumour|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}} and Ubisoft confirmed the report two months later.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-04-10-splinter-cell-blacklist-finally-confirmed-for-wii-u|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist finally confirmed for Wii U|first=Tom|last=Phillips|work=Eurogamer|date=April 10, 2013|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130830044138/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-04-10-splinter-cell-blacklist-finally-confirmed-for-wii-u|archive-date=August 30, 2013|url-status=live}} Originally scheduled for release in early 2013, the game was pushed back to August on January 16, 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/splinter-cell-blacklist-pushed-back-to-august-242526.phtml|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist pushed back to August|first=Jordan|last=Devore|work=Destructoid|date=January 16, 2013|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915122008/http://www.destructoid.com/splinter-cell-blacklist-pushed-back-to-august-242526.phtml|archive-date=September 15, 2015|url-status=live}} On August 3, 2013, Ubisoft confirmed that the game had been declared gold, indicating that it was being prepared for duplication and release.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/08/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist-has-gone-gold|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Blacklist Has Gone Gold|work=IGN|first=Mitch|last=Dyer|date=August 3, 2013|access-date=August 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031121817/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/08/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist-has-gone-gold|archive-date=October 31, 2013|url-status=live}} Splinter Cell: Blacklist was released in North America on August 20 and in Europe three days later for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Wii U, and Xbox 360.{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2013/01/16/splinter-cell-blacklist-delayed-into-august/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist delayed into August|first=Stephany|last=Nunneley|date=January 16, 2013|access-date=August 3, 2015|work=VG247|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910071213/http://www.vg247.com/2013/01/16/splinter-cell-blacklist-delayed-into-august/|archive-date=September 10, 2015|url-status=live}}

The Paladin Collector's Edition, a limited edition of the game, has a remote-controlled plane, the graphic novel Splinter Cell Echoes, a Billionaire's Yacht co-op map, an Upper Echelon pack with a Dead Coast map, gold sonar goggles, and a limited-edition poster.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/25/flying-rc-plane-highlights-splinter-cell-blacklist-collectors-edition|title=Flying RC Planes Highlights Splinter Cell Blacklist's Collector's Edition|last=McCaffrey|first=Ryan|date=January 25, 2013|work=IGN|access-date=28 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128015407/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/25/flying-rc-plane-highlights-splinter-cell-blacklist-collectors-edition|archive-date=28 January 2013|url-status=live}} Splinter Cell: Blacklist - Spider Bot, a 2D puzzle game tie-in, was released for Android and iOS platforms on June 10, 2013 and is available on Google Play and the App Store respectively.{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2013/06/19/splinter-cell-blacklist-spider-bot-ios-game-lands-on-app-store|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist Spider-Bot iOS game lands on App Store|date=19 June 2013|access-date=2013-06-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624110403/http://www.vg247.com/2013/06/19/splinter-cell-blacklist-spider-bot-ios-game-lands-on-app-store/|archive-date=2013-06-24|url-status=live}} Homeland, downloadable content for the game, was released on September 26, 2013. It added a crossbow, several new costumes, and two new missions which can be completed alone or with another player.{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-09-26-splinter-cell-backlists-homeland-dlc-sneaks-out-today|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist's Homeland DLC sneaks out today|date=September 26, 2013|access-date=August 3, 2015|work=Eurogamer|first=Jeffery|last=Matulef|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082815/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-09-26-splinter-cell-backlists-homeland-dlc-sneaks-out-today|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}}

Reception

={{anchor|Pre-release}}Pre-release=

Although Joystiq's Mike Schramm praised Blacklist{{'s}} early screenshots and videos for removing Conviction{{'s}} monochromatic visuals,{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/splinter-cell-blacklist-aims-to-take-convictions-promise-to-th/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist aims to take Conviction's promise to the next level and then some|last=Schramm|first=Mike|date=11 September 2012|access-date=4 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113042712/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/splinter-cell-blacklist-aims-to-take-convictions-promise-to-th/|archive-date=13 November 2012|url-status=live}} its new voice actor was not received well by some fans.{{cite web|last=Good|first=Owen|title=Inevitable Movement to Restore Splinter Cell's Voice Actor Begins, Will Fail|url=http://kotaku.com/5915822/inevitable-movement-to-restore-splinter-cells-voice-actor-begins-will-fail|work=Kotaku|access-date=27 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517215838/http://kotaku.com/5915822/inevitable-movement-to-restore-splinter-cells-voice-actor-begins-will-fail|archive-date=17 May 2013|url-status=live}} Ubisoft responded with a statement that Ironside was not returning as Fisher because an actor "physically capable" of a motion-capture performance was needed, and Johnson was hired for the role.{{cite web|last=Dyer|first=Mitch|title=E3 2012: Why Michael Ironside Won't Return for Splinter Cell Blacklist|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/05/e3-2012-why-michael-ironside-wont-return-for-splinter-cell-blacklist|work=IGN|date=5 June 2012|publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc|access-date=27 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030210552/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/05/e3-2012-why-michael-ironside-wont-return-for-splinter-cell-blacklist|archive-date=30 October 2012|url-status=live}}

=Critical reception=

{{Video game reviews

| MC = (PS3) 84/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist for PlayStation 3 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=August 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827035134/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist |archive-date=August 27, 2013 |url-status=live }}
(X360) 82/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist for Xbox 360 Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=August 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906151632/http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist |archive-date=September 6, 2013 |url-status=live }}
(PC) 82/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist for PC Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=August 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823104604/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist |archive-date=August 23, 2013 |url-status=live }}
(WIIU) 75/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist for Wii U Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=August 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911161814/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist |archive-date=September 11, 2013 |url-status=live }}

|EuroG = 8/10{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-08-14-splinter-cell-blacklist-review|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist review|last=Bramwell|first=Tom|date=14 August 2013|publisher=Eurogamer|access-date=26 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301054013/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-08-14-splinter-cell-blacklist-review|archive-date=1 March 2014|url-status=live}}

| GI = 9/10{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/splinter_cell_blacklist/b/xbox360/archive/2013/08/14/ubisoft-splinter-cell-blacklist-review.aspx|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist review: Ubisoft's Stealth Series Lights The Way For Future Installments|first=Ben|last=Reeves|magazine=Game Informer|date=August 14, 2013|access-date=August 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706154233/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/splinter_cell_blacklist/b/xbox360/archive/2013/08/14/ubisoft-splinter-cell-blacklist-review.aspx|archive-date=July 6, 2015|url-status=live}}

| GT = 8.7/10{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/qnduc0/splinter-cell--blacklist-review|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist Review|date=August 14, 2013|access-date=August 4, 2015|work=GameTrailers|first=Daniel|last=Bloodworth|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131120022523/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/qnduc0/splinter-cell--blacklist-review|archive-date=November 20, 2013|url-status=live}}

| IGN = 9.2/10{{cite web |last=McCaffrey |first=Ryan |date=August 14, 2013 |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/08/14/splinter-cell-blacklist-review |title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist Review |publisher=IGN |access-date=August 20, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106132750/http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/08/14/splinter-cell-blacklist-review |archive-date=November 6, 2015 |url-status=live }}

| Joystiq = {{rating|5|5}}{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/14/splinter-cell-blacklist-review/|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist review|work=Joystiq|publisher=AOL|first=Xav|last=de Matos|date=August 14, 2013|access-date=August 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131050640/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/14/splinter-cell-blacklist-review/|archive-date=January 31, 2015|url-status=live}}

| VG = 8/10{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/reviews/splinter_cell_blacklist_review.html|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist review|first=Simon|last=Miller|work=VideoGamer.com|date=August 14, 2013|access-date=August 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906012446/http://www.videogamer.com/reviews/splinter_cell_blacklist_review.html|archive-date=September 6, 2015|url-status=live}}

}}

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, according to review aggregator website Metacritic.

The game's design was praised by most reviewers. Ryan McCaffrey of IGN praised the gameplay's variety and player options, which he thought made Blacklist the best installment in the series since Chaos Theory. According to McCaffrey, the game was a satisfying stealth experience and an excellent, capable shooter (increasing its replay value). He noted that several segments forced players to use the Mark and Execute feature, frustrating players who favored stealth over action. Ben Reeves of Game Informer praised the return and refinement of Mark and Execute, which he found satisfying, and praised the game's intense, varied mission design. Tom Bramwell of Eurogamer disliked the game's direction, particularly its action elements (which he compared to 2012's Hitman: Absolution).

Blacklist{{'s}} campaign was also generally praised. According to IGN's Ryan McCaffrey, the game's story is superior to those of its predecessors: well-balanced and believable. He criticized Sam Fisher's new voice actor, who he thought failed to replicate Ironside's charm.{{Cite web |last=McCaffrey |first=Ryan |date=2013-08-14 |title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/14/splinter-cell-blacklist-review |access-date=2023-11-21 |website=IGN |language=en}} Ben Reeves praised the story's plot twists and sympathetic characters. On the Joystiq blog, Xav De Matos liked the game's narrative urgency and engaging plot twists but criticized its rushed ending. Simon Miller of VideoGamer.com called the game forgettable and boring, with Fisher's new voice actor failing to bring personality to the character. Eurogamer{{'s}} Bramwell also criticized the game's lack of character development.

Its multiplayer features were praised; according to McCaffrey, the co-operative multiplayer mode had enough content for a separate game. Although he appreciated Spies vs. Mercs' faster pace, he found the mode less innovative than its predecessor. Reeves partially agreed, describing the revived Spies vs. Mercs mode as refreshing, intense, and bloody. De Matos wrote that it was one of the best multiplayer modes he had ever experienced, and the Blacklist version had evolved and modernized while remaining creative. Daniel Bloodworth of GameTrailers praised the game's satisfying co-op design, which tasks players to plan and coordinate strategy.

Blacklist{{'s}} graphics and lack of difficulty were criticized. McCaffrey found the visuals unimpressive and most character models to be ugly; he also noted technical problems, such as screen-tearing and frame rate issues. Bloodworth criticized the game's invisible wall and unresponsive controls in certain segments, although he thought those minor issues did not drag down its overall experience. McCaffrey noted that even when the game is played in perfectionist mode, it is less challenging than its predecessors. He thought Blacklist gave players too many rewards, making its universal-economy system a useless feature. Bloodworth was puzzled by the game's unlock system, which he said hindered its credibility.

=Sales=

Ubisoft hoped that Splinter Cell: Blacklist would sell at least five million units.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/blacklist-the-test-for-ubisoft-toronto-game-developers-1.1388627|title=Blacklist the test for Ubisoft Toronto game developers|work=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=August 20, 2013|access-date=August 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003012751/http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/blacklist-the-test-for-ubisoft-toronto-game-developers-1.1388627|archive-date=October 3, 2015|url-status=live}} In the United Kingdom, the game debuted at number two on the UK retail chart in its first week of release, behind Saints Row IV.{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2013/08/27/saint-row-iv-beats-splinter-cell-blacklist-for-uk-number-one-3939051/|title=Saint Row IV beats Splinter Cell: Blacklist for UK number one|date=August 27, 2013|access-date=August 4, 2015|work=Metro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105173103/http://metro.co.uk/2013/08/27/saint-row-iv-beats-splinter-cell-blacklist-for-uk-number-one-3939051/|archive-date=November 5, 2015|url-status=live}} In the United States, It was August's fourth best-selling game.{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2013/09/13/npd-august-2013-3ds-tops-hardware-again-madden-25-clear-software-winner/|title=NPD August 2013: 3DS tops hardware again, Madden 25 clear software winner|first=Stephany|last=Nunneley|work=VG247|date=September 13, 2013|access-date=August 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908082818/http://www.vg247.com/2013/09/13/npd-august-2013-3ds-tops-hardware-again-madden-25-clear-software-winner/|archive-date=September 8, 2015|url-status=live}} On October 16, 2013, Ubisoft announced that Blacklist had failed to meet sales expectations,{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-10-16-ubisoft-splinter-cell-rayman-legends-missed-sales-targets|title=Ubisoft: Splinter Cell, Rayman Legends missed sales targets|last=Phillips|first=Tom|date=16 October 2013|work=Eurogamer|publisher=Gamer Network|access-date=16 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016082213/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-10-16-ubisoft-splinter-cell-rayman-legends-missed-sales-targets|archive-date=16 October 2013|url-status=live}} and on November 13, it was announced that the game had sold two million units.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cell-blacklist-underperforms-with-2-million-sold/1100-6416144/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist underperforms with 2 million sold|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|work=GameSpot|date=12 November 2013|access-date=13 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519105823/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cell-blacklist-underperforms-with-2-million-sold/1100-6416144/|archive-date=19 May 2014|url-status=live}}