Splinter Cell: Conviction

Sam Fisher rose to prominence around the same time as Jack Bauer, but where 24 bombarded viewers with ceaseless jolts, Splinter Cell's stealth-based structure rewarded thinking-and-stabbing over run-and-gunning. But after four games the formula was getting a little lazy. So Fisher has now gone rogue and given his whole franchise a jolt with Conviction, a more action-oriented effort that stays true to its stealth roots while incorporating lessons from the more anarchic Arkham Asylum. New features and tools open up Splinter Cell's typical gameplay and though the byzantine conspiracy storyline is as confusing as ever, it provides enough oomph to pull you along. Ultimately, though, it's the creative environments and non-traditional tactics that give Conviction its stealthy edge.