The main thing, though, is the remarkable and bold focus - none of Assassin's Creed 2's endless tutorial or ridiculous minigames, or indeed of Arkham Asylum's irritatingly blocked routes and hollow collectormania. This reborn Splinter Cell just gets on with it: it has the courage to pick one thing, the fantasy of being a hi-tech manhunter, and do it as well as possible,. Conviction believes in itself, and so should you.-IGN UK
What this reviewer failed to appreciate is that the "long-tutorial" of Asscreed was not only necessary for getting to grips with the mechanics, which though simple, had the potential to be easily be mishandled. It was also an excellent opportunity to spend time on character development. It may seem a moot point in the instant satisfaction world of interactive media, but a developed character lends purpose to the interaction. A game with a disposable narrative and two-dimensional protagonist are easily forgotten, the only exception to this rule being the Master Chief. Every studio and publisher is after the next bankable franchise, and those aren't made in a day. The market is incredibly competitive and the consumer is increasingly discerning, for some, solid gameplay just isn't enough.
As for the criticism of Arhkham Asylum, well that I can verify, running awkwardlydown repetitive halls as Batman always seems to do, looking for question marks quickly loses its appeal. However it was the first game to do the caped crusader justice, so for the most part, its faults are forgiven.
Tomorrow I put my order in for Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction having played the demo and been frustrated by my inability to use Sam Fisher to the best of his ability. I want a real crack at the whip and I need a new co-op for my housemate to come home to.
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