Parizeau made the announcement today via a video posted on Inside Xbox, saying the demo would give gamers the perfect sampling of the experience Conviction has to offer, namely the basic storyline and the game's new mechanics such as the mark and execute system. "The biggest thing you'll see when playing the demo is the change of pace," Parizeau said. "The stealth-action dynamic is fast paced and very different from the past."
The demo begins with a bathroom interrogation scene that allows gamers to go Jack Bauer on a source, before shifting to a warehouse loaded with armed guards. In the warehouse, Parizeau demonstrated the mark and execute system, marking traps and guards at different ranges before hitting execute and unleashing Fisher in a John Woo-like rapid-fire sequence.
Light and shadow will still be a critical element of gameplay, Parizeau said, and this time around, Fisher will have a gaggle of new gadgets to manipulate environments. For example, the producer demonstrated Fisher using EMP grenades to knock out lighting in certain areas and pounce on guards blinded by darkness. "These tools allow you tip the balance in your favor," Parizeau said.
The demo will be available for download exclusively on Xbox Live on March 18, and Splinter Cell: Conviction launches for the 360 and PC on April 13.
Sharkey says: I'm looking forward to this demo. The mark and execute system produces some stunning sequences, but I'm anxious to see how Fisher's new abilities feel in my hands. It looks easy; I just want to make sure it isn't too easy before I buy.
