It's time to cut through the hype and get to the truth. Spy Libs is a simple questionnaire that we're handing to superstar developers and dejected PR interns alike (whoever will play along, really) to get a quick take on some key games here at the show. Spy Libs asks five essential questions about each game, and the developer (or lowly interns, case depending) are free to say whatever they want. We'll fill them out too, to give our editorial take on each game. Think of it as point and counterpoint, only with more opportunity for random ridiculousness.


The Company Line: Splinter Cell: Conviction
Filled out by [Maxime Beland, Creative Director, Ubisoft Montreal]

1. [Splinter Cell: Conviction]'s gameplay is focused on [being the ultimate predator].

2. [Splinter Cell: Conviction]'s most unique feature is [the mark & execute].

3. The first word that comes to mind when I think of [Splinter Cell: Conviction] is [panther].

4. The emotional response that [Splinter Cell: Conviction] elicits is [finally, a game I can play & feel like the main character is supposed to feel].

5. If you liked [Man on Fire] you'll [Love] [Splinter Cell: Conviction].

It's time to come out this window, sir.


The Company Line: Splinter Cell: Conviction
Filled out by [Steve Masters, Lead Game Designer, Ubisoft Montreal]

1. [Splinter Cell: Conviction]'s gameplay is focused on [speed, precision, accuracy & stealth].

2. [Splinter Cell: Conviction]'s most unique feature is [dynamic stealth].

3. The first word that comes to mind when I think of [Splinter Cell: Conviction] is [awesome].

4. The emotional response that [Splinter Cell: Conviction] elicits is [being a predator].

5. If you liked [The 3 JBs: Jason Bourne, Jack Bauer, James Bond] you'll [Love] [Splinter Cell: Conviction].


The Company Line: Splinter Cell: Conviction
Filled out by [Andreane Meunier, Production Manager, Splinter Cell UbiSoft]

1. [Splinter Cell: Conviction]'s gameplay is focused on [action/stealth, permissive stealth].

2. [Splinter Cell: Conviction]'s most unique feature is [the mark and execute].

3. The first word that comes to mind when I think of [Splinter Cell: Conviction] is [panther].

4. The emotional response that [Splinter Cell: Conviction] elicits is [empowerment].

5. If you liked [James Bond, 24, Bourne] you'll [Love] [Splinter Cell: Conviction].


GameSpy's Take: Splinter Cell: Conviction
Filled out by [Anthony Gallegos, GameSpy]

1. [Splinter Cell: Conviction's]'s gameplay is focused on [assessing situations and figuring out the best way to overcome them].

2. [Splinter Cell: Conviction]'s most unique feature is [the way that story moments are worked into the backgrounds of the world instead of cutting to cut-scenes].

3. The first word that comes to mind when I think of [Splinter Cell: Conviction] is [delays].

4. The emotional response that [Splinter Cell: Conviction] elicits is [surprise].

5. If you liked [Rainbow Six: Vegas, Hitman, older Splinter Cell games] you'll [enjoy] [Splinter Cell: Conviction].