Splinter Cell on PS3., Q&A session and ting! Options

[Rob Cram]

Mathieu Hector, PS3 producer at Ubisoft Annecy

1. What are the main changes between the Xbox 360 version of SCDA and the PS3 version? Both for the single player and the multiplayer.

The PlayStation 3 version of SCDA is based on the Next-Gen design of the game, which has already been released on Xbox 360 and PC. However, this version features significant improvements and exclusive content.

The Multiplayer features an additional new spy character (a spy girl), 2 extra maps based on completely new environments and a new set of coop. challenges.

Moreover, the additional time allowed us to increase the polish of both parts of the game.

Overall, the improved accessibility, the multiplayer exclusive content and the motion sensor support are the advantages that make the PS3 version the ultimate version of Splinter Cell: Double Agent.


2. Is SCDA using the Sixaxis feature that makes PlayStation 3 unique?

The SIXAXIS sensor has been implemented in both part of the game as well.

In the Single Player mode, we were free to experiment various designs for the motion sensor implementation. It is used from time to time to operate various gadgets like picking doors or hacking security systems, or for Sam’s special moves like swimming or paragliding.

In the Multiplayer mode, the player controls the Drone with the tilt function.

We implemented the SIXAXIS control when it was fun to play or adding value to the game play experience.

3. What was the big reason to implement a hot female multiplayer skin?

Having a female playable character in the game is something we wanted to have since we started working on Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow!

On Double Agent, this idea was still present, but we didn’t have the chance to implement it on time for the first versions. Therefore, when we started working on the PS3 specific content, the spy girl was on top of our list.

We really liked the idea because it really embraces the fact that the spy should be cat-like, very nimble. And for players like me, it’s always more pleasant to follow the acrobatics of a female character, supple and elegant, than those of a born-to-kill-guy!

4. And last, but not least, the PlayStation network has a different setup than Microsofts Xbox Live. Can we expect the same fluid play on Ubisoft’s own servers?

The title uses a network middleware solution already successfully used on PC and PS2. The PlayStation Network Platform provides all the required services to match the Xbox live quality. The online part of the game has been on beta test since November 2006 on PS3 and we are 100% confident to provide a quality online experience.

5. Is there anything else you would like to share with gamers about SCDA for PS3?

Yes, we are very happy with the multiplayer’s extra content we developed specifically for the PS3 version. Rather than just more of the same, the NSA training centre and Kinshasa multiplayer maps are really different than the original multiplayer maps. Those maps have been produced with Ubisoft Milan, Italy, the studio which previously worked on the PS2 Multiplayer maps and we hope the PS3 players will enjoy playing them just as much as we did.

Well I say bollox - where's our female skin via Downloadable content as promised? And jeeze where's the extra maps and added challenges too?

Come on Ubisoft don't nerf the game even more by leaving us 360 owners out of the loop now that you have our cash. Plus looking right up a womans backside when crawling through vents etc is far more appealing than the guys.

IMO when you say things like and I quote "Overall, the improved accessibility, the multiplayer exclusive content and the motion sensor support are the advantages that make the PS3 version the ultimate version of Splinter Cell: Double Agent" you make it sound like Downloadable content failed and MS got it all wrong. You also alienate the loyal 360 following.

I dont give a damn about the tilt feature especially as the pad wont rumble but hey I'm really annoyed at Ubisoft for this especially after being so great with DLC on Xbox.

[Rob Cram]

After a quick search on the Ubi official forums one of the frag dolls has commented that the female skins DLC is still in the works for Xbox 360, so there is hope yet. Let's also hope that some new maps will be available.

[Ade X]

i thought Microsoft announced that Splinter Cell Double Agnet and the next game from the franchise was Xbox 360 exclusive "ooops"

[Rob Cram]

Splinter Cell Conviction was a title that was leaked last year. Not sure on the exclusivity part.

[WayneJ]

From what I gathered from some press conference, forget which one... Peter Moore stated something like "The fifth instalment of Splinter Cell will be exclusive to Xbox 360."
Not that I'm too fussed tbh I'd rather let the PS3 have a port of SC5, just so long as we get a good port of MGS4 (fingers ever so tightly crossed).

[Rob Cram]

I also remember the comment but then shortly afterwards confusion ensued and I think what came out of it was that the next Splinter Cell would only be exclusive for a set period of time. IIRC. I could be wrong.

[Ade X]

M$ said it at X06 (you were there Rob) and then the Ubi guy told you that the exclusive to Xbox 360 wasn't set in stone for either Double Agent or Conviction

[Rob Cram]

Something like that, although comments have to be taken with a grain of salt because you never know who pulls the strings.

[WayneJ]

Yeah, I remember it know actually.

It was the way in which Moore worded it that confused people. He said something like "The next Splinter Cell will be exclusive to Xbox 360." But when he said that, of course Double Agent wasn't released yet so many people including me assumed Double Agent to be exclusive to the 360 but he did make it clear later that he meant the fifth instalment of Splinter Cell.