The events of Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell – Essentials begin after a tragedy that shook Sam Fisher’s life—the death of his only daughter, Sarah. This loss changed him, making him a man who no longer belonged among secret agents or even ordinary people. However, he did not have the luxury of truly disappearing, as the world he had served for years—the National Security Agency—was not willing to let him go so easily.
Sam Fisher is captured by security agents while visiting his daughter’s grave in Washington, D.C., as he is suspected of betraying the state and joining a terrorist organization. He is taken to a highly classified interrogation facility, where the game unfolds between the present and the past. Sam’s story is told through his memories, taking players back to missions that shaped his career as a fighter. Throughout these flashbacks, Sam faces critical moments from his past—some entirely new, others inspired by missions from previous games. With each mission, the veil is lifted on a massive conspiracy whose threads intertwine with the present. This is not just a journey through memory but a battle for survival, where every answer raises even more dangerous questions.
As with any game in the Splinter Cell series, stealth is the core of Essentials. However, this time, the game is designed to suit the PSP’s capabilities, making the controls simpler yet no less intelligent than in previous titles. Sam still has access to an arsenal of advanced tools and technologies that players are familiar with, such as snake cameras to monitor enemy movements, night vision goggles that illuminate the darkness, and silenced weapons that allow him to eliminate enemies without causing chaos. But the most important factor is your intelligence as a player, as the enemies in this game are not just ordinary guards—they have enhanced abilities and react smartly to their surroundings, meaning that any mistake could be costly.
The gameplay is primarily based on stealth, climbing walls, crawling in the shadows, and silently eliminating enemies. However, some missions force direct confrontations, where Sam becomes a silent killing machine—attacking swiftly, dodging, and taking down his enemies with precise hand-to-hand combat moves. The game also offers an online multiplayer mode, allowing players to cooperate or compete in special challenges, adding a new dimension to the espionage and stealth experience.
When comparing Splinter Cell: Essentials to its predecessors, it stands out as a unique experience that takes players on a journey through the history of the series while introducing new challenges. Some missions are inspired by previous titles such as Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory and Pandora Tomorrow, but they take on a different feel due to the technical limitations of the PSP.
In terms of graphics, although the handheld device was not on par with home consoles, the developers made a great effort to maintain the game’s dark and cinematic atmosphere. The use of dynamic lighting and shadows plays a crucial role in the stealth experience. As for the controls, some adjustments were made, which might initially feel difficult for players accustomed to previous installments. The limited buttons on the PSP forced the developers to simplify certain mechanics, but they succeeded in keeping the stealth and infiltration gameplay enjoyable and satisfying.