Pandora Tomorrow provides the kind of game that was expected when Splinter Cell first made it's debut.
Why: When Splinter Cell first came out, it was highly anticipated as a revolution in stealth/action games. Unfortunately, due to it's linear nature, those looking for such an experience were left searching. Splinter Cell had the basics, no doubt, but it ultimately didn't capitalize on them.
All of this changes in Pandora Tomorrow. Once again, you take control of Sam Fisher, Third Eschelon's Splinter Cell agent. You are called in to investigate an impending crisis (as usual) and are sent out into the field to covertly find out what is going on. Right away, you can see the differences in the graphics. Splinter Cell had been praised for having the best graphics in an X-Box game when it first came out, however Pandora Tomorrow took it to the next level. Everything is realisticly represented. But enough with the graphics, gameplay in Pandora Tomorrow is unprecedented. Although the levels are still somewhat linear, you have a wide veriety of changes that make the game more enjoyable. For example, you now have a laser sight on your gun that allows you to see where Fisher is pointing and allows you to make a deadly accurate head shot anytime you wish. Gone are the days of squeezing the trigger, and hoping that you'll hit what you intended too. Although I must point out that this feature is only available for Sam's pistol. I guess the designer's figured that since Sam's rifle already featured a sniper scope, he wouldn't need a laser sight on it. I guess it doesn't really matter, but I'd rather have a laser sight for the rifle as well, simply because sometimes you're too rushed to zoom in and you need to fire a quick shot.
The AI in Pandora Tomorrow has also been upgraded, if only slightly. One minor tweak (which turns out to be a major realism boost) is that the AI can tell if you've been aiming at them for too long with the laser sight. They see the laser dot, look in your direction, and open fire. This actually happens quite alot if you take too long to make a shot, but with the sight you never need to take more than two seconds. Another tweak that makes the AI more enjoyable is that they actually get more suspicious. In a situation where Sam has been causing havoc and a guard has taken notice, he'll start to investigate the area trying to find him. Although this did happen in Splinter Cell, most of the time they just gave up and went back to normal. In Pandora Tomorrow a guard will continue his search for a long time, so the game actually encourages you to be as stealthy as possible because a roaming guard is always an obstacle.
Overall, Pandora Tomorrow can be best described as a cinimatic experience. Although the levels remain somewhat linear, the design, interface, and overall plot make for a relaxed and enjoyable game.
Graphics: 9
Why: They're simply better than Splinter Cell. Everything has been upgraded, the textures, the lighting. Everything.
Sound: 8
Why: Dialog is once again voiced by Micheal Ironside (Sam Fisher) and Dennis Haysbert now voices Lambert. The music is still somewhat annoying at times.
Value: 9
Why: Pandora Tomorrow does what is rarely seen in a sequel, it improves upon the original.
Reviewer's Tilt: 9
Why: Simply the best Splinter Cell game I've ever played. They hit the mark with this one. If you don't have it yet, I'd strongly recommend that you buy it.