View source for Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist

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{{Infobox video game
| title = Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist
| image = Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Blacklist box art.png
| caption = Cover art featuring protagonist [[Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell)|Sam Fisher]]
| developer = [[Ubisoft Toronto]]
| publisher = [[Ubisoft]]
| director = Maxime Béland<br />Patrick Redding<br />Gunther Galipot
| producer = [[Jade Raymond]]<br/>Andrew Wilson
| designer = Laurent Malville<br />Richard Carrillo<br />Simon Larouche
| artist = Scott Lee
| writer = [[Richard Dansky]]<br />[[Matt MacLennan]]
| composer = Mike Zarin<br />Kaveh Cohen
| series = ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell]]''
| engine = [[Unreal Engine|Unreal Engine 2.5]]<ref name="PCGamesHardware">{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgameshardware.com/aid,1077934/PC-version-is-shaping-up-to-be-something-special-Interview-with-the-devs-of-Splinter-Cell-Blacklist/News/|title="PC version is shaping up to be something special" - Interview with the devs of Splinter Cell Blacklist|last=Sauter|first=Marc|publisher=PC Games Hardware|date=9 July 2013|accessdate=13 May 2014}}</ref>
| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]]<br />[[PlayStation 3]]<br />[[Wii U]]<br />[[Xbox 360]]
| released = {{Video game release|NA|August 20, 2013|AU|August 22, 2013|EU|August 23, 2013}}
| genre = [[Action-adventure game|Action-adventure]], [[Stealth game|stealth]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist''''' is an [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] [[stealth game|stealth]] [[video game]] developed by [[Ubisoft Toronto]] and published by [[Ubisoft]]. The sixth installment of the ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell]]'' series, it is the sequel of ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction|Splinter Cell: Conviction]]''. The game was released worldwide for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 3]], [[Wii U]], and [[Xbox 360]] in August 2013.

Players control [[Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell)|Sam Fisher]], a spymaster working for the Fourth Echelon, in a mission to stop the Engineers, a group of terrorists which is trying to coerce the United States into recalling all of its troops stationed abroad. ''Blacklist''{{'s}} gameplay is similar to its predecessors, with players tasked with completing objectives and defeating enemies. The game endeavors to combine elements of its predecessors, including the action focus of ''Conviction'' and the stealth focus of the older games. ''Blacklist'' marks the return of the asymmetrical multiplayer mode Spies vs. Mercs, which was introduced in ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow|Pandora Tomorrow]]''.

It is the first title developed by Ubisoft Toronto, a studio founded by Ubisoft in 2009. The game was directed by Maxime Béland, who had worked on ''Conviction'', and produced by [[Jade Raymond]]. To prepare for this game, Béland studied reviews and feature lists of the latter. ''Blacklist'' is the first ''Splinter Cell'' game starring [[Eric Johnson (actor)|Eric Johnson]] as Sam Fisher, since series veteran [[Michael Ironside]] was unable to perform motion capture for the game. The Toronto studio focused on the game's Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions, and its later-announced Wii U version was developed by [[Ubisoft Shanghai]].

''Blacklist''{{'s}} pre-release reception was generally positive, despite criticism of its new voice actor. The game received generally positive reviews when it was released, with praise for its level design, story, gameplay, combat and multiplayer mode. However, criticism was directed at its dated graphics, lack of challenge and ending. It failed to meet Ubisoft's sales expectations, with sales of two million copies three months after its release.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Splinter Cell Blacklist screenshot.jpg|thumb|left|alt=A man hiding from a soldier by hanging from a ledge|Screenshot of Fisher evading enemies by hanging from a building ledge]]
In ''Blacklist'', players assume control of series protagonist  [[Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell)|Sam Fisher]] as he seeks to stop a terrorist group called the Engineers. The gameplay emphasizes [[stealth video game|stealth]], and utilizes the [[Virtual camera system#Third-person view|third-person perspective]]. During the game, players can rotate its camera, run, crouch and leap over obstacles. Since ''Blacklist'' intended to continue the "aggressive stealth" of ''Conviction'' while retaining the traditional stealth features of the older games, it combines action and stealth,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/splinter-cell-blacklist-trailer-reveals-fishers-abilities-mostly-sneaking-and-shooting/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist trailer reveals Fisher's abilities - mostly sneaking and shooting|first=Phil|last=Savage|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=April 15, 2013|accessdate=August 1, 2015}}</ref> and allows players to use different approaches and methods to complete objectives and defeat enemies. Players can complete levels without being noticed by the non-playable characters' [[artificial intelligence]] by taking cover or using other traditional stealth methods. If the player chooses to kill enemies, other enemies are alerted when they see their companions' dead bodies. To avoid this, players can hide corpses.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/04/e3-2012-splinter-cell-blacklist-fearing-sam-fisher|title=E3 2012: Splinter Cell Blacklist - Fearing Sam Fisher|first=Richard|last=George|work=[[IGN]]|date=June 4, 2012|accessdate=August 1, 2015}}</ref> Fisher can also create a strategically advantageous dark environment by destroying nearby lights,<ref name="GG">{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/tv/goodgame/stories/s3834879.htm|title=Good Game Stories: Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist|work=[[Good Game]]|date=August 27, 2013|accessdate=August 1, 2015}}</ref> and is equipped with customizable night-vision and sonar goggles to detect enemies in darkness and see through walls.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-03-14-heres-how-splinter-cell-blacklists-night-vision-mode-looks|title=Here's how Splinter Cell: Blacklist's night-vision mode looks|first=Tom|last=Phillips|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=March 14, 2015|accessdate=August 2, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/splinter_cell_blacklist/b/xbox360/archive/2013/06/19/playing-splinter-cell-blacklist-with-friends-and-enemies.aspx|title=Playing Splinter Cell: Blacklist With Friends And Enemies|first=Kyle|last=Hilliard|work=[[Game Informer]]|date=June 19, 2013|accessdate=August 2, 2015}}</ref> He also has the Tri-Rotor, a compact surveillance drone which can spy on enemies, create distractions, give electric shocks, and self-destruct to kill enemies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/splinter-cell-blacklist-video-shows-the-different-play-styles-ghost-assault-and-er-panther/|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist video shows the different play-styles: Ghost, Assault and, er, Panther|first=Tom|last=Sykes|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=March 22, 2013|accessdate=July 8, 2015}}</ref>

Players can play a more aggressive run-and-gun game by using gadgets and weapons to eliminate enemies. They can interact with environmental objects, such as ledges and [[zip-line]]s, to navigate levels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/new-splinter-cell-blacklist-video-features-ziplines-human-shields-a-crossbow/|title=New Splinter Cell Blacklist video features ziplines, human shields, a crossbow|first=Tom|last=Sykes|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=February 3, 2013|accessdate=August 2, 2015}}</ref> ''Conviction''{{'s}} mark-and-execute system returns in ''Blacklist'', with refinements and additions to allow players to mark several targets. When they attack, they can kill all marked targets instantly.<ref name="KillMotion">{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/preview-killing-in-motion-in-splinter-cell-blacklist-229417.phtml|title=Preview: Killing in motion in Splinter Cell: Blacklist|first=Bob|last=Muir|work=[[Destructoid]]|date=June 13, 2012|accessdate=July 8, 2015}}</ref> Improvements made the system work more fluidly.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/splinter-cell-blacklist-e3-trailer-features-graphic-violence-goggles-and-a-new-sam-fisher/|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist E3 trailer features graphic violence, goggles, and a new Sam Fisher|first=Chris|last=Thursten |date=June 5, 2012|accessdate=August 1, 2015}}</ref> A variety of enemies (including soldiers and dogs) are encountered in the game, following the protagonist and alerting their companions. Players have the option to kill them, leave them untouched, or incapacitate them,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/05/why-splinter-cell-blacklist-is-throwing-pacifist-players-a-bone|title=Why Splinter Cell: Blacklist Is Throwing Pacifist Players A Bone|first=Luke|last=Reilly|work=[[IGN]]|date=August 1, 2013|accessdate=August 1, 2015}}</ref> and the game classifies their choices in one of three categories: Ghost (stealthy play), Panther (stealthy, aggressive play), and Assault (aggressive play).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/03/22/new-splinter-cell-blacklist-video-shows-off-abandoned-mill-level.aspx|title=New Splinter Cell Blacklist Video Shows Off Abandoned Mill Level|first=Louis |last=Garcia|work=[[Game Informer]]|date=March 22, 2013|accessdate=August 1, 2013}}</ref>

When players kill (or avoid) targets and complete objectives, [[experience (gaming)|experience points]] and money are awarded to buy (or improve) weapons, and upgrade the ''Paladin'' airship and Sam's suit and equipment;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/splinter-cell-blacklist-hands-on-perfectionist-mode-takes-fisher-back-to-basics/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist hands-on - Perfectionist mode takes Fisher back to basics|first=Jon|last=Blyth |date=April 18, 2013|accessdate=August 1, 2015}}</ref> the upgrades improve efficiency in completing missions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5980222/splinter-cell-blacklist-a-pleasing-if-somewhat-hollow-return-to-form|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist: A Pleasing If Somewhat Hollow Return To The Form|work=[[Kotaku]]|first=Kirk|last=Hamilton|date=January 30, 2013|accessdate=August 2, 2015}}</ref> Experience gained depends on the difficulty level and how the game is played; the greater the stealth, the greater the reward.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/04/rediscovering-sam-fishers-roots-in-splinter-cell-blacklist/|title=Rediscovering Sam Fisher's Roots In Splinter Cell Blacklist|first=David|last=Hinkle|work=[[Joystiq]]|date=February 4, 2013|accessdate=August 2, 2015}}</ref> According to Ubisoft Toronto, the system, known as "universal economy", was intended to satisfy players; every action has a corresponding reward.<ref name="Poly1">{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/7/11/4492014/splinter-cell-blacklist-prevew-single-player|title=Finance black ops with stellar kills and stealth in Splinter Cell: Blacklist|first=Megan|last=Farokhmanesh|date=July 11, 2013|accessdate=August 2, 2015|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref>

The ''Paladin'' is the game's hub. Between missions, players can interact with crew members on the ship and view the game's objectives.<ref name="GG"/> Crew members also offer the protagonist side missions to complete.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/1/30/3931136/splinter-cell-blacklists-forward-progress|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist's Forward Progress|first=Arthur|last=Gies|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=January 30, 2013|accessdate=August 2, 2015}}</ref> Before a mission Fisher can deploy the strategic mission interface, allowing players to see enemy positions and plan attacks and routes. Players can also use the interface to access multiplayer modes and missions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezone.com/previews/e3-2012-splinter-cell-blacklist-preview|title=E3 2012: Splinter Cell Blacklist preview|first=Mike|last=Meredith|work=[[GameZone]]|date=June 7, 2012|accessdate=August 4, 2015}}</ref>

Although the game has interrogation sequences involving questioning (or torturing) targets, it does not have ''Conviction''{{'s}} interactive torture scenes. Players can still decide whether to spare their targets or kill them after interrogation,<ref name="KTorture">{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5980350/splinter-cell-blacklist-wont-have-interactive-torture-but-itll-still-have-interrogations|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist Won't Have Interactive Torture But It'll Still Have Interrogation|first=Kirk|last=Hamilton|work=[[Kotaku]]|date=January 30, 2013|accessdate=January 30, 2016}}</ref> and these decisions influence the relationship between Fisher and other crew members.<ref name="Poly1"/>

''Blacklist'' has platform-specific features, including voice integration with Xbox 360's Kinect peripheral which allows players to distract enemies before attacking.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/117608-E3-Kill-With-Voice-Commands-in-Splinter-Cell-Blacklist|title=E3: Kill With Voice Commands In Splinter Cell: Blacklist|first=John|last=Funk|work=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]|date=June 5, 2012|accessdate=August 2, 2015}}</ref> A player can also use the Kinect sensor to control the protagonist with their body instead of the Xbox 360 controller.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2309474/Splinter-Cell-Blacklist-abilities-trailer.html|title=It's a brand new Sam: Watch the latest Splinter Cell Blacklist trailer (Xbox 360 / PS3/ PC /Wii U)|first=Talal|last=Musa|work=[[Daily Mail]]|date=April 15, 2013|accessdate=August 2, 2015}}</ref> In the Wii U version, the Gamepad controller's touchscreen is an interface, accessing gadgets and other features from the protagonist's arm-mounted computer (OPSAT), and incorporating screen and motion controls to highlight enemies with thermal vision when using Killing in Motion. The Wii U version was not shipped with the game's cooperative mode.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/08/ubisoft_the_wii_u_gamepad_feels_like_a_natural_extension_in_splinter_cell_blacklist|title=Ubisoft: The Wii U GamePad "Feels Like a Natural Extension" in Splinter Cell Blacklist|first=Thomas|last=Whitehead|work=Nintendo Life|date=August 3, 2013|accessdate=August 2, 2015}}</ref>

==={{anchor|Multiplayer}}Multiplayer modes===
The "Spies vs. Mercs" competitive mode introduced in ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow|Pandora Tomorrow]]'' again appears in ''Blacklist''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Schramm |first=Mike |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/splinter-cell-blacklist-aims-to-take-convictions-promise-to-th/ |title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist aims to take Conviction's promise to the next level and then some |work=[[Joystiq]] |publisher=[[AOL]] |date=11 September 2012 |accessdate=26 November 2012}}</ref> An [[asymmetry|asymmetrical multiplayer mode]], it pits two teams (with different gadgets, playing as spies or mercenaries) against each other. Spies, in [[third-person perspective]], are equipped with smoke grenades and [[Stun grenade|flashbangs]] and are tasked with hacking computer stations heavily guarded by mercenaries. Mercenaries, in [[First person (video games)|first person]], can access lethal and longer-range weapons despite being unable to stealth-kill enemies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://venturebeat.com/2013/09/05/14-must-read-survival-tips-for-splinter-cell-blacklists-spies-vs-mercs/|title=14 must-read survival tips for Splinter Cell: Blacklist's 'Spies vs. Mercs'|first=Dan|last=Hsu|work=[[VentureBeat]]|date=September 5, 2013|accessdate=August 2, 2015}}</ref> The mode has two varieties: Classic, supporting teams of 2v2, and Blacklist, supporting 4v4 action.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/05/07/15-things-to-know-about-splinter-cell-blacklist-co-op-spies-vs-mercs|title=15 Things To Know About Splinter Cell Blacklist Co-op, Spies vs. Mercs|first=Mitch|last=Dyer|work=[[IGN]]|date=May 7, 2013|accessdate=August 2, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oxm.co.uk/44864/splinter-cell-blacklists-online-features-revealed-progression-unlocks-and-fourth-echelon/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist's online features revealed: progression, unlocks and Fourth Echelon|date=January 16, 2013|publisher=[[Official Xbox Magazine]]|accessdate=28 January 2013}}</ref>

''Blacklist'' also has a co-operative multiplayer mode, where each mission can be accessed by talking with the crew of the ''Paladin''. Crew members offer a variety of missions and requirements for completing them, and players play as Fisher or his colleague Briggs; both have the same abilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezone.com/previews/tom-clancy-s-splinter-cell-blacklist-co-op-and-multiplayer-impressions|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Blacklist Co-Op and Multiplayer Impressions|first=Robert|last=Workman|work=[[GameZone]]|date=July 14, 2013|accessdate=August 2, 2015}}</ref> The game has a total of 14 missions, with [[split screen (computer graphics)|split-screen]] play supported.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/splinter-cell-blacklist-co-op-gameplay-walkthrough/|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist Co-op Gameplay Walkthrough|first=Tom|last=Ivan|work=[[GamesRadar]]|date=August 13, 2013|accessdate=August 2, 2015}}</ref> In addition to co-op and Spies vs. Mercs, ''Blacklist'' has other multiplayer modes including Uplink control, Team Deathmatch, and Extraction.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamezone.com/originals/splinter-cell-blacklist-spies-vs-mercs-multiplayer-tips-for-fun-winning/2|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist Spies vs Mercs Multiplayer Tips for Fun & Winning|date=September 17, 2013|work=[[GameZone]]|first=Joe|last=Donato|accessdate=August 4, 2015}}</ref>

==Synopsis==

===Characters===
''Blacklist'' again features Sam Fisher, a former Third Echelon Splinter Cell who is now the [[spymaster]] and commander of the newly installed Fourth Echelon. The game also sees the return of Fisher's old ally, Anna (Grim) Grímsdóttir, and new characters such as Isaac Briggs and Charlie Cole. Several supporting characters from ''Conviction'' reappear, including Victor Coste, Patricia Caldwell, and Andriy Kobin. There is also a cameo from former 3rd Echelon agents Archer and Kestrel.

===Main campaign===
Sam Fisher is leaving [[Andersen Air Force Base]] when a [[terrorist organization]] assaults the base, wounding Paladin Nine Security co-worker and best friend Victor Coste. Soon afterwards a faction known as the Engineers takes responsibility, announcing a series of attacks on the United States, the titular Blacklist, which will continue until the U.S. recalls [[United States military deployments|its troops deployed abroad]].

[[President of the United States|U.S. President]] Caldwell assigns Fisher, his colleague Charlie Cole, CIA agent Isaac Briggs and Anna Grímsdóttir to Fourth Echelon, a new special-ops and counter-terrorism unit. Charged with stopping the Engineers, the group uses the cargo plane ''Paladin'' as its command center. Fourth Echelon first aims to secure Andriy Kobin, a [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]] hostage believed to possess information on the Engineers. Fisher extracts him from a safe house in [[Benghazi]], and learns that his associates have ties to the Engineers. Infiltrating an insurgent stronghold, he finds an executed U.S. soldier and learns from a video recording that the executioner is Majid Sadiq; a former [[MI6]] agent, Sadiq demands the Fourth Echelon to stop interfering.

Believing that their next target is a water-filtration plant near [[Navy Pier]], Fisher infiltrates the Engineers and prevents the release of a biological toxin into the water supply. Kobin then tells him that mercenary supplier Reza Nouri may be allied with the Engineers. Sam assaults Nouri's mansion, capturing him for questioning. When he learns about an Engineer [[Clandestine cell system|sleeper cell]] in [[London]], Fisher infiltrates an abandoned mill and discovers chemical bombs in a shipping bay. Opening a bomb to plant a tracking device, he is exposed to [[Nerve agent|nerve gas]]. Incapacitated and apparently dying, Fisher is captured by Sadiq and rescued by Briggs; in the ensuing confrontation, Sadiq escapes while Briggs provides first aid to Sam.

Due to files recovered by Fisher in London (and made public by the president), the American public and Congress both believe that Iran is funding the Blacklist, and The United States and Iran are headed towards war. Looking for more solid proof of Iran's involvement, Fisher infiltrates Quds Force headquarters in Tehran(previously a U.S embassy). Inside, he discovers that Iran has nothing to do with the Blacklist, and that the files he recovered were planted by The Engineers in order to lure The United States into a war. Fisher narrowly escapes Tehran by using a Predator Drone to blow up the Iranian vehicles chasing him, causing an international incident.

The fully healed Fisher and Briggs then deploy to [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]]. When they find four bombs being loaded onto trains, they follow the bombs to a rail yard and disarm them. Boarding a departing train of Engineers, Fisher fights his way through the cars and pursues an Engineer leader (who escapes into a station and is killed by a police officer).

Briggs uses his CIA credentials to have Fisher sent to the [[Guantanamo Bay detention camp]], allowing him to continue interrogating Nouri. Nouri confirms that Sadiq is head of the Engineers, and says that Sadiq knows the identities of the Fourth Echelon leaders. Escaping from the prison, Briggs and Fisher reach the ''Paladin'' in [[Yucatán (state)|Yucatán]] and escape when the plane is attacked by a Mexican drug cartel. Fourth Echelon restarts the plane with Kobin's help, and Sadiq executes a Blacklist attack on the largest U.S. gas reserve in Louisiana.

As the president begins [[Continuity of Operations|continuity-of-government]] procedures, Fisher shuts down the burning plant and averts a chain reaction to the next reserve. When he captures another senior Engineer, he learns about Sadiq's final plan: to disclose all U.S. military secrets. Sadiq kidnaps the [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] and holds them at the Site F government bunker under [[Denver International Airport]]. Disregarding the president's order, Fourth Echelon infiltrates the base. Despite Cole's infiltration of Sadiq's team, Sadiq's men capture Briggs and torture the secretary of defense into authorizing the transfer. Briggs intervenes, killing the secretary and halting Sadiq's plan.

The Engineers try to flee Site F, using Briggs and the hostages as human shields. Fisher, disguised as an [[US Air Force|Air Force]] hostage, helps [[Delta Force]] marksmen open fire on Sadiq and his men. Sadiq escapes on foot, and Fisher disarms and seriously wounds him. Sadiq boasts that he has already won; if he dies twelve nations supporting the Engineers will declare war on the U.S. and if he is tried, he will leak U.S. information. Although Fisher spares Sadiq, he [[Extrajudicial detention|detains him]]. President Caldwell publicly covers Sadiq's imprisonment by announcing his death, and the game ends as Fourth Echelon continues its operations; in a [[post-credits scene]], a recovered Coste and Fisher prepare to interrogate Sadiq.

===Co-op missions===
Intertwined with the main plot, the co-op missions begin with Fisher and Briggs infiltrating [[Kashmir, India|Kashmir]]. Finding a group of smugglers linked to the Engineers, Fisher and Briggs discover intelligence connecting them to the Russian intelligence organization Voron, before they escape during a drone attack.

Following a lead to a friendly missile base in [[Bangalore]], they find the Indian inhabitants dead and Voron agents stealing the warhead from a missile. Securing the missile and learning that the agents are led by a man named Cherski, Fisher and Briggs escape as the building is destroyed and Indian authorities arrive. Unaware of Cherski's identity, Fisher and Briggs track him to a Voron base in [[Chittagong]] and find him living in a nearby apartment. They breach Cherski's panic room and find two people; uncertain which one is Cherski, they begin interrogating both and learn about a secret base in Russia.

Fisher and Briggs reach an abandoned [[naukograd]], surviving a drone attack, and find a secure medical facility said to contain an OpSat (satellite uplink device used by Fourth Echelon operatives) with vital Voron information. Instead, the base contains a comatose man. Rescuing the man, Fisher and Briggs narrowly escape as the base self-destructs and return the patient to the ''Paladin''. Grim identifies him as [[List of Splinter Cell characters#Kestrel|Mikhail "Kestrel" Loskov]] and Kobin confirms his identity, noting that they have a history (detailed in ''Conviction''). When he questions Kobin (who asks if Kestrel's gunshot wound has put him into a coma), Fisher notes that no one had told Kobin how Kestrel had been incapacitated.

==Development==
[[File:Jade Raymond Feb 2012-cropped.jpg|thumb|alt=Young, seated woman with long dark hair|Ubisoft Toronto founder Jade Raymond is the producer of ''Blacklist''.]]
[[Ubisoft Montreal]]'s success inspired the company to continue its Canadian expansion, and a new studio, [[Ubisoft Toronto]], was announced on July 6, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/06/ubisoft-opening-studio-in-toronto-continuing-to-take-over-canad/|title=Ubisoft opening studio in Toronto, continuing to take over Canada [Update]|first=Griffin|last=McElory|work=[[Joystiq]]|date=July 6, 2009|accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref> Headed by [[Jade Raymond]], the studio focuses on the creation of [[AAA (video game industry)|triple-A video games]] and intellectual property.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5349733/assassins-creed-producer-raymond-to-lead-ubisoft-toronto|title=Assassin's Creed Producer Raymond To Lead Ubisoft Toronto|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|work=[[Kotaku]]|date=August 31, 2009|accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref> It worked on a new installment of the ''Splinter Cell'' series, which was in parallel development with an unnamed project,<ref name="gama1">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/28677/Ubisoft_Unveils_Toronto_Studio_Splinter_Cell_Project.php|title=Ubisoft Unveils Toronto Studio, Splinter Cell Project|first=Christopher|last=Nutt|work=[[Gamasutra]]|date=May 25, 2010|accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref> and the Toronto team was made up of Ubisoft Montreal's core ''Conviction'' team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/05/25/new-splinter-cell-and-unannounced-ubisoft-title-in-the-works|title=New Splinter Cell And Unannounced Ubisoft Title In the Works|first=David|last=Clayman|work=[[IGN]]|date=May 25, 2010|accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref> Maxime Béland, who had worked on ''Conviction'', was the game's creative director,<ref name="gama1"/> and in November 2010 Raymond confirmed that her studio was developing ''Splinter Cell 6''.<ref>{{cite web| accessdate=26 November 2012 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-11-26-jade-raymond-making-splinter-cell-6 |title=Jade Raymond Making Splinter Cell 6 |work=[[Eurogamer]] |first=Wesley |last=Yin-Poole |date=26 November 2010}}</ref> Ubisoft Toronto was the game's lead developer, with assistance from Ubisoft Montreal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cell-blacklist-hitting-spring-2013/1100-6380103/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist hitting spring 2013|first=Eddie|last=Makuch|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=June 4, 2012|accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref> [[Ubisoft Shanghai]] developed the game's co-operative multiplayer mode. The Toronto studio focused on the game's Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions, with the Wii U version developed by Ubisoft Shanghai.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-05-07-wii-us-splinter-cell-blacklist-is-being-developed-by-ubisoft-shanghai|title=Wii U's Splinter Cell: Blacklist is being developed by Ubisoft Shanghai|first=Martin|last=Robinson|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=May 7, 2015|accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref>

In 2010, the series' fifth installment, ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction|Conviction]]'', was released. Although it received generally positive reviews, it was criticized by series fans for lacking some features. Béland considered ''Conviction'' a "stepping stone" for him when he prepared for the development of ''Blacklist''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2012/09/12/splinter-cell-blacklist-builds-on-convictions-story-successes-and-failures/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist builds on Conviction’s story, successes and failures|first=Brenna|last=Hillier|work=[[VG247]]|date=September 12, 2012|accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref> The development team studied ''Conviction''{{'s}} reviews and feature lists, deciding to discard its "black-and-white" stealth approach, and also deciding to bring back the Spies vs. Mercs mode introduced in ''Pandora Tomorrow''. Béland called the mode's return "the easiest decision of [his] life", since the team considered its absence ''Conviction''{{'s}} greatest misstep.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/11/splinter-cell-blacklist-aims-to-take-convictions-promise-to-th/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist aims to take Conviction's promise to the next level and then some|first=Mike|last=Schramm|date=September 11, 2012|accessdate=August 3, 2015|work=[[Joystiq]]}}</ref> Ubisoft sent questionnaires through [[Uplay]] to thousands of players to collect feedback on ''Conviction''{{'s}} new features.<ref name="EuroGComplex">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-04-23-raymond-splinter-cell-popularity-held-back-by-its-complexity|title=Raymond: Splinter Cell popularity held back by its complexity|first=Wesley|last=Yin-Poole|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=April 23, 2013|accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref> When players called ''Conviction''{{'s}} campaign weak and short, the team added a stronger storyline and greater character depth by introducing the Fourth Echelon and Fisher as a leader (a series first).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://venturebeat.com/2013/01/30/how-ubisofts-designers-transformed-sam-fisher-into-a-panther-and-a-leader-in-splinter-cell-blacklist-interview/|title=How Ubisoft’s designers transformed Sam Fisher into a ‘panther’ and a leader in Splinter Cell: Blacklist (interview)|first=Dean|last=Takahashi|work=[[VentureBeat]]|date=January 30, 2013|accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref> To encourage repeat play the team introduced the aircraft hub and the strategic mission interface, a player menu.<ref name="GIStory"/>

{{Quote box|quote=Even though we do have core fans who are like, "Oh, I want to have more of this experience", when you play any other game that has stealth elements, they're all a lot more forgiving than Splinter Cell.
|source= — Jade Raymond|width=33%}}
According to Ubisoft Toronto founder Jade Raymond, the series had become too grueling and complicated for modern gamers, and its popularity had suffered relative to Ubisoft flagship franchises such as ''[[Assassin's Creed (series)|Assassin's Creed]]'' and ''[[Far Cry (series)|Far Cry]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/splinter-cells-popularity-is-held-back-by-its-complexity-says-blacklist-studio-head/|title=Splinter Cell's popularity is held back by its complexity, says Blacklist studio head|first=Phil|last=Savage|work=[[PC Gamer]]|date=April 23, 2013|accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref> The Toronto studio hoped to introduce the franchise to a broader audience, while remaining tactical and hardcore for long-term series fans.<ref name="EuroGComplex"/> It introduced a perfectionist mode, significantly increasing the game's difficulty by removing some of Fisher's abilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/30/splinter-cell-blacklist-modernizes-chaos-theory|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist Modernizes Chaos Theory|first=Mitch|last=Dyer|work=[[IGN]]|date=January 30, 2013|accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref> The team also introduced accessible, action-oriented gameplay segments which would suit new players,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2013/06/14/splinter-cell-blacklist-sam-fisher-favors-shadows-over-gunplay/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist: Fisher favors shadows over gunplay|first=Catherine|last=Cai|work=[[VG247]]|date=June 14, 2013|accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref> crafting open-ended levels which could be reached with different approaches to broaden the variety of play.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cells-complexity-hurting-its-popularity-says-raymond/1100-6407384/|title=Splinter Cell's complexity hurting its popularity, says Raymond|first=Eddie|last=Makuch|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=April 23, 2013|accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref> The developers re-worked the controls to increase gameplay fluidity, allowing players to automatically leap over objects and traverse a simplified environment.<ref name="GIStory">{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2012/07/17/directing-splinter-cell-an-interview-with-maxime-beland.aspx?PostPageIndex=2|title=Directing Splinter Cell: An Interview With Maxime Beland|first=Matt|last=Miller|work=[[Game Informer]]|date=July 17, 2012|accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref>

During ''Blacklist''{{'s}} development, its team faced a variety of challenges. The first was to create stealth which was satisfying and fun for players. According to the team, players gain satisfaction from stealth with freedom and choices which allow them to develop a plan. Players must experiment, with each decision having consequences. Game director Patrick Redding compared it to the development of an ecosystem; the team designed a dynamic [[artificial intelligence]] which would react differently to players' actions, making levels feel alive and adding randomness. Encouraging the "panther" style of play (aggressive stealth), the team incorporated elements from the original ''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell'' (where one mistake would abort a mission) and ''Conviction'' (where stealth seamlessly becomes combat). This approach, the team thought, could help players to feel like elite, silent predators.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cell-blacklist-and-the-challenges-of-stealth/1100-6406874/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist and the Challenges of Stealth|first=Maxwell|last=McGee|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=April 12, 2013|accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref>

Series veteran [[Michael Ironside]] did not reprise his role as the voice of Sam Fisher. His part was played by [[Eric Johnson (actor)|Eric Johnson]], who also performed the motion capture.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/6/5/3066844/splinter-cell-blacklist-has-a-new-voice-for-sam-fisher-heres-what|title='Splinter Cell: Blacklist' has a new voice for Sam Fisher; here's what happened to Michael Ironside|first=Russ|last=Frushtick |date=June 5, 2012|accessdate=August 3, 2015|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref> In a ''Blacklist'' developer diary, Ironside said that he was passing the torch to another actor. According to Ubisoft executives the change was made to take advantage of new performance-capture technology to enrich the game experience, and Ironside assisted Johnson with the role.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/05/e3-2012-why-michael-ironside-wont-return-for-splinter-cell-blacklist|title=E3 2012: Why Michael Ironside Won't Return For Splinter Cell: Blacklist|first=Mitch|last=Dyer|work=[[IGN]]|date=June 4, 2012|accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref> [[Elias Toufexis]], voice and performance-capture actor for Andriy Kobin in ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Conviction|Splinter Cell: Conviction]]'', said that he would return for the new game.<ref>{{cite web|title=More Than Meets The Ears|url=http://blog.ubi.com/elias-toufexis-role-playing-column-june-2013/|work=UbiBlog|publisher=[[Ubisoft]]|date=June 6, 2013|accessdate=August 4, 2015}}</ref>

Unlike ''Conviction'', the game would have no interactive torture sequences. Instead, players could choose whether to kill or incapacitate a target after interrogation. The system was not complex, and it was hoped that players would choose based on instinct. According to Béland, every player choice is gray and there are no right or wrong choices.<ref name="KTorture"/> However, the game demo has an interactive torture scene in which players can decide how deeply a knife penetrates a person's shoulder.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-01-30-splinter-cell-blacklists-torture-scene-is-cut|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist's torture scene is cut|first=Martin|last=Robinson|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=January 30, 2013|accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref> After a mixed-to-negative response, Ubisoft removed the scene from its final product.<ref>{{cite web|last=Conditt|first=Jessica|title=Torture scene removed from Splinter Cell: Blacklist, no one 'loved' it|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/torture-scene-removed-from-splinter-cell-blacklist-no-one-lov/|publisher=Joystiq|accessdate=30 January 2013}}</ref>

===Marketing===
''Splinter Cell: Blacklist'' was introduced at [[E3 2012]]'s Microsoft press conference on June 4, 2012, for [[Microsoft Windows]], [[PlayStation 3]], and [[Xbox 360]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/04/splinter-cell-blacklist-revealed-for-xbox/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist coming to Xbox 360, PC, PS3 in spring 2013 [Update]|author=JC Fletcher |date= June 4, 2012|accessdate=August 3, 2015|work=[[Joystiq]]}}</ref> In February 2013, a [[Wii U]] version was rumored to be in development,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-02-27-splinter-cell-blacklist-sneaks-onto-wii-u-rumour|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist sneaks onto Wii U - rumour|first=Jeffery|last=Matulef|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=February 27, 2013|accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref> and Ubisoft confirmed the report two months later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-04-10-splinter-cell-blacklist-finally-confirmed-for-wii-u|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist finally confirmed for Wii U|first=Tom|last=Phillips|work=[[Eurogamer]]|date=April 10, 2013|accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref> Originally scheduled for release in early 2013, the game was pushed back to August on January 16, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/splinter-cell-blacklist-pushed-back-to-august-242526.phtml|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist pushed back to August|first=Jordan|last=Devore|work=[[Destructoid]]|date=January 16, 2013|accessdate=August 3, 2015}}</ref> On August 3, 2013, Ubisoft confirmed that the game had been declared [[Software release life cycle#Release to manufacturing (RTM)|gold]], indicating that it was being prepared for duplication and release.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/08/08/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist-has-gone-gold|title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Blacklist Has Gone Gold|work=[[IGN]]|first=Mitch|last=Dyer|date=August 3, 2013|accessdate=August 4, 2015}}</ref> ''Splinter Cell: Blacklist'' was released in North America on August 20 and in Europe three days later for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Wii U, and Xbox 360.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2013/01/16/splinter-cell-blacklist-delayed-into-august/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist delayed into August|first=Stephany|last= Nunneley|date=January 16, 2013|accessdate=August 3, 2015|work=[[VG247]]}}</ref>

The Paladin Collector's Edition, a limited edition of the game, has a remote-controlled plane, the graphic novel ''Splinter Cell Echoes'', a Billionaire's Yacht co-op map, an Upper Echelon pack with a Dead Coast map, gold sonar goggles, and a limited-edition poster.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/01/25/flying-rc-plane-highlights-splinter-cell-blacklist-collectors-edition|title=Flying RC Planes Highlights Splinter Cell Blacklist's Collector's Edition|last=McCaffrey|first=Ryan|date=January 25, 2013|work=[[IGN]]|accessdate=28 January 2013}}</ref> ''Splinter Cell: Blacklist - Spider Bot'', a 2D puzzle game tie-in, was released for Android and iOS platforms on June 10, 2013 and is available on Google Play and the App Store respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2013/06/19/splinter-cell-blacklist-spider-bot-ios-game-lands-on-app-store|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist Spider-Bot iOS game lands on App Store}}</ref> ''Homeland'', [[downloadable content]] for the game, was released on September 26, 2013. It added a crossbow, several new costumes, and two new missions which can be completed alone or with another player.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-09-26-splinter-cell-backlists-homeland-dlc-sneaks-out-today|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist's Homeland DLC sneaks out today|date=September 26, 2013|accessdate=August 3, 2015|work=[[Eurogamer]]|first=Jeffery|last=Matulef}}</ref>

==Reception==

==={{anchor|Pre-release}}Before release===
Although Joystiq's Mike Schramm praised ''Blacklist''{{'s}} early screenshots and videos for removing ''Conviction''{{'s}} monochromatic visuals,<ref name="JoystiqPromise">{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/splinter-cell-blacklist-aims-to-take-convictions-promise-to-th/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist aims to take Conviction's promise to the next level and then some|last=Schramm|first=Mike|date=11 September 2012|accessdate=4 December 2012}}</ref> its new voice actor was not received well by some fans.<ref name=Kotaku>{{cite web|last=Good|first=Owen|title=Inevitable Movement to Restore Splinter Cell’s Voice Actor Begins, Will Fail|url=http://kotaku.com/5915822/inevitable-movement-to-restore-splinter-cells-voice-actor-begins-will-fail|work=Kotaku|accessdate=27 December 2012}}</ref> Ubisoft responded with a statement that [[Michael Ironside|Ironside]] was not returning as Fisher because an actor "physically capable" of a motion-capture performance was needed, and Johnson was hired for the role.<ref name="Voice Acting">{{cite web|last=Dyer|first=Mitch|title=E3 2012: Why Michael Ironside Won't Return for Splinter Cell Blacklist|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/05/e3-2012-why-michael-ironside-wont-return-for-splinter-cell-blacklist|work=IGN|publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc|accessdate=27 December 2012}}</ref>

===Critical reception===
{{Video game reviews
| GR = (PS3) 85%<ref name="GRPS3">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ps3/672912-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist/index.html |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist for PlayStation 3 |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=August 20, 2013}}</ref><br />(X360) 84%<ref name="GRX360">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/xbox360/614208-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist/index.html |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist for Xbox 360 |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=August 20, 2013}}</ref><br />(PC) 80%<ref name="GRPC">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/672913-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist/index.html |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist for PC |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=August 20, 2013}}</ref><br />(WIIU) 79%<ref name="GRWIIU">{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/wii-u/710740-tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist/index.html |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist for Wii U |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |accessdate=August 20, 2013}}</ref>
| MC = (PS3) 84/100<ref name="MCPS3">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist for PlayStation 3 Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=August 20, 2013}}</ref><br />(X360) 82/100<ref name="MCX360">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist for Xbox 360 Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=August 20, 2013}}</ref><br />(PC) 82/100<ref name="MCPC">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist for PC Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=August 20, 2013}}</ref><br />(WIIU) 75/100<ref name="MCWIIU">{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/tom-clancys-splinter-cell-blacklist |title=Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist for Wii U Reviews |publisher=[[Metacritic]] |accessdate=August 20, 2013}}</ref>
|EuroG = 8/10<ref name="EuroG">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-08-14-splinter-cell-blacklist-review|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist review|last=Bramwell|first=Tom|publisher=Eurogamer|accessdate=26 February 2014}}</ref>
| GI = 9/10<ref name="GI">{{cite web|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/splinter_cell_blacklist/b/xbox360/archive/2013/08/14/ubisoft-splinter-cell-blacklist-review.aspx|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist review: Ubisoft’s Stealth Series Lights The Way For Future Installments|first=Ben|last=Reeves|work=[[Game Informer]]|date=August 14, 2013|accessdate=August 4, 2015}}</ref>
| GT = 8.7/10<ref name="GT">{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/qnduc0/splinter-cell--blacklist-review|title=Splinter Cell:  Blacklist Review|date=August 14, 2013|accessdate=August 4, 2015|work=[[GameTrailers]]|first=Daniel|last=Bloodworth}}</ref>
| IGN = 9.2/10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web |last=McCaffrey |first=Ryan |date=August 14, 2013 |url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/08/14/splinter-cell-blacklist-review |title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist Review |publisher=[[IGN]] |accessdate=August 20, 2013}}</ref>
| Joystiq = {{rating|5|5}}<ref name="JoystiqReview">{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/14/splinter-cell-blacklist-review/|title=Splinter Cell Blacklist review|work=[[Joystiq]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|first=Xav|last=de Matos|date=August 14, 2013|accessdate=August 16, 2013}}</ref>
| VG = 8/10<ref name="VG">{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/reviews/splinter_cell_blacklist_review.html|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist review|first=Simon|last=Miller|work=[[VideoGamer.com]]|date=August 14, 2013|accessdate=August 4, 2015}}</ref>
}}

''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist'' received positive reviews. The [[review aggregator]] websites [[GameRankings]] and [[Metacritic]] rated the PlayStation 3 version at 85% and 84 out of 100,<ref name=GRPS3 /><ref name=MCPS3 /> the Xbox 360 version 84% and 82 out of 100,<ref name=GRX360 /><ref name=MCX360 /> the PC version 80% and 82 out of 100,<ref name=GRPC /><ref name=MCPC /> and the Wii U version 79% and 75 out of 100.<ref name=GRWIIU /><ref name="MCWIIU" />

The game's design was praised by most reviewers. Ryan McCaffrey of [[IGN]] praised the gameplay's variety and player options, which he thought made ''Blacklist'' the best installment in the series since ''[[Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory]]''. According to McCaffrey, the game was a satisfying stealth experience and an excellent, capable shooter (increasing its [[replay value]]). He noted that several segments forced players to use the Mark and Execute feature, frustrating players who favored stealth over action.<ref name="IGN"/> Ben Reeves of ''[[Game Informer]]'' praised the return and refinement of Mark and Execute, which he found satisfying, and praised the game's intense, varied mission design.<ref name="GI"/> Tom Bramwell of ''[[Eurogamer]]'' disliked the game's direction, particularly its action elements (which he compared to 2012's ''[[Hitman: Absolution]]'').<ref name="EuroG"/>

''Blacklist''{{'s}} campaign was also generally praised. According to IGN's McCaffrey, the game's story is superior to those of its predecessors: well-balanced and believable. He criticized Sam Fisher's new voice actor, who he thought failed to replicate Ironside's charm. Ben Reeves praised the story's plot twists and sympathetic characters.<ref name="GI"/> On the [[Joystiq]] blog, Xav De Matos liked the game's narrative urgency and engaging plot twists but criticized its rushed ending.<ref name="JoystiqReview"/> Simon Miller of [[VideoGamer.com]] called the game forgettable and boring, with Fisher's new voice actor failing to bring personality to the character.<ref name="VG"/> ''Eurogamer''{{'s}} Bramwell also criticized the game's lack of character development.<ref name="EuroG"/>

Its multiplayer features were praised; according to McCaffrey, the co-operative multiplayer mode had enough content for a separate game. Although he appreciated Spies vs. Mercs' faster pace, he found the mode less innovative than its predecessor.<ref name="IGN"/> Reeves partially agreed, describing the revived Spies vs. Mercs mode as refreshing, intense, and bloody.<ref name="GI"/> De Matos wrote that it was one of the best multiplayer modes he had ever experienced, and the ''Blacklist'' version had evolved and modernized while remaining creative.<ref name="JoystiqReview"/> Daniel Bloodworth of [[GameTrailers]] praised the game's satisfying co-op design, which tasks players to plan and coordinate strategy.<ref name="GT"/>

''Blacklist''{{'s}} graphics and lack of difficulty were criticized. McCaffrey found the visuals unimpressive and most character models to be ugly; he also noted technical problems, such as screen-tearing and [[frame rate]] issues.<ref name="IGN"/> Bloodworth criticized the game's invisible wall and unresponsive controls in certain segments, although he thought those minor issues did not drag down its overall experience.<ref name="GT"/> McCaffrey noted that even when the game is played in perfectionist mode, it is less challenging than its predecessors. He thought ''Blacklist'' gave players too many rewards, making its universal-economy system a useless feature.<ref name="IGN"/> Bloodworth was puzzled by the game's unlock system, which he said hindered its credibility.<ref name="GT"/>

===Sales===
Ubisoft hoped that ''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist'' would sell at least five million copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/blacklist-the-test-for-ubisoft-toronto-game-developers-1.1388627|title=Blacklist the test for Ubisoft Toronto game developers|work=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=August 20, 2013|accessdate=August 4, 2015}}</ref> The game debuted at number two on the UK retail software sales chart in its first week of release, behind ''[[Saints Row IV]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2013/08/27/saint-row-iv-beats-splinter-cell-blacklist-for-uk-number-one-3939051/|title=Saint Row IV beats Splinter Cell: Blacklist for UK number one|date=August 27, 2013|accessdate=August 4, 2015|work=[[Metro (magazine)|Metro]]}}</ref> It was August's fourth-bestselling game in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2013/09/13/npd-august-2013-3ds-tops-hardware-again-madden-25-clear-software-winner/|title=NPD August 2013: 3DS tops hardware again, Madden 25 clear software winner|first=Stephany |last=Nunneley|work=[[VG247]]|date=September 13, 2013|accessdate=August 4, 2015}}</ref> On October 16, 2013 Ubisoft announced that ''Blacklist'' had failed to meet sales expectations,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-10-16-ubisoft-splinter-cell-rayman-legends-missed-sales-targets|title=Ubisoft: Splinter Cell, Rayman Legends missed sales targets|last=Phillips|first=Tom|date=16 October 2013|work=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=Gamer Network|accessdate=16 October 2013}}</ref> and on November 13 it was announced that the game had sold two million copies worldwide.<ref name="SCB-Sales">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/splinter-cell-blacklist-underperforms-with-2-million-sold/1100-6416144/|title=Splinter Cell: Blacklist underperforms with 2 million sold|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|work=[[GameSpot]]|date=12 November 2013|accessdate=13 May 2014}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://splintercell.ubi.com/blacklist/en-us/index.aspx}}
{{portal bar|2010s|Speculative fiction|Video games}}
{{Splinter Cell}}
{{Tom Clancy games}}

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[[Category:Video games set in the 2010s]]
[[Category:Video games set in Afghanistan]]
[[Category:Video games set in Antarctica]]
[[Category:Video games set in Australia]]
[[Category:Video games set in Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Video games set in California]]
[[Category:Video games set in Chicago]]
[[Category:Video games set in Colombia]]
[[Category:Video games set in Canada]]
[[Category:Video games set in Colorado]]
[[Category:Video games set in Cuba]]
[[Category:Video games set in Estonia]]
[[Category:Video games set in Equatorial Guinea]]
[[Category:Video games set in India]]
[[Category:Video games set in Iran]]
[[Category:Video games set in Iraq]]
[[Category:Video games set in Jordan]]
[[Category:Video games set in Kazakhstan]]
[[Category:Video games set in Lebanon]]
[[Category:Video games set in London]]
[[Category:Video games set in Libya]]
[[Category:Video games set in Louisiana]]
[[Category:Video games set in Mexico]]
[[Category:Video games set in Namibia]]
[[Category:Video games set in New Jersey]]
[[Category:Video games set in Paraguay]]
[[Category:Video games set in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Video games set in Russia]]
[[Category:Video games set in Rwanda]]
[[Category:Video games set in Slovakia]]
[[Category:Video games set in Turkey]]
[[Category:Video games set in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Video games set in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games set in Yemen]]
[[Category:Wii U eShop games]]
[[Category:Wii U games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Asymmetrical multiplayer video games]]