Splinter Cell: Conviction Message Board older than one year ago

Microsoft's Major Nelson has released his weekly report of Xbox Live activity today, featuring Infinity Ward's Modern Warfare 2 and Sega's After Burner Climax in the top spot. With one last activity update to be released before the Halo: Reach beta, we anticipate an upcoming fight in Xbox Live list's top three. Bungie's 2010 release Halo 3 secured second place for the sixteenth week in a row with EA's Battlefield: Bad Company 2 closing out this week's three-hole.

On the Xbox Live Arcade list, the collective biomass of classic arcade titles solidified Game Room in second place for a second week in a row while Capcom's Final Fight: Double Impact closing out the top three. Other notable highlights include Ubisoft's Splinter Cell: Conviction jumping from ninth spot to sixth and EA Sports' FIFA 10 overtaking Call of Duty: World at War for fourth spot. The full breakdown can be found at Major Nelson's blog.

Despite sales for Splinter Cell: Conviction and Just Dance slipping 46 and 31 percent, respectively, the two Ubisoft titles maintained their dominant positions on the UK all-formats chart for a second week in a row. The top three didn't shift at all, as the PS3 and PC release of Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City last week helped to keep it in third.

Wii Fit Plus stepped up a spot to work out at fourth, while Monster Hunter Tri was stuffed and mounted in fifth place. According to Chart-Track, Tri is the most successful launch the franchise has seen on the isles. The only other new title on the chart last week was Dead to Rights: Retribution, which broke and entered at No. 22. Check out the complete UK top 10 after the break.

Source - Ubisoft are No1 and No2 for second week [GFK Chart-Track]
Source - Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]

Amazon has a pair of sweet deals for those in the market for an Xbox 360 console. Both the Final Fantasy XIII Elite bundle and Splinter Cell: Conviction Elite bundle are $40 off, down to a much more palatable $359.99. That's almost like getting the bundled game for free -- not to mention the value of a bigger, beefier 250gb hard drive and an extra controller.

[Via Cheap College Gamers]

Source - Splinter Cell bundle
Source - Final Fantasy XIII bundle

Ah, the circle of life. Here's how it works: Game developers claim they've created some sort of unbreakable DRM that will lock pirates out, and then the pirates break their way in, leading to even more repressive forms of DRM. The snake has eaten its own tail once again, as Ubisoft's "Online Services Network" - also known as the obnoxious "always on" DRM that's already caused problems for paying customers - has reportedly been hacked. The hack, by a group named Skid Row allows users to circumvent the DRM entirely and play the affected games without connecting to Ubisoft's authentication servers.

In a statement attached to the crack's release, Skid Row proclaims that their crack "can't be compared" to other ways of hacking the games (which include having the software check in with an unofficial server), and that Ubisoft should "next time focus on the game and not on the DRM. It was probably horrible for all legit users. We just make their lifes [sic] easier."

This crack is specifically for Assassin's Creed II but if the method works, it could theoretically be tweaked to include all of the games protected in this manner, including the upcoming Splinter Cell: Conviction. And thus, the circle, the circle of life continues on.

Ubisoft will cease including paper instruction manuals inside its Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 boxed games, starting with this holiday's Shaun White Skateboarding (as revealed in an announcement that quietly confirms the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of Shaun White Skateboarding). In place of a paper manual, a digital manual will be provided and accessible in-game. Digital manuals are often more convenient than paper ones (except if you're trying to read one on your way back from the store) and are already becoming commonplace with the proliferation of downloadable games. Plus, we're not exactly going to lament the loss of the no-frills, black-and-white manuals most games include nowadays. But how does Shaun White feel about it?

"It's pretty cool that Ubisoft is making a conscious effort to go green with its new video game packaging," White said in a canned statement. "I'm excited for my new skateboarding game to come out and stoked that it will be the very first Ubisoft game to be part of their green packaging initiatives."

In addition to saving money for Ubisoft, scaling back on paper manuals -- no plans to extend the initiative to Wii, DS or PSP games were announced -- is part of an environmentally-conscious program from the publisher that also introduces a new recycled "ecoTech" case for PC games packaging. Splinter Cell: Conviction will be the publisher's first PC game to sport the new box when it arrives at retailers next week.

A Splinter Cell: Conviction marketing stunt went a bit too far in Auckland, New Zealand. According to the New Zealand Herald, a man with bandages on his hands pointed a fake gun at the patrons of a bar, who responded by diving under tables and calling the police. The money quote comes from Senior Sergeant Ben Offner, who said, "We consider these types of stunts to be very ill-advised and have real concerns a similar one may one day end in tragedy." Er, "ill-advised" would be putting it lightly.

The company responsible for the stunt, The Monaco Corporation, claims it hired another marketing company to organize the promotion and didn't know a gun would be used. It apologized for the stunt, with a spokesperson stating it was "marketing gone wrong." So wrong, in fact, that the report refers to the game as "Splinter Cell: Evolution." The situation sounds a lot worse than it apparently was, as police only "cautioned" two men at the scene.

[Via Kotaku]

Just Dance will just have to wait for its turn back at the top of the UK all-formats sales chart, as Splinter Cell: Conviction has debonairly cut in this week. Although it may appear that the two Ubisoft published titles are in a sashay for supremacy, history has taught us that Just Dance will keep gyrating high above the charts long after Sam Fisher's latest adventure holds the bargain bin hostage.

The PS3 and PC release of the faaaaa-bulous and leather-heavy Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City sent the title motoring up the charts to third. Battlefield: Bad Company 2 lost an M-COM station and slipped two spots to fourth, while Wii Fit Plus found the power to jump up one spot to round out the top five. Check out the complete UK top 10 after the break.

Source - Ubisoft shows Conviction [GFK Chart-Track]
Source - Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]

#ruhroh Note to flacks: Cops aren't considering concepts like viral marketing or cosplay when an actor staggers into a pub district to point a plastic gun at the patrons. Promoters of Splinter Cell Conviction just learned this in New Zealand. More »

#drm Ubisoft wants PC gamers to know it's heard the complaints and anger regarding its DRM "online services platform," and, after careful consideration, it's digging in. The creative side of the company is now calling it vital to what they do. More »

#roundup Sam Fisher returns in Splinter Cell: Conviction, on the run from old allies and old gameplay conventions alike. Should he be on the run from the assembled video game critics as well? More »

Though public opinion is almost unanimously against Ubisoft's current DRM solution, which forces players to have a constant internet connection in order to play the PC versions of the company's games, Splinter Cell: Conviction creative director Max Béland recently voiced his support for the anti-piracy protocols. "We consider that protecting our PC games is vital to our business and will allow us to continue investing in the development of creative and innovative games on the PC platform," Béland explained in an interview with VG247.

To Béland's credit, Ubisoft's new DRM scheme -- which Conviction will implement when its PC iteration hits store shelves April 27 -- has proven very effective at "protecting" the company's PC games. Seriously, we hear they're hard to get into. Like, really hard. Really, really hard.

[Via Big Download]

Ubisoft's chosen method for distributing the bonus materials in the Splinter Cell: Conviction collector's edition, didn't work out due to defective USB drives. Therefore, rather than hiding the bonuses inside a stealthy card-shaped disk, Ubisoft is taking the direct approach, allowing you to just download them yourself. Which means that those of you who bought the more expensive version saved $10 for the trouble of having to wait just a few days.

Best of all, you don't even have to have the collector's edition to take part in this offer! Just click here. Now you're downloading screenshots, concept art, making-of video, and more! You're a collector!

[Thanks, MLC!]

#roundup Sam Fisher returns in Splinter Cell: Conviction, on the run from old allies and old gameplay conventions alike. Should he be on the run from the assembled video game critics as well? More »

#resemblance The president of the United States featured in this week's newest Tom Clancy game, Splinter Cell: Conviction, looks like no real U.S. president. She's a woman. The possibly nefarious vice president, however, looks familiar. More »

#glitches Even a good game can glitch. This is the best one our new intern, Lauren Orsini, has found for Splinter Cell: Conviction on YouTube so far. The guy's just trying to shake tape off his hand. Too bad he's dead. More »

Getting tired of looking at the same old, boring Avatar? Of course you are, so why not dress him or her up in some fancy new duds? You're in luck, because two new batches of Avatar goodies have landed on Xbox Live Marketplace. First up, there's a new Splinter Cell: Conviction collection and yes, before you ask, Sam's trademark goggles are up for grabs. On the other side of the proverbial track is a new collection of Forza Motorsport 3 goodies. While there are plenty of items for sale, the only one you really need to know about is the RC car. Browse each collection via the links below.

Source - Splinter Cell: Conviction Avatar apparel on Xbox.com
Source - Forza Motorsport 3 Avatar apparel on Xbox.com

Well, well, well, look who just snuck into Joystiq HQ's West Virginia Sub-Station. It's Sam Fisher with the Splinter Cell: Conviction Starter Kit, including the Xbox 360 game, the novelization and some related paraphernalia. Check out the video above to see me dissect the whole thing's innards.

Now, want a chance to win it all? Sure, no problem. Just follow the simple rules for entry below and you could be Krav Maga-ing fools in no time.

• Leave a comment naming your favorite Splinter Cell gadget -- real or imagined.
  
• You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec).
• Limit 1 entry per person.
• This entry period ends at 3:00PM ET on Thursday, April 15.
• At that time, we'll randomly select 1 grand prize winner to receive the "Splinter Cell: Conviction Starter Kit" (ARV $70); check your emails!
• For a list of complete rules, click here.

What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition.

For more info on our policy, click here.

You've read our even-tempered, thought-provoking analysis of Sam Fisher's latest, slightly less stealthy exploits in Splinter Cell: Conviction, but say -- hypothetically -- you want to know what some of our game-adjudicating peers thought about the game. Overlooking your blatant infidelity, we'd be happy to provide you with a wide smattering of opinions. Let's just not make a habit of this, okay?

• GamePro (5/5): "While it might not be the back-to-basics game fans were expecting, Conviction is an outstanding title from top to bottom."
• IGN (93/100): "Despite a few questionable level design choices, Splinter Cell: Conviction is a great addition to the series. There's no way I could go back to a stealth game as it used to be; I've been converted."
• OXM (85/100): "Ultimately, of course, Conviction shouldn't be judged on what it isn't, but rather what it is - and whether that game is worth your $60. Quite frankly, we like classic Splinter Cell better, but this doesn't make Conviction a bad game."
• GiantBomb (4/5): "Splinter Cell: Conviction is the most accessible Splinter Cell game yet. It gives you the firepower to shoot your way out of your mistakes, but also makes the stealth side of things fun, rewarding, and significantly easier than just attempting to run around and shoot. Its only serious issue is that it doesn't feel especially substantial or replayable."

Sam Fisher is a frugal guy. He doesn't like to waste anything. Why waste two whole bullets to execute a hapless goon when you only need one, right? In that same spirit, tipsters have informed us that Buy.com's eBay store has for Splinter Cell: Conviction priced to move at only $41.99. Oh, and that includes free shipping. That, ladies and gentlemen, is a deal worthy of Sam "Mr. Frugal" Fisher any day of the week.

[Thanks, Pat and Sergey]

#adventuresingaming I had a problem. I had to complete the Splinter Cell Co-Op campaign, but my co-op buddy was gone for the weekend. So be it. I turned on the game and prepared to wield two controllers. More »

Ubisoft has announced an ongoing DLC strategy for Splinter Cell: Conviction. Through an initiative we've dubbed "Project Trend Buck," starting now, a new downloadable item will be available from Conviction's "Extras" menu for free and every Thursday to follow for an unspecified time.

This week, it's the MP7A1 Machine Pistol (pictured above). Future content will include more weapons, character skins and even a new Deniable Ops multiplayer map. Additionally, through the built-in Uplay service, players can unlock tokens to spend on more free content for use in the game.

Okay, Ubisoft, we forgive you now.

Ubisoft has announced an ongoing DLC strategy for Splinter Cell: Conviction. Through an initiative we've dubbed "Project Trend Buck," starting tomorrow, a new downloadable item will be available from Conviction's "Extras" menu for free and every Thursday for an unspecified time.

This week, it's the MP7A1 Machine Pistol (pictured above). Future content will include more weapons, character skins and even a new Deniable Ops multiplayer map. Additionally, through the built-in Uplay service, players can unlock tokens to spend on more free content for use in the game. Okay, Ubisoft, we forgive you now.

Splinter Cell: Conviction, out this week, is pretty good. It's also been a long time coming, having been originally due for release in 2007. Why the delay? More »

If you've played beyond the first mission of Splinter Cell: Conviction while connected to Xbox Live, you've likely run into a freezing glitch. A few minutes into the single-player campaign's second mission, the game just locks up -- but there's hope!

Thanks to a pretty comprehensive thread on the Ubisoft Forums, a temporary workaround has been discovered, which requires clearing the system hard drive cache and logging out of Xbox Live. "I assure you everyone is hard at work to resolve the issue," posted an Ubisoft technical support representative in the thread.

Check out the glitch and workaround in action above.

#bugs Multiple day-one purchasers of Splinter Cell: Conviction are seeing the game freeze on its second level and at other moments. Publisher Ubisoft tells Kotaku the issue is being investigated. Please note: There is a temporary fix. More »

#review Several years in the making, and at least one false start later, a new Splinter Cell is finally upon us. Fittingly, the best part of it sneaks up on you. More »

The hardcore stealth fan, the guy who's willing to attempt the same section over and over again until he can slip through undetected, is someone I've never really understood. I know it works for some people and I understand that they enjoy the methodical learning of enemy patterns, but I always just ended up frustrated. Splinter Cell provided more opportunities to fight back in its most recent iterations, sure, but it never felt like I was playing the right way. As I floundered my way through, getting spotted and clumsily battling my way out of blunders, it was hard not to feel like Hardcore Stealth Guy was right behind me, laughing into his sleeve.

But Splinter Cell: Conviction wasn't supposed to be just for that guy. This was supposed to be the Splinter Cell for all of us -- and it succeeds! ... Well, kind of. Basically. It basically succeeds.

As enlightened parents of the 10s, we make an attempt to expose our many children to violence at every opportunity as part of a revolutionary new parenting style we call "Not Paying Very Close Attention." Not all parents are as liberated as us though, so it's nice to know that their children too can enjoy this week's big release Splinter Cell: Conviction with IGN's Splinter Cell Activity Book.

We're sure your mild-mannered children will just adore the "Night Vision Crossword Puzzle" and "SpyLibs" -- just warn them not to get so absorbed in them that they accidentally bump into our kids. It's ... it's hard for us to predict how they'll react.

#rainydayfun Today's kids need to know how to go about getting revenge for the murder of their daughter using the skills they acquired as a top-secret secret government operative. The Splinter Cell Activity Book for Kids can help. More »

With Splinter Cell: Conviction set to hit shelves on Tuesday, you might be tempted to do your best Sam Fisher impression and sneak into your favorite retailer early. Before you get arrested for B&E, we suggest you direct your attention to GameStop, where you can just walk right in at midnight on Monday, April 12 (which, yes, is technically 12:00am Tuesday). That's right, GameStop locations across the US will be hosting midnight launch events for the game, saving you the hassle of legal proceedings and a potential prison sentence.

You can find out if your local GameStop is participating by visiting this page. If you plan on going, you might as well pre-order and bag yourself a virtual shotgun while you're at it. And, seriously, stop breaking into places. It's not cool.