Forget XDefiant, where is Splinter Cell? Set in their Tom Clancy universe, Ubisoft have unveiled XDefiant, a new free-to-play shooter. Pitched as “fast-paced firefights meets punk-rock moshpit” by creative director Jason Shroeder, the announcement comes as an unexpected surprise. Following rumours once again that the Splinter Cell franchise might be resurrected, the appearance of XDefiant probably wasn’t what many expected.
Where Is Splinter Cell?
It’s Out There Somewhere…..
In development at Ubisoft San Francisco, XDefiant is looking to take a realistic approach akin to that of the Rainbow Six series. Whereas team-work was the bread and butter of the latter, providing “top priority” AAA standard gunplay is at the heart of Ubisoft’s latest project, according to producer Mark Rubin. In typical fashion of the live service genre, deep levels of customisation and personalisation are promised to make XDefiant a bespoke experience.
Whilst this may sound all well and good for avid FPS fans, the real question must be asked again: where is Splinter Cell?
Several years have passed since Blacklist hit consoles in 2013. Even with a moderately successful release, the cry from fans for a true next-gen continuation grows everyday. Attempts to suppress these cries in the form of Ghost Recon DLC and as Siege operator have if anything, made things worse. Debuting to critical acclaim in 2002, Splinter Cell breathed new life into the already young stealth genre at the time. Offering a more tactical approach to rivals like Hitman, the franchise would spawn numerous well received sequels.
With the astounding success of Hitman III earlier this year, now would be the perfect time to reintroduce those signature night vision goggles. The stealth genre has taken a backseat over the last decade, as the evolving live service format has dominated the market. Understandably there is a fortune to be made here, but the potential for excellent narrative driven titles hasn’t dwindled. Could we see Sam Fisher emerge from the shadows once again?
Until then, you can see more of XDefiant on August 5th. Players can register their interest over at the game’s recently launched hub. Tom Clancy’s XDefiant will be coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. Cross-play has been promised by Ubisoft.
