He does look like an emo Jack Bauer.

wow that tear looks so fake. It really shows how bad 360 graphics are.

I sincerely hope that was sarcasm.

Are the Splinter Cell games following an overarching story that will one day end? Will their be a final Splinter Cell game in the next decade?

I ask that question in my last comment, because it seems like these games really connect together, and they can't have Sam Fisher not die eventually.

That tear needs more AA

my god he looks like snake! as long as he doesn't get a hair cut than he looks awesome

Isn't Sam Fisher supposed to be like sixty something years old?

Yeah, Solid Snake is the real deal, you can look at him and tell hes got experience.

Sam Fischer in his Mid-life crisis stage.

ugh. They're ruining Splinter Cell. What happened to the stealth stuff?

Yeah, what lwelyk said, they've ruined Splinter Cell. It was a stealth game with a good storyline. Now the storyline has hijacked the game into a new genre. Ugh. Just, Ugh.

This is well-written, nice "current anthropology" references. Wondering if the reference to 'single tear' is via Winekone or if this is now a more standard reference.

Or, coincidence?

"Positively Emo?" Ok, Let's get one thing straight here. A 'human' shedding a freaking tear, does not automatically make him emo. If he started moving his hair in front of his eyes and cutting his wrists just so he can look pathetic and draw pity to him, then I'll believe such a claim. However, until Sam does that, drop the "Hey! He shed a tear! he's Emo!" stupidity. He's human, and believe it or not, they can feel emotion and(Brace Yourselves), "cry".

Now, mad raving aside. That tear looks fake(Like someone used Paint or something to put it there). Secondly, I honestly don't care where they are going with the game, it looks to be developing elements from Assassin's Creed, which is just awesome since that game looks real good. Plus, if I want a good stealth game, I'll just play the other SP games. There's my two cents for ya.

first spiderman, now sam fisher? What's the world coming to?

That's Jared Leto, I tell you!

William:That tear IS Painted in there. I just got the latest issue of Game Informer today(which I only have because of Gamestop). I normally don't read the Game Informer, but saw the article about Splinter Cell and couldn't help myself. Needless to say, this picture is in the article, and no, he isn't shedding a tear. Oh wait, I lied, the picture is from IGN(At least where I saw it from). Either way, "T3h fake!!1"

I've tried all of the other Splinter Cell's(Save for Double Agent) and I've never really been impressed with the games. This game, as is, is very close to a 'must have' imo. I think it's really shaping up. I think 'hardcore' fans of the series should really look into the finer details of this game. Sure, the original elements of hiding are gone, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. They're really turning it into a Bourne/The Fugitive/Die Hard type game where the protagonist is causing mayhem just trying to get away from the bad guys. GI even sites an example where you can set off an explosion, and then make your getaway in the crowd of people.

Now, as a final note:This 'emo' stuff has got to end. I just hate how showing ANY sign of emotion is considered 'emo'. If I cry over my dead grandpa then suddenly I'm emo. If I even feel SLIGHTLY bummed about life then I'm emo. Now long hair and 'kicking it in the Mediterranean' is emo!? WTF!? And his hair isn't even that long. My hair is down to my shoulders, so does that make me the king of all emos? Next thing you know I'm going to sneeze and hear a voice nearby saying,"Quit being emo!"

Leave it to a woman to completely pussify ol' Ironsides.

Suddenly it becomes clear: Sam Fisher is actually a clone of Big Boss.

Splinter Gear: Snake Fisher

I dont like it.
I mean, Splinter Cell is a favorite franchise of mine. It's a great series of action-packed espionage with tons of techy military details coming from Tom Clancy himself.
If Ubi wants to make an edy, youthful version of 24 I don't have a problem with it. I would probably enjoy it. But putting the beloved Splinter Cell name on it, instead of going to the trouble of creating a new franchise, isn't something I'd go for.
Just look at these leaked screenshots that have been coming out. Sam Fisher is supposed to be the hardened 50-somethings Michael Ironside. In these leaked shots, he has a bushy head full of dark hair and a trendy highrise condo. WTF!

william, william..when will you learn? the only way joystiq can turn a joke out of such a pointless article is to add a tear and a emo stereo type. regardles, sam is not emo..nor human..
but great post. i actually luaghed the entire time reading it. the best in a while for joystiq:)