This is Part 2. Part 1 here.

As mentioned before, the original Splinter Cell developer handled the pastgen version. Since it was probably a lower-budget title compared to the next-gen version, not much was changed from Chaos Theory. Many people even call this the true Chaos Theory sequel. Not to mention that CT squeezed everything out of the 6th gen consoles so there wasn't much headroom to improve the visuals or the systems.

The story is slightly different, but the biggest difference with the next-gen version are the levels. Not only are they longer, they have way more dialogue and overall they allow a much better flow to the story and a better resolution with a great final level. One aspect of the game was only possible on the next-gen were the JBA levels where you can explore the compound with friendly NPCs and guards in restricted areas. On the older consoles that wasn't possible so instead Sam goes incognito by putting on a balaclava and changing his voice by making it a bit raspier and higher-pitched in order to be able to interrogate his "colleagues". You simply sneak through the base like you would during a normal mission. All the levels, including the JBA ones take place during the night so there's always plenty of shade that is properly visaully represented, like in Chaos Theory. The visibility system is not binary here like on the next-gen but rather analog, with degrees to how hidden Sam is.

This is how the game usually looks when not wearing the Night-vision goggles. Very fitting.

Another big difference is the Trust Meter. It is now a single bar where each side represents a faction. Every pro-JBA action moves the "needle" to the JBA side, whereas NSA orders do the opposite.

For example sometimes JBA explicitly ask you to kill a person, which NSA obiously opposes, that naturally affects the trust. It doesn't always make sense though. If you come across a laptop with some info that NSA requires, the needle will obviously move to the NSA side which means loosing the JBA trust. But why would that happen? How do they know that I'm doing something fishy? I think it's still a better system which rewards decisions and there are consequences, though you can always regain lost trust.

Regarding the Chaos Theory comparisons, it sure plays a lot like it, with the AI, movement system, noise system and lighting all being taken straight from CT. However, the levels in DA are way less diverse, colorful and interesting. Too many missions take place in dark corridors, like Iceland, The Ship, The Prison. There isn't much variety to the enviorments, certainly not as much as in CT. I do love the final level, but even there it gets somewhat samey.

The graphics did get a little downgraded, probably due to budgetary reasons. CT certainly never looked like this.

DA on the original Xbox is still a slightly worse game that Chaos Theory which basically translates to "Great". I really like it, I like the music, some of the levels, of course its core gameplay and the fact that it was the last great Splinter Cell game.

This entry offers a solid stealth experience with a unique twist: Sam Fisher goes undercover in a terrorist organization, forcing players to balance trust between the NSA and the enemy. While not as visually advanced as its Xbox 360/PC counterparts, the PS2 version tells a slightly different story and retains the classic Splinter Cell gameplay, sneaking through shadows, disabling enemies, and using high-tech gadgets. The game’s morality system adds tension, with choices affecting mission outcomes and endings, however.

The aging hardware limits level complexity and visuals for today's standards, since even at the time it was already inferior the its counterparts. Still, it’s a gripping entry for fans of stealth action, with strong atmosphere and branching consequences, so no surprises here, it is still a solid Splinter Cell entry. While this one is not one of the best entries, and it is also a bit skippable, I recommend this one only if you are a fan of the Splinter Cell franchise, which is my case, otherwise, the other versions are superior if you want the best experience.

On the mechanical side, this version maintains the deliberate pacing the series is known for, though enemy AI can be inconsistent, occasionally breaking immersion. Controls remain tight and familiar, but some levels feel more constrained due to hardware limitations, reducing the freedom of approach seen in other versions. Checkpoint placement can also be unforgiving at times, which may frustrate newcomers, especially during longer stealth sequences that demand precision and patience.

Replay value is bolstered by the game’s branching choices and multiple endings, encouraging you to experiment with different moral paths. The OST and sound design deserve mention as well, as they do much of the heavy lifting in building tension, compensating for the visual downgrade. Overall, while this rendition isn’t the definitive way to experience this title, it still succeeds in delivering a tense, story-driven stealth experience that aligns well with the franchise’s core identity.