Splinter Cell Essentials is a hand-held “sequel” to Splinter Cell: Double Agent. The game features a story that explains the events after Double Agent and revisits previous missions from the original game. Additionally, the game features flashback missions of his Navy SEAL days, levels made exclusively for the PSP, such as a mission in the jungle of Columbia in 1992. There are a total of nine missions to play through in the main modes, and there are also three bonus missions that may be unlocked.
The gameplay remains mostly unchanged, with players using stealth and shadows to eliminate or subdue targets, collect information, and perform other activities. Holding the “O” button will allow the player to pan around with the camera, while a single tap will reset the camera directly back to the third-person perspective. The controls have been slightly modified for the PSP, with the analog for movement and the d-pad for the inventory screen. However, the most notable feature is that holding the “O” button will allow the player to pan around with the camera.
As in the previous games, players can access various weapons and gadgets, including night vision, thermal imaging, lockpicks, and more. Additionally, a new feature has been developed for this game, allowing players to compete against another human player in an online deathmatch using Ad-Hoc mode.
