Today Ubisoft delivered the first gameplay footage (via IGN) from Splinter Cell: Blacklist's multiplayer. They're bringing back the "Spies vs. Mercenaries" mode from previous games in the series.
In Spies vs. Mercs matches, the players are divided into two teams. The mercs have to defend data terminals in a base. The spies must try to sneak in and hack these terminals.
Each team has very different capabilities. Mercs are armor-clad and wield heavy weaponry. They also possess gadgets like flying drones and motion detectors to help them detect the spies. Spies are more agile, allowing them to climb through areas not accessible to the mercs. Their goggles allow them to see any nearby enemies. If they can sneak up on a mercenary, they can take them out with one hit.
I like Spies vs. Mercs for the same reason I like Assassin's Creed's multiplayer: it's true to the single-player experience. Stealth and caution are still favored. It's not just a mindless deathmatch mode tacked onto the game to ship a few more units.
Splinter Cell: Blacklist is in development for Xbox 360, PS3, PC and Wii U. The game will be available on all platforms in late August.
