5 Best Tom Clancy Games of All Time, Ranked

The Tom Clancy line of video games has graced us with some of the best tactical shooters ever made. Whether it is the slow, methodical gameplay or the commitment to realism these games portray, they certainly stand out amongst their competition. In addition, these games are often designed to reward the methodical player who takes their time and plans their approach. So without further ado, here are our picks for the 5 Best Tom Clancy Games of All Time, Ranked.

5. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon

One of the progenitors of the tactical FPS is Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon. The gameplay that was put forth in this title is essentially the lifeblood of all modern tactical FPS games. The game allowed for quite a bit of customization of your team and loadout. Especially for a game that was released in 2001. While the developers of Ghost Recon had already garnered much attention and praise for their release of the beloved Rainbow Six series, the gameplay in Ghost Recon was something different altogether.

Players could control a team of elite soldiers known as Ghosts. The game's goal wasn't always to eliminate every target throughout its levels, which was a pretty novel idea at the time. As a result, there were quite a few tense moments within the game, as the death system in the game made the gunfights all the more unsettling. In addition, there were up to four classes that players could customize their team with and each soldier's loadout. With its commitment to depicting realism, this game would soon pave the way for an entire genre to follow.

4. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2

When Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2 was released in November of 2004. Many were skeptical about whether or not the game could live up to its predecessor's reputation. After all, the original Ghost Recon had already cemented itself and set the bar for what a tactical shooter could be. However, the game was improved upon with its inclusion of mechanics that gave the player more agency than the previous game. For example, players could now control air strikes and have them called in on enemy positions.

The multiplayer of the game also received a lot of love, making it a standout title for those who wished to scratch a tactical itch. Players were once again able to go about their missions. Instead, this time, there was a little bit more freedom than in the previous game. All in all, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon 2 took the lessons that the developers learned in the first game and applied them to significant effect. This would help cement the legacy of the Ghost Recon games in the minds of tactical players worldwide.

3. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is a game that still holds up to this day. This title takes what is so great about the tactical shooter genre and combines it with the flashy glitz of Las Vegas. As a result, players can their team's loadout, with each of the p teammates being able to execute specific actions. This helps the player gain a lot more situational awareness in the game's gunfights, which are often rather hectic.

This game absolutely oozes style as well. One minute, you are fighting through the dirty streets of Las Vegas. The next, you are immersed in the warm embrace of casino lights. The ally AI is one aspect of the game that remains as solid as ever. This AI system was really advanced for its time and allowed players to make their squadmates do precisely what they wanted them to do. In conclusion, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is an absolute must-play. Especially for anyone interested in the realm of tactical shooters to this day.

2. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell is a game that redefined the stealth action genre. The espionage of Sam Fisher has become legendary at this point. As such, it would be a great disservice not to mention this game as one of the greats. With an at the time state of the art lighting and sound system, this game made players feel like actual spies. It wasn't enough to have players creep through the shadows. In this game, you could become the shadows and work hard to get the ever-so-coveted flawless run of a level.

It is in no small part due to the brilliant performance of Michael Ironside as Sam Fisher that he became as iconic of a character as he is. However, it is due to the strong character writing and framing within the game that makes this title stand the test of time. Players were able to tackle problems in several ways of their choosing. This was fantastic as it allowed for more mission variety and replayability. In closing, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell is not only one of the best Tom Clancy games but one of the best games of all time.

1. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory

For some,Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is the absolute pinnacle of stealth gameplay. This statement remains as accurate as it was when the game was released. Following the success of the first game in the series and its sequel Pandora Tomorrow, players at the time were eager to see how the developers would follow up on such a strong title. They certainly did not disappoint. Everything was improved upon in this game, from the enemy AI to the lighting and mission design. As a result, this game remains one of the best stealth experiences you can have in a game. However, that isn't the only aspect of the game that has aged like wine.

This is in no small part due to the lighting in the game, which is still absolutely stunning, even by today's standards. The sound design and how it played into the stealth aspects of the game were also nothing short of brilliant. For example, players could use their environment, weather, enemy chatter, or radios to their advantage. This allows for emergent gameplay opportunities, which was rather revolutionary at the time. In closing, Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory is a game that players will be able to enjoy for years to come due to how solid it is from a design standpoint. It is for these reasons, as well as others, that we consider it one of the best Tom Clancy games.

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