I couldn't give it excellent because there was no Michael Ironside voice for Sam, which as a long time player of the series did, and after 6 play through's still does, strike me sometimes. That said, it's probably the best splinter cell ever (chaos theory-ish level), and the new Sam is good (just lacking some X factor). Personally I only care for ghost mode, but there is action a plenty if you have an itchy trigger finger. 4 stars seems a bit harsh, but it didn't make 5 for me..so a very solid 4, maybe 4.5.