Splinter Cell: Blacklist Video: Spies vs. Mercs Intro – Pt.1

The release date for Splinter Cell: Blackist is slowly approaching, inching closer towards us from the shadows. If you're a fan of the series, then you know not to let it catch you off guard, so watch this newest video that focuses on the Spies vs. Mercs - Blacklist mode.

The main differences between Spies vs. Mercs Classic and Blacklist are that the latter features 4 vs. 4 play and is a bit faster-paced. In this video, we see Community Developer Zack Cooper play a round with Level Design Director Geoff Ellenor to show us what playing as the Spies is all about.

Spies get an advantage because they play the game in third-person mode, which allows them to see more of the environment around them. This is important because staying hidden is the key to being a good spy, and knowing the position of your enemies is half the battle.

The objective is to hack into a console while evading mercs. Once a hack has been initiated, the spies have to stay within close proximity to the console until it's complete. There are plenty of tools and loadouts for spies to use in order to help them stay hidden in the shadows. Spies' aresenals include everything from cloaking devices, death from above attacks and other gadgets and techniques that keep mercs from gaining the upper hand.

Watch the video above and then keep a lookout for the second part of the video, when Cooper and Ellenor switch teams and play in a first-person view as the mercs.

Splinter Cell: Blacklist will be released on Aug. 20 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC and Wii U.