Game release delays are nothing unusual, but Ubisoft's "Splinter Cell: Conviction," once tagged to debut in 2007, now occupies a calendar slot in the first quarter of 2010. The recession and recent console price drops have both impacted the marketplace, and publishers are hoping that the latter will have a positive effect going into the new year. But even with that extra help, Ubisoft's head expects that some games my drift further into the future.

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You may be dying to get your hands-on "Splinter Cell: Conviction," but Steven Masters, that game's lead designer, basically does that all day, every day. After all, it's his job!

So, at an Ubisoft press event today in NYC, Steven took advantage of a press lull by enjoying something else for a change: "Rabbids Go Home," a family-friendly game about Rayman's adversaries trying to return to their assumed home on the moon by using a tower of garbage.

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The past couple weeks have been brewing with big games getting pushed into 2010. It's an unfortunate but common circumstance as publishers realize that A) Their game's not done yet, or B) They'd rather not release on the same day as "Call of Duty." Considering all the recent revelations, what are some of the releases that you guys are most bummed about having to wait for?

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A disappointing loss for the holiday season: "Splinter Cell: Conviction," Ubisoft's 360-exclusive revival of the "Splinter Cell" franchise, has been officially delayed to 2010. Also delayed to that time period is "Red Steel 2," the sword-fighting, gun-slinging sequel to the Wii launch title.

I just got off the phone with an Ubisoft rep who confirmed that both titles have been delayed to Ubisoft's fiscal Q4, which begins in January and ends in March of next year. Here's the reason they're giving for the delay: "We strongly feel that the extra time will make it possible to present fans with a level of polish that will live up to our ambitions and their expectations." In short, it ain't ready yet.

No word yet on any other delays, but I'll keep you posted.

I first saw "Splinter Cell: Conviction" in 2007. Back then it was a pretty radical departure for the franchise, placing super spy Sam Fisher out in the open, requiring him to use crowds and chaos to take control of a situation. If that sounds familiar, you probably played "Assassins Creed," and you probably understand why "Splinter Cell: Conviction" left the public eye for two years. Thankfully E3 2009 saw the return of ol' Sam, and my time with his new adventure left me desperately wanting more. In fact, it was my game of the show.

"Splinter Cell: Conviction" is set around the events after Sam Fisher's daughter is killed in a suspicious car crash. Sam is rightfully pretty pissed about the whole thing and basically goes on a bloody quest to take down the folks responsible. The game still has a big focus on stealth, requiring you to use guerrilla tactics to get the jump on your foes, but Sam has a lot more tools in his belt.

What It's Doing Right

Speedy Sam
Although Sam has always been deadly, when it came to moving about his world, he was pretty slow and plodding. In "Conviction," he moves much faster, with a smoothness that you'd expect to see from a trained spec-ops ninja. He can slide along walls, run while crouched and leap into open windows with the grace of Altair, and such fleet-footedness makes getting out of sticky situations much more natural.

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10:24am PST - Lights dimming, the show's about to start. Get pumped, or don't, it's really your choice.

10:25 - First trailer opening the show: Rock Band Beatles. Cartoon-style Fab 4 crusing around the world, reliving their moments from their career. Hard Days Night, Paperback Writer, Here Comes the Sun, I Am the Walrus. Getting trippier as it goes along. Just like the Beatles themselves!

10:28 - Alex and Van walk on the stage to talk about the game, joined by a band of a guitarist, a bassist, a drummer and 3 singers. Gameplay pretty similar to Rock Band 2, obvious visual differences.

Confirmed Song List: Saw Her Standing There, I Wanna Hold Your Hand, I Feel Fine, Day Tripper, Tax Man, I Am The Walrus, Back in the USSR, Octopus's Garden, Here Comes the Sun, Get Back (play on rooftop!), Tax Man, Paperback Writer, Hard Days Night. All You Need is Love exclusive to Xbox Live.
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