Spy Ring

[http://www.spyring.net Spy Ring] is the official fan site of , the fourth installment of Ubisoft's Splinter Cell franchise. Spy Ring allows fans of Splinter Cell from all around the world interact, socialize, compete, and have fun together, all while awaiting the release of the game.

Forums

One of the most active areas of Spy Ring is the forums. The forums are divided into four sections:
*Splinter Cell: Double Agent (for discussion of the said game)
*Mayday! (to discuss missions, problems and questions about the site)
*Splinter Cell Series (to discuss the series as a whole)
*Safehouse (General, off-topic discussion)Currently, there are about 3,500 members registered, and many of them log into the forums frequently. The forums have a generally light and tight-knit feel, and beginners as well as veterans are welcome.

Missions

Aside from the forums, most members spend a lot of time performing given missions, which are accessible to all members from the start. Currently, 21 missions have been posted, and all involve showing Splinter Cell pride or creativity. Examples include "SCDA Fan Fiction" (create a fictional mission that fits somewhere in Double Agent), "Skin It!" (create and apply an original Splinter Cell themed skin for your console, computer, or phone), and "I've Been Made!" (dress in Splinter Cell gear and get a photo in the store with a clerk, shaving head is optional). The missions in themselves are fun and allow users to show their creative side, but one of their more appealing draws is earning points.

Points

Every mission, as stated above, is an opportunity to earn points. More difficult or embarrassing missions will net greater points (up to 5000), while easier ones will net lower points (up to 500). Certain missions also happen to have an option for bonus points (Like the fan fiction mission, which offers 1000 extra points if posted on a forum or blog). Additionally, users can submit AIM icons, web banners, and signatures promoting Spy Ring for 100 points a piece.

Ranks

Just like a Marine PFC becomes a Corporal after a certain amount of service, members can rank up in Spy Ring. Ranks not only show a bit of seniority and give a bit of bragging rights, but higher ranks can purchase bigger and better prizes. The only way to rank up is to participate actively in missions, in the forums, and in recruiting/promoting. Each faction, NSA and JBA, have five equivalent rank steps. There are no current advantages to either sides. The ranks are as follows:
*Rookie (NSA)/Sleeper (JBA)
*Agent (NSA)/Mole (JBA)
*Operative (NSA)/Rogue (JBA)
*Shadownet (NSA)/Insurgent (JBA)
*Splinter Cell (NSA)/NOC (JBA)

Groups

Remember back in high school, how everybody was part of a clique? If you miss those days, you can (sort of) relive them through groups. Members can arrange their own groups themed around whatever they want, and each group can have up to six members. On their own, groups have little significance, but when added to the mission structure, they can have large advantages. If every member of a group of six completes a given mission, the entire group gets bonus points for it! Score!

Prizes

When all is said and done, getting prizes is just an added bonus. Since UBISOFT is so dedicated to their fans, though, they are providing members with some truly rewarding prizes. Prizes can be as small as a voice-recording pen or aviator sunglasses, to a copy of Splinter Cell: Double Agent, or even a trip skydiving or a Mac Mini! Prizes are absolutely free (you don't even have to pay shipping!).The only way to get top prizes is to earn rank and points, but when Spy Ring is done on November 21st, 2006, they will help you remember the fun you had getting them.

Media

One last perk of being a member of Spy Ring is the access to new and fresh media. When a game is close to being released, it is not always easy to keep track of the newest screenshots, videos, or previews. With members constantly scouring over the net for new information, and an organized forum and intel system, members can find the hottest new media for Splinter Cell: Double Agent.

See also

*Splinter Cell
*UBISOFT

External links

* [http://www.spyring.net Spy Ring]
* [http://www.splintercell.com Official Splinter Cell Website]
* [http://www.ubi.com Ubisoft Official Website]
* [http://forums.ubi.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/2771048463 Official Splinter Cell Double Agent Forum]