Splinter Cell dev diary highlights Sam's "speed and brutality"

The second Splinter Cell Conviction dev diary's after the break, containing new gameplay footage, plot details and a focus on Sam's newly "enraged" combat prowess.

"The biggest difference between the previous Splinter Cells and Conviction lies in the character's combat speed and brutality," said Gilles Monteil, animation director.

"We had to find a martial art that fits the character and the situations he would find himself in."

The team picked Israeli combat system Krav Maga. Think Bourne on killer crack.

"Krav Maga's not a big flashy martial art. He's not going to be doing spinning back kicks, or anything like that," added Steve Masters, lead game designer.

"What he is doing is being extremely efficient in taking people down in a fast, effective manner."

Check it out. It really does look wicked. Conviction releases for PC and 360 on February 26.