Stealth is present in the game, but I would never say that the Splinter Cell stealth is 'intact'. Heck, there are levels in the game that require a run-and-gun playstyle, and the vs mode MUST be played Run and Gun. Even the 'most splinter cell-y' game mode, Deniable Ops, is a Terrorist Hunt, rather than an objective-based infiltration.
This is a Splinter Cell game for all of those who would play Rambo Spies. Sam is a killer here, and the game repeatedly suggests that he go in and wipe out the opposing force. Heck, the AI and level design is structured for this, with enemies no longer having the 'curious/confused' state and with certain sections purely designed to get you to use M&E.
The Gears comparison is taking it a bit far, but Uncharted does fit well enough. The only use of stealth is to put yourself into a position from which you can unleash your killing might. That said, there are a number of sections of levels (and even a few full levels) you can traverse without being seen, but it is so obviously not the focus of the game.
Unfortunately, along with this, they've gone ahead and destroyed any character they may have built for Sam. He's always been able to kill, he's always had the tools and skills to take on everyone, but he has always shown restraint. The whole "his daughter is dead, so now he's a mindless killing machine" angle is just ridiculous. Heck, there's one level where the game delivers four squads of guys Sam would never kill, and then more or less tells you to kill them all (it is possible to pass that section without killing a single one).
The game is good, a solid 4/5, but as a Splinter Cell game, it is the worst of the five.
