Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Rogue Spear - Black Thorn

The Good
A series of terrorist incidents closely resembling incidents from the past have Rainbow once again traveling the world, taking down tangos, and rescuing hostages. Though called an add-on, Black Thorn does not expand the previous Rogue Spear game. Instead it acts as a stand alone, not requiring the original game. This is both good and bad.

In terms of visuals and gameplay, Black Thorn does not differ from Rogue Spear. Several new weapons are available and the nine missions offer a game of reasonable length. The story is not as tightly scripted as Rogue Spear (which in turn was a step down from Rainbow Six) but the connected missions create a level of continuity missing from the true add-ons Eagle Watch and Urban Operations.

The Bad
If you consider Black Thorn to be an add-on then you can cheer because hey, you have nine more missions of Rogue Spear goodness. However, since it's not truly an expansion pack, still retains the problematic elements of Rogue Spear (and the franchise), and was priced comparabe to a new game then you have to consider it as a game on its own. One that Red Storm released with no improvements and one with its own set of problems.

First off, nine levels is a good length for a cheaper Rogue Spear game, but the levels are of variable quality. There are some good levels, including a nice raid on a jungle compound and a challenging hospital level, but other levels seem too easy. One decent level takes place in a terminal, which the mission description alternately calls a bus or plane terminal. Also, the game fails to increase in difficulty or present mounting challenges. Some levels are really easy and some are really hard. Finally, some levels seem too similar to levels in previous games. I guess there are only so many areas where people can be taken hostage.

The Rainbow Series has always been punishing and this game isn't different. Terrorists still stay crouched in concealed areas indefinitely and tend to open fire on hostages if you're spotted. Would a terrorist really choose to shoot a noncombatant vs an armed anti-terrorist force? Also, do we really need over thirty guns? How many sniper rifles does one need? I suppose a gun enthusiast would appreciate the care and depiction of these arms, but I feel they are largely indistinguishable.

Finally, Black Thorn offers no graphical improvements. Clipping is still embarrasingly bad. Team members shiver as they get caught on doorways or jam together on stairs. Outdoor areas have a Disneyesque falsity and the sky meets together revealing the cube nature of the Rogue Spear Universe.

The Bottom Line
Enjoyable for the right price, but this add-on/sequel to Rogue Spear offers nothing new. Probably a good entry point for people interested in the Rainbow Six franchise.