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The number one Xbox Live game returns. Rainbow Six 3: Black Arrow is best seen as a rather hefty expansion pack. Sure, it features a plethora of new stuff like new modes and upgrades but at its heart it is still Rainbow Six 3 with few fundamental changes. Of course, when you have such a great game like Rainbow Six 3 was (we rated it a 9.1), there isn’t a need to fundamentally change things.
In Rainbow Six 3: Black Arrow, Team Rainbow is called in to stop what can be a devastating war. You see, some rather smart military leaders want to trigger a war with various oil-rich nations. Once the countries are wrecked, they can easily go in and take control of the countries and their oil. Obviously, this falls under “bad,” and Team Rainbow must prevent this from happening.
Black Arrow features ten, brand-new single-player missions to play through. In an effort to ease the single-player more to the diehard Xbox Live players, Ubisoft Montreal changed the mission briefing screen. It now features much more detailed visual aids to help you along like maps of the exact location. The voice work explaining the mission is also found.
The single-player is also made more interesting thanks to a (marginally) better AI. While the opponents have more tricks up their sleeves in terms of moving more realistically, they still seem to be scripted and as such, can never behave truly realistically. Another positive single-player change is the addition of split-screen cooperative game play. Rainbow Six 3 forced gamers to go online to do this, but you can enjoy it (or dislike if you’re playing with the skill less Jose) from the comfort of your home in Black Arrow.
Of course, if the whole “Rainbow Six 3 Style of Gameplay (patent pending)” isn’t right for you, the developers have added a new, arcade-like mode called “Lone Rush.” Here you can relax and simply shoot things and like any good arcade mode, you have a time limit which is extended when you complete a specific task. In Black Arrow, these tasks include disabling bombs, rescuing hostages and of course, killing those darn terrorists!
The multiplayer mode of Black Arrow is as strong as ever and this is exactly the reason why so many people are playing it on Xbox Live at any given time. The game includes ten brand-new maps, as well as four favorites from Rainbow Six 3.
Multiplayer also features a new gameplay mode called “Retrieval.” Don’t let the new name fool you, this is Capture the Flag with a canister replacing the beloved flag. Thankfully, the other new mode is much more interesting. In Total Conquest, you’ll be facing another team with the same goal as you: find the three satellites in a given level and hold them for a total of thirty seconds. It is a rush to have to defend these satellites while the opposing team runs at you with guns blazing.
Thanks to Xbox Live 3.0, Rainbow Six 3: Black Arrow supports Clans. Clans are personal groups who play together, for those who don’t know. In Black Arrow, a person (who then acts as the Director) can start a Squad and recruit others and then face rival squads. The Director can appoint rank to the other members who then have power over those below them. This includes inviting new members or removing current members who aren’t up to snuff. Black Arrow supports much personality in these clans; you can even include a logo and motto.
While the gameplay was updated, the same can’t be said for the visuals. A few of the areas seem larger and more detailed, but that isn’t consistent as some areas would fit in perfectly in 2003’s Rainbow Six 3. The game engine, while still serviceable, is starting to show their age. The fancy lighting set Rainbow Six 3 apart last year, and it just doesn’t have the same impact now.
The soundtrack in the game is fitting, although you won’t hear much of it. The sound effects (thanks to 5.1 surround sound) on the other hand, are excellent. You’ll hear everything in the game. Wondering where someone is? Try and listen to them walking. Wondering if there are people coming? Pay attention to the doors.
Rainbow Six 3: Black Arrow isn’t a fundamentally different experience than Rainbow Six 3 but that’s okay because the game is so fun. If you didn’t like Rainbow Six 3, chances are this game won’t change your mind. If you did enjoy Rainbow Six 3, you should pick this up immediately as it includes new features which ultimately make the game better.
Complementary writing and editing by: Jose Liz. -- Adam Nunez, PGNx Media
---- Aug 19, 2004
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