STACK NZ Mar #71

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By Paul Jones

Espionage, the Cold War, international terrorism, covert operations: these are all themes found throughout Tom Clancy games, and I’ve probably played just about every title released in the franchise. Not all entries in the video game series bearing the author’s name have delivered the goods, but there have been some absolute belters along the way. Opinions may differ, but here are five that have lodged, like mortar shrapnel, in my memory bank.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (2002) Enter NSA Agent Sam Fisher. Most gamers who have followed the Tom Clancy titles will remember the first time they played Splinter Cell . Ushering in a new dimension in stealth gaming and using the Unreal Engine, the lighting and shadow effects in the game were revolutionary; the game would enable Ubisoft to go head-to-head with Kojima’s Metal Gear monster. Although not created by Tom Clancy, the author gave the thumbs up to the concept and the game put Ubisoft Montreal on the map, establishing an ongoing franchise in the process.

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Rogue Spear (1999)

A follow- up to the excellent original Rainbow Six , Rogue Spear didn’t so much revolutionise the series as improve upon a successful formula. Visually, the first-person tactical shooter was a significant improvement and weather effects were included for the first time, adding a new challenge to player strategy. A compelling story, improved AI (a little too tightened at times), excellent mission depth and at times gruelling gameplay meant that if you didn’t play the first Rainbow Six , you probably wouldn’t have a clue what was going on.

A delivery van in the game had the name St-Hubert emblazoned across the side. This is the name of a popular restaurant in Montreal that the developers would frequent during production.

Tom Clancy coined the term ‘Rogue Spear’, as a reference to a non-state entity in possession of nuclear weapons.

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