Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six® 3 Black Arrow™ doesn't coddle gamers. Even the first mission will require good strategy and excellent marksmanship. With that in mind, we offer you a step-by-step walkthrough of the first half of the level. (We don’t want to give the first level away in its entirety. Where’s the fun in that?) This should help you ease your way into the game and learn the controls.
The Campaign mode’s opening mission is the Subway Station. Terrorists have engaged the London police during an attempted robbery, and they’ve scuttled down to the station to regroup. Unfortunately, they’re dug in pretty well. They’re stationed throughout the level, they’ve taken hostages, and they’ve planted a bomb in a train car. This is not a situation for local police, and that's why it's in Team Rainbow's hands.
Bad idea.
Before the Drop Before you’re dropped into the Subway Station, you’ll need to choose your equipment. The station is comprised of wide hallways and open platforms, so smoke and tear gas grenades may not offer great impact. Here’s what I selected:
The G36C (5.56 mm) assault rifle was my primary weapon. It boasts an average range, good damage, and accuracy. It’s a quality overall weapon.
I chose the M203 40mm HE grenade launcher as my secondary weapon. As the team leader, I wanted some of the biggest punch available, and this thing will clear a room.
I also took in Flashbangs because, even if they're just seen by the enemy, they're effective.
My final pick was the gas mask. Tear gas is a favorite of the enemy. As the team leader, I want to be on point, so if they throw it, I’ll be getting the brunt of it.
Step by Step From the drop location, you’ll move forward through a hallway that curves to the left. Right after the curve, around the first corner, is a terrorist. If you don’t engage him right away, he’ll run away to his buddies, so try to take him out quickly. Proceed through the room to the next corridor, which curves to the left. This will lead to the first subway platform. But, beware: The platform is crawling with terrorists, so you'll have to move from cover to cover and use your team members wisely. Chances are they’ll spot and neutralize some “tangos” before you ever see them.
Thermal sees right through smoke.
Once the tangos are eliminated, proceed towards the turnstiles at the far side of the platform. Be careful, though, because their may be a terrorist waiting behind the turnstiles. (Sometimes he joins the fight on the platform, and sometimes he hangs back.) Turn left after the turnstiles and make your way to the escalator. Chances are, as you reach the bottom of the escalator, an unseen terrorist will throw tear gas your way. If you have the gas mask equipped, order your team to take cover, and take out the tango solo. Otherwise, wait till the tear gas dissipates.
Around the next corner is another platform. Most of the tangos are hiding out in an office at the far end of the platform. Snipe them if you can. If not, move from cover to cover, picking off one at a time. A couple well-placed flashbangs will also ease the combat in this area.
Around two more corners is an actual train car. As soon as you round the corner, you’ll see tangos running to the windows of the train to shoot you. There are three in the train, another one standing at the far side of the room (as you turn right into the room), and another sniping from a window above the train.
Controlled bursts.
Once the area is clear, John Clark will pipe in and let you know there’s a hostage nearby. Toward the far end of the platform, you can move straight or turn right. Turn right to reach the hostage. Now would be a good time to use one of your two saves for this mission (if you're playing on normal difficulty).
Follow the path to the right, head down the stairs, and go around the corner to the door. There’s a terrorist guarding the hostage, so before you open the door, make sure you flash and clear. Next, you’ll need to move forward out of the room and around the corner. This will lead you under the train. Watch out for the tango at the far end of the tunnel. Turn on your night vision and plug him. As you pass through the tunnel, one tango will line up behind the train. Peak through the holes in the train wheels and snipe him before you round the corner.
Proceed around the corner to the other side of the train. Watch out for a tango looking down from the top of the next platform. Once you neutralize him, run onto the platform. Half way across the platform, there is a tango down the hall on the right. Take him out, but proceed carefully. There are two more tangos on the escalator at the end of the short hall. (They’re grenade-happy, too.) When you start to go up the escalator, another terrorist will throw smoke and try to shoot you through the fog. Switch to thermal vision to see him and take him out.
At the top of the escalator, John Clark will chime in and let you know that the going will only get tougher from here. And, it’s here that we leave you. You should be comfortable with the controls as well as ordering your men around by now. Remember, just be cautious and alert, and you should do fine. Happy hunting!
