Graphics are very similar to the first Rainbow Six, and sports a dated engine filled with blocky polys and bland textures. Nothing this game shows remotely pushes the Dreamcast in any shape or form. I often wonder why Pipe Dream didn't try to do a Half-Life upgrade and improve the character models. As is though, the game does offer many diverse areas to explore, plenty of characters to play as, and a whole slew of artillery that would make Rambo blush. Some CG or real time cut scenes would've been nice to add some elements to the story. The game also keeps a steady frame rate even in 4 player split screen mode. While the visuals could've been better, they easily could've been worse as well.

Sounds in the game are very cool and give you the sense of being in an espionage movie. An orchestrated soundtrack gets your blood pumping while you weed your way through levels. Voices are done remarkably well, but aren't used often enough. Gunshot sounds are accurate to each particular firearm as well. What keeps the game interesting is the knack for being purposely quiet when you're in a tight situation. The audio for Rogue Spear is well done and proves to be the game's strongest point.

Game play is where we run into a few snags. If you're a lucky owner of a Dreamcast mouse and keyboard, you'll have no major quarrels with this game. (If this is the case raise the score to a B) On the other hand, there are so many weapons, moves, commands, etc. to perform that without at least a keyboard, you'll quickly become frustrated. The game, on the other hand, controls wonderfully. Tighter sight controls were given this time around, making sniper shots a breeze. While you still can't configure the game to your personal liking, there are many presets available. Honestly, this game was meant for playing on a PC, and Pipe Dream had no intentions of dumbing the game down for console users. Have a keyboard? You'll be fine. No keyboard? You'll be dead.

Plenty of game modes are ready to go for the sequel, including the much-desired multiplayer death match mode. Online would have been the cherry on top, but at least 4 players can go at it on one TV. Of course, this is no Goldeneye or Quake, but it's still a blast. One still has to wonder why the online mode was avoided for the second time. I'll bet you can still find PC players playing Rogue Spear online even today. Besides the multiplayer and campaigns, you are invited to hone your skills in the training room. All in all the game is almost complete. Adding an online element is essential, and should be thought of if another sequel is on the way.

While stealth really isn't my thing, I still found myself enjoying Rogue Spear. If you've played Rainbow Six on the PC or other systems and liked that style of game play, you'll be right at home with the Dreamcast version of Rogue Spear. I urge each and every one of you to get at least a keyboard before doing so. You'll save yourself a whole mess of frustration if you do.