"One of the Blizzard games that's overlooked"

First, I must say that Blackthorne has always been one of my favorite games on the SNES for a couple of reasons. The SNES is littered with side-scrollers, and really bringing nothing new to the table. Blackthorne is different though, as it is a side-scroller that actually has you making use of cover. This wasn't seen too often in games before it.

Story - 5/10
Nothing new here folks. The orcs have imprisoned the humans and made them into their slaves. As the hero, you are to rise up against the orcs and take back your freedom, armed only with your trusty shotgun.

Graphics - 7/10
Looking back, the graphics aren't bad at all and fit the style of the game just right. The game has almost a little bit of a cartoony look to it, much like everything else you see from Blizzard these days. The game is played mostly throughout a dark environment, but thanks to the contrasting color scheme, enemies and items are easily spotted throughout the levels. It's also a nice touch that when you shoot, your shell actually is ejected from the gun and falls onto the ground.

When you compare it to other SNES games, I would say it's above average. But in no way can it hang with the likes of Donkey Kong Country or Killer Instinct. But really, not many games could.

Sound - 8/10
The game could really benefit from some more background music, as it gets pretty repetitive. As far as sound effects go, they're great. You'll hear all the usual grunts and groans as the hero jumps, climbs, and rolls towards the goal. The gun effects could use a little work, as they aren't really packing a convincing gunshot sound. What it does well though, is when you are shot, the enemy will taunt you by laughing in your face, it's an aggrevating laugh too.

Gameplay - 10/10
Now this is where the game really shines, and where it secured it's spot as one of my favorites. The game very much like Prince of Persia on the SNES does, except the fighting is much more different. In Blackthorne, you will mainly be using your shotgun. When you encounter an enemy, usually a gunfight will ensue. What will usually happen is the enemy will take a couple of shots at you, then you taking a couple of shots at him. If you want to stay alive, you have to use cover. Using cover is very simple, and it can be done at any time. To use cover, all you do is hold the "up" button, and you will press your back to the wall, out of the way of enemy fire. Keep in mind though, the enemy can do the same. So what happens is you have to usually wait for enemy to take a few steps towards you, and then pop out and fire. You really can't shoot at each other at the same time, as you will both get hit and both fall down.

But, there are other weapons you will be picking up along the way. Aside from the usual potions and keys, you will get bombs. Bombs are for the most part used to blow away doors that you otherwise couldn't get through. They are also used for some of the larger enemies that bullets have no effect on.

Now, this brings me to the part about the NPC's. Throughout your journey, you will encounter many human slaves. Some will give you items, and some will not. Some slaves will be out walking around, some will be hard at work using a drill, and others are chained up, waiting to die. The funniest part about this is that you are free to kill every human you come across without having any effect of the story. Also, if the person has an item to give you, you will get it regardless of killing them, or sparing them. I believe this was the first game to let you do something like this.

Replay value - 7/10
Really, there is no replay value, as the game doesn't change once you beat it. It get's a high replay score because the game is just so much fun, you will find yourself coming back to it years later, enjoying just as much as you did the first time.

Overall - 9/10
Everyone needs to play this, if only for killing every innocent person you see and playing the bad guy. As far as side-scrollers go, this is top tier quality.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 05/15/06