Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3

"Team Rainbow makes a mediocre return to consoles"

Team Rainbow returns and feature their own game for the next-gen consoles, and while the Xbox version is obviously superior in every way than other disastrous attempts *cough* Rainbow Six *cough* Rogue Spear* on Playstation/Nintendo 64, the overall feeling is dissapointing.

I feel the urge to educate those who know nothing about the Tom Clancy Rainbow Six games, because judging by this latest attempt, I am sure many people are going to get the wrong idea about how a true Rainbow Six plays.

Rainbow Six started on PC few years ago (1998 to be exact). Even though the game is obsolete (to today videogame standards), it obviously feels more complete than this Xbox version of the game which I will just call Rainbow Six 3. For instance, that old game had ROE!!! (rules of engagement) along with the option to divide your team into 4 different sub-teams. Each one could accomplish a different task, that in the end would make a super-cool timed tactical mission (which in my opinion is the original intent of all Rainbow Six games; to feel part of a highly trained Counterterrorism Group Force).

Also, you had the option to be any character; that is you could lead the mission playing as Ding Chavez, Eddie Price, or maybe Santiago Arnavisca, (Bogard could do it too). That was what the game offered you, Variety. Variety to pick any team member, to pick the best plan, to make lots of plans (another feature that was not included on the Xbox version).

But lets stop remembering the past, that glorious and beautiful past. Now, I have to ask; Why?!, Why did you do that Ubisoft!? Why knowing the Xbox is the most powerful videogame console out there, had to receive such a downgraded version of a Rainbow Six game (the game we all know and love). Could it be the possibility that the Xbox has reached its limit already? Sadly it seems. Not only the graphics have been downgraded (textures look blurry compared to the sharp and clean PC ones), but the original feeling is nowhere to be found.

Now, Ubisoft you have to learn how to correctly make a Rainbow Six game. Also you should know that pretty graphics dont make a great game (if I can call those, pretty graphics); and you can just make it by mixing textures and lightning from other games *cough* Splinter Cell *cough*. It seems to me, Ubisoft tried to implement the elements from the successful Splinter Cell franchise on this game, but it is obvious that it bombed. Who cares, if Team Rainbow can move in the dramatic shadow based universe of Sam Fisher. You should know, that you cannot keep on staring at things on a Rainbow Six game, because if you do, you are already dead. Sure you can scout an area before assaulting it (like the other Rainbow Six games permitted you), but hell, even that feature is non-existant here. Guess now why was the purpose of the pre-planning course.

What you basically do on this game is follow a pre-determined path in a strongly scripted scenario. You give orders on the go! Yeah...what? no... the Ghosts are not doing this mission; Team Rainbow is. But watch out! *gets shot* you are dead now! which means, you have to begin the mission all over again. I told you not to keep staring at things!!! Yes, playing this game feels like being a solo operative against the world, with the difference that it is not meant to be played like that. I would feel deeply ripped off playing Hostage Rescue missions, knowing I have blown up my cover by firing a non-silenced shot, and worst of all, accomplishing the mission. Thats why I needed that other team; to rescue the hostages while I was clearing the escorting path.

As you already know, orders on the go are a nice thing but are not meant to be on this game. Every basic hostage rescue or assault mission is planned before the actual course of action (in real life). Thats why I would need the blueprints of the building and make waypoints to make a successful mission. But, dont worry about that! Oh no! You wont have to mess up with waypoints. One third is taken off the game. But dont worry, we have the operatives left. I feel bad for bringing the bad news, but only Ding Chavez is playable. What about my other team! Lost... another third taken off the game. But wait! it still has the Tom Clancy name, which you are right. Thats the only thing this game has worthy of a Rainbow Six game; the Tom Clancy logo.

So, if you are just entering the Tom Clancy Rainbow Six universe, I urge you to reconsider and pick Raven Shield for your PC, or wait for Athena Sword. However if you are just looking for another fps game, then Rainbow Six 3 for Xbox would be a nice addition.

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 11/06/03