Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas

"There's gold at the end of this Rainbow..."

I first started playing Rainbow Six games with the release of the very first one for the PC. I've been hooked ever since. Countless hours have gone into playing all the games. I love their style, feel, and most importantly, gameplay. It keeps you coming back for more, trying your tactics many different ways. This is why Rainbow Six games have always stood out from the rest, in a good way. So this review is coming from a die hard, long time fan. I know what a solid Rainbow Six game consits of. The only Rainbow Six ever made that was a dissapointment and is ignored by me is Rainbow Six: Lockdown. It was a weak attempt at a Rainbow Six game and a step back. If you ignore it, you have a solid gaming lineup. Including this very game.

Gameplay 10/10:

This is the core of any game, and it holds up extremely well here. I always thought some of the magic of the Rainbow games is that they blend perfectly the tactics and brains aspects, along with the fire fights and the intensity. This makes for a classic combination. The key to this game is realism. Don't expect to get shot and have your overshield spark on helping absorb the bullets. This is one hit, your dead. If your hit in an area that is covered by your Kevlar vest, then you won't go down, but will be damaged. Upon being hit your screen will distort and often blur your vision to the point that you can't see much of anything. This is great, and adds to the intensity and chaos of a fire fight. The effect will fade away if you get cover and chill for a few seconds. If not, then expect to be restarting from the last checkpoint. (Ha, ha) The saving system is pretty strong. It saves at checkpoints for you, and usually does it in decent places. Only a few times later in the game do the save points seem far apart, but that is because of the harder objectives. Overall, it is fine.

Ever since Rainbow Six has been introduced to the console age, a certain feature has been taken out; the ability to plan, in detail, your mission. This was always done via a planning screen laid out as a map of the level. That was always fun and really different from any other game. But it isn't really missed here. You still have a degree of planning while your in game, and it works out great. You can command your squad with very easy to learn controls. Point and click where you want them, or have them setup at a door and then clear the room in 3 different ways. You can also have your team hold. There are also two modes your team can switch to; assault or infiltrate.

Your teammates are actually fairly intelligent and competent. The enemy AI will also put up a fight as well. Often flanking you, tossing gernades, or just showing you no mercy in general. I did notice that the enemy AI gets progressively harder as you advance through the game, which keeps you on your toes. I often enjoyed hearing my squad and the enemy alike, both shouting various phrases. They could range from swearing, giving Intel, or even calling out your positions. It adds a cool element.

The guns and controls of the weapons feel really solid. Each gun is different. The explosives are great too. You get several types of gernades, a breaching charge, and C4. You get to choose from various sub machine guns, light machine guns, assualt rifles, pistols, sniper rifles, and shotguns. Most guns can also be equipped with a silencer for quieter take downs. At certain points throughout the game you can often re-stock your ammo at green ammunition crates. If none are around, you can then pick up the guns of fallen enimies.

Story 8/10:

The story is thought out and suits the game well. It may not have the depth of say, Halo, with a vast universe. But nonetheless, it provides a great backround for the action to take place. International terrorist Irena Morales has amassed an army of mercenaries to besiege America's playground, but her true agenda remains a mystery. Hero Logan Keller and his team now have one night to bring order back into the heart of chaos before Irena unleashes her ultimate objective. What they discover will not only change Rainbow itself, but could also tip the balance of power firmly in favor of the terrorists.

Graphics 10/10:

The visuals are fantastic. Ecspecialy on a high definiton television set. The locations, backrounds, and environments suit the game perfectly. Bullet holes puncture everything just right. Boxes and debris often go flying in the middle of fire fights. Really good looking game, and is very immersive. Not much more needs to be said.

Sound 10/10:

The game really shines here. Every gun sounds like it should. The explosives are boomy and periecing. Every surface getting hit sounds fantastic. The voice work is very well done. All the little sounds such as bullets flying or wizing by you, are done to perfection. To play this game in surround sound is a real treat! Again the sounds often keep you on edge and help add the the dynamic and immersive experience.

Overall:

As you can tell I rarther enjoyed this game. I would recommend it for anyone that wants a solid shooter with a clever edge. The single player is very satisfying and the multiplayer stands on its own as a good time as well. There is a certain cinematic element brought into the same great Rainbow Six vibe and it all works brilliantly. I think the game has mixed the old school and classic charm of Rainbow Six with a next gen feel and experience. Go get it and...enjoy!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/06/06