Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2

"A first view at Rainbow Six Vegas 2"

Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is being called "Rainbow Six Vegas 1.5", as there were no vast changes from Rainbow Six Vegas. Although this may be true, it doesn't stop it from being a great game (also, many games don't change all that much...).

Gameplay - 9/10

The gameplay is amazing. Its tactical, which means you have to be smart on how you clear your rooms. The cover system is also great. By going up to a wall and pressing the LT, you can lean against the wall. It really gives a sense of more control over your character.

Single player is ok, its nothing that great, but its nothing bad either. The story's kinda bland but there are some intense firefights and the fact that you level up your character during single player is also a plus. While multiplayer is the best aspect, you definately shouldn't miss the single player. There's 3 levels, Casual, Normal, and Realistic. Realistic can be compared to Call of Duty 4's Veteran, though I'd say its slightly easier. I haven't played Casual or Normal though.

Terrorist hunt is also fun, but its more fun when you do it coop. Whether you do it with a friend, or 3 friends, or by yourself, its a nice change from multiplayer and campaign. What it is is essentially you and your team against a large group of terrorists. Your character also levels up in this mode.

Multiplayer is what really makes this game great. Although its not much different from the first Vegas game, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I've only played a few games (maybe 10) but there seems to be no lag, and slow down's at a minimum. The graphics aren't that great but you hardly notice it.

The A.C.E.S. system stands for... Something I forgot. Doesn't really matter. It gives you points on doing certain things. Once you meet a certain number, you get a new gun, new equipment, or EXP. Really great.

Graphics - 7/10

Although the graphics are good, they're not that good. In single player, they're pretty nice, but they take a slight dip in multiplayer. Don't let these get in the way of a great game though. It runs at around 30-40 fps, and some people will say its horrible, but I don't really mind much.

Controls - 10/10

They're easy to use and there's more than one button lay out in the options menu, so if you really don't like it, just try different ones. The reticle might move a bit fast for new players, but you get used to it. The sprint feature is nice. There's no melee button, but I never liked it, it gets ridiculous sometimes.

Customization - 9/10

You can customize your gender, outfit, equipment, and face. The only thing that stopped me from giving this a full 10 was that the faces are all ugly, but you barely notice it once you put a helmet on or something. You can also use the Xbox Vision Camera to put your face on your character.

Replayability - 10/10 for multiplayer, 7/10 for coop, 4/10 for single player

If you play by yourself, you won't get much play out of this. With coop, it gets pretty good, but multiplayer is going to grab you for a long time.

Total (Not an average) 8.5/10
Its a great game, but the graphics aren't that great and its not a vast improvement. Definitely pick it up, but don't go in expecting a completely new game.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/20/08

Game Release: Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 (US, 03/18/08)