Beautiful visuals and a captivating story make for a memorable ex
Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is a sequel to the 2006 Tactical Shooter, Rainbow Six Vegas. After playing both games to their entirety, it is apparent that between the two not much has changed. The Rainbow Series' game play is based on tactical shooting, using cover and teamwork to accomplish a set goal. The latest addition to the series uses this system to perfection but does nothing to innovate and add to the gameplay. The one addition is a sprint button that does nothing but speed up the game and make it easier to move from cover to cover.
Despite playing exactly as the original the action keeps you on the edge of your seat constantly. Terrorists will flank and use grenades but thats the extent to which the enemy AI functions. Enemies will still run out into the open and rely more on sheer numbers than actual tactics. In some scripted instances, the terrorists will rappel down behind your position leaving the player and his team in a tight spot.
Graphically Rainbow Six has never looked better. Comparing the PC version to the console, its hard to notice any kind of graphical difference. In some cases the PC actually looks better but to achieve those visuals a high end computer is needed. The campaign takes place in exotic areas such as Las Vegas, Pic De Pyrenees and Coast Rica. Each location is a visual masterpiece, especially Coast Rica the scene of the final mission.
Because R6V2 is a tactical shooter and taking cover is a vital game play element which means the control scheme must work. By clicking the right mouse button the player enters cover and upon release the player exits cover. This system works well because its extremely easy to enter cover seeing as all that has to be done is moving your middle finger. The other controls are easy to use and seem natural.
During my play through the game crashing bugs many people have encountered didn't plague me. I was able to steadily work my way through at leisure and not worry about bugs or glitches, even on Vista.
Rainbow Six Vegas 2 continues on the success of previous entries in the series and while it doesn't move the series in a new direction it is still a phenomenal game with a story that captivates the player. With a fantastic story, unrivaled game play Rainbow Six Vegas 2 could easy be one of the best shooters of the year. A must buy for all FPS fans.
