After delivering the much anticipated sequel to Rainbow Six, I have to say, "Job well done!"
User Rating: 7.8 | Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Rogue Spear PC
After playing the original Rainbow Six, I have to say that this game was going to go under a lot of scrutiny; mainly from the fact that its successor was so revolutionary but very flawed at the same time. Nevertheless, I was optimistic about what the new version had in store; and I was not disappointed. For starters the revamped graphics were a nice addition this time around, although they were a little dated, but a welcome improvement as compared to the washed out, non-brilliant textures and blocky figures from the first game. Your team moves this time around with much more fluidity and grace, but that still doesn't say much considering where this game is coming from. Too many times that it seemed better to not let your other teams move without you controlling them and getting shot to pieces by one terrorist standing in the corner of a room. In fact at the hardest difficulty setting its an act of god if the rest of your teams don't get wiped out. But the combat is still as realistic as it gets, with the mentality that one shot can kill, and this is none more apparent when you get capped in the melon your first time. The mission structures are nice, with a lot of variety in the locations of each. As far as objectives to each mission, there are only so much a "hostage rescue squad" can do, rescue hostages, diffuse bombs and surveillance an area. But thanks to the range of locales you get the feeling that each hostage situation is unique and different. But if you are expecting great graphics, you will be disappointed; they are average to good. The sound on the other hand will totally immerse you in the game and make you feel like you are really in the met in the heart of New York City. Ambient noises and the yells and shouts from your teammates and terrorists alike is very believable. Gunshots sound very realistic with suppressed weapons making little to no noise and shotguns and un-silenced pistols ringing out.
The game does include online play, which gives the game some replay value, but its spotty unless you have a broadband connection. Once you finish the campaign, there is little reason to go back to it though, making the games value a little low. Overall Red Storm tries to accomplish a lot with its Rainbow Six franchise and delivers with a solid dose of realistic action and tactical shooter.
