The game's control scheme is perfect, really. Players can easily shoot their way through the corridors, crash through plate glass windows, and pop out from behind cover to snipe distant enemies. Taking your team through all the mayhem is another story. Dragging your A.I. teammates around the levels can be cumbersome until you come up to some doors.
The actual mechanic for giving orders to your team couldn't be simpler, but in the heat of battle it is very easy to forget it's not just a one man show. Furthermore, sometimes the use of cover gets a bit janky during multiplayer battles. Often you'll find your character looking over the wrong shoulder, and you'll be unable to recover before bullets have already riddled your corpse. That's really all just nitpicky stuff though. The controls, on the whole, are fantastic.
The initiated are absolutely going to love this title. It literally has everything you love about the original Vegas with a few added features, gameplay modes, and content for you to romp your way through. If you are expecting a totally revamped system chocked full of innovative content, then you'll be disappointed. Rainbow Six Vegas and Vegas 2 play like they are volumes in one complete set rather than completely distinct games. Newcomers to the series should definitely pick up the first edition on the cheap, hone their skills, and then grab the second part if they are still craving more. That being said, the new multiplayer modes and gameplay are phenomenal and the subtle refinements to the title do make Rainbow Six Vegas 2 superior to its predecessor. If you loved the first, don't hesitate to pick up the second. Conversely, if you weren't thrilled by Vegas know that Vegas 2 is better though it is basically the same game. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've still got a number of gadgets, side arms, shotguns, and assault rifles to unlock…
By
Jonathan Marx
CCC Lead Contributor / News Director
RATING OUT OF 5
RATING DESCRIPTION
4.4
Graphics The frame rate is very smooth and the environments are very realistic. The detailed equipment, clothing, accessories, and weapon choices are incredibly accurate.
4.2
Control All actions and commands are executed with ease. Sometimes the use of cover gets a bit janky during multiplayer battles, and dragging you're A.I. teammates around the levels can be cumbersome until you come up to some doors.
4.5
Music
/ Sound FX / Voice Acting The weapons sound amazingly lifelike. The voiceover work really makes you feel like you're part of a clandestine special forces unit.
4.3
Play
Value It's everything you'd expect from a Rainbow Six title. My only gripes are that the squad-based techniques can feel routine over the course of the campaign, and there isn't much innovation over its predecessor.
4.4
Overall Rating -
Great Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.
Game Features:
Ubisoft Montreal Returns - Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is back in the hands of Ubisoft's Montreal studio, creators of the award-winning and highly acclaimed Rainbow Six Vegas, to ensure that ending to the Vegas story is one you'll never forget.
More Vegas - Sin City is back and bigger than before. Explore all new Vegas hot spots as the environment changes from dusk to bright daylight to dawn, creating a visual experience that is as challenging as it is breathtaking.
More Multiplayer - The highly acclaimed multiplayer mode in Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas has been upgraded to include 11 new, smaller maps that force more intense face-offs, 2 new adversarial modes, more rewards, and easier access to matches using the improved and intuitive matchmaking system.
Unprecedented Customizable Experience - Create your own identity that stays the same in both single player and multiplayer modes and progresses as you do. Reap the benefits of your single player rewards in multiplayer and vice versa.
Vastly Improved Co-op mode - Turn single player mode into co-op mode at any time, just by jumping into the game. Now your friend can jump into your single player game and help you without any change to the story. Single player maps and storyline were created with co-op in mind, which means every map has multiple entry points and the story is the same.
Improved AI - AI is more challenging than ever. Now the terrorists are equipped with thermal vision, night vision, and shields - not to mention a multitude of varying reactions - all of which are guaranteed to give you a new playing experience every time you go into battle. As you progress within the game, you'll only be able to outsmart your enemies by taking advantage of intel opportunities, such as thermal scanning, and tactical strategies, such as leapfrogging.
New Weapons and Armor - Take down the terrorists more effectively using 11 new weapons. New camouflage, clothing and gear allow you to take customization to the next level.
