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Rainbow Six Vegas 2
| Genre | FPS |
| Developer | Ubisoft |
| Publisher | Ubisoft |
| Modes | Single/ Multiplayer |
| Rating | PEGI 16+ |
| Released | 1.12.2006 |
Sequel to one of the greatest modern tactical first person shooters, Rainbow 6 Vegas does an excellent job of following on from its predecessor. Tom Clancy games have always had a large focus on tactics and skill. It is this feature that makes the series so interesting and different to the other first person shooters on the market. Leg it into a room with all guns blazing in this game and you will soon find out what the term cannon fodder actually means.
Players are encouraged to take a steady and well planned approach when they combat each mission. Vegas 2 is all about taking cover, directing your squad, neutralising enemy units and completing your objectives. Your objectives will include anything from rescuing hostages to disarming bombs.
If you played the original game then none of the above will be that useful as it is very much the same as before. All you really want to know is what's different in the sequel and how it builds on the engine. Vegas 2 is pretty much what you saw in the original Vegas with a little bit more added. Obviously the missions are slightly different and set in different locations around the famous gambling capital. The gameplay feels very familiar, although that is not necessarily a bad thing at all. Fans of the series can enjoy the same style of play that made the first game so popular.
The multiplayer has been improved with new maps and greater customisation of your character. The game has an impressive thirteen brand new multiplayer maps, plus a few more can be expected for download in the near future. Co-op mode has arguably surpassed the original Vegas. The reduction of players from 4 to 2 in this mode may sound like a step backwards, but it actually allows for a more story-driven experience. There have been three additions to the multiplayer side of the game, they are; team leader, total conquest, and demolition.
Team leader mixes a bit of VIP and elimination. Whilst the VIP is still alive, your team can continue to respawn, but once he dies it moves onto elimination and each death is final. The objective of total conquest is to hold 3 stations for 30 seconds, it sounds easy but it is a frantic mode in which your stance quickly changes between attack and defence as you loose or gain the stations. Finally, demolition is a simple mode in which one side tries to blow up a target while the other defends it.
Vegas 2 appears to be more-of-the-same in terms of what it offers compared with the first game. The developers havn't been very adventurous with this sequel but it holds firm. It keeps its impressive tactical gameplay and adds a few new elements which gamers can enjoy. The focus on tactics and skill makes it a very enjoyable game to play and is worth a purchase if you enjoy the genre.