Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Vegas 2
- April 16, 2008
- Ubisoft Montreal
- 20h median play time
Vegas 2 doesn't make huge changes to what you saw in the previous game, and the story can be hard to follow, but the action is as explosive as ever.
Get on SteamIn Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2, you're tasked with rescuing Las Vegas from escalating terrorism, engaging in heart-pounding action throughout the city. The game offers new gameplay features and improved co-op and multiplayer modes. Explore expanded Vegas locations with changing environments, from dusk to bright daylight, in this thrilling first-person shooter sequel.
PC
Windows
PlayStation
Playstation 3
Xbox
Xbox 360
Reviews
- Engaging and fun gameplay with a solid cover system and character customization.
- Terrorist Hunt mode offers great replayability and is enjoyable with friends.
- The game maintains a nostalgic charm and still provides a challenging experience.
- Multiplayer servers have been shut down, limiting co-op and online play options.
- The AI can be frustratingly dumb at times, leading to cheap deaths.
- The game suffers from various bugs, including an annoying sound loop issue.
- story558 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The story of "Rainbow Six Vegas 2" is generally considered weak and forgettable, serving primarily as a backdrop for the game's action rather than a compelling narrative. While it continues the plot from the first game and features familiar characters, many players find the storyline clichéd and poorly executed, with significant plot holes and a lack of depth. Despite its shortcomings, the cooperative gameplay and engaging mechanics provide an enjoyable experience, making the game more about the tactical action than the narrative itself.
“The storyline picks up seamlessly from the first game, placing players back in the role of a Rainbow operative tasked with thwarting a terrorist threat in Las Vegas.”
“The narrative is compelling, featuring familiar characters and high-stakes missions that maintain tension throughout.”
“Rainbow Six Vegas 2 successfully builds on the strengths of its predecessor while introducing seamless co-op, character customization, and a continuation of the engaging storyline.”
“The story is definitely forgettable.”
“The story is still a complete mess with Vegas 2 serving as a prequel, interquel, and sequel all in one as you play Bishop, the burnt-out instructor of Rainbow.”
“The story is generic and just included for the sake of it and despite spanning a variety of locations, it's simply there to get you from mission to mission.”
- gameplay379 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 56 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Rainbow Six Vegas 2" is widely praised for its engaging tactical mechanics, smooth cover system, and cooperative elements that enhance the experience, especially in multiplayer modes. While some players note that the graphics and certain mechanics feel dated, the core gameplay remains enjoyable and challenging, offering a blend of strategic planning and action that appeals to fans of the tactical shooter genre. However, issues such as AI behavior and occasional glitches can detract from the overall experience.
“The cooperative shooting mechanics shine as you team up to take down terrorists, and every mission feels like a high-stakes operation that requires teamwork and communication.”
“The attention to detail in both the environments and character animations adds a layer of realism that enhances the overall gameplay.”
“The gameplay is solid and addicting, whether you're throwing a grenade into a group of enemies, peeking around a corner to survey the area or 'luring' out the bad guys and then running back to an area on the map where you can ambush them, it's always a blast and a challenge.”
“You are thrown into the most generic place in existence, the plot starts aggressively insulting my intelligence, all squad mechanics go bye-bye and the enemies start their clown car routine.”
“The gameplay is solid and broken at the exact same time.”
“All the tactical planning and operator outfitting based on the tactical situation of a given mission has been removed, and these special aspects that made the first 3 R6 games the ultimate tactical shooters have all been replaced with dumbed-down console style gameplay mechanics.”
- graphics224 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Rainbow Six Vegas 2" are generally considered dated, showing their age compared to modern standards, with some users noting issues like glitches and low-resolution textures. However, many reviewers appreciate the game's solid atmosphere and visual improvements over its predecessor, finding the graphics acceptable for its release period in 2008. Overall, while the visuals may not impress today, they do not significantly detract from the enjoyable gameplay experience.
“The graphics and sound design further elevate the experience, immersing you in the vibrant yet dangerous atmosphere of Las Vegas.”
“Visually, Rainbow Six Vegas 2 holds up well, with detailed graphics and a solid atmosphere.”
“The graphics are cutting-edge for its standards at that time; the gameplay and level design are also solidly well-implemented.”
“Graphics were dated when it first released and it looks ugly as hell now.”
“The graphics have aged like 2-day-old Chinese food but it's fun and that's what is important.”
“The graphics are so average that it barely needs to be talked about, but it all melds into a stupidly entertaining game.”
- stability87 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 1 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
The stability of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Vegas 2 is widely criticized, with numerous reports of audio glitches, animation issues, and AI problems that detract from the overall experience. While some players find the bugs amusing and manageable, many others note that the game can be frustratingly unplayable at times, especially in multiplayer. Overall, the game is considered a fun tactical shooter, but its technical shortcomings, particularly in the PC port, are significant and often impact gameplay.
“Originally enjoyed this on the Xbox 360, and while it wasn't a completely bug-free experience, the few issues were easy to ignore. Otherwise, it's a great game I sunk many hours into with friends and strangers alike.”
“Runs great on modern rigs.”
“Runs great, still fun after years and years. It's great for pick-up games with friends doing terrorist hunt missions; servers are still up and tend to work well.”
“This version of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Vegas 2 is not the version I remember playing, as there are multiple technical errors within it, such as animation glitches and constant cutting in and out of in-game audio. The online gameplay is apparently inoperative in function and connection.”
“Game is buggy as hell and can hardly handle going in and out of the pause menu. Going back to the main menu blackscreens the game, and there are numerous gameplay issues.”
“A majority of people who own this game have encountered glitches and bugs that either prevent the game from launching or recycle the same sound from a frame drop that never gets restored, along with awkward controls for managing your team members.”
- humor50 mentions
- 98 % positive mentions
- -4 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is frequently described as hilarious, with players enjoying the quirky bugs, funny character animations, and amusing dialogue from enemies. Many reviewers highlight the unintentional comedy stemming from glitches, such as bobblehead-like movements and absurd AI behavior, which contribute to a lighthearted experience, especially during multiplayer modes. Overall, the game's blend of action and humor, despite its technical flaws, makes it a fun choice for players looking for a good laugh.
“Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 offers a delightful mix of action, humor, and unconventional moments.”
“The banter between the AI is absolutely hilarious, and makes the experience that much more enjoyable.”
“Despite all the hilarious bugs, crazy AI, and the poor servers, this game is worth a buy.”
“The humor in this game falls flat, relying too much on clichés and predictable jokes.”
“I expected a lot more laughs, but the attempts at humor often feel forced and out of place.”
“The comedic elements are so over-the-top that they become cringeworthy rather than funny.”
- replayability44 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is praised for its high replayability, primarily due to its engaging multiplayer modes and the challenging terrorist hunt feature, which encourages players to return for more tactical gameplay. While the single-player campaign offers some replay value through unlockable content and varied approaches, it is noted that the campaign's shorter levels and lack of official multiplayer support may detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game remains enjoyable and replayable, especially in co-op settings, despite some technical issues and a dated presentation.
“One of the standout features of Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is its dynamic multiplayer modes, which offer endless replayability.”
“The game has a lot more replay value now as you can level up and unlock weapons during the campaign, with many more weapons than the first game.”
“The campaign of this game is lots of fun, especially with a friend, and terrorist hunt is great and has plenty of replay value.”
“Multiplayer - unfortunately multiplayer is no longer officially supported, so this hurts this game heavily in replayability.”
“Replayability of the single-player campaign here takes a hit from the overall shorter (worse) levels, which sucks considering the rank system and unlockables behind it.”
“Replayability: low”
- optimization24 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the improved graphics and smooth performance on newer hardware, many report significant technical issues, including stuttering, sound glitches, and poor performance in specific scenarios like smoke effects. Despite its age, the game struggles with optimization for PC, often feeling more suited for consoles, leading to frustration among users. While there are enjoyable elements, the inconsistent optimization detracts from the overall experience.
“The graphics are better, you have a ranking system and detailed statistics to keep track of your performances.”
“So many awesome functions in this game really make it run smoothly.”
“The game was very well optimized at launch, meaning no performance issues.”
“The game is a lot of fun, but unfortunately it's not optimized very well for current hardware. I found myself dealing with numerous technical issues such as heads jittering all over the place, graphics becoming worse when hit by an enemy, and controls that can be frustrating at times. It's not to say the game is all bad; there is some enjoyment one can get from it, but at the end of the day, it’s not a true classic Rainbow Six game.”
“Let me start by saying that this game has very poor optimization to play on PC and it is still calibrated to play on consoles.”
“Very few lobbies, graphics more outdated than I could have imagined, poor optimization.”
- music22 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players expressing disappointment over the reuse of the original soundtrack, while others praise its quality and variety, particularly highlighting the main menu music as exceptional. Many appreciate the integration of music into gameplay, enhancing the atmosphere during intense moments, although some find it overly loud or distracting. Overall, while the soundtrack is generally well-received, there are calls for more originality and expansion beyond the previous titles.
“Magnificent, with more music making it less generic and good voice acting.”
“Best main menu music of all time, no debate.”
“I love this game, the graphics are not that bad, the soundtrack is fantastic and the weapon handling is just awesome.”
“I think most disappointingly, the game uses the same soundtrack as the original.”
“Whilst the soundtrack of Rainbow Six: Vegas was probably one of the highlights of my experience with it, I was really hoping this game would expand upon it, not just recycle it.”
“The music is incredibly loud and annoying.”
- grinding22 mentions
- 5 % positive mentions
- 5 % neutral mentions
- 91 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, particularly when it comes to unlocking clothing, armor, and weapons, which often requires extensive gameplay. While some appreciate the leveling system and the rewards it offers, many feel that the grind becomes overwhelming, especially past level 20, and can detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. Despite the grind, some players still find the experience rewarding, especially when playing cooperatively.
“I've always enjoyed the leveling system in the game, rewarding you with guns and items attuned to certain playstyles, and it's not really grindy to get the weapons all unlocked (although it does tend to feel a bit grindy past level 20).”
“No ability to get/unlock clothing/armor beyond grinding in single player.”
“In singleplayer, you have to unlock the guns by grinding gameplay as if they were just accessories, so you almost have no choice in guns at all, which goes against the DNA of the series that had been about planning ahead - picking the right weapon (out of countless guns) for the job.”
“The grinding is so bad that you'd only reach the highest rank if you played as many as 10 matches per day for 3 years.”
- emotional11 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game evokes a range of feelings, from nostalgia and heartbreak over the decline of its multiplayer community to frustration with gameplay mechanics. Players express deep emotional connections, recalling moments that elicit tears and highlighting the game's ability to evoke unique feelings. Overall, it is seen as a heartfelt experience that resonates with those who invested time in it, despite its flaws.
“Heartbreakingly, but understandably, multiplayer is now dead, but it lives on in the hearts of those of us who pumped in countless hours back in the day.”
“This game made me feel emotions I've never felt before.”
“8.7/10 loved it, frustrated me at times and made me feel that certain things needed you to know that they were coming to survive them in the campaign, such as certain enemy rappellers and ambushes, as well as that it is a bit short albeit with replay value, but still, very very nice.”
- monetization10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 10 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight a strong sentiment against the heavy monetization practices in modern gaming, particularly criticizing the prevalence of microtransactions and season passes that detract from the original gaming experience. Many users express nostalgia for earlier titles that lacked these monetization strategies, suggesting that the industry's shift towards such practices has alienated veteran players and diminished the quality of games. Overall, there is a call for a return to simpler, more enjoyable gaming experiences without the burden of constant ads and in-game purchases.
“For these levels alone, I recommend buying the game, getting a VPN, and playing the multiplayer with your friends because, of course, Ubisoft doesn't support the multiplayer in these games anymore; they don't have any microtransactions.”
“I suppose without DLC and microtransactions, all a game developer could make off an excellent game like this is the price of a single license!”
“This was just before microtransactions and loot boxes became part and parcel and eventually accepted in today's gaming scene, so it's doubtful we'll see anything like that in the future from anyone.”
“All they care about is getting their gold from Siege, in the form of numerous season passes and microtransactions, as veterans of the franchise continue to leave this fanbase, while those new and remaining continue to become more and more desensitized to what Rainbow Six used to mean, assuming they ever knew.”
“This is when Ubisoft actually cared for games before heavy monetization was a thing and began ruining AAA games, as well as stripping content.”
“Overall a nice little co-op game from the days before microtransactions ruined the industry.”
- atmosphere9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is a mixed bag; while the graphics and sound design create an immersive experience reflective of Las Vegas, many players feel it lacks the rich, engaging ambiance of its predecessor. The game features solid visuals and punchy gun sounds, but some find the overall atmosphere to be bland and less captivating, particularly in comparison to the original's vibrant settings. However, the dialogue from AI terrorists is praised for enhancing the game's atmosphere during cooperative play.
“The graphics and sound design further elevate the experience, immersing you in the vibrant yet dangerous atmosphere of Las Vegas.”
“Visually, Rainbow Six Vegas 2 holds up well, with detailed graphics and a solid atmosphere.”
“The dialogue from the terrorists is some of the best I have heard from the AI in a cooperative game mode of all time and really adds to the atmosphere of it.”
“Where the original RB6 Vegas was dripping with atmosphere and extremely well-crafted encounters, this is just a completely mindless shooter.”
“The gun sounds are very punchy and whatnot, the atmosphere/ambience is very bland though.”
“The first title paraded fancy casinos, arcades, ritzy hotels, and other maps that screamed Sin City, but regrettably that is a piece of atmosphere that is lacking from this follow-up endeavor.”
