Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Vegas 2

73%
Game Brain Score Based on 3,195 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Vegas 2 Game Cover
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.
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In 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
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

73%
Audience ScoreBased on 3,195 reviews
story128 positive mentions
stability63 negative mentions
  • The game offers a nostalgic experience with engaging gameplay and character customization.
  • Terrorist Hunt mode is highly addictive and provides a fun challenge, especially when played with friends.
  • The tactical gameplay encourages strategic planning and teamwork, making it a rewarding experience.
  • The multiplayer servers have been shut down, limiting the game's replayability and co-op options.
  • The AI can be frustratingly inconsistent, sometimes blocking paths or failing to follow commands.
  • The game suffers from various bugs, including an annoying sound loop issue that can disrupt gameplay.
  • story490 mentions

    The story of "Rainbow Six Vegas 2" is widely criticized for being generic, poorly executed, and often difficult to follow, with many reviewers describing it as a mere vehicle to connect action sequences. While some appreciate the continuation of the narrative from the first game and the engaging gameplay, the overall consensus is that the plot lacks depth and coherence, making it forgettable. Despite its shortcomings, the game is still enjoyed for its cooperative gameplay and tactical mechanics, which can overshadow the narrative flaws.

    • “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 campaign continues the intriguing narrative from the first game, expanding the Rainbow Six universe and keeping you invested in the story.”
    • “The story mode is really engaging even if you haven't played the first one.”
    • “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.”
    • “The story is absolutely stupid and overall tedious to plow through.”
  • gameplay324 mentions

    The gameplay of Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is generally praised for its solid mechanics, tactical depth, and engaging cover system, which allows for both first-person and third-person perspectives. While some players appreciate the game's customization options and cooperative elements, others criticize the AI and certain gameplay mechanics as outdated or frustrating. Overall, the game is seen as a fun, albeit less tactical, shooter compared to its predecessors, with a mix of enjoyable action and strategic planning.

    • “The addition of customization options to the single player game - and allowing that progress to transfer over to all of the other gameplay modes - is by far the best enhancement, while the beefed up AI is impressive and the refined co-op play offers a great range of options.”
    • “Its improved shooting, use of a cover system, easy to control AI teammates, and addicting progression system that ties in with the amazing customization is very slick and smooth, but it doesn't hold a candle to the depth found in the planning system and squad mechanics of Rainbow Six 3.”
    • “The gameplay is highly tactical, fairly realistic, but prioritizes gameplay over the last 10% of realism - a good balance.”
    • “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.”
    • “This product has not withstood the test of time and buyers must beware of the high possibility of this video game breaking down in real-time during gameplay.”
    • “The cover system takes away a lot of dynamic gameplay from the game; if you're in a hot zone, just crouch behind a flowerpot and wait for the enemies to reload.”
  • graphics188 mentions

    The graphics of the game are generally considered dated, reflecting its 2008 release, with many reviewers noting that they do not hold up well against modern standards. While some appreciate the aesthetic improvements over its predecessor, others criticize the visual quality, citing issues like low-resolution textures and graphical glitches. Despite these shortcomings, many players find the gameplay enjoyable enough to overlook the graphics, emphasizing that the tactical experience remains strong.

    • “Its blend of tactical gameplay, cooperative experiences, and excellent graphics and sound design make it a standout title in the Rainbow Six series.”
    • “The graphics are cutting-edge for its standards at that time; the gameplay and level design are also solidly well-implemented.”
    • “The graphics are good, the tactical play is good.”
    • “Graphics were dated when it first released and it looks ugly as hell now.”
    • “The graphics are so average that it barely needs to be talked about, but it all melds into a stupidly entertaining game.”
    • “The graphics might be slightly dated, but the gameplay is worth it.”
  • stability68 mentions

    The stability of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Vegas 2 on PC is widely criticized, with numerous reports of technical issues such as animation glitches, sound problems, and unreliable online functionality. While some players find the bugs amusing and manageable, many agree that the game is significantly buggier than its console counterparts, making the multiplayer experience particularly frustrating. Overall, despite its charm and fun gameplay, the game suffers from a range of stability issues that can detract from the experience.

    • “Runs great on modern rigs.”
    • “Less or no glitches or bugs.”
    • “Runs great, still fun after years and years, great for pick-up games with friends doing terrorist hunt missions, servers are still up, and tend to still work.”
    • “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.”
    • “There are many glitches and bugs, such as crappy server matchmaking, the notorious gun sound-looping bug, and possibly the best/worst AI I have ever seen.”
    • “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.”
  • humor46 mentions

    The humor in the game is frequently described as hilarious, often stemming from unintentional glitches and quirky character animations, such as bobblehead-like movements and absurdly inaccurate stats. Players enjoy the comedic dialogue from enemies and the amusing chaos during gameplay, particularly in modes like terrorist hunts, which add to the overall fun despite some frustrating elements. Overall, the blend of funny bugs, witty one-liners, and silly scenarios makes for an entertaining experience, especially when played with friends.

    • “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 feels forced and often falls flat, making it more cringeworthy than funny.”
    • “I expected a lot of laughs, but the jokes are stale and the comedic timing is off.”
    • “The attempts at humor are so over-the-top that they detract from the overall experience rather than enhance it.”
  • replayability34 mentions

    The game's replayability is significantly enhanced by its extensive weapon unlocks and ranking system, particularly in the terrorist hunt mode, which offers varied and challenging gameplay. However, the lack of official multiplayer support and shorter campaign levels detract from the overall experience for some players. Despite these drawbacks, many find the game enjoyable and worth revisiting, especially in co-op play.

    • “Countless hours of replayability because there's an actual ranking system and progression to unlock.”
    • “The game has a lot more replay value now as you can level up and unlock weapons during the campaign with a lot more weapons than the first game.”
    • “This feature alone extends the game's replayability, as each mission can unfold differently depending on how you and your teammates approach it.”
    • “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”
  • optimization22 mentions

    The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant input and performance lag, particularly on PC, despite its age. While some aspects, like graphics and gameplay mechanics, show improvement over previous titles, issues such as stuttering, sound glitches, and poor handling of smoke effects detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game struggles with optimization for current hardware, leading to frustration for players.

    • “So many awesome functions in this game really make it run smoothly.”
    • “Its age does show in the graphics and in certain mechanics, but for an older game, its performance and gameplay are on par with what you would expect from a game in the same genre.”
    • “***Ubisoft: saving you performance, when you're losing <3***”
    • “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.”
  • music21 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 new tracks that enhance the atmosphere during gameplay, although some find the volume levels distracting. Overall, the soundtrack is generally regarded as solid, contributing positively to the game's experience despite some criticisms.

    • “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.”
  • grinding21 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is a mixed bag; while some players find the leveling system rewarding and enjoyable, many criticize it for being excessively tedious and repetitive, especially past level 20. Unlocking weapons and customization options often feels like a chore, with some players noting that achieving the highest ranks requires an unrealistic time commitment. Overall, the grind can detract from the gameplay experience, despite the presence of a robust content offering.

    • “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).”
    • “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.”
    • “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 which had been about planning ahead - picking the right weapon (out of countless guns) for the job.”
    • “However, unlike Call of Duty, it's a pretty robust offering of content, featuring a rather lengthy campaign, numerous bonus missions, and a lengthy--if very grindy--leveling and unlock system to keep you grinding that treadmill forever.”
  • emotional11 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game evokes a mix of nostalgia, frustration, and heartfelt connection among players. Many express a deep attachment to the game, recalling fond memories and the sense of community, despite its multiplayer decline. Players report experiencing a range of emotions, from joy to heartbreak, highlighting the game's ability to resonate on a personal level.

    • “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.”
  • monetization9 mentions

    The reviews highlight a strong sentiment against the current monetization practices in gaming, particularly criticizing the prevalence of microtransactions and season passes that detract from the original experience of games like Rainbow Six. Many users express nostalgia for a time when games were less focused on monetization, suggesting that the industry's shift towards these practices has alienated veteran players and diminished the quality of the gaming experience. Overall, there is a call for a return to more straightforward pricing models without the burden of additional costs for content.

    • “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 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.”
    • “This is when Ubisoft actually cared for games before heavy monetization was a thing and began ruining triple-A games, as well as stripping content.”
  • atmosphere7 mentions

    The atmosphere in the game is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the solid visuals and punchy gun sounds that contribute to a sense of place, others find the overall ambiance bland and lacking compared to its predecessor. The engaging dialogue from AI adds depth, but the absence of the vibrant settings that characterized the original game diminishes the immersive experience. Overall, the atmosphere is noted as a key element, but it fails to reach the heights of earlier titles.

    • “What it lacked in hardware, it made up for with atmosphere.”
    • “I knew how to properly set it up, so I ended up with a rock-solid 60 fps with little to no compromise on the visuals, which, although simple, are solid enough to create a sense of atmosphere and place.”
    • “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.”
    • “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, but 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.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

80% average critic score

Buy Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Vegas 2

Play time

14hMedian play time
47hAverage play time
8hMain story
26hCompletionist
7-50hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 10 analyzed playthroughs

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