Affectionate Diary

It says a fuck of a lot about the games business that Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is:

A) Set in Vegas again

B) Even more of an arcade shooter ‘experience’ than ever

This shit is pretty much unforgivable when you think how distant it’s become from its root concept - to provide hellishly brutal and tactically demanding anti-terrorist missions. Gone are the small, deliciously taut levels such as that wicked one in the tube station and that chemical weapons factory on a farm, or mad fucked-up shit like that hydro-electric dam and the plane hostage crisis where you had your sniper fuck the shit out of some terrorist dude’s head whilst you stormed the cabin. Instead, we have sprawling environments that feel much closer to linear channels and set-piece arenas especially designed for the very latest in cinematic simulated battle experiences. We get camera zoom-outs for taking cover and a collection of influences from titles way below the series in terms of tactical richness. This, whilst providing an engaging and polished killing experience, is so far removed from what I loved about the early Rainbow Six titles that I felt like properly smashing some shit up. Tears were welling in my eyes when I saw the sweet graphics and fired the guns. When I saw the RPG stuff, I pretty much had a complete breakdown and had to call several friends for support. In fact, if it wasn’t for the fact I’m allowed to use my favourite sniper rifle (a suppressed SR-25) from the start, I would have probably self-harmed.

I’m not particularly happy with all the fucking banter as well. You’re fucking Spec Ops. You don’t talk unless it’s mission critical.

-10/10