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Rainbow Six Vegas
Score: 72%
ESRB: Teen
Publisher: Ubisoft Entertainment
Developer: Ubisoft Entertainment
Media: UMD/1
Players: 1; 2 - 4 (Online)
Genre: First Person Shooter/ Action

Graphics & Sound:
You have to give credit to Ubisoft for taking a different approach to the PSP version of Rainbow Six Vegas. While they could easily have tried to squeeze a sub-par port of the 360 version onto the handheld, they instead built a new version from the ground up. Although it successfully captures the action of the console version, it is also an incredibly short ride that doesn't quite live up to its potential.

Rainbow Six Vegas holds up really well on the PSP. It is easy to see that the game was designed specifically for the PSP since everything filters right in without the usual hiccups usually seen in system's steady stream of ports. Environments are well-designed and detailed; the only problem is that it completely misses the "Vegas" feel of the 360 version. Although the game takes place in Las Vegas, you spend an unusual amount of time outside the city. Rather than shoot-outs in casinos and the strip, you spend time in airports and other mundane areas.

Sound has always been important to the series, so it is good to see that the same attention was put into the PSP version. Environmental sounds lend a certain ambience to levels while random chatter from terrorists adds a little life. You also have a mission op feeding you data throughout missions. Gunfire is varied; each gun has its own distinct report, so you can usually tell what someone is packing.


Gameplay:
Terrorists have kidnapped a pair of Rainbow Operatives and launched an assault on Las Vegas. Rather than follow the plot of the 360 version, the PSP's story ties into that game's plot. You aren't the lead team, but instead what amounts to Rainbow Six's B-Team, a two-man group (assault specialist and a sniper) that takes on lower profile (but equally important and dangerous) missions that relate to the main squad's tasks. Throughout the game, you will constantly switch between the two team members depending on the situation. While completing a task as the assault trooper you may run into resistance, at which point you switch to the sniper and clear the area.

There are only five or so levels in the entire game, most of which take place in surrounding areas. Even though each level is split up into sections, it shouldn't take more than 4 - 6 hours (longer if you find yourself in a tough situation) to complete the entire single-player campaign. Once the single-player scenario is completed, you can replay missions or enter Terro Hunt Mode where you run through the map while fighting randomly placed terrorists. This is great for a quick pick-up game, though it isn't compelling enough to keep you coming back numerous times. There is no mission structure, so it basically deteriorates into an FPS.

Rainbow Six Vegas also supports ad hoc and online multiplayer for up to four players. Six maps are included, though only two match types are available: Deathmatch and Team Survival. Both are okay, though since you are only dealing with four players, they leave much to be desired.


Difficulty:
For the most part, Rainbow Six Vegas is short on challenge; at least if you play smart and keep from rushing into situations without a plan. While the point in most games is to run in and kill everyone, Vegas requires that you come up with a way to do that while not getting hit yourself. Unlike the 360 version, there are no "rest stops" in the PSP version, so you can't heal or reload your ammo supply mid mission. You also can't pick up weapons that enemies drop. Over the course of the game, it is hard to not get yourself into a situation where you are low on health and ammo, usually requiring a restart.

Vegas also has a way of sticking you in situations where you have to perform flawlessly, otherwise you will have to restart. Generally the game isn't too difficult, but when it is, it gets frustrating.


Game Mechanics:
Rainbow Six Vegas uses a first-person view for most of the game, though it switches to third-person view while in cover. The cover mechanic is automatic and is a major component for most of the game. Just about anything - walls, boxes - can be used as cover by simply walking up to it. The mechanic works a little too well because it is very easy to find yourself accidentally stuck in cover when you don't want to. It never gets to the point where it will get you killed, though it can be annoying. Once behind cover, you can peek from behind the cover and shoot.

Control issues aren't limited to just the sensitive cover mechanic; most of your core actions are context sensitive and feel clumsy. It is very easy to find yourself performing an action that you don't intend to, sometimes to the point where you find yourself in a tough situation. The analog stick is used to move, while the face buttons aim. I've become much better at using this system since this seems to be the new "default" way of handling the lack of two analog sticks on the PSP, though at the same time it feels mechanical and imprecise, so it is best to use the lock-on function.

Vegas is not the smoothest of rides. Every checkpoint is met with a brief load time and there is an odd, half-second stutter when firing as well as another whenever you kill someone.

Rainbow Six Vegas is a solid shooter, at least if you aren't expecting something that matches the 360 version. The only major downside is the length; though you would expect the ancillary modes to give the game a little more play value, they don't match up to expectations. Unless you are in desperate need for a portable shooter, Rainbow Six Vegas is a pass unless you can get it for a good price.


-Starscream, GameVortex Communications
AKA Ricky Tucker

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