Disclaimer: this review this game is multiplayer game only as such the features discussed may be changed after the review has been published
Intro
The Rainbow Six franchise has always been, historically speaking, focused on realism, team work and tactical gameplay. As such I am glad to see that Rainbow Six after taking some well-deserved time off has gone back to its roots and possibly rewrote the handbook on teamwork. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege is as meaty and punchy as the gunplay and explosives in this game. However, the issue of being multiplayer only and being sold for a full retail price concerns me. I’d say this in a rather ironic way due to the fact that the game was given to the company I work for as review copy. Nevertheless, if I am to the review the game as whole it is a fun game to play with friends but feels rather boring after a while if played by yourself.
World Building
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege has removed single player to focus on the multiplayer element, which has helped create a fun, impactful and joyful experience. There is nothing as fun as teaming up with five of your friends to help plan and fight the enemy. While I show some concern in relation to its price the game does a good job in presenting a plausible game that feels realistic and gritty, as the guns and explosives feel far more powerful than other games on the market. If the developer’s aim was to make a Call of Duty-like game with simple controls, the team focused requirements of Battlefield and a hint of the realism as in the Arma franchise that they have succeed in doing so.
Gameplay Mechanics
There are several new features that deserve be discussed in this review, the most notable is the new class system. Each of the class are “operators” which give you certain abilities that help you depending on the situation and will likely benefit you in attack or defending. For example, some class carry sledgehammers, which help get through walls with more ease; others let you install a fixed Machine gun or have a bulletproof vest. Each one helps build on the destructibility mechanic of the game, which is helped with the use of team focused tactics. The game also allows you to deal significant damage to the map, which can help give the edge in battle; destroying parts of wall provide you a perfect little hidden nest, or in attack you could remove the wall denying the enemy cover, pushing back the defender. This leads to next major feature, the focus on the “team” aspect of game; you win or lose by how good your team is. This is supported and compounded by the abilities of your chosen class. If, for example, you and your friends all pick attack-focused classes then you will be at a disadvantage when you defend. Furthermore, the game provides some level commands for team strategy but is recommend you use a microphone as it would be more affective when problems arise and a change in tactic is needed.
Sound Design
The soundtrack for Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege is nothing special or notable. Although it helps build tension when required it is otherwise quite minimalist. However, the true crowing jewel is the sound design. The sound design is powerful and meaty and helps build the realism of the game, you can really feel a given explosion. If you are close to them can be feel distorting or when you first encounter a thermite drill; it is the scariest thing to happen especially when you have the 2-second silence before all hell breaks loose. You’re spraying and praying that you kill something.
Conclusion
The game is downright fun but best to play with friends. However, it can become stale and boring over a prolonged period and I am rather annoyed the game was solid for full retail price. If the games price could act as almost a season pass if the DLC is substantial and worth then my score of giving this game a 7 out of 10 could likely rise but I am judging this game upon first release.
Score: 7 out of 10