bit-tech Shopping: UbiSoft Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 (XB360)

• 1080i (HDTV)
• 1080p (HDTV)
• 720p (HDTV)

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Months

Strengths: Great tactical shooterGood challengeFun environments and mission structure

Weaknesses: Slow pacedQuick deaths from enemy headshotsOnline play lobbies could be better organized

Summary: I have been a fan of all the Tom Clancy games on the XBOX 360, but Rainbow Six Vegas 2 stands-out as the pinnacle of these games. It is more of an enhancement of the first Rainbow Six Vegas, than a true sequel, but it is a great game with some really fun environments and a great perk system that keeps you playing online and off. Graphics are slightly improved, but the new perks system called ACES is a great way to score play and provide perks for better play. The tactical nature of these games does require some patience, you cannot just run into the room and expect to live very long, but that almost adds a puzzle approach to the gameplay that can be very rewarding. I have not spent much time with the online play, because I really do not like the lobby interface. I'll stick to COD 4 and more recently Battlefield: Bad Company for my multiplayer shooter fun, but this game should not be missed by any shooter fan and I would recommend it over the first game to those new to the series.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3

Strengths: cover system, action-packed gameplay, graphics, online multi-player

Weaknesses: some levels were dull

Summary: The Rainbow Six team is back to save Vegas once again. Vegas 2 is pretty much a refined version of the first game. Everything from controls, A.I., and level designs have been tighten up and improved. Besides the new locales in story mode, the biggest addition to this sequel is the option to customize your character for story mode. Through online matches or story mode, you can earn experience points to level your character up RPG style and unlock new equipment and tools. Overall, if you enjoy the first Vegas, you'll love Vegas 2. Online matches is sweet!!!

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Month

Strengths: incredible graphics,great enemy AI,and a great new character customization!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Weaknesses: Buggy Friendly AI,and low voice volume.

Summary: I would say that Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 is a well put game,but has some noticable weaknesses {Like every other video game known to man.}In my opinion I would say that Rainbow Six:Vegas 2 focuses mainly on multiplayer and CO-OP but has a good camppaign.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3

Strengths: Offline and Online Co-op Play. XP and Skill Points.

Weaknesses: "Realistic" Difficulty level seems too easy.

Summary: I picked this game up as soon as it was released. I was a huge fan of the first series and this series is improved upon. The XP system works well. You still get XP from your teammates kills. There are A LOT of upgrades available in this game and I am still working on them. The way to upgrade is through 3 different kill requirements: Close Quarter Combat, Marksman, and Assault. You gain points by doing different tasks which fall under each category. The ability to dash is a plus. The online play is a huge improvement with some old maps with a lot of new maps included. There are a variety of modes to play. I like the ability to jump into any game instead of having to wait for a timer countdown or for a specific number of players to join before the game even starts. The online play is HUGE improvement over the first Rainbow Six.The campaign plays well, yeah, there really isn?t any ?Vegas? involved but that doesn?t have any negative affects on game play. One gripe is that the difficulty level could be taken up a notch. I?m not good at tactical FPS but I was able to ?breeze? through realistic mode too easily I think. One last note worth mentioning, the commands to control you?re A.I. teammates is very easy to use which comes handy when you?re in the heat of battle. Overall, anyone looking for a great offline and online co-op shooter game should add this game to their collection.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2 Days

Strengths: It is a well made game. I love it when the enemy yells at you.

Weaknesses: The game play seems a little repetative. It's pretty much the same plot over and over, the only thing that changes is the location where it takes place.

Summary: The graffics could have more detail and the story line could be a little more complicated but these shortcomings are made up by the game play. It's very realistic and still a lot of fun to play with friends online.