Metacritic Games

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 (Xbox 360)

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is your last chance to rescue America's sexiest city from an escalating terrorist siege that will force you into heart-pounding action from beginning to end. Sin City is back and bigger than before. Explore all new Vegas hot spots as the environment changes from dusk to bright daylight to dawn, creating a visual experience that is as challenging as it is breathtaking. The multiplayer mode in Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas has been upgraded to include 11 new, smaller maps that force more intense face-offs, 2 new adversarial modes, more rewards, and easier access to matches using the improved and intuitive matchmaking system. Create your own identity that stays the same in both single player and multiplayer modes and progresses as you do. Reap the benefits of your single player rewards in multiplayer and vice versa. Turn single player mode into co-op mode at any time, just by jumping into the game. Now your friend can jump into your single player game and help you without any change to the story. Single player maps and storyline were created with co-op in mind, which means every map has multiple entry points and the story is the same. AI is more challenging than ever. Now, the terrorists are equipped with thermal vision, night vision, and shields – not to mention a multitude of varying reactions – all of which are guaranteed to give you a new playing experience every time you go into battle. As you progress within the game, you'll only be able to outsmart your enemies by taking advantage of intel opportunities, such as thermal scanning, and tactical strategies, such as leapfrogging. Take down the terrorists more effectively using 11 new weapons. New camouflage, clothing and gear allow you to take customization to the next level. [Ubisoft]

Ubisoft
Tactical Shooter
Players: 16
M (Mature)
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Released March 18, 2008

Overall Metascore

This is a weighted, normalized average of all individual scores given by critics, on a scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

83 / 100

Critic Reviews

100 AceGamez
A considerable improvement over its already fantastic predecessor. 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 as impressive as we'd hoped and the refined co-op play offers a great range of options.
96 Game Chronicles
One hell of a game.
93 Game Informer
A hell of a package. It's sort of a shame that so much of it is recycled from the last game, but nobody stops eating their favorite food because it's similar every time - and this is the Kobe beef of tactical FPS. [Apr 2008, p.80]
91 1UP
Though a great overall package that packs a lot value, Vegas 2 is probably best characterized as a glorious example of fan service. Though not necessary, familiarity with the previous game adds tremendously to the overall experience, and many of the enhancements are direct responses to the very vocal and passionate community that plays online regularly.
90 GameZone
Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 doesn’t strive to reinvent the franchise, and works mostly as a means of finishing off the story that began in the first game.
90 MS Xbox World
If you like tactical shooters then this game is most certainly a must buy. If you are new to Rainbow games, then this is as good place to start as any as knowledge of the first game isn't essential for the experience.
90 Official Xbox Magazine UK
Ubisoft has taken a huge gamble by not making wholesale changes to Rainbow Six Vegas 2, but it's come up smelling liike roses. It's still one of the very best-value, high-quality FPS packages available on the 360. [Apr 2008, p.72]
90 GameSpy
Suffice it to say that if you enjoyed the first Rainbow Six: Vegas, then you will undoubtedly find considerable value in Vegas 2.
90 360 Gamer Magazine UK
Grow up, take your time and employ tactics and you’ll be rewarded by the most tense and rewarding tactical shooter available. You’ll have to breathe through your nose, though, since your heart will be filling your mouth.
90 GameTap
Best of all, the experience points and ACES rankings you earn are reflected offline and online, so your customized character always reflects your progress, skill, and accumulated weapons. On the surface, there is nothing terribly magic or new about this feature, but these rewards are handled and presented extremely well and their pervasiveness provides a feeling of accomplishment as well as a compelling reason to play all segments of the game.
90 Totally360
There is nothing groundbreaking here however Ubisoft did improve on what was already there.
90 PGNx Media
On its own merits, though, Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is an excellent shooter, with some of the best controls and gunplay on any shooter.
90 Gamer.nl
Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 is just like a hot dog. It doesn't have to change in order to be tasty. Ubisoft has put on a great sauce with the A.C.E.S.-system, objects you can shoot through, and a great cooperative mode. And believe us it will be the best hot dog you ever tasted.
90 Gamervision
A must-have for any Tom Clancy fan. Although not a quantum leap forward from the original R6V, it still delivers enough of what made that first title great, while adding some elements that make it a more complete and robust gaming experience.
88 Cheat Code Central
That being said, the new multiplayer modes and gameplay are phenomenal and the subtle refinements to the title do make Rainbow Six Vegas 2 superior to its predecessor.
87 Console Monster
Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is an exciting, challenging, single player and multi-player experience which will keep you on the edge of your seats.
86 XboxAddict
Overall Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is not a huge upgrade from Vegas 1, but it’s still a good game regardless.
86 Xbox World Australia
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 is a great game. It captures the Rainbow Six ‘feel' and delivers high intensity gameplay both on and offline.
85 Game Over Online
That being said, the story mode is just as long as the original and brings a satisfying conclusion to the plot, some of the new features like the sprint button and bullet penetration add a new dimension to gameplay, and the multiplayer suite is as robust as ever.
85 Da Gameboyz
And with solid gameplay, including the new ACES system and sprinting capability, solid graphics, excellent sound, and a very engaging multiplayer component, this sequel is pretty darn good.
85 GameTrailers
Rainbow Six Vegas 2 doesn’t feel much like a sequel. The limited development time has allowed for few improvements and a truncated, forgettable campaign. The good news is that the formula is so strong that it remains a compelling play.
85 GameSpot
Rainbow Six Vegas 2 isn’t the best sequel ever made, but it’s still a great tactical shooter in its own right.
85 IGN AU
Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is by no means the next evolutionary step in first person shooting, but it does wrap up the Vegas storyline quite nicely and the gameplay has seen some genuine, however incremental, improvement.
85 DailyGame
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is a solid game that should prove enjoyable to fans of single-player and online shooting fun. We highly recommend Ubisoft's latest outing in 2008.
85 Armchair Empire
Even with the minor warts, Rainbow Six Vegas 2 still provides a great experience, both on and offline. And that's what we all want from our "sequels."
85 PTGamers
Here we have a rock-solid action game, well balanced, particularly on the multiplayer and online options. However, Ubisoft will need more enthusiasm on the next chapter, mainly a change of scenery.
84 Extreme Gamer
Ubisoft's gamble pays off with its return trip to Las Vegas. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2 implemented ACES experience system, upgraded A.I., ready to go co-op and customizable lead character makes Vegas 2 more than a mild upgrade from the first.
84 IGN
For those who haven’t taken a stroll down the streets of Sin City than you needn’t look any further than Rainbow Six Vegas 2, but those looking for a sequel that surpasses the original in everyway imaginable will be disappointed.
84 Team Xbox
Rainbow Six Vegas 2 is definitely worth a look-see, but don’t expect much more excitement than the first time you plopped Lockdown into that fat, black console.
83 Gamer 2.0
The game relies too heavily on the events and effects of the previous title, and although there are plenty of neat new features to whet your appetite, the game hardly feels like a sequel and more of a downloadable add-on.
83 GameShark
The multiplayer is disappointing due to the sloppy netcode, making the game primarily a single player or co-op campaign experience (two players only this time, though.) However, the solid gameplay mechanics and control scheme backed by impressive visuals and audio make the campaign game shine and is one of the best tactical shooters in recent memory.
83 Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
Still a brilliant shooter, but needed better levels and more new content. [May 2008, p.81]
83 Talk Xbox
In short, if you’re a fan of the original Vegas or have more than just a passing interest, then by all means, check this one out; just don’t expect profound amounts of innovation.
82 Xbox360Achievements
With the adaptive AI the terrorist hunts ensure an ongoing challenge that is never the same twice.
80 Giant Bomb
If you played the first game to death and are absolutely ready for more, Vegas 2 is right up your alley, but all those similarities mean that you’ll probably burn out on this one a bit faster.
80 IGN UK
It’s a girly grumble, but a proper one: if a publisher insists on giving different games to different teams, plan the narrative across both first. If you’re going to end a game on a cliffhanger, make its sequel address this! Sheesh!
80 Worth Playing
Rainbow Six: Vegas was a good game, and Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 is more of the same. The only problem here is that "more of the same" includes glitches, but not very much original or innovative gameplay.
80 Total Video Games
Fortunately even though the single-player mode feels as though Ubisoft may have stretched it all a little too far, much like the original, Vegas 2 is all about the online multiplayer.
80 Kombo
The original Rainbow Six Vegas received a high score because it felt like an exciting step forward for the tactical shooter at the time it was released. The sequel doesn't bring the same sense of excitement, but that doesn't make it a bad game.
80 GamePro
When you come right down to it, though, Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 succeeds thanks to its amazing co-op, carefully balanced gameplay and memorable setting.
80 Official Xbox Magazine
The best way to describe Vegas 2 is that it’s not really a full sequel — it’s just the rest of the first game.
80 GameDaily
Even though there's very little change, Rainbow Six Vegas 2 maintains a steady balance of tactical command and shooting; the presentation lives up to Ubisoft Montreal's standard; and the single and multiplayer options will keep you busy.
80 VideoGamer
The gun-play is excellent, the production values are top notch and the multiplayer game modes will keep you coming back months down the line. As long as you're not expecting a complete overhaul of the gameplay seen in the original, Vegas 2 will provide plenty of terrorist hunting fun.
80 G4 TV
While Vegas 2 shows definite improvements over it predecessor, one cannot help but feel as though the title could have used another couple of months to get that Caesar Palace showgirl shine instead of coming out like a Caesar Palace cocktail waitress.
80 PALGN
While not as revolutionary as the original, it's still a very competent game and is worth a look for anybody interested in the series at all.
80 Yahoo! Games
Vegas 2 may be formulaic, but when the formula's still tastes great, it's hard to complain too much. Rainbow Six's action-movie realism and smooth look still make the game every bit as gripping as its illustrious predecessor.
80 Console Gameworld
Vegas 2 would have worked better if it cut out the single player entirely and added more to he multiplayer.
80 Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
When it comes to tactical shooters, it’s hard to find anything better than this. While the previous title already offered brilliant gameplay, Vegas 2 still manages to introduce some minor touches that make it even better. But although it’s a great multiplayer experience it still doesn’t manage to deliver the definite co-op formula. [Apr 2008]
80 Play Magazine
Vegas 2 is more of the same, to be sure, complete with many of the same knocks on its predecessor. [May 2008, p.60]
79 Jolt Online Gaming UK
The great multiplayer and co-op are worthy of the price alone, and as familiar as it feels, the single player game is still a tremendous experience, albeit a little short.
79 ActionTrip
Multiplayer is bound to keep you occupied and the fact that you can overcome battle situations in a unique way each time, offers a solid amount of replayability.
78 Ferrago
While our stay in the city of sin has been an enjoyable and occasionally engrossing one, we won't be needing to revisit anytime soon.
78 IC-Games
The game itself is quite good. Graphically it does look good, it sounds good, has a very good story line and the choice of weapons, the ACES system and online play are all top notch work from Ubisoft. But the game still feels unfinished and rushed out.
75 Gaming Age
The whole package feels like it should have contained a bit more, but since the foundation it's based [on] is so solid, you can't really complain about the core gameplay.
75 NZGamer
Essentially, if the original Rainbow Six: Vegas didn’t float your boat then this game probably won’t do much for you at all. But for hardcore fans of the original or for others who didn’t get round to playing it, Vegas 2 should definitely be worth checking out.
70 games(TM)
You can’t help feeling a proper Rainbow Six sequel, set somewhere else and given proper time to stew, would have been a far tastier prospect. [Apr 2008, p.106]
70 EuroGamer
Overall, Vegas 2 feels like an incremental expansion, despite the success of the character-creation feature.
70 Gamestyle
Vegas 2 could’ve done with a few months more development time, at least, maybe then would we have got the Rainbow Six game we all wanted.
70 X360 Magazine UK
For those who played and loved its debut, this simply insn't as good.. [Issue#31, p.74]
70 Gameplanet
The coop campaign mode is extremely challenging and fun to play, yet the best experience to be had with games like Rainbow Six Vegas 2 still resides online in the 16 player lobbies via multiplayer.
67 Game Revolution
It refuses to take any meaningful gambles. Fans may enjoy having more of their favorite game, but they might also find it drab and boring after so much of the same.

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