First of all, forget about the PC version, the previous games in the series and any preconceptions you may have about squad-based FPS' - this Xbox version has been entirely recoded for the console market, taking an advance Splinter Cell engine and putting it to very good use.
The one-level demo is available when you preorder the final game in the states, and is also featured on this months Official Xbox magazine (US and UK).
Rather strangely, despite being Rainbow Six, the game only features four people in the Rainbow team. You play one, and have no direct control over the other three. Only commands can be issued - Holding A brings up a context sensitive menu of options, such as move, grenade etc. If you hold A while pointing at a door, you get options to flash/bang/clear etc. The system works well and the AI is for the most part alright, though there are moments of total stupidity, such as a team member deciding to walk continually into a wall. Muppet.
Anyway, as the demo starts you need to clear some sewers, and there is a big surprise almost instantly...but I won't spoil it. After this, you need to infiltrate and clear out a prison - this is basically a recreation of The Rock.
The high point of the demo (so far, haven't managed to finish it yet) is one of the first rooms in the prison, in the showers. You enter the large room in almost complete darkness, and almost instantly you come under fire from multiple enemies on the level above. Through the panic of being shot at from so many angles, I ran for cover under one of the shower blocks only to find myself pinned down from all angles. To my surprise, the concrete block I was hiding behind was being blown to pieces by gun fire - in true Matrix (film) fashion. With a little bit of skill and a heck of a lot of hiding, my AI squad managed to take control of the area, looking back afterwards the entire room looked like it had just been through a war zone.
I have to say too, that it felt quite real when under fire too. The game features the best 'hit' effect I've ever seen, with a great 'ringing in the ear' sound effect and distorted vision. Even better is the effect from a flashbang, great stuff. The feel of the weapons is even better than Halo's; can really feel the power.
Fantastic music, graphics, sound and gameplay - this looks all set to be a real winner at Christmas. Coop play (Live!, system link and I believe split screen) will be superb.
Check it out
The one-level demo is available when you preorder the final game in the states, and is also featured on this months Official Xbox magazine (US and UK).
Rather strangely, despite being Rainbow Six, the game only features four people in the Rainbow team. You play one, and have no direct control over the other three. Only commands can be issued - Holding A brings up a context sensitive menu of options, such as move, grenade etc. If you hold A while pointing at a door, you get options to flash/bang/clear etc. The system works well and the AI is for the most part alright, though there are moments of total stupidity, such as a team member deciding to walk continually into a wall. Muppet.
Anyway, as the demo starts you need to clear some sewers, and there is a big surprise almost instantly...but I won't spoil it. After this, you need to infiltrate and clear out a prison - this is basically a recreation of The Rock.
The high point of the demo (so far, haven't managed to finish it yet) is one of the first rooms in the prison, in the showers. You enter the large room in almost complete darkness, and almost instantly you come under fire from multiple enemies on the level above. Through the panic of being shot at from so many angles, I ran for cover under one of the shower blocks only to find myself pinned down from all angles. To my surprise, the concrete block I was hiding behind was being blown to pieces by gun fire - in true Matrix (film) fashion. With a little bit of skill and a heck of a lot of hiding, my AI squad managed to take control of the area, looking back afterwards the entire room looked like it had just been through a war zone.
I have to say too, that it felt quite real when under fire too. The game features the best 'hit' effect I've ever seen, with a great 'ringing in the ear' sound effect and distorted vision. Even better is the effect from a flashbang, great stuff. The feel of the weapons is even better than Halo's; can really feel the power.
Fantastic music, graphics, sound and gameplay - this looks all set to be a real winner at Christmas. Coop play (Live!, system link and I believe split screen) will be superb.
Check it out
ft: I'll try that out in a minute then.
)
Comment