Nerds That Geek Gaming Flashback - 'Rainbow Six: Vegas 2'

​Written by John Edward Betancourt

Video game sequels often times have it easy. With advanced graphics over their predecessors, along with new features and fun additions to an old formula, it's easy for these types of games to succeed and satisfy fans everywhere in the process. But sometimes, the company behind the game feels the need to challenge their audience a little bit more.

From time to time a powerful and intricate story is introduced that sets up a grand and sweeping epic. The kind where plot threads need to be resolved, or old scores need to be settled and then the powers that be are faced with quite a challenge. Not only do they have to deliver a far more advanced game than the original, but one that manages to tie everything together neatly and satisfy the audience, as was attempted with Rainbow Six: Vegas 2. 

Those who played the original were treated to an incredible gaming experience where the city of Sin was under siege from a terrorist attack, eventually revealing the fact that (SPOILERS) one of their own team was behind it all in an effort to bring down Rainbow in epic fashion. How or why, we didn't quite know, that was to be saved for the sequel and in the story department, Vegas 2 absolutely delivers. In fact, this game serves as both prequel and sequel story wise, taking us deep into the motivations of our traitor Gabriel Nowak to better understand his wild actions, but alas the glamour and glitz of the game ends there.

While the graphics have definitely improved a great deal in this sequel, and while it's awesome to battle it out in parts of Las Vegas that are rarely covered when it comes to this city, the gameplay is merely okay at best. Some of the new A.I. advancements for your teammates don't quite work as they are supposed to, leaving you high and dry during an attack and at times the levels simply drag on for too long and one can feel a touch bored staying in the same location, simply waiting for the next wave of bad guys to arrive so you can mow them down with impunity.  

If anything, Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 is an imperfect follow up at best. While it is strong in its storytelling, it lacks greatly in the gameplay department and that's just a shame. Because the original was a powerhouse adventure that kept the action flowing and it's ability to surprise you with its visuals and its gameplay allowed for it stand out on its own. Sadly, there's little of that to be found here and really, the sole reason to play this one is to see the story through to its completion. Don't get me wrong, it's not a terrible game, it's just missing the awe and wonder of the first...but it is nice to get some answers, and battle it out in Vegas, one last time...

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