|
Not quite the same as the Xbox version.
Tactical squad-based shooters have had a good time recently. Sony’s SOCOM, Gathering’s (formely Gotham Games) Conflict series, and even Ubisoft’s other franchise, Ghost Recon, have all enjoyed console success. Rainbow Six 3 enjoyed countless hours on Xbox Live and Ubisoft is finally releasing it for the PS2 with snazzy new cover art to match. The port is coming from Ubisoft Shanghai who handled the Gamecube and PS2 ports of Splinter Cell, so you’re expecting the same quality, right? Well, it gets tricky.
You control Ding Chavez who leads a team of super cool tactical operatives, also known as, Team Rainbow. In 2007, something happens and the end result is that you need to fix it. Helping you out are Weber, Price, and Loiselle. You don’t actually control these three but you can give them many commands. These range from waiting on you, to going ahead without you or scouting an area.
The game has a plenty of varied missions (fifteen including one only found on PS2) which are to be expected in a game of this kind. You’ll have to rescue people or disarm some bomb, nothing major. The AI of your enemies is pretty good, although some of your teammates make some questionable decisions at times. The levels, much like the multiplayer levels, have been made smaller and shorter with fewer objects on screen so tha the PS2 doesn’t die. Even with this, it stutters.
For most though, the real draw is the multiplayer which solves the problems of your teammates’ AI. On the Xbox version, you could play with eight-to-sixteen people. Here, you can only play in games of six. While it doesn’t subtract from the multiplayer (it’s still quite fun), you won’t be able to use the same techniques that you’re used to with more people. There are tens maps, four of which are exclusive to the PS2. The maps that the PS2 and Xbox version share in common are much smaller for the PS2. Not surprisingly, the exclusive maps feel the best on PS2.
No one can really deny that the visual engine behind Splinter Cell was fantastic even on the PS2. That same engine that powered the PS2 port of the game is used in this game. Unlike that game though, Ubisoft Shanghai had to strip away some of the detail from the Xbox version. The environments weren’t even that detailed to begin with, so making them worse isn’t good. The lighting that was so awesome in the Xbox version has been downgraded, as well. The framerate stays near thirty for the most part, though, which is good.
The soundtrack in the game is fitting, although you won’t hear much of it. The sound effects on the other hand are excellent. You’ll hear everything in the game. Wondering where someone is? Try and listen to them walking. Wondering if there are people coming? Pay attention to the doors.
Rainbow Six 3 for Xbox is a wonderful game that shows others how to make squad-based shooters. When it comes to the PS2, Rainbow Six 3 is still quite fun. That said, the shorter levels, forced smaller online teams, and plentiful technical shortcomings keep it from achieving the same distinction of its Xbox counterpart. If you only own a PS2, Rainbow Six 3 isn’t a bad game by any means, just not as good as it can possibly be. -- Jose Liz, PGNx Media
---- Apr 12, 2004
|
