The multiplayer really shines. A second player can hop in at any time (offline) and help complete the campaign via co-op, but the more entertaining bits come in the form of the Xbox Live support. Here, up to sixteen players can take part in a match, either choosing to go co-op with friends or going all out in a versus match. Furthermore, players can customize their lead soldiers online, even using the Xbox Live Camera to map their face onto the character. Progress made in the multiplayer campaign can also unlock new items, including various achievements that otherwise could not be reached and a slew of new weapons. This alone should keep players firing through Vegas well into the next year.
The visuals look outstanding, showing Ubisoft Montreal's efforts at its best. Las Vegas shines with all kinds of glitz and glamour and excellent use of lighting brings the area to life. The animation is superb, right down to a player shimmying against a wall and setting up for a frag grenade throw. Even flying over the streets of Mexico has its rewards. You can look outside of an open helicopter window and see the country in all its glory, right down to the multi-colored banners hanging in the streets. However, it's all about Vegas. Ubisoft's gone to great lengths to capture the city's essence. It looks crazy good.
Vegas' audio includes fantastic sound effects such as gunfire, glass shattering and even slot machines. The game's soundtrack is just as impressive, packing a dramatic punch.
Unfortunately, the extreme difficulty will definitely turn off some people as enemies are downright mean on the realistic levels. There's also some question as to why the story isn't as tense as the in-game action -- it seems to be a TV movie of the week plot stapled to a gruff Arnold Schwarzenegger movie.
Rainbow Six Vegas is still a monstrous return to brilliance, wiping away any memories of the poorly conceived Rainbow Six Lockdown. Ubisoft Montreal has nailed the looks and sounds of the city down pat, and thrown in some smart gameplay and strong multiplayer support as well. Forget the Elvis impersonators, this is what Vegas is all about. Viva Las Vegas!
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