Rainbow Six 3: Raven Shield Hands-On

We have received another blessing from the crew at Ubi Soft. This time they were kind enough to donate a lovely new build of their approaching shooter Rainbow Six: Raven Shield - a title expected to be one of the most popular team-based FPS's this spring. I must point out straight away though, that while the preview build represents a near-completed version of the game, there are still several important visual aspects that are still being finalized. Nonetheless, all of the gameplay facets were there and each anti-terrorist trooper was freely at our command, so come with us as we dig deeper into another endeavor of the valiant R6 squad.

Just checking up on my teammates. Hi ya!

He’s a goner.

This version doesn't reveal any specifics regarding the game's basic plot, but the mission briefings gave us a good idea of what to expect. We do know that the game is set some time in the year 2006. Increased terrorist threats have caused a complete standoff in several regions across Europe and South America. Since most of these terrorist attacks are performed by fanatics and individuals who are determined to use any means necessary to achieve their goal, any bargaining or negotiation is futile. I think you all of you know the drill when negotiations fail during a hostage situation... Of course, that means it's time to send in the RAINBOW team - a special multi-national group of counter-terrorist experts under the command of the United Nations. The idea is to locate the villains and sweep the entire area to ensure none of them survives - the general principle of all R6 games.

At the beginning of our very first single-player campaign, we noticed a number of changes. Raven Shield tends to underline the importance of pre-planning and team-work. The new on-the-fly order system seems to be function pretty good. Especially with the significantly enhanced AI, which in this case never appeared to falter. Terrorists are usually well-armed and prepared for anything. They are always on full alert and will come in groups if they hear even the slightest whisper. On top of that, the friendly AI has also shown its worth in a number of tight spots. So yeah, your squad is also fully-equipped and well-trained to handle those pesky terrorists. After seeing them in action, you won't regret you have them by your side. Because of their skills and capabilities, issuing orders is a truly satisfying experience. They will always get the appointed job done in a quick and well-organized manner. In fact, in some situations you can easily rely on your R6 compadres to carry out a task completely by themselves; indeed without any directives whatsoever. For example, your recons can enter a room, make a swift sweep of the surrounding area, while your demolition expert attempts to defuse an explosive device - in the meantime, you can send out your assault units to distract the terrorists and keep them occupied until the demolition team completes the main objective.

But, prior to each mission you have the option to create a foolproof "battle plan" using a most effective map screen. Here players can put up waypoints and devise a line of attack using a 3D map and a route planner. Again, thanks to those smart units of yours, executing this plan should be a piece of cake. Every once in a while, it pays off to heed the advice of your intelligence team, who are always there to dig up some additional dirt on the baddies you'll be up against. This way you will have a clearer picture of whether the terrorist are serious about their business or not. Hm... In most cases they are, so be prepared and don't expect a warm welcome.

Since this early version of the game did not allow us to enjoy the game's plotline properly, we were sort of left with a rather trivial perception of the good-guys-against-bad-guys routine. Still, it wasn't all bad. Every mission briefing seems to provide enough data and background on your targets, and that was enough this time around. As for the mission-structure, we weren't able to notice any tangible flaws there. Your main objectives will be well-guarded and it often takes and hour or two to accomplish your plan and get to a specific target or waypoint. Also, there's a great variety of missions, which requires you to think before you send your units into "no-man's land." This is another point where I got to engage those rusty bran cells of mine. Positioning your team members, scouting the area, and sweeping up the terrorist scum, are all crucial to a successful mission. For instance, you should never send a sniper into action alone - it is recommended that you always have a recon or assault troop to cover his ass.

Lean with me right and again to the left. C’mon put your back into it soldier!

That AK seems to be too heavy for the lad.

Anyway, when Ubi Soft revealed all of those goodies (weapons and various items) we were just itching to try them out. Each member of your team was trained to handle a certain type of weapon, so if you equip a demolition expert with a long-ranged sniper rifle don't expect any positive results. All the weapons that we've tested in this beta build have worked without any hitches throughout each and every mission. There were absolutely no exceptions to the rule here. Any weapon we selected has proved to be effective on the field; particularly in terms of physics. The Unreal technology did the job well in this case, even though the engine code itself needs a bit more work (we experienced several visual bugs here and there). Otherwise, things like weapon recoil and similar features that are meant to enhance realism, all work splendidly.

So, are you getting tired of all the splendids and excellents yet? Well, I'd advise you to get used to them, cause there's plenty more where those came from.

On a few general notes regarding the visuals, we noticed that the interface underwent some changes. Without clogging the screen too much, the developers have successfully incorporated all of the necessary options and icons, through which you can issue orders to you team (although, the best way is to hang on to your hot keys). In addition, the Unreal engine has played its part beautifully in conveying remarkably realistic character models. Frankly, they just keep looking better and better with each build. The helmets of your team members were flavored with spiffy reflections and their bodies have ample texture patterns and a solid number of polys on them. Actually, once we've beefed up the visual parameters to the max, we were impressed to see how cool those characters looked like (the polys were smoothed to achieve more lifelike movement and appearance).

Although when it comes to environments, I would think that some of the outdoor levels could use an additional detail or two. Plus, the sound effects are excellent, although they could use an extra character voiceover. Besides that, there are a couple of striking music themes, which can really get the adrenaline going when you're out there alone in enemy territory.

One of the most challenging parts of the game is the multiplayer. It takes all that addictiveness you get from playing games like CS, and it takes it to the next level - which is basically strategy and team work. It really increases the replay and enhances the overall experience of the game.

For now, boys and girls, we are expecting this promising team-based shooter to hit the stores this spring. From what we've gathered thus far, Raven Shield focuses on tactics both in single-player and multiplayer modes and that can be highlighted as the key feature and one of the most addictive aspects of the game. The RAINBOW team should be precise, methodical, and quick. You enter the planning room, devise a perfect strategy for an effective anti-terrorist sweep, and Bob's your uncle. All things considered, we are very pleased with what we've seen in Raven Shield at this stage of its development and we are truly looking forward to its release.