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Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege
Item: Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2015

GenresAction, Shooter, Strategy, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableDec 1, 2015

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperUbisoft Montreal

Overview

Inspired by the reality of counter terrorist operatives across the world, Rainbow Six Siege invites players to master the art of destruction. Intense close quarters confrontations, high lethality, tactics, team play, and explosive action are at the center of the experience. The multiplayer gameplay of Rainbow Six Siege sets a new bar for intense firefights and expert strategy in the rich legacy of past Rainbow Six games.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics praise "Rainbow Six Siege" for its intriguing premise and thematic ties to counter-terrorism but overwhelmingly criticize its lack of a cohesive narrative. The absence of a traditional single-player campaign leaves players feeling unsatisfied, with many describing the game as a series of disconnected challenges rather than a compelling story. Overall, while the foundation is there, the game prioritizes multiplayer over narrative depth, leading to disappointment among fans seeking a richer storytelling experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

43%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of critics regarding the story of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege reveal a few positive aspects, primarily centered around the game's premise and framework. Critics like GameCrate highlight that while the game does not feature a traditional story campaign, it establishes a compelling backdrop involving the reactivation of the Rainbow program to combat a terrorist organization known as The White Masks. DarkStation notes that the opening cinematic effectively sets the stage for this premise, suggesting that there is a foundation for a narrative, albeit not fully realized. Additionally, PlaySense acknowledges the thematic focus on counter-terrorism, which resonates with the franchise's historical roots, providing a sense of continuity for fans. However, the overwhelming sentiment among critics is that the game suffers significantly from a lack of a cohesive narrative structure. Many reviewers, including Gaming Age and Impulsegamer, express disappointment with the absence of a traditional single-player campaign, describing the short challenges and 'Situations' mode as hollow and lacking depth. Critics like PSX Extreme and Washington Post emphasize that the minimal single-player content fails to provide a meaningful narrative experience, leaving players with a sense of emptiness. Furthermore, the politically neutral portrayal of terrorists, as mentioned by Multiplayer.it, raises questions about the game's narrative choices, which some critics perceive as lacking in substance. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Rainbow Six Siege has a promising premise, it ultimately falls short in delivering a compelling narrative experience. Most reviewers agree that the game prioritizes multiplayer gameplay over storytelling, leading to a fragmented and unsatisfying experience for those seeking a rich narrative. Critics like Game Informer and GamingTrend reinforce this viewpoint, noting that the game feels more like a collection of training missions than a cohesive story-driven adventure. Despite some acknowledgment of potential narrative expansion in the future, as suggested by Softpedia, the current state of the game's story is viewed as inadequate and disappointing by the majority of reviewers.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Rainbow Six Siege impresses with its focus on teamwork, strategy, and tactical depth, earning praise for its unique Operators and destructible environments. Critics laud its intense gameplay that rewards planning over reflexes. However, concerns about loose shooting mechanics, an inadequate tutorial for newcomers, and design flaws like dead players assisting the team have been raised. Despite some drawbacks, the game delivers a compelling multiplayer experience that stands out in the tactical shooter arena.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

89%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

11%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, who highlight its emphasis on teamwork, strategy, and tactical depth. Many reviewers, such as God is a Geek and PC Gamer, appreciate the game's focus on cooperative play and the necessity for players to communicate effectively to succeed. The destructible environments, praised by critics like IGN and Polygon, add a layer of strategic complexity, allowing for innovative tactics and approaches in each match. The unique Operators, each with their own abilities, further enhance gameplay variety and encourage players to adapt their strategies based on team composition and objectives. Reviewers from sites like Gaming Age and Digitally Downloaded laud the intense, methodical nature of the gameplay, which rewards careful planning and execution over reflex-based shooting. However, not all feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Some critics, such as Slant Magazine and Hardcore Gamer, express concerns about the game's lack of innovation and the shooting mechanics, describing them as loose and imprecise. Additionally, the tutorial has been criticized for failing to adequately prepare new players for the complexities of multiplayer gameplay, as noted by PlayStation Universe. Other issues include design flaws, such as dead players being able to assist their team, which Multiplayer.it pointed out, and limited map rotations that may detract from the overall experience. Critics like Metro GameCentral also mention the reliance on microtransactions, which can be a turn-off for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Rainbow Six Siege offers a compelling and strategic multiplayer experience that stands out in the tactical shooter genre. While there are valid criticisms regarding certain gameplay mechanics and tutorial effectiveness, the game's strengths in promoting teamwork, strategic planning, and the thrill of tactical engagements outweigh the negatives for most reviewers. As highlighted by Game Informer and The Daily Dot, the combination of unique Operators, destructible environments, and intense gameplay dynamics creates an engaging experience that resonates well with players seeking a deeper, more thoughtful shooter.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege impresses with its destructible environments and character designs, thanks to the AnvilNext engine. However, it faces heavy criticism for lackluster graphics, basic textures, and subpar visual presentation that fall short of modern standards. While the gameplay excels, the visuals leave much to be desired, making it competent but not groundbreaking. Overall, the game shines in mechanics but struggles to impress visually.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege have garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly for their impressive destructibility and attention to detail in certain aspects. Critics like Gaming Age and Push Square highlighted the game's realistic environments and the fantastic destruction mechanics that enhance the overall gameplay experience. The AnvilNext engine's capabilities were noted by Push Square, which contributed to the game's immersive atmosphere. Furthermore, reviews from Game Rant and The Jimquisition emphasized the superb character designs and the dynamic nature of the visuals, with Game Revolution praising the true-to-life character models and detailed maps that add depth to the tactical gameplay. However, the game has faced significant criticism regarding its graphical fidelity and overall visual presentation. Many reviewers, including Atomix and Multiplayer.it, described the graphics as lackluster, with basic textures and simplistic models that fall short of modern standards. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and Forbes went further to label the visuals as subpar and aged, with issues such as muddled textures and aliasing affecting the experience. Even though some critics acknowledged that the game runs well, with stable frame rates, the overall sentiment indicates that the visuals do not stand out in comparison to other contemporary titles. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Rainbow Six Siege excels in certain areas like destructible environments and character design, it struggles with graphical fidelity and detail. The game’s focus on gameplay mechanics rather than visual splendor is evident, as noted by NZGamer and IGN, who pointed out that the graphics are competent but not groundbreaking. Critics like Vandal and Washington Post echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the visuals may not be visually stunning compared to current standards. In essence, Rainbow Six Siege offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience, but its graphics and visual design leave room for improvement.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege boasts outstanding sound design and immersive audio that enhance gameplay, with critics praising its tactical sound cues and intense atmosphere. However, the minimal soundtrack and some technical issues, like VOIP bugs, draw minor criticism. Overall, the game's audio is a key strength, elevating the strategic experience despite a few drawbacks.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

69%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The overall sentiment regarding the sound design and music of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising its immersive and tactical audio experience. Reviewers like Arcade Sushi and IGN highlight the effectiveness of sound effects, noting that detailed audio cues significantly enhance gameplay by providing crucial information about player positioning and actions. Critics such as PlaySense and NZGamer emphasize the exceptional audio design that creates an intense atmosphere, particularly during firefights. The use of positional audio is frequently mentioned, with PlayStation LifeStyle and Vandal noting how it adds to the tension and urgency of the game, making sound a vital component of the strategic gameplay. However, there are some criticisms regarding the sound design, particularly concerning the music. Critics like PSX Extreme and Xbox Achievements point out that while the sound effects are authentic and effective, the soundtrack is minimal and lacks a significant presence. GameOver.gr also mentions that the sound design can sometimes lack realism, which could detract from the overall experience. Additionally, there are technical issues noted by some reviewers, such as AusGamers, who mention VOIP bugs that can hinder communication, an essential aspect of the game's tactical nature. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the sound design in Rainbow Six Siege is a standout feature that greatly enhances the gameplay experience. The majority of reviewers agree that the audio cues are crucial for tactical gameplay, with many emphasizing the importance of sound in creating tension and immersion. Critics like Guardian and PCWorld encapsulate this sentiment, highlighting how the game's audio system effectively contributes to the overall atmosphere and strategic depth. While some minor criticisms exist regarding the soundtrack and occasional technical issues, the positive reception of the sound design and its impact on gameplay is clear across the board.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege features strong voice acting, particularly in its cinematic moments, with standout performances like Angela Bassett’s portrayal of 'Six' earning praise for authenticity. However, critics highlight significant shortcomings, noting Bassett's talents are underutilized, leading to a lack of narrative impact. While some appreciate the immersive quality, the overall voice acting falls short of fully engaging players in the storyline.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

83%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege has garnered some positive feedback from various critics, particularly in relation to the game's cinematic elements. DarkStation commends the opening cinematic for its well-acted performances, which sets a strong tone for the narrative experience. Additionally, GameCrate highlights the significant presence of actress Angela Bassett, who voices the character 'Six' and is also modeled after her, lending a sense of authenticity and star power to the game's narrative. PlayStation LifeStyle further emphasizes the quality of the voice acting in certain cinematics, noting that they are not only well-voiced but also accompanied by high graphical fidelity, enhancing the overall immersion for players. However, the critiques also reveal some notable shortcomings in the voice acting aspect of the game. Critical Hit points out that while Angela Bassett's motion-captured performance is a highlight, it feels underutilized and lacks the narrative weight that one might expect from such a prominent actress. Yahoo! echoes this sentiment by stating that although Bassett provides voiceovers, her limited screen time diminishes her impact on the game's storytelling. Post Arcade's review adds to this by acknowledging the presence of voice acting in cinematic sequences but failing to provide a detailed evaluation, which leaves a gap in understanding the overall effectiveness of the performances throughout the game. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while there are commendable elements in the voice acting of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege, particularly in its cinematic sequences, there are significant limitations that hinder its potential. Critics like DarkStation and PlayStation LifeStyle appreciate the quality of the performances, but others like Critical Hit and Yahoo! express disappointment over the underutilization of key talents like Angela Bassett. This mixed reception indicates that while the voice acting contributes positively to certain aspects of the game, it ultimately falls short of fully engaging players in the narrative experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege shines with stable servers and solid gameplay across platforms, earning praise for its technical performance, especially on PS4 and Xbox One. However, it’s marred by significant issues like connection problems, frame rate drops, and hit detection flaws, leaving players facing a hit-or-miss experience. On PC, while performance is generally smooth, netcode issues still plague gameplay. Overall, it’s a mixed bag of commendable elements overshadowed by persistent technical woes.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

15%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

59%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

26%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

Positives: Across all platforms, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege has received commendations for its technical performance in various aspects. On the PS4, critics like Game Rant and PSX Extreme noted the game’s reliable servers and stable frame rates, contributing to a generally enjoyable experience. Atomix appreciated the sound mixing, which adds to the immersive gameplay. On Xbox One, some reviewers, including Destructoid and CGMagazine, highlighted the game’s reliable server performance and smooth gameplay, with Destructoid specifically mentioning the absence of major server issues. Meanwhile, on PC, critics such as PC Gamer and Games.cz reported a smooth performance overall, with minor lag issues being the only notable downside, indicating that the game runs well on this platform. Negatives: However, the technical performance of Rainbow Six Siege is not without its drawbacks. On PS4, multiple critics, including Kill Screen and Post Arcade, pointed out troubling network support and connection issues, with frequent disconnects and bugs that detract from the overall experience. The frame rate drops in Terrorist Hunt mode, as mentioned by Telegraph and VideoGamer, further highlight performance inconsistencies. On Xbox One, issues such as hit detection, server errors, and matchmaking problems were raised by critics like Game Informer and We Got This Covered, indicating that these technical problems can significantly impact gameplay. On PC, while some reviews were positive, others, including Hardcore Gamer and PCWorld, criticized the game for netcode issues and server tickrate problems, which can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences. Overall Consensus: The overall consensus among critics across all platforms suggests a mixed reception regarding the technical performance of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege. While there are commendable aspects, such as stable server performance and enjoyable gameplay on PS4 and Xbox One, significant issues like connection problems, frame rate inconsistencies, and hit detection flaws persist, particularly on PS4 and Xbox One. On PC, while many reviewers noted smooth performance, the presence of netcode issues and bugs cannot be overlooked. This dichotomy reflects a game that, despite its potential and some well-executed elements, struggles with technical reliability across all platforms, indicating that players might encounter a varied experience depending on their chosen system.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege shines with its tactical multiplayer experience and diverse operators, earning praise for its strategic depth and team play. However, critics warn of limited content and repetitive modes that could dampen long-term replay value. While free updates from Ubisoft promise to keep players engaged, the lack of a strong single-player campaign and reliance on microtransactions raise concerns about sustainability—making it a hit for dedicated fans but potentially stale for others.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege reveal a mix of positive sentiments primarily centered around its multiplayer experience and tactical depth. Many critics, such as GamingTrend and PC Gamer, highlight the significant replayability offered through the game's competitive modes and diverse operator choices, which cater to players who enjoy team-based FPS gameplay. The game’s focus on strategy, teamwork, and communication is praised by critics like NZGamer and Worth Playing, who note that these elements can lead to intense and dynamic matches. Additionally, the promise of free post-release content, as mentioned by CGMagazine and AusGamers, is seen as a potential enhancement to the game's longevity, keeping players engaged with new maps and operators over time. Conversely, numerous reviews express concerns about the game's limited content and repetitive modes, which may hinder its long-term replay value. Critics from Game Informer and Hardcore Gamer point out that the lack of diverse game modes and customization options can lead to a feeling of stagnation. The absence of a robust single-player campaign and the reliance on microtransactions, as noted by Yahoo! and Metro GameCentral, further detract from the overall experience. Critics like The Jimquisition and Xbox Achievements emphasize that the game may lack addictive replayability, with some modes feeling grindy or lacking depth compared to other titles in the genre. Overall, while there is a consensus that Rainbow Six Siege offers a compelling multiplayer experience with tactical depth and potential for replayability, many critics caution that its limited content and modes may lead to a decline in engagement over time. The mixed reviews suggest that while dedicated players can find enjoyment through teamwork and strategy, the game may not sustain long-term interest for all players, particularly those seeking a more varied or solo-friendly experience. The ongoing support from Ubisoft in terms of free updates may alleviate some concerns, but the initial limitations remain a significant point of contention among reviewers.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

53%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

47%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege has garnered a range of positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its core gameplay mechanics and strategic depth. Many reviewers, including PCWorld and LevelUp, praised the game's emphasis on teamwork, tactical gameplay, and destructible environments, which create a unique and engaging multiplayer experience. Critics like The Daily Dot and Riot Pixels highlighted the game's solid foundation for competitive play, noting that it rewards strategic thinking and collaboration among players. Additionally, some reviewers, such as AusGamers and Game Revolution, emphasized the game's potential for growth and enjoyment, especially when played with a dedicated group of friends. However, despite these strengths, numerous critics pointed out significant shortcomings that detract from the overall experience. A recurring theme in the reviews is the lack of content, with Hardcore Gamer and The Jimquisition noting that the game feels incomplete due to its limited modes and infrastructure. Critics like Polygon and Game Informer echoed these sentiments, mentioning issues such as progression problems, technical glitches, and a tedious tutorial that can hinder player retention. Furthermore, several reviewers expressed concerns about Ubisoft's monetization practices, which, combined with the absence of a single-player campaign, left some feeling that the game does not fully deliver on its promises. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Rainbow Six Siege offers a compelling tactical shooter experience but is marred by significant flaws that prevent it from reaching its full potential. While many reviewers, including IGN and GameStar, acknowledged the game's engaging gameplay and the promise of future improvements, they also highlighted the need for more content and polish to maintain player interest. The mixed reception suggests that while Rainbow Six Siege has a strong foundation, it requires further enhancements to satisfy both casual and hardcore players alike.

TL;DR

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege impresses with its tactical gameplay and teamwork focus, earning praise for its multiplayer experience. However, critics highlight major flaws like limited content, technical glitches, and questionable monetization, which hinder its potential. While it has a solid foundation, the game needs more content and polish to keep players engaged.

MONSTER

Reviews

138 reviews found

PC Gamer

Dec 3, 2015