Tactical games are not my really my specialty, hell I seem to want to run and gun more then anything. When the Rainbow 6 series came out at first I did not take to the game, but like all good PC games it really does grow on you. The latest addition to the series is Raven Shield, a culmination of the previous two game's efforts, with some new options, and on the fly team commands. Like the previous games you are in charge of various missions, where you lead a team of utter badasses into hostile territory to complete particular objectives. Back is the briefing room where you gather the info you need for the upcoming missions, as well as your editing your team, their gear, and their plan. You can still edit your plan and save them, or just use default plans to go about completing your mission. Some missions require specialists to either defuse bombs or snipe, and each character has specific stats that group them in demolitions, assault, or sniper categories. Knowing how to use these specialists, and harder yet, keep them alive is where the challenge lies.

One of the first things I look for when a sequel comes out is whether or not they have improved the graphics and character models. By looking at screen shots early in development I was worried that we would not see any improvement in this area, not that the previous ones were very bad. When I loaded this game up however and saw my team I was very please with what I saw. The character models still look crisp and the FPS presentation is sharp. The details in this game are much improved as you can actually see how many grenades the other team members have or what kind of side arm they pack. Great details were given to the motions as well. When climbing up ladders the characters move their primary weapons to their back, it looks fantastic.

The environments are still top notch. Again you will see many factories and some good outside maps as well. You are able to blow out doors as well as shoot through some to take out some enemies that may be hiding behind them. The maps vary in size, some being massive, while some being very small, and better for multiplayer. Outside environments are done very well, and lighting looks good.

Sound is where I am usually the pickiest. I always think every game could do better with their sounds but FPS games usually seem leave this area the least focused. Don't get me wrong, the ambient sounds while outside are fine, however you will be forced to listen mostly to your footsteps and the sound of your gear clanking. Ricochet sounds will fill the air as well as the sound of your guns blazing. The muffled silencer sounds are done right; however nothing beats the sound of a PSG-1 .50 caliber sniper... KABOOOM.

The games controls are legit. Like any FPS the same rules apply, however it's the team management that is simplified to the point of "point and click". As you view your vantage point at any time, icons appear that symbolize various actions. If you look at a door and click the space bar, your team performs a door breach. If you see a ladder and click space, your team climbs it. You can send your crew to any part of the map if you can see it, or have them gather around you. Of course you can still use team commands if you use more then one team on any mission. At any time you can switch control of any member of your squad, and that person will become the leader. Trick is however to not send your team somewhere and have them get picked off while in transport, you will find this happens a lot….or it does to me. There is no jump, however you can crouch or go prone, and your team will do the same.

AI is still solid in Raven Shield. The team members do a great job of taking care of enemies as they will often times clear a room for you, or take out enemies from far off. Door breaching is clunky at times, however when done right it looks like something out of a handbook for SWAT teams. While your team consists of bad asses, they can all be susceptible to getting mowed down if an enemy cannot be spotted in time, or like I mentioned before, you send them off and enemies open fire upon them.

This area is reserved for challenge, here is my quick summary. On elite mode (the only mode you should play) the game is f***ing impossible.

Raven Shield is a fun game I would say, however like most FPS multiplayer is where it's at. The game modes are ok, and online you will find this game sucks, as games take forever to finish and you still have to deal with "PC gamer" and his dick head antics. I suggest to really enjoy this game you get a LAN together. Nothing is better then talking with team members and setting up a door breach, or clearing a room with some pals. Communication is key in this game, and actually being there in a room is 100 times better then typing messages out while your are about to get capped.

In conclusion I give this game a buy (you really can't rent PC games), however you will find yourself bored with the single player campaign if you know where the bad guys will be at. This game is one of the best LAN games out there easy. Do what you can to get some of your crew to play some fresh missions while you tear up some Euro terrorists.

Ding Chavez shreds by the way.

Apr 22, 2003 | 3 comments
Mike Carabajal