Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2

Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas 2 follows up on the series' successful reboot, which moved the action from classic European interiors to the glittering setting of Las Vegas and introduced the cover system as the core building block of combat. The player once again takes on the role of commander Logan Keller and, together with the Rainbow team, moves through the city's casinos, hotels, and streets, constantly having to use cover, grenades, and tactical orders to teammates to survive firefights with well-armed opponents. The story picks up from the events of the first game and expands the conspiracy plot that envelops the whole city.

Compared to the first game, Vegas 2 improves the AI of both teammates and enemies, expands the selection of weapons and equipment, and lets the player develop their character across missions thanks to a persistent experience system that carries over into the multiplayer modes as well. The two-player cooperative campaign, competitive modes, and the popular Terrorist Hunt remain a key part of the game, and together with the more refined cover system they define the feel of the shooting that became a model for many later tactical shooters. The graphics engine was fine-tuned compared to the first game, and the Las Vegas setting feels more believable, whether in casino interiors or outdoor locations. The cooperative campaign also lets a second player drop into the role of a partner at any point during a mission, which, together with the persistent multiplayer, extended the game's lifespan on Xbox 360 by months after release.

Why play it: Vegas 2 will appeal to players who loved the cover system and atmosphere of the first game and want a more refined sequel with better AI, a wider range of weapons, and still-strong cooperative and competitive multiplayer.