The Tom Clancy franchise of games has always been something I thoroughly enjoy. Whether it be the stealth-focused Splinter Cell series or the tactical, military shooter, Ghost Recon, these games have provided me with countless hours of enjoyment and offer a variety of unique gameplay styles. Shooters that offer an intense, difficult, feature a short time-to-kill and have an emphasis on strategy and tactics have always interested me more than those that don't. There is just something exhilarating about playing a game that treats violence and death as something the player should fear and respect. Rainbow Six Siege is one of those games and it is amazing.
What Is A Game Without Gameplay?
The gameplay hook of Rainbow Six Siege is simple. Teams of five are splint into either attackers or defenders and must compete in a variety of game modes, such as bomb, hostage, and secure area. Each player picks an operator, each of which has different loadouts and special gadgets/abilities that will be essential during the attacking and defending phase. The defending team must prepare for the ensuing attack. They do this by barricading doorways and windows, reinforcing walls for extra protection because they can be destroyed, and utilising their class-specific gadgets and abilities to either provide more protection, install further surveillance measures, or cancel out the enemy operator's abilities. Operators such as Mira can install a bulletproof window, so operators can monitor a specific area from a safe location, while Mute can place jammers that stop the attackers from using their drones. Good defending players will utilise the cameras installed throughout each map to survey their surroundings and identify incoming enemies, barricading and reinforcing specific areas to provide protection while funnelling the attacking team through one area, as well as using their gadgets/abilities to provide further protection or information.
The attacking team has a very simple job. Either kill all of the enemies or complete the objective of the game mode. At the start of each round, the attacks will pilot remote-controlled drones, which are vital for locating the objective and gaining information about the operators on the enemy teams and what defences they are installing. Similar to the defenders, each attacking operator has gadgets/abilities that are vital for their team's success. Lion can use a drone to locate any enemy operator that is moving, while Thermite can place explosives that destroy reinforced walls and doors.
Where the game shines is how each operator can potentially cancel out the abilities of another. Mute's jammer can stop Thermite from placing his explosives, which stops the attacking player from destroying installed defences and forces the team to change their plan of attack. This constant back and forth between operators make every game exciting and unpredictable. You don't know what the enemy team has in store for you. If you refuse to work as a team, you will quickly find out how destructive that can be. A well-coordinated team can execute plans effortlessly and win a game within the first minute. A team that communicates and calls out enemies when they see them can be the difference between a win or a loss. All you can do is plan and coordinate to the best of your abilities and hope you've made the right decisions.
You Better Watch Out
Arguably the most important feature of Rainbow Six Siege is how each the map includes loads of destructible surfaces and walls. Players can destroy walls, floors and ceilings using a variety of tools such as explosives, guns, or gadgets. The great thing about this feature is that it can make every match feel unique and unpredictable. Even if you have played the same map or the objective is in a familiar location, you never know how the enemy will take advantage of the destructible environments. Has someone made a small hole in the wall down the hall so that they can get the jump on you? Is someone about to blow up the ceiling and attack you from above? This constant feeling of paranoia creates an extremely tense experience while also being extremely rewarding for those who use the destructible environments to their advantage. Besides the great gameplay, this feature will always bring me back to Rainbow Six Siege.
It Can't Be All Sunshine And Rainbows?
I want you to imagine a scenario. You have just booted up Rainbow Six Siege and have decided to jump into a few rounds of casual. You've selected your class and now, you are just waiting for the game to start with your new teammates. Before you have the chance to start the game, you notice that one player has voted to kick you from the game. Followed by a second, and a third. You wonder to yourself, "why are they trying to kick me from the game before it has even started?" Eventually, the fourth person votes and you are booted from the match, completely confused by the events that have just transpired.
Players abusing the 'vote to kick' system occurs quite frequently in the casual game mode. As a concept, it is supposed to help players remove toxic individuals from their game. In practice, it tends to be used to either troll people, or lash out at a player who isn't playing exactly how another player wishes they were. Nearly every time I sit down for a session of Rainbow Six Siege, I have either witnessed people abuse this system or have personally been the subject of it. Granted, this tends to happen within casual and is much less prevalent within ranked, but it is still frustrating nonetheless. So, just be prepared to be randomly kicked from games for no rhyme or reason. It's not you. It's them. Unless you are being toxic than it's all your fault.
Another problem with Rainbow Six Siege comes from the player's ability to damage and kill their teammates, which is something I don't really have a problem with as it means the team has to be more careful and coordinated. But, this also opens the door to toxic players who either team kill a player they don't like, or kill their entire team and immediately leave the game. Players should expect that when playing Rainbow Six Siege you will be randomly team killed, sometimes as soon as you start the game. After a while, this becomes extremely frustrating and could deter new players from enjoying the game.
The Grass Is Greener On The Other Side
It is not all doom and gloom though. Ubisoft is highly aware of the concern players have with the hideously toxic members within their community. They have implemented a system that allows players to report others who are being toxic and abusing this game mechanic. Though it won't stop a player from shooting you in the back, it allows you to let the developer know about a particular toxic individual, so they can deal with them. All I can suggest that if it happens to you, leave the game and report the player. The rest of us will be grateful for your sacrifice.
Though there are some clear issues with Rainbow Six Siege, the actual gameplay makes it one of the best and most enjoyable multiplayer games on the market. If you haven't had the chance to play it, I would highly recommend giving it a go. There is a bit of a high learning curve, but once you understand how to play and have decent map knowledge, you will get to experience a fantastic tactical shooter.
