Rainbow Six Extraction

Another year, another Tom Clancy epic. Rainbow Six Extraction is the latest entry into the franchise that seeks to pull in a more competitive, multiplayer audience. However, it seems the series has taken a little bit of a different turn this year. The game is a spin-off of one of the other more prominent titles released a few years back.

So what is precisely Rainbow Six Extraction? Naturally, it's a tactical shooter. But this time, the game will be a three-person multiplayer co-op where you aren't only taking the roles of special forces. You will be undergoing the challenge of infiltrating alien-infested locations and neutralizing any non-human threat you come across. Now, this is something outside the box!

Rainbow Three

Rainbow Six Extraction feels like a bit of a stretch to shake things up from the get-go, trying to incorporate traditional franchise mechanics into a sci-fi world. The concept is intriguing, but it does take some getting used to realizing you aren't special forces battling some gang members or warlords. It's aliens you're dealing with now.

Once you get over that notion, you can unravel if the multiplayer co-op gameplay really strikes a chord. It's pretty fascinating how Rainbow Six Extraction has offered a more scoped-down experience favoring the constant repeatability factor rather than the traditional levels or open world. It actually does help freshen what could be argued as stale franchise gameplay.

Despite there only being 12 maps, no level is the same. Every time you'll get a series of challenging objectives, foes, and strategies to conquer as you and your team try to learn more about the alien threat. Of course, you can go solo, but the fun factor really is with you and your two other online team members. Building a special force with countless tools, gadgets, and weapons really do enhance gameplay ten-fold.

It's relatively the same idea of taking strategic approaches to achieve objectives. Rainbow Six Extraction is pretty solid gameplay, but you can't shake the fact that the whole thing seems a bit gimmicky. The sci-fi atmosphere and narrative seem to dampen the immersion factor, seemingly providing more laughs than the intensity traditionally following Tom Clancy games.

Aliens 'Til the End of Our Days

Suppose you are a traditional Tom Clancy fan. In that case, you'll definitely have to enter Rainbow Six Extraction with an open mind to get any enjoyment out of it. The whole playthrough has the same experience as someone playing Metal Gear Survive for the first time - the concept seems out of whack in line with the franchise themes.

Round-Up - Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Polished tactical shooter
• The team coop mechanics are second-to-none
• Focused design that brings the best out of every aspect of gameplay

Cons:

• Boring to play on your own
• Feels a bit gimmicky throughout
• The gameplay feels the samey after prolonged periods