Rainbow Six 3 (PS2/Xbox)

By JON MINIFIE

(Herald rating: * * * * )

In recent times, first-person shooter (FPS) titles have emerged as probably the most popular genre on the PC, but the transition to the consoles has been shaky due mainly to a lack of online support and because controllers are downright clumsy next to the accuracy and speed of a keyboard and mouse.

But through the success of a handful of FPS titles (Halo, TimeSplitters 2, Metroid Prime) console gamers are hungry for more gunplay.

Add to this the introduction of Xbox Live and with Sony's local online ambitions for the PS2 mounting, new multi-player opportunities begin to present themselves.

Tom Clancy titles sell like hotcakes on the PC and Rainbow Six 3 was no exception. It is also one of the more popular Xbox Live shooters around, which has us curious about this newest instalment for the PS2.

Ubisoft has ordered Rainbow Six 3 revamped especially for the PS2. Developers Shanghai Studio worked on all the levels to produce the best-looking game they could using the PS2's complex (and ageing) hardware.

Some levels have been altered; trees and bushes relocated and some chopped away altogether, but essentially, the levels play the same as they did on previous versions.

Graphically this is among the better looking FPS titles on the system. Rainbow Six 3 takes advantage of the same dynamic lighting engine that was used in Splinter Cell, which has created striking sunlight effects, as well as plenty of dark, shadowy corners to hide yourself, adding weight to the game's overall tactical and stealthy approach.

You begin the game with more than 30 weapons, numerous gadgets and command over a four-man squad of elite soldiers. The PS2 version comes with all 14 of the original levels intact plus an exclusive bonus level.

There is a new two-player co-operative split-screen and even four versus four squad-based play for those who intend to take their PS2s online later this year.

$109.95

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