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Pros

Graphics
Not the best use of the Unreal 2 engine; the art is too sterile, but some decent ragdoll physics, good lighting and modeling bring the game up to speed.

Sound
Maybe the flashbangs and grenades aren’t realistically loud, but my ears are grateful for that. Windows and doors that block sound and good use of music are more noteworthy than the combat effects, for once.

Let's peek out

The city

Target acquired

Gameplay
The levels and aim AI might not be so great, but it’s hard to deny that Raven Shield offers a solid Rainbow Six experience. The AI is improved marginally, now obeying orders to move, stay put, open a door or climb a ladder with unerring precision.

Multiplayer
We’ve heard of some CD key validation issues and experienced some odd bugs getting the list of servers, but if you actually connect to a game, it can be quite fun in co-operative or adversarial modes.

Game modes
Lone Wolf, Terrorist Hunt and Hostage Rescue modes add some replayability and value.

Cons

Multiplayer bugs
We experienced repeated bugs when trying to download a list of servers; closing background programs helped a bit but this remains a problem.

Eeee-liminated!

Maybe I should use a sword

Headshot

Aim AI
Headshot. Headshot. Headshot. Headshot. As good as some real world marksmen get, they can’t be this good. If they are, then it’s the duty of the game to tone it down so there’s at least a point in using different weapons and armor.

Maps
The maps are more generic and repetitive than past titles. This isn’t helped by a predictable list of mission objectives.

Short game
If one eliminates the numerous repeated missions, there isn’t much to Raven Shield. Heck, the last three maps are recycled from earlier in the game. Not exactly stellar stuff.