Since it debuted in 1998, the Rainbow Six franchise has always stood tall, offering players thrilling gameplay experiences filled with intense action and strategic decision-making. With the release of Rainbow Six Extraction in 2022, Ubisoft Montreal took the series to new heights, introducing a captivating cooperative experience that pushed the boundaries of the genre. Rainbow Six Extraction combines the tactical prowess of Rainbow Six Siege with the suspenseful and otherworldly elements of a sci-fi setting, resulting in a game that is both familiar and refreshingly different.
That’s all well and good – but what is Rainbow Six Extraction? How exactly does it differ from Rainbow Six Siege? Let’s find out.
What Is Rainbow Six Extraction’s Story?
It’s an all-new (well, it was all-new in 2022) offering that sets itself apart from Six Siege, but does Rainbow Six Extraction have a campaign all of its own?
Rainbow Six Extraction is set in the near future, where players assume the roles of elite operators from Rainbow Six Siege’s renowned Counter-Terrorist Unit, Rainbow. The world is facing a new threat known as the Archaean Parasite, a highly adaptive alien species that has taken over various regions, transforming them into deadly Containment Zones. As a member of the Rainbow Exogenous Analysis & Containment Team (REACT), your mission is to infiltrate these zones, rescue trapped civilians, gather valuable intel and eliminate the alien menace.
On paper, it reads like a campaign, but it isn’t technically a campaign. It’s a series of ‘incursions’ that can be played solo or with friends – which we’ll cover in a second – but it’s not considered a campaign by the literal definition of the word. There is a story, though.
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One of the core aspects of Rainbow Six Extraction is its cooperative gameplay. Players can team up with two other operatives, forming a squad of three, and embark on thrilling missions together. Cooperation and communication are key as you must carefully plan and execute your operations. Each operator brings unique skills and abilities to the table, allowing for diverse tactical approaches. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each team member and leveraging their abilities effectively is crucial for success.
But How Does It Differ From Six Siege?
Image Credit: Ubisoft
Here’s our super-short Rainbow Six Extraction review that will hopefully help you understand how it’s so dramatically different from Six Siege.
The alien threat in Rainbow Six Extraction is unlike anything the Rainbow Six franchise has seen before. The Archaean Parasite has the ability to evolve and adapt, making each encounter unpredictable and challenging. The aliens come in various forms, each with their own distinct characteristics and abilities. Some may use camouflage to blend into the environment, while others can set traps or launch devastating attacks. This dynamic enemy AI ensures that no two missions are ever the same, providing a high level of replayability and excitement.
As you progress through the game, you’ll need to manage your resources wisely. Each mission in Rainbow Six Extraction carries a risk-reward factor, allowing you to choose between different objectives and rewards. You can opt for a quick in-and-out extraction, securing a civilian and extracting safely, or delve deeper into the Containment Zone to gather valuable samples and intel, but at the cost of increased difficulty and danger. This strategic decision-making adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, forcing players to weigh the potential gains against the potential losses.
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Rainbow Six Extraction also features a unique progression system. As you complete missions and earn experience, you can unlock new operators, upgrade their abilities, and acquire powerful tools and weapons. This progression system encourages players to experiment with different operators and playstyles, enhancing the game’s overall replay value.
Furthermore, Rainbow Six Extraction offers cross-play functionality, allowing players on different platforms to team up and play together. Whether you’re on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation, you can join forces with your friends and tackle the alien threat as a unified team. This cross-platform feature promotes inclusivity and expands the player base, fostering a vibrant and diverse community.
Is Extraction Worth Playing?
There’s no doubt that Rainbow Six Extraction gameplay is dramatically different to the gameplay found in Six Siege – with some elements being ported over, of course. It’s absolutely worth playing if you’ve never given it a go before but be prepared to accept that it’s a total change of genre.
In closing, Rainbow Six Extraction represents the evolution of tactical shooter gaming, combining the best elements of the Rainbow Six franchise with a thrilling sci-fi twist. Its cooperative gameplay, dynamic enemy AI, strategic decision-making, and cross-play functionality make for an immersive and engaging experience. Whether you’re a fan of the Rainbow Six series or a newcomer to the genre, Rainbow Six Extraction offers a captivating and intense gaming experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Prepare to team up, strategise, and save humanity from an extraterrestrial menace in this adrenaline-fueled adventure.
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