Our attempt at face mapping and a look at XBL achievements
Face mapping and customisation
A number of the press at the Rainbow 6: Vegas event had a few problems with the face-mapping feature, including our very own Nick Haywood (I think it’s because the camera refused to take his photo, he's no Brad Pitt). I think this was down to the dim lighting in the room, which was turned down so we could see the action on the monitors more clearly, although we don't this for a fact. On my attempt at face mapping however it was an immediate success.
I sat with my head in front of the camera and positioned it so it appeared within the red box on the screen and then pressed ‘A’ to take the shot. I then turned to the side and took another shot. Within a couple of minutes my face had been mapped onto the character, it’s as simple as that! You can see the result below, and although I didn’t realise I looked like a tranny until this point, I was extremely impressed with the result.
Click for larger imageThis new face mapping feature is something that I can’t wait to try out with friends. You’ll know exactly who you have killed because you will see their face as you bombard them with bullets! Tea-bagging is going to be so much sweeter! Seeing my character in action on screen was extremely weird but made the game even more believable and intense. Playing with friends through co-op missions and adversarial games is going to be an absolute scream if we all use this function. Of course you'll need to pick up a camera first and at £30 they don't come cheap.
As you can see I tried to cover up the fact that I look rather effeminate by adding a few facial scars; the customisation options for your character are the best I’ve seen in any game.
Click for larger imageNot only can you choose from a variety of facial paints and scars, such as the goggle burn, but you can equip armour, knee pads, shoulder pads and chest pads; not only that but you can customise them with a colour or pattern so if you want to create two teams wearing different colours for a multiplayer match it’s not a problem. In-game, it's clear to see the changes thanks to detailed character models and although I've never been a huge fan of spending lengthy periods of time customising, the visual reward is well worth the effort.
Click for larger image
Click for larger imageXbox live achievements
We had a look at the Xbox 360 achievements and can reveal that there will be no less than 36 available, all of which are achievable, unlike some games, and many that encourage you to try out new things.
Here are some of them:
5 Kills in a row
50 sniper kills
50 pistol kills
10 kills with sniper
100 total player kills
5 kills in a row without dying
10 kills in a row without dying
Kill 50 players using explosives
Most kills online in sharpshooter
30 points for finishing each mission in story mode
Rescue all hostages in attack and defend in less than 5 minutes
30 points for setting up your xbox vision camera player
There are plenty more, but we’ll leave them for you to discover!
Rainbow 6: Vegas multiplayer is bringing the franchise back to its best. Clans will be spending many an hour locked away in closed lobbies discussing tactics and exploring the maps, the customisation options allow you to be a total individual within the game and the new multiplayer features, such as fast rope and rappel, just give you even more tactical options than ever before. The tactical and team based gameplay is what the Rainbow series is all about and this time I think they’ve got it spot on. Let's just hope it all holds up online and there is a decent lobby system!
Read the interview conducted with the Rainbow 6: Vegas lead designer, Jean-Pascal Cambiotti:
UPDATE : Interview is now live
