To compare this version of Rainbow Six Vegas with any other would be a little harsh; there is an awful lot missing from the PSP iteration and, unlike many conversions to the handheld, those aspects absent are pretty key. Things like ammo boxes, the ability to heal and, importantly, any kind of longevity are no longer present. This is important to point out now, because as a PSP title it’s a pretty good crack at the third-person shooter genre.

You play through the lamentably short levels, of which there are five, as a twoman team comprising Brian Armstrong and Shawn Rivers. One aspect of the game sees you sniping with Shawn, while the other half of it has you in control of a more tactical soldier. The mix is very much complementary rather than anything else, and when it comes to switching players, the pacing is such that you’re always glad – but not too glad – of the switch.

There are always going to be issues with FPS-style controls, but although these issues are present, they’re never enough to ruin anything. Indeed, were it not for Syphon Filter’s remarkable attempt at making the most of the PSP, we’d have to rate this as the best thus far on the system. It’s clear from the outset that Rainbow Six on PSP was built as a PSP title, and as such is infinitely more enjoyable than it could have been. Strangely, despite the similarities, if you’re thinking about buying this or GRAW 2, Rainbow Six wins hands down every time, and that’s a valuable thing to know.

The only real issue Rainbow Six has is that it’s just too short for its own good. The nature of portable play does err toward the shorter end of the spectrum, but here it works against the overall appeal of the piece and after a few hours, once you’ve finished it, you’re unlikely to come back. Sure there are a number of multiplayer options, which have been put together as competently as the main game, but it just doesn’t amount to an awful lot of value. Like we said, it’s a far better quality game than GRAW 2, but still not up there with Syphon Filter in terms of value and sheer fun.

Tom Leclerc