Editing Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six (video game)

{{Short description|1998 video game}}
{{About|the video game|the series|Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six{{!}}''Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six''|the novel|Rainbow Six (novel){{!}}''Rainbow Six'' (novel)}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2023}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six
| image = Rb6box.jpg
| developer = {{ubl|[[Red Storm Entertainment]]{{efn|Ported to [[Classic Mac OS|Mac OS]] by Varcon Systems<ref name="mac">{{Cite web |title=Products |url=http://varcon.com/products.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011205082751/http://varcon.com/products.html |archive-date=December 5, 2001 |access-date=April 16, 2024 |website=Varcon Systems}}</ref>}}|[[Saffire (company)|Saffire]]<small> (N64)</small>|[[Rebellion Developments]]<small> (PS)</small>|[[Crawfish Interactive]]<small> (GBC)</small>|[[Pipe Dream Interactive]] <small> (DC)</small>}}
| publisher = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|Red Storm Entertainment}}|{{vgrelease|NA|Red Storm Entertainment{{efn|Distributed in North America by [[SouthPeak Games]]}}{{efn|[[Classic Mac OS|Mac OS]] version published by [[Macsoft]]}}|EU|[[Take 2 Interactive|Take-Two Interactive]]}}|'''Dreamcast'''|{{vgrelease|NA|[[Majesco Sales]]{{efn|Published under Majesco's Pipe Dream Interactive label}}|EU|Swing! Entertainment}}}}
| producer = Carl Schnurr
| designer = {{ubl|Brian Upton|Carl Schnurr}}
| programmer = {{ubl|Brian Upton|Peter McMurry}}
| artist = Jonathan Peedin
| composer = [[Bill Brown (composer)|Bill Brown]]
| writer = [[Tom Clancy]]
| series = ''[[Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six]]''
| engine = 
| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Nintendo 64]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Classic Mac OS|Mac OS]], [[Game Boy Color]], [[Dreamcast]]
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|August 21, 1998}}|'''Windows'''{{vgrelease|NA|August 21, 1998|UK|October 23, 1998}}|'''Nintendo 64'''{{vgrelease|NA|November 17, 1999|UK|December 10, 1999}}|'''PlayStation'''{{vgrelease|UK|November 19, 1999|NA|November 23, 1999}}|'''Mac OS'''{{vgrelease|NA|December 1, 1999}}|'''Game Boy Color'''{{vgrelease|NA|April 12, 2000|UK|November 10, 2000}}|'''Dreamcast'''{{vgrelease|NA|May 3, 2000|UK|February 2, 2001}}}}
| genre = [[Tactical shooter]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six''''' is a 1998 [[tactical shooter]] [[video game]] developed and published by [[Red Storm Entertainment]] for [[Microsoft Windows]], with later ports for the [[Nintendo 64]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Classic Mac OS|Mac OS]], [[Game Boy Color]], and [[Dreamcast]]. It is the first installment in the [[Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six|''Rainbow Six'']] series. Based on the [[Tom Clancy]] [[Rainbow Six (novel)|novel of the same name]], the game follows Rainbow, a [[Classified information#Top Secret (TS)|top secret]] international [[Counterterrorism|counterterrorist]] organization, and the conspiracy they unravel as they handle a seemingly random spike in [[terrorism]].

In [[Single-player video game|singleplayer]], the player advances through a series of missions in a campaign. Before each mission, the player is briefed on the situation, selects and organizes their operatives and equipment, and plans their movement through the level; during missions, the player controls an operative leading computer-controlled teammates as they follow the player's plan. In [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]], players cooperate in [[player versus environment]] missions or battle to complete objectives in [[player versus player]] matches. The game features realistic gameplay factors, weapon lethality, and consequences for failure, forcing players to plan their approach carefully and promoting [[Replay value|replayability]] for more streamlined completion.

''Rainbow Six'' began as a concept by Red Storm following their formation in 1996. The game was developed in parallel with the ''Rainbow Six'' novel, with a design philosophy of realism and strategy guiding all aspects of development; however, numerous setbacks stymied the game's development and forced the developers to [[Crunch (video games)|crunch]]. Though his name is in the game's title, Tom Clancy's involvement in ''Rainbow Six''<nowiki/>'s development was very minimal. Red Storm developed the PC version, while all other ports were developed by their respective companies.

''Rainbow Six'' was released on August 21, 1998 to widespread critical acclaim, though the console ports received relatively lower ratings than the PC version. For most releases, praise was directed toward gameplay, multiplayer, immersion, and the game's combination of [[Strategy video game|strategy]] and [[Action game|action]], while criticism mainly centered on AI issues, glitches, and the graphics and controls of some ports. The game sold over 200,000 copies in its first year of release and continued to sell hundreds of thousands more copies well into the early 2000s. ''Rainbow Six'' was nominated for numerous accolades and has been deemed one of the best video games of 1998. It is considered a milestone in the history of [[first-person shooter]]s and made a lasting impact on the then-fledgling [[tactical shooter]] genre.<ref name="pushsqPS">{{Cite web |last=Brooke |first=Sam |date=2018-11-29 |title=Review: Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six – Not a PS Classic, But Interesting Nonetheless |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps1/tom-clancys-rainbow-six |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=Push Square |language=en-GB |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126153339/https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps1/tom-clancys-rainbow-six |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hamilton |first=Kirk |date=2013-10-05 |title=Tom Clancy's Splintered Legacy: Great Video Games, Troubling Worldview |url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2013/10/tom-clancys-strange-video-game-legacy/ |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=Kotaku Australia |language=en-AU |archive-date=March 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322235331/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2013/10/tom-clancys-strange-video-game-legacy/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sawyer |first=Logan |date=2021-02-04 |title=The 18 Best Tactical Shooters Of All Time, Ranked |url=https://gamerant.com/best-tactical-shooters-ever-ranked/ |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=Game Rant |language=en |archive-date=March 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322235332/https://gamerant.com/best-tactical-shooters-ever-ranked/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2010-01-07 |title=The History of Online Shooters |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/01/07/the-history-of-online-shooters |access-date=2023-07-01 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=May 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519015334/https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/01/07/the-history-of-online-shooters |url-status=live }}</ref>

An [[expansion pack]], ''Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Mission Pack: Eagle Watch'', was released on January 26, 1999. A sequel, ''[[Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Rogue Spear]]'', was released in 1999. A loose [[mobile game]] remake, ''[[Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard]]'', was released in 2011.

== Gameplay ==
[[File:Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 1998 Gameplay Screenshot.jpg|thumb|A screenshot from the PC version depicting [[Artificial intelligence in video games|AI-controlled]] teammates moving into position during a mission|left]]

''Rainbow Six'' is a tactical shooter, in which characters are affected by realistic factors and can be killed with a single bullet; therefore, wise tactics and planning are encouraged to complete missions over sheer force and firepower.<ref name="ignPC">{{cite web |last=Ward |first=Trent C. |date=September 8, 1998 |title=Rainbow Six (PC) |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1998/09/09/rainbow-six-9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012094929/http://www.ign.com/articles/1998/09/09/rainbow-six-9 |archive-date=October 12, 2014 |access-date=July 23, 2014 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref><ref name="gamespotPC">{{cite web |last=Dunkin |first=Alan |date=September 9, 1998 |title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Review (PC) |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-rainbow-six-review/1900-2532683/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141117073919/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/tom-clancys-rainbow-six-review/1900-2532683/ |archive-date=November 17, 2014 |access-date=July 23, 2014 |website=GameSpot}}</ref><ref name="ignDC">{{cite web |last=Dunham |first=Jeremy |date=May 19, 2000 |title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six (DC) |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/05/20/tom-clancys-rainbow-six-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924053744/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/05/20/tom-clancys-rainbow-six-review |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |access-date=July 23, 2014 |website=IGN}}</ref>

The game follows a campaign of several missions, with the plot being advanced in the mission briefing of each.<ref name="pushsqPS" /> Missions in each version differ: the PC and Game Boy Color versions have 16 missions,<ref name="ignPC" /><ref name="ignGBC">{{cite web |last=Harris |first=Craig |date=April 14, 2000 |title=Rainbow Six (GBC) |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/04/15/rainbow-six |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526223544/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/04/15/rainbow-six |archive-date=May 26, 2015 |access-date=July 23, 2014 |website=IGN}}</ref> the Nintendo 64 port has 12 missions,<ref name="gamespotN64">{{cite web |last=Nutt |first=Christian |date=October 12, 1999 |title=Rainbow Six Review (N64) |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/rainbow-six-review/1900-2545051/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150411015320/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/rainbow-six-review/1900-2545051/ |archive-date=April 11, 2015 |access-date=July 23, 2014 |website=GameSpot}}</ref> the PlayStation port has 14 missions and the Dreamcast port has 21 missions.<ref name="gamespotDC">{{Cite web |last=Wolpaw |first=Erik |date=2006-05-17 |title=Rainbow Six DC Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/rainbow-six-dc-review/1900-2582418/ |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316022211/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/rainbow-six-dc-review/1900-2582418/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Objectives in missions include defeating enemies, rescuing [[hostage]]s, [[Bomb disposal|defusing]] [[bomb]]s, gathering [[Military intelligence|intelligence]], and planting [[Surveillance#Methods|surveillance devices]]. Players are encouraged to find their own ways to complete objectives using a variety of tactics and methods, ranging from stealthy [[Infiltration tactics|infiltration]] to a [[frontal assault]] (except in missions where stealth is mandatory).<ref name="ignPC" /> Successful missions often last just minutes, but may require dozens of repetitions and planning changes to account for failures, new plans, or simply faster or cleaner completion.<ref name="gamespotPC" />

Before each mission is a planning stage, in which the player is briefed on the situation, chooses the Rainbow operatives to be involved in the mission, organizes them into color-coded teams, and selects their weapons, equipment, and uniforms.<ref name="ignPC" /><ref name="ignDC" /><ref name="gamerevPC">{{cite web |author=Johnny B. |date=September 1, 1998 |title=Rainbow Six Review (PC) |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/32798-rainbow-six-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203030331/https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/32798-rainbow-six-review |archive-date=February 3, 2019 |access-date=January 31, 2023 |publisher=[[Game Revolution]]}}</ref> Operatives are categorized into five [[Character class|classes]] based on their skill specializations: Assault, Demolitions, Electronics, Recon, and Sniper. The vast majority of operatives are named characters with their own backstories and skillsets, but generic "[[Military reserve|reserves]]" are also available for each class should players wish to avoid risking named operatives, although they have greatly reduced skills. In the planning stage, the player is shown a map of the [[area of operations]] to set team orders, such as AI pathing, team "go" codes to hold until ordered, where AI operatives will deploy equipment such as [[Stun grenade|flashbangs]] or [[door breaching|door breaching charges]], and [[rules of engagement]]; alternatively, the player can skip this by choosing to follow a preset plan instead.<ref name="ignPC" /><ref name="gamespotPC" /><ref name="ignPS">{{Cite web |last=White |first=Matt |date=2000-01-04 |title=Rainbow Six |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/01/04/rainbow-six-7 |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316022211/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/01/04/rainbow-six-7 |url-status=live }}</ref>

During gameplay, the player directly controls a team leader, and can use their weapons and equipment, manually lead their team, and see stats for the controlled operative and their team on the [[HUD (video gaming)|HUD]]. The player can take control of any alive team leader at will. Operatives and teams not under player control follow the orders given to them in the planning stage.<ref name="gamespotPC" /><ref name="gameproPC">{{cite magazine |last=Olafson |first=Peter |year=1998 |title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Review for PC on GamePro.com |url=http://gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/754.shtml |url-status=dead |magazine=[[GamePro]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050219000730/http://gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/754.shtml |archive-date=February 19, 2005 |access-date=July 23, 2014}}</ref> Injured or fatigued operatives require time off after a mission to recover (they can still be used, just with lower health or reduced skills), while deceased operatives are [[Permadeath|permanently lost]] and cannot be used for the rest of the campaign playthrough, forcing players to plan carefully to avoid casualties.<ref name="gamerevPC" />

Online multiplayer for the PC version was available on the [[MPlayer.com]] and [[Zone.com]] services. Multiplayer modes include [[Cooperative video game|cooperative]] modes, [[Deathmatch (video games)|deathmatch]], and [[team deathmatch]], among others.<ref name="ignPC" /><ref name="gamespotPC" /> Most other console ports lack multiplayer, though the Nintendo 64 port includes a two-player split-screen cooperative mode.<ref name="N64today">{{Cite web |last=Watts |first=Martin |date=2018-03-26 |title=Rainbow Six (Nintendo 64) - how does it play today? |url=https://n64today.com/2018/03/26/rainbow-six-review/ |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=N64 Today |language=en-GB |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316022211/https://n64today.com/2018/03/26/rainbow-six-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Most versions of ''Rainbow Six'' have considerable differences. The PlayStation port was developed by Rebellion and features visible weapons in first person, entirely new mission layouts, and a smaller team size (4, opposed to 8 in other versions).<ref name="pushsqPS" /> The Nintendo 64 port has a simpler HUD design and completely reorganized missions, including some from ''Eagle Watch''.<ref name="N64today" /> The Game Boy Color port is the most notable example, having radically different gameplay and presentation due to the platform's technical limitations: gameplay is slowed and simplified, crossfire is removed, and the 3D graphics from other releases are replaced by a [[2.5D]] top-down perspective.<ref name="ignGBC" />

==Plot==
In 1999, in response to a post-[[Cold War]] rise in terrorism, the world's [[List of military special forces units|special forces units]], [[List of police tactical units|police tactical units]], and [[intelligence agencies]] form "Rainbow", a covert international counterterrorist organization led by [[John Clark (Ryanverse character)|John Clark]].

In 2000, Rainbow responds to a series of terrorist attacks linked to the Phoenix Group [[Eco-terrorism|eco-terrorist]] organization.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=A brief history of Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six games |url=https://siege.gg/news/2905-a-brief-history-of-tom-clancys-rainbow-six-games |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=SiegeGG |date=July 7, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201022918/https://siege.gg/news/2905-a-brief-history-of-tom-clancys-rainbow-six-games |url-status=live }}</ref> Rainbow's operations against Phoenix are assisted by John Brightling, chairman of the powerful [[biotechnology]] corporation Horizon Inc., whose facilities are frequently targeted by Phoenix; Anne Lang, the [[Science Advisor to the President|Science Advisor to the President of the United States]] and an acquaintance of Brightling; and Catherine Winston, a biological expert working with Horizon who is rescued by Rainbow following an attack in the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]].

After a raid on a Phoenix compound in [[Idaho]] that reveals [[unethical human experimentation]], Rainbow learns the Phoenix Group is a front for Horizon. Viewing humanity as an environmentally destructive "disease", Brightling plans to exterminate most of humanity using a highly contagious [[Biological agent|manmade strain]] of the [[Ebola virus]] called "[[Brahma]]", sparing only his chosen few (including Lang), who will rebuild Earth into a scientific environmental [[utopia]]. To achieve this, Brightling has engineered terrorist attacks to exploit heightened terrorism concerns and secure a contract for his private security firm Global Security at the [[2000 Summer Olympics]] in [[Sydney]]. Global Security's personnel, led by William Hendrickson, will then release Brahma at the Olympics through [[Stadium Australia]]'s cooling system, spreading the virus worldwide when the athletes and spectators return home.<ref name=":7" />

After gathering intelligence and rescuing Winston from a last-ditch attempt to silence her, Rainbow apprehends Lang and Hendrickson and prevents Brahma's release at the [[Olympic Village]], foiling Brightling's plans. Brightling and his collaborators flee to their Horizon Ark facility in the [[Amazon rainforest]], where they planned to weather out the Brahma pandemic. Rainbow assaults the Ark, neutralizes Brightling's collaborators, and takes Brightling into custody.<ref name=":7" />

==Development==
[[File:Tom Clancy at Burns Library cropped.jpg|thumb|Tom Clancy (pictured here in 1989) conceptualized ''Rainbow Six'' and co-founded Red Storm Entertainment, but had minimal involvement in the game's development.]]
The idea of the game that would become ''Rainbow Six'' originated from early concepts Red Storm Entertainment had conceived following the company's formation in 1996. Selected from around 100 other ideas, the original concept, titled ''HRT'', followed the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]] [[Hostage Rescue Team]] rescuing hostages from criminals and terrorists. ''HRT'' was gradually expanded in scope with the addition of covert operations and an international setting, and the game was rechristened ''Black Ops''.<ref name="gamasutra01" /> With the initial FBI HRT concept dropped and gameplay branching away from just hostage rescue, multiple alternate settings were proposed for ''Black Ops''—including [[World War II]], 1960s [[spy fiction]]-esque [[Cold War espionage]], the [[Near future in fiction|near future]], and a [[dystopia]]n [[antihero]]-centered story called ''Jackbooted Thugs''—before finally settling on contemporary counterterrorism.<ref name="gamasutra01" /><ref name="eurogamer" /> Red Storm CEO Doug Littlejohns, a former [[Royal Navy]] submarine commander and a close friend of Tom Clancy, did not want to develop an arcade shooter with "mindless violence", but also did not want a "boring" slow-paced strategy game, so ''Black Ops'' was designed to focus on realism and action, with a strong emphasis on planning and strategy.<ref name="eurogamer">{{Cite news |last=Tucker |first=Jake |date=2015-12-04 |title=The agony and ecstasy behind the first Rainbow Six |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/the-agony-and-ecstasy-behind-the-first-rainbow-six |access-date=2022-06-17 |archive-date=June 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617134726/https://www.eurogamer.net/the-agony-and-ecstasy-behind-the-first-rainbow-six |url-status=live }}</ref> Lead game designer Brian Upton, recalling ''Rainbow Six''<nowiki/>'s development process in the May 1999 issue of [[Game Developer (magazine)|''Game Developer'']], described the game's design philosophy from the initial concept:<blockquote>We knew from the start that we wanted to capture the excitement of movies such as [[Mission: Impossible (film)|''Mission: Impossible'']] and ''[[The Dirty Dozen]]'' — the thrill of watching a team of skilled specialists pull off an operation with clockwork precision. We also knew that we wanted it to be an action game with a strong strategic component — a realistic shooter that would be fun to play even without a [[Quake (video game)|''Quake'']] player's twitch reflexes.<ref name="gamasutra01" /></blockquote>''Rainbow Six''—both the game and the novel—originated from a discussion between Littlejohns and Clancy during a Red Storm company outing in 1996, when Littlejohns mentioned ''Black Ops''. When Clancy mentioned that he was writing his own novel about a hostage rescue unit, their conversation led to Littlejohns noting the protracted diplomatic delays in authorizing a foreign counterterrorist unit's deployment overseas, and he suggested the formation of a permanent counterterrorist unit that already had authorization to deploy internationally. The name "Rainbow" came from the term "[[Rainbow nation]]", coined by [[Desmond Tutu]] to describe post-[[apartheid]] [[South Africa]] under [[Nelson Mandela]]'s presidency. "Six" came from the American rank code for [[Captain (United States O-6)|captain]] (O-6); though John Clark would more accurately be described as a [[Major general (United States)|major general]] (O-8), "Rainbow Six" read better than "Rainbow Eight". Upton objected to the addition of "Six", believing having a number at the end of the title would affect a potential sequel, but he was overruled.<ref name="gamasutra01" /><ref name="eurogamer" />

Following the game's development doctrine of realism, lead level designer John Sonedecker designed each level to be as accurate and realistic to real-world architecture as possible, noting that the presence of unusual design elements seen in other less-realistic shooters, such as unnecessarily large doorways or building layouts seemingly designed for combat, would ruin the player's immersion and affect gameplay.<ref name="eurogamer" /> The development team had access to counterterrorism experts, military trainers, and technical consultants, and used their advice to ensure authenticity and streamline development by cutting mechanics deemed unrealistic or unnecessary, such as jumping.<ref name="eurogamer" /> These [[technical advisor]]s also provided [[motion capture]] for character animations.<ref name="gamasutra01" /><ref name="eurogamer" /><ref name="HKUSP">{{Cite web |date=2018-05-07 |title=POTD: Rainbow Six Guy Is Actually An H&K Employee - |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/05/07/potd-rainbow-six-guy-is-actually-an-hk-employee/ |access-date=2022-11-24 |website=The Firearm Blog |language=en-US |archive-date=November 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124223304/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/05/07/potd-rainbow-six-guy-is-actually-an-hk-employee/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

By 1997, the game was very behind on schedule, and the developers began to [[Crunch (video games)|crunch]]. Many developers slept in a spare room of the office, Upton's mental health deteriorated to the point that he had a nervous breakdown that prompted company restructuring to reduce his workload, and network programmer Dave Weinstein (hired as part of the aforementioned company restructuring) was once stopped by police on suspicion of [[driving under the influence]] due to his severe exhaustion from crunch.<ref name="eurogamer" /> Clancy's involvement in development was "minimal", only sending Red Storm an early manuscript of the novel to work plot details into the game (hence why the game's plot features different characters and a slightly different storyline).<ref name="gamasutra01">{{cite web |last=Upton |first=Brian |date=January 21, 2000 |title=Postmortem: Redstorm's Rainbow Six |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/postmortem-redstorm-s-i-rainbow-six-i- |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010804114957/http://gamasutra.com/features/20000121/upton_01.htm |archive-date=4 August 2001 |access-date=August 6, 2007 |url-status=live |website=[[Gamasutra]]}}</ref><ref name="eurogamer" /> Clancy would insist the developers add features his experts claimed were realistic, such as the fictional [[heartbeat sensor]] used in the novel that functions as a [[radar]]-like equipment item in-game.<ref name="eurogamer" /> In November 1997, the developers realized the game was becoming too demanding, only having single-digit [[frame rate]]s on high-end devices, so a massive two-month overhaul was ordered.<ref name="gamasutra01" /> Despite these setbacks, development managed to progress relatively smoothly overall, and a gameplay demonstration at [[E3]] 1998 that unintentionally displayed AI teammates rescuing hostages by themselves boosted the game's publicity ahead of release.<ref name="gamasutra01" /><ref name="eurogamer" />

Several weeks prior to the game's release on PC, early copies of the game were leaked onto [[Online piracy|online piracy websites]]. The users that uploaded the game files reportedly "took credit for 'cracking' a game with no [[copy protection]] in it", frustrating the developers; Weinstein recalled going on a profanity-laden rant on the topic in Red Storm's office, only to be pulled aside by Littlejohns for his volume, having been heard three offices away.<ref name="eurogamer" />

The Nintendo 64, PlayStation, Mac OS, Game Boy Color, and Dreamcast releases of the game were each developed by separate companies: [[Saffire (company)|Saffire]] for the N64,<ref name="ignN64">{{Cite web |last=Boulding |first=Aaron |date=1999-11-25 |title=Rainbow Six |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/11/25/rainbow-six-4 |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316022210/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/11/25/rainbow-six-4 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Rebellion Developments]] for the PS1,<ref name="ignPS" /> Varcon Systems for Mac OS,<ref name="mac"/> [[Crawfish Interactive]] for the GBC,<ref name="ignGBC" /> and [[Pipe Dream Interactive]] for the Dreamcast.<ref name="gamespotDC" /> Saffire struggled to simplify ''Rainbow Six''<nowiki/>'s control scheme to suit the [[Nintendo 64 controller]] and ultimately had to completely remake the game so it would be able to run without frame rate dips on the N64.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |date=1999-10-05 |title=Saffire Interview: Rainbow Six |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/05/saffire-interview-rainbow-six |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=March 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320183724/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/05/saffire-interview-rainbow-six |url-status=live }}</ref> Crawfish opted to give the Game Boy Color port a unique game style, as they felt other game styles would not suit ''Rainbow Six''<nowiki/>'s gameplay and features on the platform.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Sam |date=2000-04-27 |title=Crawfish Talks Game Boy Color |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/crawfish-talks-game-boy-color/1100-2451283/ |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |archive-date=March 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320183748/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/crawfish-talks-game-boy-color/1100-2451283/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The release of Pipe Dream's Dreamcast port was delayed by eight months.<ref name="ignDC" />

The game's [[Video game packaging|box art]], featuring a Rainbow operative armed with a [[Heckler & Koch USP]], was not created for the game and is actually a modified 1992 photograph of [[Heckler & Koch|Heckler & Koch USA]] sales executive John T. Meyer. The original image was used to promote the American launch of the USP in 1993. Heckler & Koch permitted the use of the image for the game and sent firearms instructors to assist with motion capture.<ref name="HKUSP" />

==Release==
''Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six'' was released for Windows on August 21, 1998, in North America and on October 23, 1998, in Europe.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ward |first=Trent C. |date=September 8, 1998 |title=''Rainbow Six'' |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/153/153836p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040605023654/http://pc.ign.com/articles/153/153836p1.html |archive-date=June 5, 2004 |access-date=April 16, 2024 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> In North America, the game was released by Red Storm Entertainment, with [[SouthPeak Games]] handling distribution duties.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dunkin |first=Alan |title=Red Storm Signs With SouthPeak |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/red-storm-signs-with-southpeak/1100-2463554/ |access-date=April 17, 2024 |website=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref> [[Take-Two Interactive]] published the game in Europe.<ref>{{Cite web |author=I. G. N. Staff |date=1998-08-14 |title=News Briefs |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1998/08/14/news-briefs-363 |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316022210/https://www.ign.com/articles/1998/08/14/news-briefs-363 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Nintendo 64 port was released in North America on November 17, 1999,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boulding |first=Aaron |date=November 24, 1999 |title=''Rainbow Six'' |url=http://ign64.ign.com/reviews/10587.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001217134300/http://ign64.ign.com/reviews/10587.html |archive-date=December 17, 2000 |access-date=April 17, 2024 |website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> and in the United Kingdom one month later on December 10.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 1, 1999 |title=Key Dates |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/930647594 |access-date=April 17, 2024 |work=[[Nottingham & Long Eaton Topper]] |pages=3 |quote=December 10th//''Rainbow Six''}}</ref> The PlayStation conversion was released in the United Kingdom on November 19,<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 17, 1999 |title=Key Dates |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/930646297 |access-date=April 17, 2024 |work=[[Nottingham & Long Eaton Topper]] |pages=3 }}</ref> and in North America on November 23. A port for Mac OS was released on December 1, 1999.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Recently Released |url=http://www.insidemacgames.com/misc/release_dates.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000125023520/http://www.insidemacgames.com/misc/release_dates.shtml |archive-date=January 25, 2000 |access-date=April 16, 2024 |website=[[Inside Mac Games]]}}</ref> A distinct version of the game was released for Game Boy Color in North America April 12, 2000,<ref>{{Cite web |title=New Releases |url=http://www.ebworld.com/ebx/categories/newReleases/morenr-GBC.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000511164325/http://www.ebworld.com/ebx/categories/newReleases/morenr-GBC.asp |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 11, 2000 |access-date=April 17, 2024 |website=[[EB Games|EB World]]}}</ref> and in the United Kingdom on November 10, 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=''Rainbow Six'' |url=http://www.chipsworld.co.uk/detProd.asp?ProductCode=3357 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010716070846/http://www.chipsworld.co.uk/detProd.asp?ProductCode=3357 |archive-date=July 16, 2001 |access-date=April 17, 2024 |website=Chipsworld}}</ref> The Dreamcast port was delayed several times before being released. Initially expected to be released on September 9, 1999, as a launch title for the system,<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=1999-06-02 |title=Rainbow Six Headed to Dreamcast |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/06/02/rainbow-six-headed-to-dreamcast |access-date=2024-04-17 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en}}</ref> it was delayed due to the difficulties of working with [[Windows CE]] during development.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=1999-09-03 |title=''Rainbow Six'' Delayed? |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/09/03/rainbow-six-delayed |access-date=2024-04-17 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en}}</ref> The port was initially delayed to October 19, 1999, before being postponed a month again.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=1999-10-16 |title=''Rainbow Six'' Calls Cease-fire 'Till November |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/10/16/rainbow-six-calls-cease-fire-till-november |access-date=2024-04-17 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en}}</ref> It then [[Going gold|went gold]] on November 30, 1999, with an expected release date of December 9,<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=1999-12-01 |title=''Rainbow Six'' Goes Gold |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/12/01/rainbow-six-goes-gold |access-date=2024-04-17 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> and was released five months later on May 3, 2000, in North America by [[Majesco Entertainment|Majesco Sales]]' publishing label Pipe Dream Interactive, and on February 2, 2001, in the United Kingdom by German publisher Swing! Entertainment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 3, 2000 |title=Majesco’s Pipedream Interactive Division Relesaes ''Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six'' for Sega Dreamcast |url=http://www.majescosales.com/NEWS/R6les.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010305081533fw_/http://www.majescosales.com/NEWS/R6les.html |archive-date=March 5, 2001 |access-date=April 17, 2024 |website=[[Majesco Sales]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=''Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six'' |url=http://amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/tg/stores/feature/feature/-/videogames/50781 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010211061743/http://amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/tg/stores/feature/feature/-/videogames/50781 |archive-date=February 11, 2001 |access-date=April 17, 2024 |website=[[Amazon (company)|Amazon UK]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=''Tom Clancy´s Rainbow Six'' |url=http://www.planetswing.de/swing-games/main.php?lang=ger&page=game_detail&game=00000035 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020619133721fw_/http://www.planetswing.de/swing-games/main.php?lang=ger&page=game_detail&game=00000035 |archive-date=June 19, 2002 |access-date=April 17, 2024 |website=Swing! Entertainment}}</ref>

After the release of the game, Tom Clancy offered to sign copies of the game for Red Storm employees, despite being relatively uninvolved in development, annoying several developers; as Upton opined, "Even though it had his name on the box, it wasn't his game. It was our game. He should have been asking us to sign a copy for him!"<ref name="eurogamer" />

The [[PAL]] PlayStation port of the game was one of 20 games preloaded on the [[PlayStation Classic]] (excluding the [[Japan]], [[Taiwan]], and [[Hong Kong]] releases), released on December 3, 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=Announcing PlayStation Classic's Full Lineup of 20 Games |url=https://blog.us.playstation.com/2018/10/29/announcing-playstation-classics-full-lineup-of-20-games/ |website=PlayStation.Blog |date=29 October 2018 |access-date=April 7, 2019 |archive-date=June 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629065739/https://blog.us.playstation.com/2018/10/29/announcing-playstation-classics-full-lineup-of-20-games/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/nine-games-on-the-playstation-classic-will-be-pal-versions-532726.phtml | title = Nine games on the PlayStation Classic will be PAL versions | first = Peter | last = Glagowski | date = November 26, 2018 | access-date = November 26, 2018 | work = [[Destructoid]] | archive-date = April 7, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190407194955/https://www.destructoid.com/nine-games-on-the-playstation-classic-will-be-pal-versions-532726.phtml | url-status = live }}</ref>

=== ''Rainbow Six Mission Pack: Eagle Watch'' ===
''Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Mission Pack: Eagle Watch'' is an [[expansion pack]] of the original game, released exclusively for Windows in North America on January 26, 1999,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Games Of 1999 |url=http://gonegold.com/golden/goldenfull99.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010203120300/http://gonegold.com/golden/goldenfull99.shtml |archive-date=February 3, 2001 |access-date=April 17, 2024 |website=Gone Gold}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 5, 1999 |title=News: January 5 |url=http://redstorm.com:80/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990208010004/http://redstorm.com:80/ |archive-date=February 8, 1999 |access-date=April 17, 2024 |website=[[Red Storm Entertainment]]}}</ref> and in Europe in February 1999.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 15, 1999 |title=Amazing it took so long |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/850020222 |access-date=April 17, 2024 |work=[[Grimsby Telegraph|Grimsby Evening Telegraph]] |pages=19 |quote=''Rainbow Six - Eagle Watch'' Mission Pack}}</ref> It adds five new missions, four new operatives from the ''Rainbow Six'' novel, three new weapons, and new multiplayer modes.<ref name="ignEW">{{Cite web |last=Lohrey |first=Mike |date=February 10, 1999 |title=Rainbow Six Mission Pack: Eagle Watch |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/02/11/rainbow-six-mission-pack-eagle-watch |access-date=2023-01-26 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126153339/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/02/11/rainbow-six-mission-pack-eagle-watch |url-status=live }}</ref> The new missions, unrelated to each other or the original campaign, take place in 2001 and follow Rainbow's high-profile operations in landmark locations around the world, namely the [[Buran (spacecraft)|''Buran'']] [[spaceplane]] in [[Russia]], the [[Taj Mahal]] in [[India]], the [[Forbidden City]] in [[China]], the [[Palace of Westminster]] in the [[United Kingdom]], and the [[United States Capitol|Capitol]] in the [[United States]].<ref name="ignEW" /> The expansion was packaged with the original game as ''Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Gold Pack Edition'' when it was released in 1999 in North America in June and in the United Kingdom in September.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bordelon |first=Phil |title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Gold Pack Edition |url=https://www.gamevortex.com/gamevortex/soft_rev.php/2381/tom-clancys-rainbow-six-gold-pack-edition-pc.html |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=Game Vortex |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316022211/https://www.gamevortex.com/gamevortex/soft_rev.php/2381/tom-clancys-rainbow-six-gold-pack-edition-pc.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=1999-08-11 |title=News Briefs |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/11/news-briefs-234 |access-date=2024-04-17 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en}}</ref> The Nintendo 64 port includes some of the missions from ''Eagle Watch'', and the Dreamcast port contains all of them.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00001155_test.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604152058/https://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00001155_test.htm|title=Rainbow Six|archive-date=June 4, 2024|access-date= February 1, 2025|work= www.jeuxvideo.com|language= fr}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| GR = (PC) 82%<ref name=GRPC>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/pc/199034-tom-clancys-rainbow-six/index.html |title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six for PC |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=July 23, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727233941/http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/199034-tom-clancys-rainbow-six/index.html |archive-date=July 27, 2014}}</ref><br />(N64) 74%<ref name=GRN64>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/n64/198400-tom-clancys-rainbow-six/index.html |title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six for Nintendo 64 |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=July 23, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727234949/http://www.gamerankings.com/n64/198400-tom-clancys-rainbow-six/index.html |archive-date=July 27, 2014}}</ref><br />(PS) 48%<ref name=GRPS>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/198401-tom-clancys-rainbow-six/index.html |title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six for PlayStation |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=July 23, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727231344/http://www.gamerankings.com/ps/198401-tom-clancys-rainbow-six/index.html |archive-date=July 27, 2014}}</ref><br />(GBC) 54%<ref name=GRGBC>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/gbc/198399-tom-clancys-rainbow-six/index.html |title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six for Game Boy Color |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=July 23, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727231634/http://www.gamerankings.com/gbc/198399-tom-clancys-rainbow-six/index.html |archive-date=July 27, 2014}}</ref><br />(SDC) 72%<ref name=GRDC>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/198398-tom-clancys-rainbow-six/index.html |title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six for Dreamcast |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=July 23, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727232143/http://www.gamerankings.com/dreamcast/198398-tom-clancys-rainbow-six/index.html |archive-date=July 27, 2014}}</ref>
| MC = (PC) 85/100<ref name=MC>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/tom-clancys-rainbow-six/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=July 23, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302084137/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/tom-clancys-rainbow-six |archive-date=March 2, 2015}}</ref>
| Allgame = (PC) {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=14111&tab=review |title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six (PC) – Review |last=Suciu |first=Peter |publisher=[[AllGame]] |access-date=July 23, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114170750/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=14111&tab=review |archive-date=November 14, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=18665&tab=review |title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six (DC) – Review |last=Simpson |first=Chris |publisher=AllGame |access-date=July 23, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114170824/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=18665&tab=review |archive-date=November 14, 2014}}</ref><br />(MAC/N64) {{Rating|3|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=22499&tab=review |title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six (Mac) – Review |last=Ottoson |first=Joe |publisher=AllGame |access-date=July 23, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114170902/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=22499&tab=review |archive-date=November 14, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=19911&tab=review |title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six (N64) – Review |last=Scoleri III |first=Joseph |publisher=AllGame |access-date=July 23, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114170933/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=19911&tab=review |archive-date=November 14, 2014}}</ref><br />(PS/GBC) {{Rating|2.5|5}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=20406&tab=review |title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six (PS) – Review |last=Kanarick |first=Mark |publisher=AllGame |access-date=July 23, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114171004/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=20406&tab=review |archive-date=November 14, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=21275&tab=review |title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six (GBC) – Review |last=Huey |first=Christian |publisher=AllGame |access-date=July 23, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114171040/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=21275&tab=review |archive-date=November 14, 2014}}</ref>
| CGW = (PC) {{rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="CGW1">{{cite magazine |last1=Liberatore |first1=Raphael |title=No Pot of Gold - RAINBOW SIX Is an Ambitious Might-Have-Been |magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]] |date=December 1998 |issue=173 |pages=342–343 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref>
| CVG = (PS) {{rating|2|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Sutton|first=Maura|date=December 1999|title=Rainbow Six|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|pages=108–109}}</ref>
| EGM = (N64) 7.62/10<ref name="egmN64">{{cite magazine |year=1999 |title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six (N64) |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]}}</ref><br />(SDC) 7.33/10<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six (DC)|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|year=2000}}</ref><br />(PS) 3.8/10<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six (PS)|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|year=1999}}</ref>
| GI = (N64) 8/10<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=4958|title=Rainbow Six – Nintendo 64|last=McNamara|first=Andy|date=February 29, 2000|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001119022900/http://www.gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=4958|archive-date=November 19, 2000|url-status=dead|access-date=July 23, 2014}}</ref><br />(PS) 6.75/10<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=4782|title=Rainbow Six – PlayStation|last=McNamara|first=Andy|date=February 29, 2000|magazine=Game Informer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001207041300/http://www.gameinformer.com/reviews/review_detail.cfm?ITEM_ID=4782|archive-date=December 7, 2000|url-status=dead|access-date=July 23, 2014}}</ref>
| GamePro = {{Rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="gameproPC" /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/n64/games/reviews/3542.shtml|title=Rainbow 6 Review for N64 on GamePro.com|author=The Freshman|year=1999 |magazine=GamePro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050211212955/http://www.gamepro.com/nintendo/n64/games/reviews/3542.shtml|archive-date=February 11, 2005|url-status=dead|access-date=July 23, 2014}}</ref><br />(PS) {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/sony/psx/games/reviews/3527.shtml|title=Rainbow 6 Review for PlayStation on GamePro.com|author=The D-Pad Destroyer|date=December 8, 1999|magazine=GamePro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050204131438/http://www.gamepro.com/sony/psx/games/reviews/3527.shtml|archive-date=February 4, 2005|url-status=dead|access-date=July 23, 2014}}</ref>
| GameRev = A−<ref name="gamerevPC" />
| GSpot = (SDC) 8.1/10<ref name="gamespotDC" /><br />(PC) 8/10<ref name="gamespotPC" /><br />(GBC) 7.4/10<ref name="gamespotGBC" /><br />(N64) 7.1/10<ref name="gamespotN64" /><br />(PS) 3.7/10<ref name="gamespotPS" />
| GSpy = 3.5/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/rainbowsix/|title=Rainbow Six|author=Subskin|date=April 22, 2000|publisher=[[GameSpy|PlanetDreamcast]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131133337/http://www.planetdreamcast.com/games/reviews/rainbowsix/ |archive-date=January 31, 2009|url-status=dead |access-date=July 23, 2014}}</ref>
| IGN = (PC) 9.4/10<ref name="ignPC" /><br />(N64) 8.5/10<ref name="ignN64" /><br />(SDC) 8/10<ref name="ignDC" /><br />(GBC) 5/10<ref name="ignGBC" /><br />(PS) 3.8/10<ref name="ignPS" />
| NGen = (PC) {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="NG47" /><br />(N64) {{rating|3|5}}<ref name="NGv2n4"/><br />(SDC) {{rating|4|5}}<ref name="NGv3n8"/>
| NP = (N64) 7.9/10<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Rainbow Six (N64)|magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]|volume=127|date=December 1999|page=157}}</ref><br />(GBC) 6.9/10<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Rainbow Six (GBC)|magazine=Nintendo Power|volume=130|date=March 2000}}</ref>
| OPM = {{Rating|1|5}}<ref name="oUSpsm">{{cite magazine |year=1999 |title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six |magazine=[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]]}}</ref>
| PCGUS = 93%<ref name="PCgamerUS" />
| rev1 = ''[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]]''
| rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cincinnati.com/freetime/games/reviews/rainbowsix.html|title=Interactive Clancy|last=Bottorff|first=James|year=1998|newspaper=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001113730/http://www.cincinnati.com/freetime/games/reviews/rainbowsix.html|archive-date=October 1, 2007|url-status=dead|access-date=July 23, 2014}}</ref>
}}

''Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six'' was met with mostly positive reviews on PC, though the console ports received relatively lower ratings. Review aggregator [[Metacritic]] displays a score of 85 out of 100 for the PC version.<ref name="MC" /> Video game review aggregator [[GameRankings]] displays scores of 82% for PC,<ref name="GRPC" /> 74% for the Nintendo 64,<ref name="GRN64" /> 48% for the PlayStation,<ref name="GRPS" /> 54% for the Game Boy Color,<ref name="GRGBC" /> and 73% for the Dreamcast.<ref name="GRDC" />

Overall gameplay was positively received. The game's difficulty and playstyle differences to contemporary shooters such as ''[[Quake II]]'' and [[GoldenEye 007 (1997 video game)|''GoldenEye 007'']] were highlighted by multiple reviewers, as was the detailed planning stage. Trent C. Ward, reviewing the PC version for ''[[IGN]]'', praised the complexities of the planning stage, realistic damage, competent AI, and freedom to complete missions from multiple approaches, saying it was "unlike any first-person shooter yet made."<ref name="ignPC" /> ''[[PC Gamer US]]'' called the game "an enthralling package loaded to the brim with tense, nail-biting gameplay, slick technology, and excellent replayability" and "undoubtedly one of the most original and best games of the year."<ref name="PCgamerUS">{{cite journal |last=Vaughn |first=Tom |date=October 1998 |title=Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/reviews/74.html |url-status=dead |journal=[[PC Gamer]] |page=198 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000303223247/http://www.pcgamer.com/reviews/74.html |archive-date=March 3, 2000 |access-date=July 23, 2014}}</ref> Jeremy Dunham of ''IGN'', reviewing the Dreamcast port, praised the game's change in pace, saying, "Long exposed to mindless romps and pointless first-person gore-fest clones, the ability to actually think and THEN destroy puts a big ol' smile on my face."<ref name="ignDC" /> ''[[Push Square]]''{{'s}} Sam Brooke, reviewing the PlayStation port in a 2018 retrospective, enjoyed the sense of accomplishment from completing challenging missions properly, calling it "a trailblazer in its genre".<ref name="pushsqPS" /> Alan Dunkin of ''[[GameSpot]]'' noted the game could be difficult, but to the point of sometimes being frustrating.<ref name="gamespotPC" />

Several reviews highlighted the game's realism and immersion. Dunkin stated "the immersive feeling of ''Rainbow Six'' is perhaps one of the best seen in a game."<ref name="gamespotPC" /> Christian Nutt, reviewing the Nintendo 64 port for ''GameSpot'', said of ''Rainbow Six'', "realism is the order of the day ... this game does deliver a military simulation on a very personal level."<ref name="gamespotN64" /> ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' commended the game's attempts at realism, but noted flaws in presentation such as the odd manner in which characters leaned around corners.<ref name="NG47">{{cite magazine |date=November 1998 |title=Finals |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]] |issue=47 |page=144}}</ref>

Multiplayer was singled out for praise, especially for the PC version. Ward praised the multiplayer functionality and its addictiveness, adding that "[f]or weeks now, the offices here have literally shut down as teams from ''IGN-PC'', ''PC Gamer'' and ''[[PC Accelerator]]'' stop what they're doing to take each other on in a team deathmatch, or to cooperate on a difficult mission."<ref name="ignPC" /> Dunkin opined that the multiplayer "saves the game" from its other flaws.<ref name="gamespotPC" /> ''PC Gamer US'' favorably described the multiplayer functionality as "tense and exciting", but suggested the quick time-to-kill could make smaller matches simple and boring.<ref name="PCgamerUS" /> Peter Olafson of ''[[GamePro]]'' said the multiplayer was "a nice-looking shooter" but criticized lag issues.<ref name="gameproPC" />

AI issues and glitches were subject to considerable criticism. Raphael Liberatore, reviewing the game for ''[[Computer Gaming World]]'', criticized "faulty AI and game-killing bugs" for impeding "what could have been a benchmark game—a game troubled by what it could have been."<ref name="CGW12">{{cite magazine |last1=Liberatore |first1=Raphael |date=December 1998 |title=No Pot of Gold - RAINBOW SIX Is an Ambitious Might-Have-Been |magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |issue=173 |pages=342–343}}</ref> Olafson singled out the lack of variation in AI behavior, with enemies idling and teammates only moving in single-file lines.<ref name="gameproPC" /> Brooke criticized AI pathfinding through narrow corridors, recounting one mission where it took longer to extract a hostage than it did to find them in the first place.<ref name="pushsqPS" /> Ward also recalled experiencing several glitches and instances of teammates obstructing him, but opined such issues could easily be overlooked during gameplay.<ref name="ignPC" />

=== Console ports ===
The Nintendo 64 port was well-received by most reviewers. [[Aaron Boulding]] of ''IGN'' said the only issue with the port was the shortened campaign,<ref name="ignN64" /> but Nutt considered the short length to be acceptable, viewing the multiple difficulty levels and the co-op mode as making up for it.<ref name="gamespotN64" /> ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' highlighted the port's detailed graphics yet smooth framerate as impressive for the Nintendo 64, especially without having to resort to render fog.<ref name="egmN64" /> Mike Wolf of ''Next Generation'' gave it three stars out of five, stating that though it was "a fantastic game", its flaws meant it was "not a must-have".<ref name="NGv2n4">{{cite magazine |last=Wolf |first=Mike |date=December 1999 |title=Finals |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]] |volume=2 |issue=4 |page=107}}</ref> In a 2018 retrospective, ''N64 Today'' said the port still stood up 20 years after its release, but noted noticeable graphical issues, especially if not played on a [[Cathode-ray tube|CRT]] display.<ref name="N64today" />

The PlayStation port was widely panned as inferior to other versions. ''[[Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine]]'' gave it one star out of five.<ref name="oUSpsm" /> Nutt lambasted it as "awkward" and "aesthetically bankrupt", noting its apparent abandonment of the team leadership aspect, deeming it "an uninspired FPS with some weird hostage-saving minigame tacked on."<ref name="gamespotPS">{{cite web |last=Nutt |first=Christian |date=October 8, 1999 |title=Rainbow Six Review (PS) |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/rainbow-six-review/1900-2549002/ |access-date=July 23, 2014 |website=GameSpot |archive-date=July 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705034543/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/rainbow-six-review/1900-2549002/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ''IGN''<nowiki/>'s Matt White criticized its unusually poor graphics, and called it "a mighty fine example for impressionable young developers of how not to handle a port."<ref name="ignPS" /> Brooke called the PlayStation port "janky" and "unpolished", but gave it credit for the game's influence.<ref name="pushsqPS" />

The Game Boy Color version received mixed reviews. ''IGN''<nowiki/>'s Craig Harris criticized it for removing risk factors such as enemy effectiveness and crossfire, thus making most planning and tactics worthless, though he commended Crawfish Interactive's ambition in adapting a three-dimensional shooter to a two-dimensional handheld.<ref name="ignGBC" /> Frank Provo of ''GameSpot'' criticized AI issues, gameplay repetition, and noticeable reuse of sprites and sounds, but still considered it a faithful version for what it was.<ref name="gamespotGBC">{{cite web |last=Provo |first=Frank |date=May 1, 2000 |title=Rainbow Six Review (GBC) |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/rainbow-six-review/1900-2565306/ |access-date=July 23, 2014 |website=GameSpot |archive-date=July 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705034543/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/rainbow-six-review/1900-2565306/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Dreamcast port was very well-received. Garrett Kenyon of ''Next Generation'' gave it four stars out of five, calling it "[a]n impressive PC translation that Dreamcast owners should certainly consider owning."<ref name="NGv3n8">{{cite magazine |last=Kenyon |first=Garrett |date=August 2000 |title=Finals |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]] |volume=3 |issue=8 |page=87}}</ref> [[Erik Wolpaw]], reviewing the Dreamcast port for ''GameSpot'', stated it was a faithful port of the PC game and "as deep and challenging as action games get", though he criticized its long loading times, lack of multiplayer, and unusually complex method of issuing commands—over 35 exist, but require specific combinations of joystick and button inputs.<ref name="gamespotDC" /> Dunham had the same criticisms, noting these issues still existed in the final release despite an eight-month delay in the port's development, but nonetheless deemed it "one of the deepest, most realistic games to inhabit the Dreamcast so far."<ref name="ignDC" />

=== ''Eagle Watch'' ===
Mike Lohrey of ''IGN'' reviewed the ''Eagle Watch'' expansion, praising its new levels and additions but criticizing AI awareness issues and inconsistent damage mechanics compared to the original game.<ref name="ignEW" /> Liberatore, who had previously panned the original game, rated ''Eagle Watch'' 4.5 out of 5, stating it "vastly improved the original, AI included, making ''R6'' the standout title it deserves to be."<ref name="CGW2">{{cite magazine |last1=Liberatore |first1=Raphael |date=April 1999 |title=Mission Accomplished - EAGLE WATCH Discovers Gold at RAINBOW's End |magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |issue=177 |page=164}}</ref>

=== Accolades ===
The [[Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences]] nominated ''Rainbow Six'' for "[[D.I.C.E. Award for Action Game of the Year|PC Action Game of the Year]]" during the [[2nd Annual Interactive Achievement Awards]], but it lost to ''[[Half-Life (video game)|Half-Life]]''.<ref name="aias1998">{{cite web |title=Second Interactive Achievement Awards - Computer |url=http://www.interactive.org/iaa/finalists_pc.html |website=Interactive.org |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |access-date=28 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991104003923/http://www.interactive.org/iaa/finalists_pc.html |archive-date=November 4, 1999}}</ref> ''Rainbow Six'' was a finalist for ''Computer Gaming World''{{'}}s 1998 "Best Action" award, which ultimately went to ''[[Battlezone (1998 video game)|Battlezone]]''. The editors wrote that ''Rainbow Six'' "deftly mixed strategic planning with nail-biting action as it brought the world of counterterrorist operations to life."<ref name="cgwpremier1998">{{cite magazine |author=Staff |date=April 1999 |title=''Computer Gaming World''{{'}}s 1999 Premier Awards; ''CGW'' Presents the Best Games of 1998 |magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]] |issue=177 |pages=90, 93, 96–105}}</ref> ''PC Gamer US'' named ''Rainbow Six'' the best action game of 1998.<ref name="pcgsales2">{{cite journal |author=Staff |date=April 1999 |title=The Numbers Game; Does Award Winner = Best Seller? |journal=[[PC Gamer US]] |volume=6 |issue=4 |page=50}}</ref> [[CNN]], in partnership with [[GamePro|Games.net]], named ''Rainbow Six'' one of the "top 25 game downloads of 1998".<ref>{{cite web |title=CNN - the top 25 game downloads of 1998 - January 4, 1999 |url=http://www.cnn.com/TECH/computing/9901/04/topgames.idg/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924190635/http://www.cnn.com/TECH/computing/9901/04/topgames.idg/ |archive-date=2015-09-24 |access-date=2015-04-06 |website=[[CNN]]}}</ref>

=== Sales ===
In the United States, ''Rainbow Six''{{'s}} Windows release sold 218,183 copies during 1998, accounting for $8.86 million in revenue that year.<ref name="pcgsales2" /> The PC version's ''Gold Edition'' release sold another 321,340 copies in the United States during 1999, and was the country's 12th best-selling computer game that year.<ref name="pcgsales3">{{cite journal |author=Staff |date=April 2000 |title=Shake Your Money-Maker |journal=[[PC Gamer US]] |volume=7 |issue=4 |pages=32}}</ref> According to ''[[Gamasutra]]'', ''Rainbow Six'' and ''Rainbow Six: Rogue Spear'' together sold 450,000 copies "during the first half of the 2001/2002 fiscal year".<ref name="sales 2001-2002">{{cite web |date=November 5, 2001 |title=Acquisitions Propel Ubi Soft Sales Up 72% |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/91838/Acquisitions_Propel_Ubi_Soft_Sales_Up_72.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811010123/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/91838/Acquisitions_Propel_Ubi_Soft_Sales_Up_72.php |archive-date=August 11, 2014 |access-date=July 2, 2012 |work=[[Gamasutra]]}}</ref>{{clear}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{moby game|id=/tom-clancys-rainbow-six|name=''Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six''}}
* {{moby game|id=/dreamcast/tom-clancys-rainbow-six_|name=''Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six'' (Dreamcast)}}
* {{moby game|id=/gameboy-color/tom-clancys-rainbow-six__|name=''Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six'' (Game Boy Color)}}
* {{moby game|id=/tom-clancys-rainbow-six-mission-pack-eagle-watch|name=''Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six – Mission Pack: Eagle Watch''}}

{{Tom Clancy games}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six}}
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