Get ready tactical shooter fans, we’ve giving you some fine games like Rainbow Six. If you’re not aware, the genre in which the said Tom Clancy’s franchise is part of is slowly fading away. Major developers aren’t focusing much on tactical gameplay or they’re either straying away from the whole concept. Nonetheless, there are still some pretty exciting and enjoyable releases out there and we’ve got them rounded up on a single roster, so head on below for brief descriptions on each release.
1. SWAT 4:
SWAT 4 is a decade old, but is still one of the finest tactical shooters available. Developed by Irrational, this game was releases for Windows and Mac OS X. It was designed based on the Unreal Engine 2.5 with graphics not being the main highlight. The key selling point of this title is its gameplay where you lead a SWAT team and take control of different situations where you have to eliminate all suspects, rescue hostages and more.
The game attempts to deliver a realistic experience by forcing team tactics and other procedures where you have to take enemies into custody without killing them or using lethal force. You’ll also be penalized for not following proper procedure. Even though SWAT 4 is pretty old, it’s still a good buy, but good luck scoring a copy. We recommend going for the Gold collection which includes The Stetchkov Syndicate expansion pack.
2. ArmA 3:
Nothing says tactical shooter better than ArmA 3. Following the wide success of the previous release, the latest one has earned a sport amongst the games similar to Rainbow Six thanks to its open world military simulation gameplay. Like SWAT 4, this release attempts to deliver and authentic military experience through single and multiplayer modes. In campaign, you’ll take on the role of Ben Kerry to carryout various missions and will also be able to hone your skills, while multiplayer will allow you to show off your skills and take on enemies with other players in your squad.
There’s no shortage of things to do here and with support for Steam Workshop, you can expect to see a lot more content flow in from the community. Currently, there are over 20 vehicles and more than 40 weapons to equip. While the game is very enjoyable, expect to go through a painful start to understand the controls and mechanics. ArmA 3 costs $64.99 for the Digital Deluxe Edition, or $59.99 as standalone.
3. Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising:
Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising is considered to be a hardcore military simulator. It’s designed for Windows, PS3 and Xbox 360 by Codemasters and takes place on the island of Skira during the year 2011. Here, you take on the role of a US soldier and fight alongside the allied force to gain control of the island from the Chinese forces.
Throughout the campaign, you’ll face different scenarios where you either rush in and neutralize the enemy or take things slow and create a strategy on how the mission will be played out. You’ll also take on multiple roles where you’ll be part of the infantry, a tank commander, a helicopter captain and more. Along with great graphics, you’ll be treated to over 100 authentic weapons and various vehicles including tanks, helicopters and APCs. Dragon Rising is just $14.99 on steam.
4. Crysis:
So there’s a lot of debate on whether Crysis is a true tactical shooter. Some say it is, while others say it is just an FPS release where you go in with guns blazing. It’s both if you ask us and that depends on the way you play the game. Nevertheless, it’s still a highly recommended option amongst the Rainbow Six alternatives. This FPS release takes place in the future where you’ll face aliens and North Korean forces.
It puts you in the shoes of Jake Dunn, a Delta Force soldier for the US army, who’s equipped with the Nanosuit that enhances strength and abilities allowing you to perform super jumps, rung at high speeds, increase armor or use the cloaking feature to stay out of sight. The gameplay is open world and you’ll have access to a plethora of modular, experimental and alien weapons which can be customized. You’ll definitely love Crysis and be sure to check out the other releases in the franchise. Crysis costs $19.99.
5. Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter:
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter is all about tactical warfare. It was launched back in 2006 for the PC, PS2 and Xbox (360 included). The 360 and PC version are quite different from the others. On the former console, you’ll be treated to first-person and third-person views, while the latter version only lets you play in first-person perspective. Here, you take control of a squad of soldiers and complete missions using tactical combat instead of rushing into battle.
The game is set in the future and it delivers various technologies that are based on actual military research. There’s also a multiplayer mode which offers versus and co-op options with servers supporting up to 32 players (only on Xbox 360). The PC version of Advanced Warfighter is priced at $9.99.
6. Operation Flashpoint: Red River:
Next on the games similar to Rainbow Six compilation is another Operation Flashpoint release, Red River, which is the sequel to Dragon Rising. This tactical shooter follows a conflict in Tajikistan where you control a team of Marines with a goal to wipe out the terrorist group called the East Turkestan Islamic Movement.
The title offers 4 classes to choose from, namely scout, rifleman, automatic rifleman and grenadier. You’ll also be treated to co-op support in the main campaign where up to 4 players can join and leave as desired. Operation Flashpoint: Red River costs $9.99 on PC and it’s available for PS3 and Xbox 360 as well.
Conclusion:
Those are all the games like Rainbow Six we’ve got to recommend. You might also want to take a look at Ground Branch which is an upcoming release and Takedown: Red Sabre that’s a big disappointment considering it was developed by a GRAW and Halo Reach designer. If you’ve got any recommendations, feel free to shoot them our way.