Okay, I wasn’t expecting ‘Rainbow Six XCOM’ to be one of my favourite Gamescom demos
Rainbow Six Tactics represents an unexpected genre shift for the long-running Rainbow Six franchise, blending tactical squad-based gameplay reminiscent of XCOM with elements from the tactical first-person shooter series. Demonstrated at Gamescom, the game impressed even viewers skeptical of the Rainbow Six franchise, including PC Gamer’s reviewer who historically disconnected with previous Rainbow Six titles.
The demo showcased how the game bridges two distinct gameplay styles—the turn-based tactical strategy of XCOM and the tactical elements Rainbow Six Siege fans recognize. Rather than replicating Siege’s demanding real-time squad mechanics, Tactics employs a turn-based tactical environment where players control familiar Rainbow Six operators.
The hands-off demonstration proved compelling enough to make Rainbow Six Tactics one of the reviewer’s most anticipated Gamescom titles, despite their historical disconnect with the franchise. This positive reception suggests Ubisoft’s attempt to make the Rainbow Six universe accessible through a different gameplay lens may resonate with tactical strategy enthusiasts who found the series’ original first-person gameplay too demanding or niche.
The title represents Ubisoft’s continued effort to expand the Rainbow Six brand beyond its core tactical shooter audience, leveraging the franchise’s established characters and settings within an alternative genre framework.