Ubisoft Paris Transitions from Mario to Tactical Gameplay in Rainbow Six Tactics

In a significant shift from its successful collaboration with Nintendo, Ubisoft Paris is venturing into the more intense realm of tactical military gameplay with its upcoming title, Rainbow Six Tactics. This new project follows the team’s work on Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope, which redefined turn-based strategy by introducing a whimsical blend of iconic Mario characters and tactical gameplay. Julien Vial, the level design director, reflected on the opportunity, stating, “Having the opportunity to work with the Mario franchise was a privilege, and it’s still something I’m very proud of.”

Unlike the vibrant environment of the Mushroom Kingdom, Rainbow Six Tactics will immerse players in the darker, more serious world of the Rainbow Six series. While Mario and his Rabbid companions engage in playful antics, the new title promises a stark contrast, focusing on strategic decision-making in high-stakes military situations.

Rainbow Six Siege is known for its high-octane, intense multiplayer battles, and the challenge for Ubisoft Paris is to translate that energy into a turn-based format. Creative director Elie Benhamou emphasized the unique qualities of the franchise, stating, “What makes Rainbow Six unique is that it’s a smart shooter… Every decision matters because there are strong consequences. That is the exact recipe for a tactics game.”

During a recent demonstration, players engaged in a night operation in Nigeria. The tactical gameplay featured a team of operators utilizing drones and executing coordinated maneuvers to breach a fortified location. The gameplay seamlessly blended strategic planning with real-time tension, showcasing that even in a turn-based setting, the adrenaline and tactical prowess of Rainbow Six remain intact.

In an effort to integrate insights from both veteran players of Rainbow Six and fans of tactical simulations, Ubisoft Paris found that experienced FPS gamers quickly adapted their skill set to the new turn-based tactical framework. The demo showcased how diverse approaches can be used to solve problems, reflecting Benhamou’s focus on gameplay freedom. “Freedom is key: there shouldn’t be only one single way to win,” he remarked.

The narrative of Rainbow Six Tactics will echo familiar themes associated with Tom Clancy, featuring complex storylines about covert government operations and international conflicts. The protagonist will be Paul “Big Boy” Bishop from Rainbow Six Vegas, tasked with rebuilding Team Rainbow. Narrative director Barnabé Anglade noted that the storytelling aims to connect various eras of the franchise, presenting a broader perspective compared to the immediacy of Siege.

Transitioning from a world of imaginative characters to more realistic military operations has posed challenges, particularly in level design. Vial explained, “On Mario and Rabbids, most of the constraints were tied to the characters and their abilities, while the level design itself enjoyed a great deal of creative freedom.” In contrast, creating environments for Rainbow Six Tactics necessitates realism, fostering closer collaboration between designers and artists.

While turn-based tactical games have seen fluctuations in popularity, the landscape appears to be reviving following recent successful titles. Benhamou expressed optimism, asserting that the genre has remained relevant, stating, “Even in [such] a competitive business, when games are great, people will play them.”