Which of the original Rainbow Six games should I play if I only play one?

I am biased here since I spent years playing Rogue Spear, albeit online, but it is still my favorite.

Raven Shield has at least gun models and runs on the more modern Unreal2 engine. And it still has the planning mode and everything. But the first two are worth playing too if you don't mind the clunk and lackluster presentation.

@gundogan: I actually don't mind lack of guns. I played Ghost Recon and that had a similar lack of models. My concern was, based on my brief reading, that Raven Shield has simplified the planning layer in favour of making it more straight shooting.

I'd say 3 is maybe the best balance between having the tactical business and being the easiest to return to due to polish etc, so that might be a good way to test the water and perhaps be a jumping off point to revisit the older entries, if you feel so inclined. Although it sounds like you don't mind dealing with older games that show their age, so maybe Rogue Spear. I'M NO HELP :O

The first two, while still solid, are practically archaic in look and design these days. The first game especially so.

I'd say they're all worth checking out if you've any interest in tactical shooters. Though If you want definitive, Raven Shield without a doubt.

Bleh Raven Shield was the death of real Rainbow 6 games.

Thanks for the input everyone! I think I'm going to try out Rogue Spear and if I bounce off it hard go to Raven Shield.

If I could, I'd still be playing Rainbow Six 3 on Xbox Live.

I liked Rogue Spear more for single player or LAN comp stomps.

Played a ton of Raven Shield and really enjoyed it, but that was purely multi-player for me.

3 is a very good game, and you should absolutely play it, however I highly suggest you at least give the original a look to really appreciate how far that series has come. Also, I don't think 3 had planning anymore, which was a bummer.

The first game let you plan out missions before you actually deployed onto the field, and if you were really good you would be able to just hit a few keys when the level loaded and watch your squads do everything without you firing a single shot yourself. It ruled.

I kinda think Rogue Spear holds up the best visually. It certainly looks aged, but in a way which almost looks deliberate in a minimalist/stylized kinda way, which 1 and 3 doesn't.

You and me both. That was the golden age of multiplayer for me.