Based on the Unreal engine, RS3 (rather than RS, which could refer to Rainbow Six or its sequel, Rogue Spear) is probably the most popular tactical shooting game, at least on the computer. Although SWAT 3, for example, was more realistic, it was not action-oriented enough for the average gamer; it was, perhaps, too realistic. Raven Shield moved toward mainstream first-person shooters like Counter-Strike, adapting various features absent in previous versions. These included: the ability to see one's weapon while in first-person view (the game also included a third-person view), many new additions (including larger magazines and scopes), and a redesigned multiplayer. It had one of the best graphical options of any first-person shooter of its time, even surpassing various console shooters, namely its main counterpart on the PlayStation 2, SOCOM: U.S. Navy Seals.
Raven Shield's popularity was shown when it was nominated for many game reviewers' awards, including Best Sound Effects, Best Action Game, and Best PC Game (on GameSpy and GameSpot, among others). However, most people agreed that Call of Duty was better, overall, as it garnered Best PC Game on GameSpy and Best Sound Effects on GameSpot.